Alaska is both the largest state in the United States and the least densely populated. It has more miles of coastline than all of the other states combined. Most Alaskans reside in and around the city of Anchorage, though there are many smaller cities, remote rural communities, and fishing towns scattered across the state.
Bordered by Canada to the east, the Pacific Ocean to the west and south, and the Arctic Ocean to the north, Alaska is an amazing place to visit with a full range of extremes.
There are 11 native groups in Alaska, covering all areas of the state from the southernmost territories to the far eastern reaches of the Aleutian archipelago to the extreme climates of northern Alaska and St. Lawrence Island. Visitors who seek it out can discover the rich heritage of these native groups who have inhabited Alaska for thousands of years and whose traditions are inextricably linked with nature and the seasons.
Alaska’s main appeal is its enormous area of pristine wilderness which includes innumerable glacial rivers and streams, dense forests, beautiful coastline, active volcanoes, frozen tundra, and the tallest peak in North America. The territory has a wealth of wildlife both terrestrial and marine including brown bears, polar bears, black bears, caribou, elk, moose, wolves, bison, seals and sea lions, orcas, otters, humpback whales, and many types of birds and fish.
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Alaska is sparsely populated. The majority of Alaskans reside in Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city, or the surrounding area. There are several other large cities in addition to Anchorage, and many small towns and communities scattered across the state.
The Native communities of Alaska were once the most populous, though today they represent approximately 20% of the population. The Native Alaskan population can be divided into about five main groups, based on geographic location and similarities in culture.
These are the Athabascan (central and inland), Unangax and Alutiiq (southern Alaska and the Aleutian islands), Yup’ik and Cup’ik (south and west Alaska – coast), Yupik and Inupiaq (Northern Alaska and St. Lawrence Island), and the Eyak, Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian (southernmost Alaska, Pacific coast).
Within these categorizations there are many small communities and some official sub-groupings with unique customs, beliefs, traditions, living arrangements, and social structures. There are 11 distinct Native groups in Alaska, with the same number of languages and a total of 22 different dialects spoken.
Over the years migration and outside influences have in some cases shaped these native cultures, though tradition remains strong in many communities. There are a number of organizations in Alaska dedicated to preserving Native Alaskan cultural heritage.
In inland areas hunting and foraging have traditionally been a means of subsistence, while on the coast and near rivers or streams, fishing also plays a major role. Tools, canoes, homes, clothing, and crafts are often made of natural materials, and respect for nature and animals is an important theme in native culture.
Alaska’s wild terrain is abundant with rivers, streams, and dense forests. Hence its cuisine is based largely around what can be gathered from these natural areas. Alaska is famous for its cold water fish, especially salmon.
In many native communities meat and fish were traditionally smoked or dried in order to ensure a source of protein for months at a time. Cured and smoked fish is still a popular way of preparing fish and seafood. Alaska is best known for its Wild Alaskan salmon, halibut, and King Crab.
There are also many native berries and fruits such as wild blueberries, lingonberries, wild cranberries, and some special rarities such as crowberries and salmonberries.
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When To Go
The summer months of June, July and August are the most popular times to visit Alaska. This is a great time to visit, though mosquitoes are a particular bother during the summer. Daylight hours are long (up to 20 hours of daylight at the summer sols