Fast facts about Alaska:
- Statehood: Alaska became the 49th state on January 3, 1959.
- Capital: The capital of Alaska is Juneau.
- Time zone: Alaska follows Alaska Standard Time (GMT-9 Daylight Savings Time). However, St. Lawrence Island and the Aleutian islands of Atka, Adak, Attu, and Shemya operate on Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time (GMT-10 Daylight Savings Time).
- Main airports: Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) in Southcentral Alaska offers flights to 17 domestic destinations outside Alaska and four international airports. Airlines like Alaska Airlines, Grant Aviation, Kenai Aviation, and Ravn Alaska operate flights within the state. Fairbanks International Airport (FAI) serves Interior Alaska, with six commercial airlines during the summer months and winter flights operated by Alaska Airlines and Delta. In Southeast Alaska, major airports include Juneau International (JNU) and Ketchikan International (KTN).
- Ferry ports: The Alaska Marine Highway ferries cover 3,500 miles, connecting more than 30 ports including major cities and remote communities.
- Railroad routes: The Alaska Railroad operates during the summer months, serving destinations from Fairbanks in the north down to Seward. Winter service is limited to the Aurora Winter route.
- Fun fact: Only 14 percent of Alaska’s cities, towns, and villages are accessible by road. The majority of the state, including the capital, is accessed by boat or plane.
Reasons to visit Alaska:
- Vast Wilderness: Explore millions of acres of stunning wilderness, offering unparalleled opportunities for outdoor adventures such as hiking, camping, and wildlife spotting.
- Indigenous Cultures: Experience the rich cultures of indigenous peoples, particularly on Dena’ina land in Anchorage, where you can learn about their traditions, history, and way of life.
- Northern Lights: Witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of the northern lights dancing across the night sky, especially in Fairbanks, one of the best places in the world to view this natural phenomenon.
- Unique Cultural Experiences: Take part in traditional activities like the blanket toss, a traditional Alaskan Native game, and enjoy the thrill of fishing for king salmon, a prized catch in Alaskan waters.
- Alaska offers an abundance of natural beauty, cultural richness, and unforgettable experiences that make it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking adventure and immersion in the wonders of the wild.
Best Time to Visit Alaska:
Summer: Alaska experiences long daylight hours during summer, with up to 24 hours of sunlight. This is the ideal time for outdoor activities such as fishing for sockeye salmon in Bristol Bay, backpacking in the Chugach Mountains, or exploring glaciers in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. Birdwatchers flock to Utqiaġvik for unique birding opportunities. Summer is also the peak season for cruises, road trips, and bush plane adventures. However, be prepared for abundant wildlife sightings, including bears, as well as mosquitoes.
Winter: Winter in Alaska offers opportunities for activities like fat tire biking in Anchorage, skiing in various locations including Fairbanks and Valdez, and witnessing the famous Iditarod sled dog race. The winter solstice marks the shortest day of the year, but it also signifies the upcoming return of summer. Visitors can explore the rich history and art of Southeast Alaska’s Indigenous communities at places like the Sealaska Heritage Center.
Fall and Spring: While fall brings vibrant colors to the forests and tundra, it’s a short season, with most Alaskans preparing for winter. Spring, known as «breakup,» sees the melting of ice and snow, resulting in muddy conditions. Neither fall nor spring is typically recommended for visiting Alaska due to the limited tourist activities and challenging weather conditions.
Overview of Alaska’s Regions:
Southeast: The Southeast region is home to the capital city, Juneau, bustling particularly during the legislative session from January to May. Anchorage, located about 850 miles away and accessible by ferry, boasts a vibrant culinary scene and thriving arts community. Fairbanks, in the Interior region, is known for its farmers market and iconic outdoor thermometer, a popular photo spot in winter. In the Arctic region, transportation between communities relies on bush planes, skiffs, and snow machines, especially during the winter months. Travelers can explore this remote area by car via the Dalton Highway or opt for a guided tour.
Southcentral: Anchorage and the Mat-su Valley anchor the Southcentral region, the most densely populated area of the state. Visitors can enjoy bear viewing in Homer, day cruises from Valdez, and hiking in Chugach National Forest.
Interior: Dominated by the towering Alaska Range to the south and the Brooks Range to the north, the Interior region is home to Denali Mountain and Denali National Park. The Denali Highway offers thrilling experiences for geology and archaeology enthusiasts.
Southeast: Known for its Inside Passage, Southeast Alaska features charming small towns like Ketchikan, famous for its public art, and Sitka, with a rich Russian heritage and cozy bookstores.
Southwest: The Southwest region is characterized by small communities surrounded by vast wilderness. Birdwatchers flock to Adak and the Pribilof Islands, while Bristol Bay attracts anglers in search of sockeye salmon.
Getting Around Alaska:
By Plane: Alaska Airlines offers flights to 21 destinations across the state. Additionally, smaller commuter airlines and charter flights provide access to more remote areas.
By Train: The Alaska Railroad operates during the summer months, servicing destinations from Fairbanks in the north to Seward in the south. Winter service is limited.
By Car: Rental cars are available in major cities and some towns in the Southeast region. Traveling between certain sections may require using the Alaska Marine Highway system, the state’s ferry service for both cars and passengers. Due to the limited road system and road repairs primarily conducted during the summer, travelers should anticipate potential delays.
By Boat: The Alaska Marine Highway ferry system operates from Bellingham, Washington, in the Southeast to Southcentral Alaska and down to the Aleutian Chain, including Dutch Harbor. It’s advisable to book ferry tickets in advance for both foot passengers and vehicles.
Know Before You Go:
Cultural History: Alaska has been home to 11 distinct cultures for thousands of years, including the Eyak, Tlingit, Haida, Tsimshian, Iñupiat, St. Lawrence Island Yup’ik, Athabascan, Yup’ik, Cup’ik, Alutiiq (Sugpiaq), and Unangax peoples. Just under 16 percent of Alaska’s population is Alaska Native, with 279 federally recognized tribes. The state is divided into 12 Alaska Native regional corporations, established in 1971 under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act.
Reservations: For Alaska’s summer travel season, it’s advisable to book tours, hotel rooms, and rental cars at least six months in advance, as they can be hard to come by once the season is underway.
Hours: Restaurant hours vary across the state, with more limited hours during the winter months.
LGBTQ+: Alaska ranked 27th in a 2023 24/7 Wall St. report on the most LGBTQ+-friendly states in the U.S. Anchorage, Juneau, Sitka, and Ketchikan have enacted ordinances protecting sexual orientation and gender identity. The LGBTQ+ community celebrates Pride at events around the state, and there is a vibrant tradition of local drag shows in major cities.
How to Visit Sustainably:
Outdoors: Alaska’s vast wilderness requires responsible practices like «leave no trace.» Support local businesses certified through programs like Adventure Green Alaska. Follow state Fish and Game Department guidelines when viewing wildlife.
Shopping: Look for the Made in Alaska and Silver Hand symbols to ensure products are locally crafted. These symbols are regulated to protect craftspeople and buyers.
Dining: Many restaurants prioritize locally sourced seafood and ingredients from the short growing season. Check menus for locally sourced options to support sustainability efforts.
What to Read:
- «Hyperboreal» by Joan Naviyuk Kane: This collection of poetry explores the history of the Inupiaq people, blending English and Inupiaq languages to delve into the cultural heritage of Alaska.
- «If You Lived Here, I’d Know Your Name» by Heather Lende: A memoir depicting life in small-town Alaska, offering insights into the unique challenges and joys of living in remote communities.
- «Berry Song» by Michaela Goade: A children’s book that celebrates the subsistence lifestyle of Alaska Native people, highlighting the importance of traditional practices and connection to the land.