Ambassadair Travel Club - Destination ALASKA

HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE

Ambassadair Travel Club has created this useful information on the Internet to help you plan your trip. If you want to advance to one of the topics listed below, just use the mouse to click on the topic you want to read. Here is a list of all areas covered in the Web Site Destination Info for Alaska: overview, map, activities, geography, interesting facts, sightseeing attractions, best-kept secrets from Ambassadair staff, culture, accommodations, Alaska by Sea, optional tours, dining, entertainment, shopping, weather and time zone, getting around, and packing suggestions. If you have any suggestions or want to comment about Ambassadair's new destination information, please email us at: journey@iflyata.com.

ALASKA OVERVIEW

Purchased in 1867 from Russia and given statehood in 1959, Alaska is home to endless superlatives. It is the largest state in the U.S., contains the highest mountain peak in North America, and provides outlets for some of the world's best ecotourism and adventure excursions. With more than 3 million lakes, 33,900 miles of seacoast, 1,800 islands, and four mountain ranges, Alaska provides visitors with majestic scenery experienced through a variety of activities. Alaska, also known as the "Land of the Midnight Sun," is home to countless land and marine animals including bears, moose, caribou, whales, seals, bald eagles, and puffins. From downtown Anchorage to the peak of Mt. McKinley, Alaska's breathtaking scenery and rich heritage promise a satisfying travel experience.

ALASKA MAP

ALASKA ACTIVITES

Whether looking for a relaxing, scenic getaway or an adventurous excursion, Alaska offers a variety of activities to suit any traveler. Visitors can view the beautiful landscape and unique wildlife through hiking, horseback, boating, and air tours. Resurrection Bay and Kenai Fjords National Park provide guests with ample opportunity to experience some of the finest fishing in the country. Cities such as Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Nenana contain facilities that share Alaska's heritage and offer abundant shopping and dining.

Hiking
Alaska provides countless hiking opportunities over both formal and informal trails. For Alaska backpacking and hiking resources, click here.

Chugach State Park—This park has the most popular hiking trails in Anchorage. The trails wind through the mountains located just east of the city. Here, visitors can also begin the Resurrection Trail, which rises through forest, crosses an alpine pass, and descends to a highway trailhead. This 39-mile trail can take anywhere from two to six days to complete. Several trailheads provide access. Other trails include Russian Lakes Trail, Johnson Pass Trail, Lost Lake, and Primrose Trail. Free. Click here to visit the park's web site.

Tony Knowles Coastal Trail—This paved trail is popular with hikers, bikers, and rollerbladers and begins in downtown Anchorage, follows the Turnagain Arm, and ends at Kincaid Park. The best point of access is at the west end of 2nd Avenue. Free.

Kenai Fjords National Park—Visitors to Kenai Fjords National Park can participate in guided hikes over mountain or forest terrain and learn about the park's history and wildlife. One of the most popular hiking routes is Exit Glacier, which runs 7 miles along the right side of the mountain to Harding Icefield. Hikers experience a 3,000-foot elevation gain. Admission extra. Click here to visit the park's web site.(800-478-8068 or 907-276-6249)

Denali National Park—Hiking at Denali National Park could consist of anything from a leisurely stroll along the riverbanks to a strenuous climb to the top of a mountain. However the park is toured, visitors will have the opportunity to view wildlife and the scenic environment. The park has only a small number of developed trails, but the few that exist are worth the visit. Admission extra. Click here to visit the park's web site. (907-276-7234 or 800-276-7234)

Kayaking, Boating, and Rafting
Kayaking and boating are available just about anywhere in Alaska and are great ways to view the scenery. Water tours are highly recommended to fully experience the majesty of Alaska's environment.

Chugach National Forest—The best kayaking begins east of Whittier. Visitors can explore long fjords, glaciers, and narrow passages while observing the wide array of wildlife. Boat rides are needed to reach the kayaking areas because the harbor itself provides little interest for the adventurous sightseer. In Cordova, the waters are interesting near town, so guests can paddle out right from the boat harbor. Kayak and skiff rental, as well as boat chartering, are available in Valdez and Cordova harbors. Click here to visit the park's web site.

Denali National Park Region—Rafting is very popular in this region along the Nenana River. Guests can raft the smoother upper portion of the river as guides explain the surrounding wilderness, or they can tackle the lower portion and experience Class III and IV rapids. The upper trip is available for visitors ages 5 and up, and anyone over 12 can experience the lower. Each trip takes between 2 and 3 hours. For more information, contact the Denali Outdoor Center at 888-303-1925 or 907-683-1925.

Kenai Fjords National Park—The best way to experience the fjords is by kayak. The calm, rugged environment is full of wildlife and soaring vistas in remote surroundings. Sunny Cove Kayaking offers day trips and kayaking packages with guided tours throughout the park. For more information, contact Sunny Cove Kayaking at 907-224-8810. For reservations, call 800-770-9119.

Fishing
Famous for its abundance of salmon and halibut, Alaska offers some of the world's finest fishing opportunities. For a list of state fishing regulations as well as a thorough list of popular locations, For a list of locations, click here. Alaska Fishing Online also has news and information on guides, charters, and fly-in fishing trips easily divided by region.

Bristol Bay—Bristol Bay contains the world's richest salmon fishery. Lodges and cabins are located on the region's remote rivers to provide a peaceful fishing environment. For more information, visit Click here for more information.

Prince of Wales Island—The Prince of Wales Island offers some of the most beautiful fishing environments ideal for salmon and fly-fishing. Roadside fishing is available and fly-in trips provide access to the island's more remote lakes and rivers.

Copper River Delta (Cordova)—Even though the delta itself contains much silt from glacier runoff, the feeder streams are full of trout, dolly varden, and salmon.

Kenai River—The Kenai River is home to some of the world's largest salmon with sizes reaching up to 98 pounds. The abundance of silver and red salmon attracts fishermen from all over the world. Click here for more information.

Homer—Alaska's largest charter fishing fleet frequents the region to catch halibut ranging into the hundreds of pounds. Anglers also seek rockfish, cod, crab, and razor clam. Freshwater fishing yields dolly varden, rainbow trout, and steelhead. Click here for more information.

Kodiak Island—Kodiak Island is home to the best roadside fishing in Alaska and beautiful remote fishing opportunities at lodges or fly-in stream banks. Click here for more information.

ALASKA GEOGRAPHY

With an area of 656,425 square miles, Alaska is roughly one-fifth the size of the contiguous United States and more than twice the size of Texas. Alaska is home to four mountain ranges and numerous glaciers, river systems, lakes, islands, and miles of seacoast. The state is divided into six distinctive geographical regions.

Arctic Alaska stretches from the southern edge of the Brooks Range to the Arctic Ocean and consists of endless tundra that flower during the nightless summers. Cities within Arctic Alaska include Point Hope, Wainwright, and Noatak. Southeast Alaska, also known as the panhandle, lies between the Pacific Ocean and Canada and is covered with forests. This region includes cities such as Yakutat and Juneau, the state's capital. Along the Gulf of Alaska, South-central Alaska consists of numerous mountains, fjords, and lakes. Anchorage, Seward, Kodiak Island, and the Kenai Peninsula are located in this region. Southwest Alaska begins with the Aleutian Islands and includes the Bering Sea. The area is home to the state's largest lake, Lake Iliamna, measuring 1,100 square miles and includes cities such as Port Heiden, Hooper Bay, and Unimak. The vast Alaska Interior is located in the lowland between the Brooks and Alaska mountain ranges and consists of Denali National Park and Preserve and cities such as Nenana and Galena. The area contains tundra and forests of birch and spruce trees. Finally, Western Alaska and the Bering Sea coast is primarily tundra underlain with permafrost. Located in this region are the Yukon and Kuskokwim rivers, which flow through the barren land before emptying into the sea.

INTERESTING FACTS

Each Alaska resident is entitled to a portion of the profits of the state's oil industry. The payment, known as the Alaska Oil Dividend, has been fulfilled every fall since 1982. In 2002, residents received about $1,500 each.

Alaska is home to the Iditarod, a famous 1,049-mile dogsled race from Anchorage to Nome. Each year the race attracts outdoor enthusiasts from all over the world. The fastest time in which the race has ever been completed is eight days, 22 hours, and 46 minutes. Cash prizes are awarded to the top 30 finishers with the top prize of $68,000 to the winner. The last "musher" to finish the race receives a red lantern.

SIGHTSEEING ATTRACTIONS

Anchorage
With a population of about a quarter of a million people, Anchorage is the largest metropolis and commercial center of the state. Visitors can see Alaska wildlife, view glaciers and mountains, explore the native cultures, enjoy the summer midnight sun, witness the second highest tides in North America, see the Northern Lights, and much more. Guided tours of the city are available. For more information, visit www.anchorage.net.

Alaska Center for the Performing Arts—Located in the heart of Anchorage, this three-theater complex houses a variety of performing arts events. Visitors can view different kinds of music and dance as well as traveling operas, Broadway musicals, and theater productions. Other events include large-format movies and children's programs. Ticket prices vary by event. (621 W. 6th Ave., 800-GR8-SEAT, www.alaskapac.org)

Alaska Native Heritage Center—The Alaska Native Heritage Center celebrates and shares Alaska's native culture in academic and informal settings. The center contains a large number of indoor exhibits as well as outdoor village sites. Visitors can experience the culture through workshops, guided tours, and demonstrations. Admission extra. (8800 Heritage Center Dr., 907-330-8000, www.alaskanative.net)

Big Game Alaska Wildlife Park—Located on the shores of the Turnagain Arm in Portage Valley, this 140-acre wildlife reserve is surrounded by beautiful mountains and hanging glaciers. Visitors can drive or walk through the park and observe the wildlife while learning about the animals, park, and Portage Valley history. Animals that inhabit the park include bison, moose, elk, caribou, musk oxen, black bears, and a variety of game birds and owls. Admission extra. (907-783-2025, www.biggamealaska.com)

Denali National Park and Preserve
Originally established to protect Alaskan wildlife, Denali National Park encompasses 6 million acres, an area larger than the state of Massachusetts. The park features a sub-arctic ecosystem and contains a spectacular array of wildlife and scenery, including the tallest mountain in North America. Originally named Denali, meaning "the great one," by early Alaskan natives, Mt. McKinley towers 20,320 feet above sea level. Grizzly bears, wolves, dall sheep, moose, and caribou are a few of the 37 mammals that can be seen in the park. Activities include mountaineering, wildlife viewing, skiing, dogsledding, camping, backpacking, and more. Guided tours are available. Admission extra. (907-276-7234 or 800-276-7234, www.nps.gov/dena)

Fairbanks
Visitors to the bustling city of Fairbanks have many opportunities to experience the heritage of Alaska. Although the winters are harsh and yield only three hours of sunlight each day, the summer months prove to be more enjoyable with 22 hours of daylight and average temperatures of 60 degrees. Fairbanks is also the clearest place in the state to view the Northern Lights. For more information, visit www.explorefairbanks.com.

Pioneer Park—Formerly known as Alaskaland, this 44-acre city park features historical establishments from the time of the gold rush. On the west end, Mining Valley features machines used to extract gold, and the nearby Mining Town contains original structures built in the early 1900s. Visitors to the park can also view the Sternwheeler Nenana, a classic paddlewheeler listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Free. (907-459-1087, www.fairbanks-alaska.com/alaskaland.htm)

Trans Alaska Pipeline System—The Trans Alaska Pipeline System runs through Fairbanks and is a sight of interest for visiting guests. The pipeline is 48 inches in diameter and runs nearly 800 miles across the state. Designed to move oil from the North Slope of Alaska to the ice-free port of Valdez, the $8 billion pipeline pumps 47,000 gallons of oil each month.

Kenai Peninsula
The Kenai Peninsula encompasses 9,050 square miles and is within driving distance of Anchorage. The Turnagain Pass, elevated 988 feet, is a popular site for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. The Chugach National Forest contains a maze of creeks and lakes and provides an environment ideal for camping. The small mining community of Hope (pop. 200) offers a number of sightseeing opportunities, including the oldest schoolhouse in Alaska and the Hope and Sunrise Mining Museum. One of the most popular hiking areas on the peninsula is Resurrection Trail. The trail presents opportunities for salmon fishing and moose, caribou, and black bear hunting. The trail can take anywhere from two to six days to cover depending on the pace of the traveler.

Kenai Fjords National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park features 669,983 acres of icebound landscapes and unaltered ecosystems. The fjords are long, steep-sided, glacier-carved valleys filled with ocean waters. Visitors can enjoy many activities at the park. Backpacking, camping, cross-country skiing, hiking, nature walks, and wildlife viewing allow guests to observe mountain goats, moose, bears, wolverines, marmots, and bald eagles. Visitors can also see a variety of sea birds including puffins, kittiwakes, and murres. Much of Kenai Fjords National Park can also be experienced through water activities such as boating, kayaking, and fishing. Visitors share the waters with stellar sea lions, harbor seals, dall porpoises, sea otters, and humpback, killer, and minke whales. Accessible by road only through Exit Glacier, the true splendor of the park is best observed by plane. Air tours and lodging are available. Admission extra. (800-478-8068 or 907-276-6249, www.nps.gov/kefj/)

Nenana
This small town of about 400 residents is located at the convergence of the Tanana and Nenana Rivers. A major point of interest is the historic Alaska State Railroad Museum (free). Also, visitors learn about the annual Nenana Ice Classic, where people guess the exact time that the ice will break on the Tanana River in the spring. A tripod frozen into the river measures the break-up time and winners receive cash prizes.

Seward
Located at the head of Resurrection Bay on the Kenai Peninsula, the city of Seward is an attractive community of about 3,000 residents. Visitors to the city can participate in a variety of activities including sailing, hiking, kayaking, summer dog sled rides, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and some of the finest fishing in the state. Glacier and wildlife cruises are available as well as airplane tours. One of the biggest attractions in Seward is Resurrection Bay. Its shores are only accessible by horseback, and tours are conducted daily. Also along the bay, numerous underwater viewing tanks and interactive exhibits allow sightseers to observe endangered stellar sea lion, harbor seals, and numerous sea birds. Other points of interest include Exit Glacier, the Alaska SeaLife Center, Harding Ice Field, Caines Head State Recreation Area, Chugach National Forest, and Kenai Fjords National Park. For more information, visit www.sewardak.org.

BEST-KEPT SECRETS FROM AMBASSADAIR STAFF

Bill Sharp, Ambassadair Product Development Specialist, thoroughly enjoyed his trip to Alaska in May 2002. He highly recommends visiting remote towns that are less "touristy," and recalled his visit to a small town north of the Arctic Circle as one of his trip's highlights. His trip was taken via air from a chartering company in Fairbanks.

One opportunity that Bill said everyone should take advantage of is a flight around Mt. McKinley. During the one-hour flight, the plane took guests over mountains leading to the Great One, yielding spectacular views as it circled the mountain. For more information, contact Denali National Park at 888-303-1925 or 907-683-1925.

Bill also recommended visiting Rika's Roadhouse. One of the most popular stops on the Alaska Highway, Rika's offers many services to travelers including a bed and breakfast as well as a saloon and gift shop. Around the roadhouse, people can see old farm machinery and cars and walk around the surrounding lakes to view wildlife. Bill recalled a leisurely stroll around one of the lakes when he came face to face with a moose. Although he was nervous at first, Bill was able to take great close-up photographs before the moose ran back into the woods. For more information, visit www.rikas.com or call 907-895-4201.

CULTURE

Alaska is home to 20 native languages and seven distinct cultural groups: Inupiat, Yup'ik/ Siberian Yup'ik, Athabascan, Aleut (Unangan), Sugpiaq, and inhabitants of the Pacific Northwest Coast culture area. Anthropologists believe the first Alaskan peoples migrated thousands of years ago over a land bridge that joined Siberia and Alaska. Today, the cultures continue to thrive and still rely on the land for survival—hunting and fishing predominantly in the summer to build a reserve for the winter season. Organized tours are available in more than a dozen villages.

Inupiat—The Inupiat live along the northern coast, Kenai Peninsula, and Kobuk areas. Coastal Inupiats hunt whale, walrus, seal, and other marine animals, while the interior Inupiats rely mainly on caribou.

Yup'ik/ Siberian Yup'ik—The Yup'ik dwell in southwestern Alaska in the area from Norton Sound to Bristol Bay. They hunt walrus and seal and seek salmon and other fish from the Yukon, Kuskokwim, and Nushagak Rivers. On St. Lawrence Island, the Siberian Yup'ik hunt primarily walrus. They are known for their intricate carvings on ivory walrus tusks.

Athabascan—The Athabascan encompass the largest land base of any group native to Alaska and are located in the interior of the state. During the summer, Athabascans establish fishing camps along the major river systems, and in the winter they hunt caribou, moose, and smaller land animals. Twelve dialects of the Athabascan language are spoken throughout the state today.

Aleut (Unangan)—The Aleut (Unangan) people live on the islands stretching into the Pacific Ocean known as the Aleutian Chain. They hunt and fish marine animals for food, fur, and other necessities. They are expert boat builders and sailors and are well known for their kayaks.

Sugpiaq—The Sugpiaq inhabit Kodiak Island, Alaska Peninsula, and the Prince William Sound area. They were originally misidentified as Aleut by early Russian explorers, but were later found to share similarities with the Yup'ik. The Sugpiaq are well known for their kayaks, baidarkas, and other skin boats.

Tlingit, Haida, and Tsmshian Indians—The Tlingit, Haida, and Tsmshian Indians, located in southeastern Alaska, are considered part of the Pacific Northwest Coast culture area. However, each group is unrelated and speaks a completely different language. These cultures are known for their totem poles and dramatic carvings.

ACCOMMODATIONS

HOLIDAY INN-ANCHORAGE
239 W. 4th Ave.
Anchorage, AK 99501
800-HOLIDAY or 907-279-8671
www.holiday-inn.com

Holiday Inn is located a convenient 7 miles from the Anchorage International Airport in the center of Anchorage's business and travel district. Nearby attractions include the Alaska Experience Theater, Anchorage Museum, Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, Elmendorf Air Force base, and the Cook Inlet. The hotel boasts the largest indoor pool in the city as well as a fitness center and spa. Each room includes an ironing board and iron, coffee maker, and safety deposit box. Golf, tennis, and shopping opportunities are nearby.

Holiday Inn offers the following amenities:

Indoor pool and spa

Fitness center

Dry cleaning and laundry

Cocktail lounge and restaurant

Business services

Complimentary parking

SEWARD WINDSONG LODGE
Mile .5 Exit Glacier/Herman Leirer Rd
Seward, AK 99664
888-959-9590 or 907-224-7116
www.sewardwindsong.com

This lodge is nestled comfortably in a forested setting near the bank of the Resurrection River just minutes from downtown Seward. Guests who enjoy hiking and outdoor activities can take advantage of Exit Glacier, located just 6 miles from the lodge. Exit Glacier is the only point of road access to Kenai Fjords National Park and is one of the few Alaskan glaciers reachable by foot. Also, sightseeing enthusiasts can use the lodge's free shuttle service to the Seward Small Boat Harbor and take a cruise through the waters surrounding the park. Other activities include wildlife viewing and kayaking. Guest rooms at the Seward Windsong Lodge include a mountain or river view, cable television, VCR, and coffeemakers. Suites are also available and include a Jacuzzi tub, microwave, and refrigerator.

Seward Windsong Lodge offers the following amenities:

Courtesy transportation

Restaurant and lounge

Concierge service for tour booking

Gift Shop

HAWTHORN SUITES
1110 West 8th Ave.
Anchorage, AK 99501
888-469-6575 or 907-222-5005
www.hawthorn.com

Located in the heart of downtown Anchorage, Hawthorne Suites offers quality and comfort to all guests. Guests can take time to relax in the indoor pool and spa or jump-start the day with a visit to the fitness center. Each spacious two-room suite contains a refrigerator, microwave, hair dryer, and two 25-inch televisions. Free valet parking and airport shuttles are also available.

Hawthorne Suites offers the following amenities:

Guest laundry

Free valet parking

Complimentary espresso and juice bar

Indoor pool and spa

Fitness center

Free airport transportation

Cable TV with HBO and a Nintendo 64

Restaurant

PIKE'S WATERFRONT LODGE
1850 Hoselton Rd.
Fairbanks, AK 99709
877-774-2400 or 907-456-4500
www.pikeslodge.com

Pike's Waterfront Lodge is located on the banks of the scenic Chena River. Guests enjoy a luxurious steam room and sauna, an exercise room, and a two-story lobby filled with original art. Each guest room includes an ironing board and iron, hair dryer, cable television with Nintendo, and complimentary coffee, tea, and stationery. Next to the lodge is Pike's Landing, famous for fine dining.

Pike's Waterfront Lodge offers the following amenities:

Free transportation to the airport and train depot

Exercise room

Steam room and sauna

Business service

Concierge service

Handicap accessible

GRANDE DENALI
P.O. box 72430
Fairbanks, AK 99707
866-683-8500 or 907-683-8500
www.grandedenali.com

The Grande Denali offers 154 of the largest rooms in the city and is located high in the Alaska Range. Guests can enjoy views of the mountains and the Nenana River Canyon from a comfortable sitting area complete with a stone fireplace. The concierge service can book tours for additional sightseeing, hiking, white-water rafting, horseback riding, and mountain climbing tours. Bedrooms include two queen beds, a television, telephone with data port, coffeemaker, air conditioning, and hair dryer.

Grande Denali offers the following amenities:

Courtesy shuttle service

Gift shop

Restaurant

Peak Experience Theater

Tour desk

Guest laundry

DENALI BLUFFS HOTEL
P.O. Box 72460
Fairbanks, AK 99707
800-488-7002 or 907-683-7000
www.denalialaska.com/bluffs_index.html

Located on the Parks Highway, Denali Bluffs Hotel is the closest hotel to the Denali National Park and Preserve entrance. The Alaska Range surrounds the hotel and most rooms have private balconies overlooking the mountains. Each room contains two double beds, a television, telephone, coffee maker, table and chairs, refrigerator, and full bath.

Denali Bluffs Hotel offers the following amenities:

Courtesy shuttle service

Guest laundry

Cafe

Gift shop

Sitting areas with fireplace

Activities desk

ALASKA BY SEA

Because Alaska contains about 33,900 miles of seacoast, touring the state by sea is an excellent way to view the fantastic scenery presented by the glaciers and mountains lining Alaska's coast. Cruise ship guests find ample opportunity to view marine wildlife, such as Orca whales and seals, and can experience the true Alaskan environment either from the comfort of the decks or by joining any number of available outdoor activities. To book a cruise or for more information about Alaska by Sea, contact the Ambassadair cruise desk at 317-240-7465.

CRUISE ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS

Ketchikan
Located on the Alaska panhandle, Ketchikan was the first city in Alaska. With beautiful forests, glaciers, and fjords, Ketchikan offers many exciting opportunities to view wildlife and experience Alaskan culture.

Tongass National Forest—Roughly the size of New Jersey, the Tongass National Forest is home to more than 400 species of land and marine wildlife. Visitors can take kayaks and canoes to view whales and marine life in the saltwater fjords or stay on land to hike and explore world-class caves. Bald eagles, sand hill cranes, countless deer and bears, and other animals walk freely throughout the park and create exciting wildlife viewing opportunities. Admission extra. (www.fs.fed.us/r10/tongass)

Alaskan Heritage Gems and Gifts—Located directly across from the cruise ship dock, this unique gift shop features an extensive collection of Alaska native hand-crafted gifts and souvenirs. Visitors can purchase carvings from soapstone, whalebone, fossilized ivory, and antlers, or browse the selection of fine jewelry. Alaskan Heritage Gems and Gifts also has the largest selection of authentic Eskimo dolls. (216 Front St., 907-225-8833)

Juneau
Located on the Alaska panhandle, the capital city of Juneau has a population of 30,903 residents and is home to many sightseeing and historical attractions.

Alaska State Museum—The Alaska State Museum houses some of the state's largest native Alaskan art collections as well as numerous contemporary exhibitions. Visitors can learn about Alaska's art on scheduled guided tours or observe the pieces independently. Afterward, visit the museum's gift shop to purchase gifts and souvenirs. Admission extra. (395 Whittier St., 907-465-2901) Click here for more information.

Mount Roberts Tramway—The Mt. Roberts Tramway links Juneau's waterfront with the alpine reaches of Mt. Roberts. The tramway carries you from a height of 27 feet to an astounding 2,000 feet in a matter of minutes, and offers a spectacular view of Admiralty Island, the Glacier Bay area, and the Chilkat mountains. At the top of Mt. Roberts, visitors can enjoy a dinner theater, restaurant, observatory, nature center, gift shop, and a number of trails leading to the peak of the mountain. Admission extra. (490 S. Franklin St., 888-461-8726 or 907-463-3412) Click here for more information.

Skagway
This gold-rush town is filled with quaint shops and cafés and is rich with tradition. Visitors can experience the history and excitement that the Gold Rush of 1897-98 brought to the town through many different sightseeing opportunities.

Klondike Gold Dredge Tour—This fun, entertaining tour of the Klondike Gold Dredge is an exciting way to learn about the history of the gold rush in the town of Skagway. Employees, or "characters," are dressed in attire from the time of the 1898 gold rush and lead visitors through a tour of the dredge while reenacting events that occurred long ago. View a short film and participate in gold panning. Afterward, they can stop by the gift shop to pick up souvenirs of the trip. Admission is extra and shuttle service is available to select locations. (Mile 1.7 Klondike Hwy., 907-983-3175) Click here to visit the tour's web site.

Glacier Bay
Visitors to the Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve are surrounded with majestic mountain scenery and endless green forest yielding only to the sea and freshwater lakes. Glacier Bay is home to mountains rising to 15,000 feet, coastal beaches with protected coves, deep fjords, and tidewater glaciers. Visitors can partake in numerous activities such as bird watching, backpacking, hiking, mountaineering, wildlife viewing, and guided nature walks. On the water, guests are given opportunities to kayak, raft, fish, or participate in boating tours of the park's waters. (Click here to visit the park's web site.)

OPTIONAL TOURS

Ambassadair Travel Club offers several optional tours in Alaska. You may book these before each trip departs by calling 800-225-9919. A Travel Counselor will inform you of the date and price for each tour. A Travel Director escorts most tours and will provide necessary information on site. Depending on the length of trip, optional tours may vary.

TOURS AVAILABLE FOR ANCHORAGE

Anchorage City Sightseeing Tour—Experience the sights of Alaska's largest city with this behind-the-scenes sightseeing tour of Anchorage. Hear tales of the city's early days as you visit sites including Ship Creek, Earthquake Park, and Lake Hood/Lake Spenard, which is home to the world's busiest float plane base.

Portage Valley Adventure—Travel south of Anchorage and experience the beauty and grandeur of the Portage River Valley, which is home to wildlife ranging from beluga whales to dall sheep. During the tour, make a visit to Alyeska Prince Resort and have lunch at one of the fine restaurants, or take a tram up Mt. Alyeska for a deli style lunch. We also make a visit to Big Game Alaska Wildlife Center, which covers 140 acres and is home to a wide variety of animals, many of which are orphaned or injured when they arrive at the park.

Alaska Railroad to Spencer Glacier and Grandview—Take the Alaska Railroad's Glacier Discovery on a spectacular ride into the Chugach Mountains. Rugged gorges, spectacular peaks, and a glacier-carved valley surround you as you travel through wilderness areas accessible only by train or foot. This tour offers the option of taking the full ride to Grandview or hopping off the train at Spencer Glacier for a two-hour float trip among icebergs and down the Placer River.

TOURS AVAILABLE FOR ALASKA SAMPLER

Denali
Denali Dinner Theater—Start your visit in Denali with this rollicking musical comedy. Set in a rustic camp house reminiscent of the gold-rush era, the evening starts with a hearty family-style meal featuring smokehouse baby back ribs, Alaskan salmon, and mouth-watering accompaniments. The dinner theater is located at the Denali Princess Lodge, 1 mile from the Denali Park entrance. Dress is casual. (Contact 800-208-0200, or click here).

Whitewater Rafting or Scenic Float Adventure—Each option is approximately three hours with a total of two hours on the water. The Canyon Run is an exciting whitewater adventure! The Scenic Float is great for families and enjoying the scenic beauty.

Helicopter Excursion—Enjoy a 50-minute helicopter thrill as you soar and view wildlife and alpine glaciers along the Alaska Range and Mt. McKinley. An incredible experience!

Seward
Alaska SeaLife Center—The Alaska SeaLife Center is dedicated to understanding and maintaining the integrity of the marine ecosystems of Alaska through research, rehabilitation, and public education. Visitors to the center can watch puffins fly through underwater skies and meet sea lions and harbor seals eye to eye. Learn about octopus, halibut, kittiwakes, and more.

TOURS AVAILABLE FOR ALASKA EXPLORER

Seward
Alaska SeaLife Center—Please refer to the description of this tour in the previous section.

Fairbanks
Arctic Circle Air Adventure—Make the most of this rare opportunity to cross into the Arctic Circle on this thrilling four-hour tour. Fully narrated, the tour covers the Brooks Range,views of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline and the mighty Yukon River, and is highlighted with a landing above the Arctic Circle.

Denali
Whitewater Rafting or Scenic Float Adventure—Each option is approximately three hours with a total of two hours on the water. The Canyon Run is an exciting whitewater adventure. The Scenic Float is great for families and enjoying the scenic beauty.

Helicopter Excursion—Please refer to the description of this tour in the previous section.

DINING

Anchorage
Sourdough Mining Company—Located in downtown Anchorage, Sourdough Mining Company provides a unique dining experience in a recreated old mill house. Menu items include seafood, barbecued specialties, salads, sandwiches, and the restaurant's famous "Korn Fritters" with whipped honey butter. For dessert, guests can pile their plates high as they build their own sundaes, and after dinner, the Creekside Saloon offers cocktails with a scenic view of the salmon-filled creek running through the backyard. Open daily for lunch, Mo-Sa for dinner Free round-trip shuttle service is available from any Anchorage hotel. (5200 Juneau St., 907-563-2272, www.alaskaone.com/aksourdough)

ORSO Ristorante—ORSO offers authentic Alaskan cuisine inspired by the tastes and style of Italy. Menu items include shrimp, halibut, pasta, salmon, calamari, crab, and an extensive dessert menu. Guests can also sample the many fine wines that ORSO carries. Open for lunch and dinner. (737 W. 5th Ave. Suite 110, 907-222-3232, www.info@orsoalaska.com)

Cottage Boutique and Bakery—Located across from the Hilton, this establishment offers specialized shopping and homemade baked goods. The boutique side of the building contains exquisite evening handbags and jewelry along with women's fleece apparel and Alaskan artwork. After perusing the selection, shoppers can visit the bakery side and taste homemade yeast-raised cinnamon rolls and muffins. Other items include sugar buns, cookies, fat-free sourdough rolls, croissants, and cakes. Cottage Boutique and Bakery also makes Alaskan animal cookies for kids and treats for pets. The selection of espresso drinks, coffee, juices, fruits, eggs, and cheeses make the bakery an ideal spot for breakfast on the go. (523 W. 3rd Ave., 907-929-2253)

Corsair Restaurant and Lounge—Located directly across from the main entrance of Hotel Captain Cook, the Corsair Restaurant and Lounge offers a fine dining experience in a formal atmosphere. Tuxedo-clad servers prepare items such as Caesar salad, flaming spinach salad, bananas foster, and cafe diable tableside as guests look on from their high back fan booths. Other menu items include steaks, seafood, fine desserts, and more than 800 different wine selections. Open for dinner only. Closed Sunday and major holidays. Reservations recommended. (944 W. 5th Ave., 907-278-4502, www.corsairrestaurant.com)

Fairbanks
Alaska Salmon Bake—Located in Pioneer Park, Alaska Salmon Bake offers delicious Alaskan cuisine. King salmon, halibut, cod, and ribs are grilled over an open alder fire to create a unique flavor as guests watch. Served from 5-9 pm in the summer, all-you-care-to-eat dinner with children's menus available. Next door to the restaurant is the Pick 'N Poke Gift Shop, which features souvenirs and native Alaskan crafts. Also nearby is the Palace Saloon where guests can enjoy an after-dinner drink and live entertainment. (800-354-7274 or 907-452-7274, www.akvisit.com/salmon.html)

ENTERTAINMENT

Anchorage
H2Oasis Indoor Water Park—The H2Oasis water park is the first indoor water park in Alaska. Roughly the size of a football field and three stories high, H2Oasis contains a 575-foot lazy river that encircles the park, a water coaster, body slide, wave pool, children's lagoon, and six water cannons. Other features include a food court, gift shop, game room, changing rooms, lockers, and tanning beds. Admission extra. (1520 O'Malley Rd., 888-426-2747 or 907-522-4420, www.h2oasiswaterpark.com)

Chilkoot Charlie's—Chilkoot Charlie's offers a rustic Alaska atmosphere complete with sawdust on the floor. Visitors can enjoy three stages that host live bands, three dance floors, and nine different bars with padded tree stumps and beer kegs for seating. Chilkoot Charlie's is the largest bar in Alaska and contains a Swing Bar featuring big bands and black and white movies as well as a Russian Room and Soviet Walk with memorabilia from Czarist Russia. Entertainment is provided nightly by two live bands and costumed bartenders. Cover charge. (2435 Spenard Rd., 907-272-1010, www.koots.com)

Blues Central—Voted best live music club in Anchorage, Blues Central provides the soulful sound of blues music in a laid-back atmosphere. Bands perform nightly as the audience enjoys a casual dining experience and famous bar drinks. On Sundays, local blues artists are pulled out of the audience and given a chance to perform on stage. Blues Central is open for lunch and dinner. Cover charge. (825 W. Northern Lights Blvd., 907-272-1341, www.bluescentral.net)

Fairbanks
El Dorado Gold Mine—Meaning "a place of gold," El Dorado is located in a historic mine district where the gold rush began in 1902. Visitors can participate in a train tour through a permafrost tunnel where they learn what rock and mineral formations produce the most gold and see prehistoric bones more than 230,000 years old. During a walking tour through a mining camp, current miners talk about modern gold mining techniques. Finally, at the end of the tour, guests are given the opportunity to pan for gold and experience the excitement of discovering real Alaskan gold. Admission extra. (1975 Discovery Dr., 866-479-6673, www.eldoradogoldmine.com)

SHOPPING

Alaska offers a number of shopping opportunities, from local shops with authentic Alaskan art and handmade souvenirs to large shopping centers and malls in metropolitan areas. Because Alaska does not have statewide sales tax, visitors take advantage of Alaska's wide selection at reasonable prices.

Anchorage
Oomingmak Musk Ox Producers' Co-operative—Oomingmak features hand-knit garments such as scarves, hats, and coats made from qiviut, the under wool of the musk ox. Qiviut is eight times warmer than wool and does not shrink in any temperature of water. Oomingmak is owned by approximately 250 native Alaskan women from different coastal villages who hand knit each item with patterns unique to each culture. (604 H St., 888-360-9665 or 907-272-9225, www.qiviut.com)

Anchorage Saturday Market—Established in 1992 with about two dozen vendors, the Anchorage Saturday Market provides a unique open-air shopping experience overlooking Ship Creek and the Cook Inlet. Today, nearly 300 vendors set up shop and sell everything from Alaskan-grown produce and seafood to handmade crafts and collectibles. The market is open every Saturday during the summer season. For more Information click here. (741 East 13th Ave., 907-272-5634)

The Rusty Harpoon—Visitors searching for Alaskan gifts and souvenirs, as well as an opportunity to view fine Alaskan art, can take advantage of The Rusty Harpoon gift shop and gallery. Ivory, fossil whale bone, and jade and soapstone carvings can be purchased, as well as jewelry made from jade, silver, gold, and ivory. The Rusty Harpoon has a wide selection of authentic goods made by Alaska natives. (411 W. 4th Ave., 907-278-9011, www.rustyharpoongifts.com)

Dimond Center—The Dimond Center is the largest mall in Alaska. The Dimond Center contains nationally recognized stores such as Gap, Best Buy, and Footlocker as well as stores unique to Alaska such as Alaska Crystal Cache, Remember Alaska, and Mermaid Imports. The center of the mall contains a large ice-skating rink, where visitors are welcome to rent a pair of skates and take a break from their day of shopping. The mall also includes a movie theater, athletic club, bowling alley, public library, childcare center, and numerous professional services. (800 E. Dimond Blvd., www.dimondcenter.com)

Fairbanks
The Knotty Shop—The Knotty Shop is popular with both visitors and residents of Fairbanks. Attractions include 50 antique handguns, a wildlife museum, and a hand-carved 50-foot totem pole. Visitors enjoy The Knotty Shop's famous ice cream as they peruse the selection of Alaskan gifts and souvenirs. (6565 Richardson Hwy., 907-488-3014, www.alaskangifts.com)

Seward
Once in a Blue Moose—Located near the SeaLife Center, Once in a Blue Moose is a family-owned and operated gift store with seven locations throughout Alaska. From jewelry and collectibles to T-shirts and slippers, visitors can find perfect gifts for family and friends. (230 4th Ave., 907-224-5335 or 888-490-1898, www.onceinabluemoose.com)

WEATHER AND TIME ZONE

With the exception of St. Lawrence Island and the Aleutian Chain, Alaska is located in the Alaska Time Zone, which is four hours behind Eastern Standard Time. The Aleutian Chain and St. Lawrence Island are located in the Hawaiian-Aleutian Time Zone, which is six hours behind EST.

Visitors may be surprised at how warm Alaska can be during the summer months. South-central Alaska, which includes Anchorage, the Cook Inlet, and the Kenai Peninsula, experiences temperatures in the 60s during the summer, but higher elevations yield cooler temperatures. This same region reaches an average temperature of -20°F in the winter.

In parts of the state, periods of daylight reach nearly 24 hours during the summer, allowing visitors ample time to enjoy the mild weather and see the sights. In Anchorage, summer daylight lasts for 19.5 hours, and Fairbanks remains bright for 22 hours each day.

GETTING AROUND

Because of Alaska's vast size and geography consisting of mountain ranges, tundra, seacoast, and forest, getting around the state using one form of transportation can be difficult. In order to ensure that you take in the best of what Alaska has to offer, using multiple methods of transportation is recommended.

Air
Much of Alaska's mountain majesty cannot be fully experienced from the ground. Air tours are provided to ensure that visitors have ample opportunity to view scenery inaccessible by ground routes. Aside from flightseeing opportunities, air taxi and air charters also allow guests to visit remote locations and smaller towns.

Sea
Because Alaska consists of 33,900 miles of seacoast, many visitors take advantage of cruises and boating tours. Guests can explore the fjords and glaciers and view marine wildlife such as whales, seals, and sea birds.

Rail
The Alaska Railroad runs year-round from Anchorage to Fairbanks through Denali National Park. During the summer, visitors can ride the train from Anchorage to Seward or Whittier or take the White Pass and Yukon Route narrow-gauge railroad from Skagway to the summit of White Pass. For more information, call 907-265-2300, or visit www.alaskarailroad.com.

Road
The Alaska Highway connects the main areas of Alaska and is an easy way to explore the state. During the drive, visitors can enjoy the scenic mountains on the horizon and take advantage of the services offered along the way. Rental cars are available in most cities.

PACKING SUGGESTIONS

Because of varying temperatures, wearing layers of clothing is recommended to ensure comfort. Rain gear and hiking boots are recommended for summer visits and specialized cold-weather gear is vital for mountaineering and winter visits. Alaska has a very outdoor and rugged nature and visitors have little need for dressy clothes, even in the cities. Comfortable walking shoes are essential.