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Anchorage & Alaska Facts

Location

Anchorage sits at the base of the Chugach Mountains along the coast of Cook Inlet in Southcentral Alaska. It is as far north as Helsinki, Finland, and as far west as Honolulu, Hawaii.

Alaska is actually the northern, western and easternmost point in the United States. The Aleutian Chain extends into the Eastern Hemisphere.

Size

Alaska is 570,374 square miles, the largest state in the union, one-fifth the size of the "Lower 48" states. The Municipality of Anchorage stretches from Portage Glacier to Eklutna, encompassing 1,955 square miles (5,083 sq. km) - about the size of the state of Delaware. The nation's third largest state park is within its boundaries.

Time Zones

Anchorage (and virtually all of Alaska) is on Alaska Standard Time, one hour behind Pacific Standard Time and four hours behind Eastern Standard Time. The only exception is the westernmost Aleutian Islands, which are on the Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time, two hours behind Pacific Standard Time.

Area Code

Alaska's telephone area code is 907 except for Hyder, which is 604.

Population

Anchorage is Alaska's largest city with more than 277,000 people - 42 percent of the state's population.

Climate

Protected by the Chugach Mountains and warmed by Japanese currents. Anchorage has a temperate, maritime climate. Low humidity also contributes to Anchorage's comfortable climate. Summer temperatures can reach into the high 70's while winters bring snow and temperatures dipping into the low 20's. Dressing in layers is the key to comfort.

Alaska's informality is perfect for visitors; casual wear is welcome virtually everywhere.

Mountains and Glaciers

There are approximately 100,000 glaciers in Alaska. There are more than 60 glaciers within 50 miles of Anchorage. Portage Glacier, south of downtown Anchorage, is one of the most visited attractions in all of Alaska.

Six mountain ranges can be seen from Anchorage: Alaska Range (and Mt. McKinley), the Chugach Mountains, Talkeetna Mountains, Tordrillo Mountains, Kenai Mountains, and the Aleutian Range.

Electrical Service

Outlets in Alaska are 110 volts, 60 AC - the same as the rest of the United States.

Sales Tax

Anchorage does not have a sales tax.

Bus Service

The local public transit system, People Mover, provides access to most visitor attractions and activities. Regular service is available weekdays from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. with limited service evenings until 11 p.m. weekends and holidays. The People Mover Transit Center, 6th Avenue and G Street, has information, maps, and a handy guide entitled "Places To Go By Bus."

Adult bus fare is $1.75. A People Mover Day Pass is available for purchase from bus drivers for $2.50 and allows unlimited rides on all People Mover bus routes for one calendar day.