Explore the final frontier
ALASKA is known as the world’s final frontier.
The landscape of the US state is largely untouched by man-made inventions. The biggest city, Anchorage, is home to fewer than 300,000 people and is framed by glacial peaks.
State capital Juneau lacks any inbound roads and can only be visited by cruise or plane.
The region is home to 17 national parks.
Between them visitors will be amazed by a landscape scattered with mountain ranges, volcanos, wild rivers and vast tundra.
The largest national park, Wrangell-St Elias, is home to the town.best remaining example of a
20th century copper mining It’s a place where animals roam freely in mountainous peaks or even on the town’s roads.
Millions of salmon swirl in the river, wolves howl in the night, bald eagles soar in the sky and wild moose stop the traffic.
Native and aboriginal culture can also be found around every corner.
From traditional music and dance to beautiful Native art, there are many opportunities for visitors to experience Alaska’s culture and history.
You can visit the world’s largest collection of totem poles in Saxman and Totem Bight State Park, just outside Ketchikan.
The Sitka National Historic Park preserves the site of an ancient battle between Russian traders and Tlinget people. You’ll find the restored Russian Bishop’s House, which tells the story of Russia’s little known colonial legacy in North America.
Heading back to city life, you’ll find the Anchorage Museum in the Rasmuson Centre. It highlights arts, culture and science in a permanent collection and the attached Arctic Studies Centre houses more than 600 Native artefacts.
With so much to see, a tour is probably the best way to get the most out of your Alaska trip.
Whether this is a cruise through the Inside Passage, a drive along the Glenn Highway National Scenic Byway, or a flight around the top of Mount McKinley – Alaska demands that you put on your explorer’s hat.
To create your Alaska itinerary, call Barrhead Travel’s Canada and Alaska team on 0141 250 7920.