Climate

The Alaskan climate varies from the extreme Arctical cold and dryness to the long hot summer days of the interior parts, until the internal Passage, more moderated and more humid, where the winter temperatures often ascend above 0° C and where the summers are fresh and rainy.

Nature

The State of Alaska attracts its visitors by its natural wonders. Its vast territories, varied and exotic, stretches from the arctical tundra and glacier capped mountains to the luxurious and humid boreal forests. Alaska is gifted with 3,000 rivers and 3 million lakes, the highest peak of North America, and more than 5,000 glaciers.

The Indian Cultures

Everywhere, the traces of American Indian cultures still remain in Alaska : the world Alaska itself is derived from an Aleut Indian word, Alyeska or Alashka, meaning "The Great Land".

In the region of Kerchikan, in Saxman, we will discover the world's largest totemic site, the Totem Bight Parks, as well as the Totem Heritage Center. Further up north, the traditional Eskimo culture still exists in many communities living in the Arctic borders. As an original souvenir of Alaska, we can bring back exceptional objects worked from the ivory of walrus, from bones, or from any other elements coming from their hunting tradition, marked with the logo of "Silver Hand", guaranting their authenticity.

Sitka

In the southwest of the State, on one of the Alexander Archipelago islands, Sitka still leaves some traces of the Russian capital it once was : the Promenade of the Russian Governors, the Russian orphanage and the Sheldon Jackson College, which possesses a museum covering two centuries of the Russian, Indian and American history.

Juneau

The Alaskan capital is sometimes called "Little San Francisco", due to its elegance and its cliffs. About 18 km from Juneau, we will find the spectacular Mendenhall Glacier.
On the road, you will get inside the Tongass National Forest, then try to come near the ancient goldmines dating back to 1880, the old Russian church made from logs, and the historical Skagway, the Gold Rush town.

Skagway

Skagway, one of the garden-towns of Alaska, nestled in the southeast coastal chain of the State.

Cruising on a historical train all along the railways once used in the era of Yukon Gold Rush. A museum retraces the Gold Fever through memorable images.

Anchorage

In the Central South, Anchorage is a modern city founded in 1914 on an escarpment overhanging the anchorage of Captain Cook Sea on Pacific Ocean. There you can admire the eskimo handicrafts at the Cook Inlet Historical Museum, then take the train to Fairbanks, one of the best ways to discover Alaska. More than fifty stops on the route to let fishermen or hikers to jump on board.

Fairbanks

Alaskan second-largest city, founded in 1902, Fairbanks witnessed the Gold Fever.

It is indeed in Fairbanks that the Easter Creek goldmines are located - visit them to see the huge, powerful extracting machines.

From Fairbanks, take your time and take a turn by plane until the Arctic area.

Fairbanks is also the seat of the most septentrional University of Alaska.

Point Barrow

The world's largest Eskimo communitylives here. You will feel as if you were somewhere else but on Earth, another realms of dream where the sun does not set between May 11 and August 2. Visit the Eskimo villages and their Igloos, discover the promenades on sledge.

Denali-McKinley National Park

North America's highest peakpoint, the Mount McKinley elevates to 6,180 m of altitude. Inside the National Park, located halfway between Anchorage and Fairbanks, you will come to meet the stags, dall muttons, mouflons and gloutons. Do not miss the unforgettable cruise on a rowing boat, at the dawn, on the picturesque River Chena.

CREDITS : Alaska Travel Industry Association

Fairbanks CVB - Jeff Schultz - Sitka CVB