Amid the wild countryside that crowds around it on all sides, Anchorage has grown into a spirited, cosmopolitan city - by far Alaska's largest and most sophisticated. The relative affluence of its largely white-collar population - with a sprinkling of olive drab from nearby military bases - attracts fine restaurants and pricey shops, first-rate entertainment, and world-class sporting events. Flashy modern towers punctuate the skyline, and colorful flowers spill from hundreds of baskets on downtown lampposts. Traffic from the city's busy international airport, served by more than 15 international and domestic airlines, lends a more cosmopolitan air than you might expect from a city with a only 258,000 residents - nearly half the people in the state. Yet despite the 14 McDonald's, 2 Wal-Marts, and a 16-plex movie theater, the city has not entirely lost touch with its frontier spirit. Sled-dog races are still revered events, and moose and bear sightings in downtown Anchorage or on the Coastal Trail that rims the water are not uncommon. And the rugged countryside is just a short drive away. First incorporated in 1920, Anchorage is still a young city. Its citizens' median age of 30 years and an aggressive style make this - and not the capital city of Juneau - the state's power center. Nearly everything was built in the last few decades. An Anchorage home dating from the 1950s almost merits historic status. In addition to acting as the center for oil development in the state, Anchorage hustles its living as a government, banking, transportation, and communications hub. Anchorage residents are primarily from elsewhere in America - they include oil workers from such conservative oil-patch states as Oklahoma and Texas - and the attitudes they bring have fueled the conservative, pro-development mentality that characterizes the city and Alaska as a whole. Although representing less than 8% of the population, Alaskan Native peoples add an important cultural dimension. A growing Asian population is also having an impact, with well-stocked Asian food stores and restaurants an increasingly familiar sight. Anchorage got its start with the construction of the federally built Alaska Railroad, completed in 1917, and traces of the city's railroad heritage remain today. Once the tracks were laid, the town grew because its pioneer forerunners actively sought growth by hook and - not infrequently - by crook. City officials used to delight in telling how they tricked a visiting member of Congress into dedicating a site for a not-yet-approved federal hospital. Boom and bust periods followed major events: an influx of military bases during World War II; a massive buildup of Arctic missile-warning stations during the Cold War; reconstruction following the devastating Good Friday earthquake of 1964; and in the late 1960s the biggest bonanza of all - the discovery of oil at Prudhoe Bay and the construction of the trans-Alaska pipeline. Not surprisingly, Anchorage positioned itself as the perfect home for the new pipeline administrators and support industries, and it attracts a large share of the state's oil-tax dollars. In the last decade, Anchorage has become an increasingly important focus of travelers to Alaska. The central location, relatively mild climate, and excellent transportation system make it a natural place to begin or end a trip. Amid the wild countryside that crowds around it on all sides, Anchorage has grown into a spirited, cosmopolitan city - by far Alaska's largest and most sophisticated. The relative affluence of its largely white-collar population - with a sprinkling of olive drab from nearby military bases - attracts fine restaurants and pricey shops, first-rate entertainment, and world-class sporting events. Flashy modern towers punctuate the skyline, and colorful flowers spill from hundreds of baskets on downtown lampposts. Traffic from the city's busy international airport, served by more than 15 international and domestic airlines, lends a more cosmopolitan air than you might expect from a city with a only 258,000 residents - nearly half the people in the state. Yet despite the 14 McDonald's, 2 Wal-Marts, and a 16-plex movie theater, the city has not entirely lost touch with its frontier spirit. Sled-dog races are still revered events, and moose and bear sightings in downtown Anchorage or on the Coastal Trail that rims the water are not uncommon. And the rugged countryside is just a short drive away. First incorporated in 1920, Anchorage is still a young city. Its citizens' median age of 30 years and an aggressive style make this - and not the capital city of Juneau - the state's power center. Nearly everything was built in the last few decades. An Anchorage home dating from the 1950s almost merits historic status. In addition to acting as the center for oil development in the state, Anchorage hustles its living as a government, banking, transportation, and communications hub. Anchorage residents are primarily from elsewhere in America - they include oil workers from such conservative oil-patch states as Oklahoma and Texas - and the attitudes they bring have fueled the conservative, pro-development mentality that characterizes the city and Alaska as a whole. Although representing less than 8% of the population, Alaskan Native peoples add an important cultural dimension. A growing Asian population is also having an impact, with well-stocked Asian food stores and restaurants an increasingly familiar sight. Anchorage got its start with the construction of the federally built Alaska Railroad, completed in 1917, and traces of the city's railroad heritage remain today. Once the tracks were laid, the town grew because its pioneer forerunners actively sought growth by hook and - not infrequently - by crook. City officials used to delight in telling how they tricked a visiting member of Congress into dedicating a site for a not-yet-approved federal hospital. Boom and bust periods followed major events: an influx of military bases during World War II; a massive buildup of Arctic missile-warning stations during the Cold War; reconstruction following the devastating Good Friday earthquake of 1964; and in the late 1960s the biggest bonanza of all - the discovery of oil at Prudhoe Bay and the construction of the trans-Alaska pipeline. Not surprisingly, Anchorage positioned itself as the perfect home for the new pipeline administrators and support industries, and it attracts a large share of the state's oil-tax dollars. In the last decade, Anchorage has become an increasingly important focus of travelers to Alaska. The central location, relatively mild climate, and excellent transportation system make it a natural place to begin or end a trip.

Juneau, Alaska's capital is the third largest city in the state. Like Alaska, Juneau is full of contrasts, a sophisticated cosmopolitan city in the heart of the Tongass National Forest. Nestled at the base of towering mountains overlooking the Gastineau Channel, the community's rich culture and history is displayed throughout the town and in several local museums. Travelers can hike miles of scenic trails through temperate rainforest, tidal beaches and up mountains capped by alpine meadows. The area's stunning beauty is best viewed from the air and sea. Helicopters and fixed-wing air craft whisk visitors up to the spectacular Juneau Icefield. While fleets of marine vessels stand ready to provide personal encounters with Southeast Alaska abundant aquatic wildlife. View the Mendenhall Glacier, the state's top attraction. Its impressive face is roughly 100 feet high and 1.5 mile wide. The U.S. Forest Service observatory provides visitors with rare insight to glacial movements. Because of Juneau location, the area offers convenient access to Glacier Bay National Park, Tracy Arm Fjord, the Taku River, Admiralty Island & Pack Creek Bear Preserve, as well as a host of secluded wilderness resorts. Whether it's the serenity of an alpine meadow or the thrill of witnessing a breaching whale, adventure runs wild in Juneau.

Ketchikan, Alaska's fourth largest city, is only roughly three square miles in area. With a population of over 8000 year-round residents and daily jet and marine services, Ketchikan looks forward to a bright future future in tourism and fishing industries, as it transitions from its timber based economy. Ketchikan is also the first city as one travels north on the Inside Passage and the gateway to Misty Fiords National Monument and Wilderness. This pristine wilderness encompasses over over 3,570 square miles within Tongass National Forest. Ketchikan is known as the "Salmon Capital of the World." King, silver, red, pink, and chum abound in the waters surrounding Ketchikan and Prince of Wales Island. Fishing is also excellent for halibut, red snapper, and cod. Freshwater fishing in area lakes and streams reveal dolley varden, grayling, steelhead, rainbow and cutthroat trout. Lodges, hotels, and b&bs work closely with the many local charter operations to bring you an angling experience like none other. Ketchikan hosts a number of festivities ranging from a Mayfest, fishing derbies and a blueberry festival to Ketchikan's famous timber carnival during the July 4th celebration. Native culture is celebrated during the Festival of the North in February. Also in February is the Taste of Ketchikan food and art festival. Many visitors book charter boats for fishing, kayaking, and sightseeing. The largest collection of totem poles in the world is found at Totem Bight State Historical park, north of town; Saxman Native Village, south of town; and the Totem Heritage Center Museum. There are numerous recreational activities within Misty Fiords, including kayak trips, but the only safe camping is among trees above high-tide lines. Firewood is plentiful, but usually wet. The best way to see Misty Fiords is aboard a cabin cruiser or other vessels with sleeping accommodations. Wildlife in Ketchikan When you visit Ketchikan, you will have the unique opportunity to witness the myriad of Alaskan wildlife that the area has to offer.Both brown bear and black bears are common in Southeast Alaska. While there are no brown bears (or grizzlies) on Revillagigedo Island, there are on the neighboring islands such as Admirality. Sitka black-tailed deer, wolves, mountain goats, elk, moose, beaver, mink, marten, wolverines and river otters are other common mammals found in the area. Orca and humpback whales, porpoises, sea lions, seals and sea ducks are at home in ocean waters.If you are lucky, you might spot a tufted puffin on the west coast of Prince of Wales Island. The southeast Alaska ecosystem also is habitat for large numbers of birds, ranging from hummingbirds and trumpeter swans to herons and an incredible number of bald eagles. Keep an eye out for the eagles along streams and shorlines, where they are most likely to feed. Wildlife viewing is available year-round in the area, particularly in the Misty Fiords National Monument and Wilderness within Tongass National Forest.

Situated at the head of Resurrection Bay on the Kenai Peninsula, Seward is one of Alaska’s oldest and most scenic communities. Known as the "Gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park" Seward is a picturesque town located 126 miles south of Anchorage. Visitors can easily reach us via the Seward Highway Scenic Byway, the Alaska Railroad, bus, air, or cruise ship. Upon your arrival you will discover our bustling harbor and historic downtown district filled with quaint shops and art galleries. Experience trophy sport fishing, glacier and wildlife cruises, sailing, hiking, kayaking, flightseeing, summer dog sled rides, and more. Seward is also a winter wonderland offering cross-country skiing and snowmachining adventures. At 3,022 feet, towering Mt. Marathon provides a breathtaking backdrop for the town. Behind Mt. Marathon and extending down the coast lies the Harding Icefield, measuring 35 by 20 miles. Flowing from the Harding Icefield are many glaciers, eight of which are tidewater glaciers, calving icebergs into the sea, reaching the coastline between Seward and Homer. A wide range of accommodations, restaurants, RV parks, tent camping, and visitor services are available. Wherever you go in Seward, you’ll find friendly hospitality and a sense of pride among our residents. We invite you to visit our community anytime of year and experience the real Alaska!

Some people come to Vancouver to get away from it all and to leave the stress of work and city living behind. Some come to enjoy the wide-open spaces, the sandy beaches, majestic rainforest and rugged West Coast mountains. Others come to try their hand at skiing, windsurfing, scuba diving or inline skating. Some come with families in tow excited about visiting the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre, Science World and the Kids Only market. Still others come to enjoy world-class entertainment, fantastic cuisine and some of the finest and most eclectic shopping around. We invite you to visit our glorious city and have the time of your life.