Alaska

Things to know...

Details that are different from state to state and may make your posting just a little bit easier!

• Weather & Natural Disasters

  Surprisingly, Anchorage has a milder climate than many might expect. In the summer, average temperatures hover around 20°C, while winter sees a drop to about -5°C, with plenty of snow. In fact, Anchorage tends to be warmer than other cold-weather cities like Chicago or Minneapolis, thanks to its location by the ocean. The region experiences a unique "micro-climate"—in Alaska, you're never more than a 1-2 hour drive from a significant shift in temperature, often by as much as 30 degrees.

  Earthquakes are also a regular occurrence in Alaska. For more information on where they happen and how to prepare, check out the Alaska Earthquake Center website. For more in-depth information, check out ready.gov, a national campaign aimed at educating and empowering individuals to prepare for, respond to, and mitigate emergencies and disasters.

• Neighbourhoods
  The majority of Canadians, especially families, live in Eagle River. Eagle River is a 20-minute commute along the Glenn Highway to JBER. Another area where families reside is South Anchorage, where it is a combination of highway and in-town driving. 

  Use this tool to help you learn more about a community. You can get information on schools, home values, weather, population and more > Access the Military One Source Neighbourhood Navigator.

• Wildlife & Nature Awareness

  It is not uncommon to have moose in your neighborhood or to see them wandering around the streets of Anchorage. There is an estimated amount of 1500 moose within Anchorage. Another common animal to be aware of are the bears. Always carry bear spray while hiking or doing any outdoor activities. 
  
  During Summer Solstice, anchorage gets 22 hours of functional daylight! Alaska is known for the abundant amount of hiking and dip netting for salmon. You are allowed to dipnet once you have lived here for one year. 

• Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson

  Get to know Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson better with these go-to links: 
  JBER Life | Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson
  
  Canadian Detachment
  9477 Pease Avenue, Elmendorf AFB, AK 99506

  The Anchorage community has a military presence of over 32,000 people and accounts for approximately 10 percent of the local population.  Alaska is a very military-friendly state! CAF spouses and dependants have access to the base, where you will find some of the following resources and services:

  • Canadian Detachment & Mess 
  • BX - Base Exchange (tax-free shopping)
  • Commissary (grocery store)
  • Military & Family Readiness Center (M&FRC)
    • School Liaison Officer
    • Exceptional Family Member Program
    • Military Family Life Counselors (Social Workers)
    • Deployment Support
    • Career/Employment Support
  • ITT (Information, Tickets, & Travel) - Discount recreation and travel options
  • Outdoor Recreation Programs, Rentals, and Lodging
  • Child Development Centers (CDC) + Youth Center

  Richardson Gate & Visitors Center
  Bldg 47303 D Street, JBER, AK 99505

  JBER has five access gates, depending on if you are going to the Richardson (army) side or Almendorf (air force) side. Each gate has various hours of operation depending on the time of day and any applicable holidays. It's best to refer to the base website for hours of operation. 

• On-Base Medical Facility
  Spouses and dependents have access to medical services at the Military Treatment Facility (MTF) on base. However, dental and vision care must be provided off base. Using on-base medical services is often more convenient and requires less paperwork than seeking care off base.
  
  Military Treatment Facility (MTF) - 673rd Medical Group
  Location: 5955 Zeamer Avenue, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska 99506
  Hours: Mon-Fri; 7:30am-4:30pm | Emergency Department: Open 24/7
  
  The 673rd Medical Group is fully equipped to offer primary, preventive, and urgent care services. In addition, they provide laboratory testing, radiology, pharmaceuticals, and specialized care in women's and children's health. The JBER Medical Group’s Dental Clinic offers comprehensive dental care exclusively for active-duty personnel. 

  For general healthcare guidance while OUTCAN, please visit www.cfmws.ca/us-healthcare.

• School Districts & Education

  The school board in Anchorage is called the Anchorage District School Board. The school year runs from August to May. If you want your child to attend a school that is outside your neighborhood jurisdiction, then you must apply for a randomized lottery before the school year starts. All information is found on the school district's website. 
  
  For additional information, see the JBER School Liaison Services webpage.
  The School Liaison helps ease the transition from one school to another and helps families navigate the local school system, ensuring our military youth have the opportunity to achieve academic success.

• General Insight & Community Recommendations
  Cost of Living:
  It should be noted that JBER and the adjacent area are considered high-cost; the cost of living in Alaska is approximately 24% higher than the national average.
  
  Outdoor Adventures:
  If you’re an outdoor enthusiast and love adventure, it is highly recommend getting the Alaska State Parks Pass. For just $60, you get year-round access (from January to December). The pass comes as a sticker to place on your windshield, giving you free entry to all state parks. JBER Outdoor Recreation also offers equipment rentals and different programs. 

  Fishing or Hunting:
  For those who enjoy fishing or hunting, look into the fish and game license. You can find all the details and apply here: Licenses and Permits, Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Fishing for salmon is especially popular, and dip netting is a unique experience. Note: To participate in dip netting, you must have been an Alaska resident for at least one year.
  
  Winter Blues vs. Seasonal Affective Disorder:
  Winter in Alaska brings long stretches of darkness, lasting for weeks or even months. In places like Anchorage, the days are much shorter, with only a few hours of daylight in December. This extended lack of sunlight can significantly impact people’s mental health. To help combat this, the Canadian Detachment (Orderly Room) offers "happy lamps" for individuals to sign out for the duration of their posting, providing some relief during the darker months.
  
  Discover the difference between the Winter Blues and Seasonal Affective Disorder, plus expert tips from our Family Counsellor, Marion Hall, to help you feel better: cfmws.ca/us-wellness-jan25.