Page 744 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - USA

742  ALASK A & HA W AI ‘ I

Alaska Practical Information DIRECTORY
Traveling around the largest state in the US requires a great Tourist Information
deal of advance planning. From endless snowfields, towering Alaska Travel Industry
mountains, majestic rainforests, sweeping tundra, active Association (ATIA)
volcanoes, and the spectacular northern lights to some Tel (907) 929­2842,
of the world’s most abundant wildlife preserves, Alaska has (800) 862­5275.
much to offer its visitors. Although traveling in Alaska is ∑ travelalaska.com
more expensive than in other parts of the country, visitors ∑ alaskatia.org
on a small budget can also have a memorable trip.
Travel
Tourist Information
The large, comfortable, and well­ Alaska Airlines
The best source of travel infor­ equipped ships carry hundreds Tel (800) 426­0333.
mation is the very comprehensive of vehicles and feature cabins, ∑ alaskaair.com
Alaska Vacation Planner, multiple dining areas, and
published by the Alaska Travel onboard naturalists. The pace is Alaska Direct Bus Line
Industry Association (ATIA). The relaxed and the atmosphere is Tel (800) 770­6652.
ATIA is run jointly by the state very casual; some travelers even ∑ alaskadirectbusline.com
and various travel businesses. sleep under the stars on the
Many regional tourism councils outer deck. Book well in advance Alaska Marine
also publish brochures on travel for this popular ferry service. Highway System
in their areas. However, driving within Alaska Tel (907) 465­3941, (800) 642­
involves long distances; be 0066. ∑ ferryalaska.com
especially careful of collisions
Getting Around with moose and other wildlife. Alaska Railroad
Visitors have a number of Tel (907) 265­2494,
transportation options. Alaska (800) 544­0552.
Airlines flights link larger cities Natural Hazards ∑ alaskarailroad.com
and towns, while smaller “bush” Most travelers visit Alaska in the
planes take visitors to more milder summer season between
remote areas. The state­run late May and early­September. at different times of the year.
Alaska Railroad connects Even so, bring a jacket and warm Starting in March, the famous
Fairbanks, Anchorage, Seward, clothes for chilly nights. Summer Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race
and Denali National Park. The also brings the worst of Alaska’s runs between Anchorage and
main intercity bus service, insects, mainly mosquitoes and Nome. April sees the Alaska
Alaska Direct Bus Line, has blackflies. Backcountry travelers Folk Festival held in Juneau.
year­round service. also need to take precautions in The Alaska State Fair (August)
A government­operated bear country. Park Service or in Palmer is famous for its
ferry service, the Alaska Forest Service rangers can pumpkins and cabbages,
Marine Highway System, links provide safety tips. which grow to world­record
towns throughout southeast, sizes under the state’s 24­hour
south central, and the Alaska Festivals sunshine. On October 18th,
peninsula, with service the Alaska Day Celebration,
extending as far south as There are a number of special the day Alaska was bought
Bellingham, Washington. events taking place in Alaska from Russia by the US, livens
up the Colonial town of Sitka.
The Climate of Alaska
ANCHORAGE Outdoor Activities
Although situated near the
Arctic Circle, weather patterns 65/18 The vast majority of Alaska
vary a great deal in Alaska. °F/C is set aside as public land,
Winters are cold and dark, but 49/9 making the state a paradise
summer with its warm weather 32°F 44/7 43/6 for hikers, fishermen, and
and long days is the prime 0°C other outdoor enthusiasts.
season for visitors. In the state’s 27/­3 19/­7 Trekking, mountain climbing,
northern tier, the sun does not 15 13 29/­2 5/­15 skiing, rafting, kayaking, and
11
10
set for two months of the year, days days days days whale­watching are some of
and there is daylight for as many
as 22 hours each day in June at 0.7 1.8 2 0.8 the activities that visitors can
Fairbanks. July is the rainiest in in in in enjoy here. Most tourist offices
month. Most coastal cruises take month Apr Jul Oct Jan provide information and
place in the summer. details of outdoor pursuits
that Alaska has to offer.

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