The most impressive aspect of Alaska is its size. It covers nearly 600,000 square miles (1,500,000 sq. km.) with over 33,000 miles (55,000 km) of shoreline and 1,800 islands. The interior has over 50,000 glaciers, 3,000 rivers and three million lakes. It contains 17 of the 20 highest mountain peaks in the USA including the 20,320 feet (6,194 meter) Denali.
Alaska's two "panhandles" reach southward to embrace the warm Pacific Ocean currents which bless them with surprisingly moderate climates for such northern lands. On the western handle, the volcanically active Aleutian Islands extend over 1,000 miles into the northwestern Pacific where they enjoy cool summers and only moderately cold winters. The eastern handle extending down along the coast of northern Canada enjoys cool summers, mild winters and the most rainfall in North America.
The Interior plateau of Alaska suffers an extreme continental climate with surprisingly warm summers and fiercely cold winters. Temperatures can reach 100 F (+38 C) in the summer and drop below -55 F (-48 C) in the winter. The North Slope along the Arctic Coast is classic arctic tundra, a treeless semi-desert climate with extremely cold winters.
Summer days and winter nights become very long at these high latitudes. As you travel further north in Alaska, the summer days can stretch up to 22 hours. Alaskan natives call this "the land of the midnight sun." Equally long winter nights often bring spectacular displays of dancing celestial lights known as the Aurora Borealis
Tours to Alaska
For a truly exhilarating vacation, full of wilderness attractions and spectacular scenery, journey to the largest state of America- the great state of Alaska- America's last true wilderness. It is a vast expanse of glimmering glaciers, towering mountains, abundant forests and waterfront villages. From whale watching in Sitka to riding dogsleds in Nome, from viewing majestic Mt. McKinley in Denali National Park to rafting on the Yukon River, the state offers to its tourist the opportunity to view one of the world's most beautiful scenery of glaciers, mountains and quiet fjords.
Far North
Every region of the state has something to offer. In the far north, Alaska's Arctic is home to the Eskimos, many who still live a subsistence lifestyle and still preserve their history verbally from generation to generation. The Far North is filled with a rich history and natural wonders, from the gold rush days of yore to the Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve. Nome is the place to enjoy Far North's great outdoors.
It's most exciting annual event, Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race of 1, 049 miles, Seward Peninsula, which offers fishing for salmon, Arctic char and grayling, and Carrie McLain Museum, which houses 6, 000 historicalphotos and exhibits about Native culture, Eskimo art and the gold rush are few sites worth exploring on the tour to Alaska.Kotzebue, the largest Eskimo village that receives 36 days of continuous daylight, Prudhoe Bay, the largest oil field in North America, St. Lawrence Island, Barrow and Brooks Range are some other places that give unparalleled wilderness experiences.
Interior
In the heart of the state, one can see the continent's tallest peak, Mt. McKinley and wide expanses of tundra. Recreational opportunities include hiking, rock and ice climbing, photography, wildlife viewing, nature walks, horseback treks and river excursions. Wildlife can be seen on the highway that runs by Denali National Park, carrying visitors to and from Anchorage and Fairbanks. Interior is the original home of Alaska's Athabascan Indians. Drive on the Alaska Highway is just wonderful. One can visit the town of Tok and Delta Junction through the highway. In Fairbanks, which is the trade and transportation center for Interior and Far North Alaska, one can tour a working gold mine, visit an authentic gold dredge or cruise the Chena River aboard a sternwheeler on the tour to Alaska. Dog sledding, both cross-country and downhill, skiing and snow machine riding opportunities are also available here. Fort Yukon on the Arctic Circle and the town of Nenana are other places of importance in the state.
South West
Southwest Alaska is for all nature loving people. The region is very rich in bird life. It has more than 240 species of birds with brown bears along the hills and plains here. Kodiak is the principal town on Kodiak Island and the home of Alaska's largest fishing fleet. Then there is the Alaska Peninsula that extends 550 miles into the Pacific Ocean. Past the tip of the Alaska Peninsula, the Aleutian Islands begin their 1, 000-mile sweep towards Asia. Bristol Bay is home to the world's largest source of red salmon. Tourist can enjoy in all seasons, fishing in the summer, skiing in the winter and cultural events year-round. In the Pribilof Islands, one can see the world famous wildlife colonies on St. George and St. Paul Islands in the Bering Sea. St. Paul's beaches also play host to an amazing number of fur seals.
South Central
Home to over half of Alaska's population, South central is a playground of activities from world-class fishing to hiking and wildlife viewing. It offers the advantages of remote wilderness with its mountains and lakes. Anchorage, the largest city of Alaska is a popular destination in this region. Being the center of commerce, luxury hotels, fine cuisine and shopping are only minutes from state parks. Tourist can enjoy wildlife museums, the Alaska Zoo and Potter March; where up to 130 species of waterfowl can be seen throughout the year on the tour to Alaska. The Wrangell Mountains is popular destination for backcountry recreation, superb sport fishing, river rafting and Native cultures. The Copper River Valley and the Copper Center, the home of the ranger station for Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, the largest national park in the United States are other popular attractions here. In Kenai Peninsula, Seward's is the place to look for whales, seals and sea lions in Kenai Fjords National Park.
Apart from Chugach National Forest and the Kenai National Wildlife, the peninsula is known for one of the finest Russian Orthodox churches in Alaska. Prince William Sound encompasses 10, 000 square miles of protected waterways, islands, fjords, as well as 10, 000 glaciers. The Matanuska Valley is fertile farmland and known is for vegetables that grow to incredible sizes. The Alaska record cabbage is 106 pounds. You cannot be so close to nature as you are in the state of Alaska.
Tours to AlaskaLOCATION
Alaska is the 49th state of the US. The Aleutian Islands actually cross longitude 180°, also making it the easternmost state, although the International Date Line doglegs around them to keep the whole state in the same day. Alaska is one of the two states that is not bordered by another US state. Visit Alaska for whale watching, moose spotting and fjord cruising.
REGIONAL ATTRACTIONS
INTERIOR REGION
Fairbanks Ice Museumis known as the 'The Coolest Show in Town'. The museum is home to the Ice Showcase and Freeze Frame programs. The International Ice Sculpting Competition is held each March at Fairbanks.
El Dorado Goldmine is where the rush started in 1902. Today visitors can learn the authentic way of how to extract gold.
Georgeson Botanical Garden is a nationally recognized botanical garden and is designed to allow the public to learn about plant culture in the far north.
University of Alaska Museum is internationally recognized for its comprehensive northern collections.
SOUTHWEST REGION
Alutiiq Museum & Archaeological Repository has over 7,500 years of Kodiak's cultural history.
Museum of the Aleutians, a 9,400 square foot building, is the only archaeological research and museum storage facility in the Aleutian Region.
Kodiak Baranov Museum is housed in one of only four Russian-built structures remaining in the US today. Originally built as a fur warehouse, it is the only log building remaining on its original site. Also visit the Kodiak Military History Museum.
Dig Afognak Archeological Expedition offers an opportunity to learn about Alutiiq history and culture, while discovering the natural history, geology and botany of Afognak Island.
SOUTH CENTRAL REGION
The Imaginarium, located in Anchorage, The Imaginarium resembles a living laboratory, where you can stand inside a bubble, ponder the magnitude of the universe in a planetarium, discover ocean life in a marine touch-tank.
Alaska State Trooper Museum tells the story of police officers who imposed law and order to one of the most unusual and rugged jurisdictions of the US.
Valdez Museum & Historical Archive has the history of the state from the time when Native Americans first occupied the area to the present day.
Alaska Botanical Garden has over 480 varieties of cultured plants.Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum has preserved Alaska's aviation history, 1897 to present.
Anchorage Museum of History and Art is the largest museum in Alaska has exhibits and programs on the art, history and cultures of Alaska.
Prince William Sound Science Center was established in 1989 to conduct and facilitate scientific studies on the ecology of the region.
Wolf Country features a wolf tour, gold panning, RV camper park, gift shop and more.
Visit Alaska Sealife Center to watch sea lions, puffins and harbor seals.
OTHER ATTRACTIONS
The Museum of Alaska Transportation and Industry -
Alaska Museum of Natural History
Eklutna Historical Park
Big Game Alaska Wildlife Center
Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies
Alaska Native Heritage Center
Alaska Zoo
INSIDE PASSAGE REGION
Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure is a must visit. See the beautiful display gardens nestled in the heart of the state's rainforest. Enjoy the Rhododendrons, Azaleas, and Japanese Maples that create a dazzling contrast to the lush green background of the rainforest.
White Pass & Yukon Route Scenic Railroad: This iron trail was born during the 1898 Klondike Gold Rush and built through some of the North's most ruggedly beautiful terrain.
MATANUSKA GLACIER is the largest glacier accessible by car in Alaska. The beautiful valley glacier, which can be reached in two hours from Anchorage, is 24 miles long and four miles wide, descending twelve thousand feet to the terminus.
Ride the Mount Roberts Tramway to experience Juneau - from spectacular scenery, culture and artwork, nature trails, even shopping and dining.
Alaska Raptor Center: This is the leading treatment center for eagles and other birds of prey in Alaska.
NATIONAL FORESTS: There are just two national forests in Alaska, the Tongass and the Chugach, but they are the largest in the nation.
The Chugach surrounds glacier-filled Prince William Sound and is close to Anchorage, Alaska's largest city. The Tongass includes the many forested islands of Southeast Alaska and surrounds the cities of Ketchikan, Sitka and Juneau, Alaska's capital.
THINGS TO DO: Don't be fooled by the geography and climate of the place. There are lots to do in Alaska from trekking, hiking to bird watching. You can also enjoy dog-sled rides even in the snowless months of summer. Birders come to Alaska for the 246 native species and dozens of migratory species. Millions of seabirds live in the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, a sanctuary that appears here and there along the coast from the Arctic Ocean to the southern end of the Inside Passage.
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