leutian 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 solstice in late June), and the weather is generally warmest during these summer months.
Alaska has a large and varied terrain, meaning some areas are perpetually cold or covered in snow. Climate and seasonal activities vary depending on where you are.
If traveling in the winter you can partake in a wealth of winter activities such as snowmobiling, dog-sledding, skiing, ice fishing, and more. This is also the time when the northern lights (aurora borealis) are most visible. For winter activities February through March is a good time to visit.
Alaska experiences a lot of rain, particularly from the months of October through April, though the weather can be somewhat unpredictable any time of year.
Rates in May and September (respectively the ‘off seasons’ between summer and winter), can be somewhat less expensive and this is usually still a pleasant time to visit, weather permitting.
Alaska’s main airport is located in Anchorage, and this is where most people arrive. Flights are most frequent during the summer which is when Alaska receives the most visitors.
Though the most cost effective way to travel to Alaska is usually by plane, it is also possible to reach Alaska by cruise ship, by ferry, and by car.
Within Alaska, a great way to reach far off the path destinations such as a native village, a remote town, an ideal fishing spot or for special wilderness sightings is to take a small chartered plane or air taxi. This can be a truly memorable experience, and worth the cost as you’ll likely have a customized experience and get a sense for the vastness and the incredible wild beauty of the state.
Cruise passages are very popular, as Alaska’s coast is both vast and breathtakingly beautiful. Alaska also offers some beautiful scenic drives.
Many people visit Alaska for its vast wilderness and beautiful expanses of untouched nature. Travelers who are embarking on intrepid excursions into the wilderness will need to be aware of certain risks such as getting lost, contracting hypothermia, avalanches, and wild animals. Many of