Alaska's Far North

If you’re looking for some of the most remote locations within the arctic circle, then look no further than Alaska and Greenland. Especially the far north of Alaska. The area is sparsely populated and offers complete wilderness to anyone seeking it. For an area you would think wouldn’t be inhabited by anyone, the Athabascan, Nunamiut and Inupiaq Eskimo have lived within this area for thousands of years and have thrived here. The area is renowned for its ‘Gates’ of the Arctic National Park, which is an American National Park protecting much of the Brooks Range. The Park is the second largest in the US and totals almost 8.5 million acres. The Park also joins the Noatak Wilderness and together they form the largest continuous wilderness in the entirety of the United States. Within are six wild rivers; The Koduk being the longest stretching 280 miles (110 of which are in the national park itself). You are likely to experience temperatures dropping to -80 degrees celcius, so be prepared to wrap up warm and immerse yourself in one of the most remote, wild and adventurous location.

Borealis Base Camp is a lodge not to be sniffed at when looking for the ultimate wild location. This remote camp is set on 100 acres of private land – Borealis Base Camp is an experience and nothing like any other hotel within Alaska, or beyond. It is here you can bear witness to the sensational Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis, which show themselves on average for 250 nights of the year, making this one of the hotspots for viewing this amazing natural phenomenon. There is no light pollution here making the lights even more dramatic with very few people to spoil the experience, which is bliss. Borealis Base Camp is a truly wild retreat, especially for those wanting something a little bit more extraordinary. You can rent all your gear here, so even if this is the only ‘cold’ property on your luxury Alaskan journey, you can rest assured you will still be nice and warm!

Fort Yukon is a village within the Northern area. Predominately populated by Alaskan natives. It has a population of around 600 people and is located right on the banks of the Yukon River. Access to the village is primarily by air from Fairbanks and it gives an insightful look into a traditional Alaskan village. Fort Yukon is an excellent stop off before heading off to explore the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

The city of Barrow or Utqiagvik is a city within Northern Alaska which boasts a longstanding and fascinating history. The Inupiat Heritage centre traces history and culture back to the indigenous people and their different cultures. The city was crucial in the whaling business and the Whale Bone Arch near the 1893 trading station is there to remind visitors of their close relationship with the ocean. It is the furthest North community in the US and the sun does not set for 75 days during the Summer and does not rise for more than 60 days in the Winter.

Finally, the city of Nome is one place worth visiting as well. This small city overlooks the Bering Sea and was once a famous gold rush town. It offers a sense of real adventure ad is home to the last great gold stampede in the history of Western America. These days people visit for various reasons; the Spring bird migration is always a popular and a visually interesting experience. One of the must-see things to witness and experience if the end of the incredible Iditarod Trail Dog Sled Race. This is a world-famous long-distance dog sled race, starting in Anchorage and ending in Nome. The race is over 938 miles and takes 10-15 days to complete. It is often described as the roughest but most beautiful race in the world, where man, or woman, combines with a team of dogs to battle the elements.