The Totem Bight State Historical Park, with its collection of replica totem poles and a tribal house, overlooks the Tongass National Forest, the largest in the USA and home to more than 50 species of birds, mountain goats, orca whales and glacier bear.

Excursions include a boat or plane trip into the Misty Fjords National Monument. The coastal rain forests and glacial fjords shelter many species of land animals and sea life.

Attractions range from the Alaskaland Theme Park to the University of Alaska Fairbanks Museum.
Throughout the winter, Fairbanks hosts world-class sled-dog races, ice-sculpting competitions and skiing events.

The most sought after winter attraction, however, is the aurora borealis, which lights up the northern skies (best from December to March). A popular excursion is to the Chena Hot Springs resort, some 95km (60 miles) east of the city.

Earthquake (North America’s strongest) can be seen at Earthquake Park, while admission to the Alaska Experience Center includes a film on this devastating event. A wealth of local history can be seen at the Heritage Library and Museum, the Anchorage Museum of History and Art, the Oscar Anderson House Museum, and the Alaska Native Heritage Center, situated some 10km (6 miles) east of the city.

A short trip north of town leads to the Eagle River Visitor Center and the alpine beauty of Chugach State Park. Also north of the city, at Eklutna Village Historical Park, highlights include St Nicholas Russian Church and the brightly painted ’spirit houses’. South of Anchorage, at Girdwood, visitors can try their luck by panning for gold nuggets at Crow Creek Mine.

SNOWMOBILING: There is so much to do in Stewart and Hyder during the winter months, such as snowmobiling. It is a treat on our glacier capped mountains. Believe it or not, but we have snowmobiling all year round! Bet you can’t find that everywhere. Our snow covered mountains attract snowmobilers from all over!

HIKING TRAILS: We offer a variety of maintained Hiking Trails. You can find more information available at the Tourist Information Centre.

FISH CREEK: Fish Creek offers a unique opportunity to view and photograph Alaskan Brown (Grizzlies) and Black bears. The bears come here to feed on the chum and pink salmon which spawn in the creek. From July to September, the salmon run provides an extensive food supply for bears, gulls and bald eagles.

SALMON GLACIER: The fifth largest glacier in North America. Looking down upon the Salmon Glacier and along the valley below you can see how the glacier is continually transforming the landscape and itself. The drive above this spectacular glacier and take pictures and make sure to stop and take photos or picnic anywhere you want.

FESTIVALS: Stewart, British Columbia and Hyder, Alaska host International Days from July 1st to July 4th every year. Both towns join in the planning and provide many fun-filled activities throughout the celebrations.

MUSEUM: From May to September you can experience some of Stewart and Hyder’s history. Visit some of the great exhibits or simply sit back and do some reading about the communities. You will find some great movie props from Hollywood movies that have been filmed in the area. Such as: Insomnia, The Thing, Bear Island, Iceman and Leaving Normal.

BEAR GLACIER: This road side glacier will leave you breathless with its beauty and incredible blue color. The Bear Glacier is one of the few blue glaciers with the most easiest access in the world.

Journalists have repeatedly documented shops fraudulently removing “Made in Taiwan” stickers and the like, and replacing them with “Made in Alaska.” One journalist found a whole village in Bali carving Alaska Native designs out of ivory, whalebone, and other materials sent from Alaska.

Good estimates don’t exist of the amount of counterfeit Alaska Native art sold annually, but authorities put it close to USD 100 million. That’s money taken from Alaska Bush economies where jobs in the cash economy are virtually nonexistent and prices for essentials such as fuel and housing are astronomical. Buying fake Native art is cultural and financial theft from subsistence hunters and fishermen who can least afford it. And besides, who wants to come home with an Eskimo mask made in Bali?

You can avoid being scammed if you pay attention. Ask questions before you buy. Any reputable art dealer will provide you with a biography of the artist who created an expensive work. Ask specifically if that artist actually carved the piece: Some Native artists have sold their names and designs to wholesalers who produce knockoffs. Price is another tip-off. An elaborate mask is more likely to cost USD 3,000 than USD 300. Another indicator is the choice of materials; most soapstone carvings are not made in Alaska. Even less expensive craftwork should bear the name of the person who made it, and the shop owner should be able to tell you how he or she acquired the item.