Alaska is the largest of the U.S. states by area, although it is the least densely populated.  Bounded in the east by Canada, in the north by the Arctic Ocean, and in the west and south by the mighty Pacific, Alaska is an expanse of diverse topography and climate.  Half of Alaska's residents reside within the metropolitan area of Anchorage.


Alaska immediately brings to mind a multitude of images - glaciers, ice sheets, volcanoes, mountains, lakes, bears, wolves, moose, beavers - the list is endless.  Thanks to television footage we now know more about the state and its pristine and largely unspoilt landscape. With nearly 55,000 kilometres of tidal shoreline, Alaska has myriad island chains; Aleutian Islands being one of the largest which is dotted with many volcanoes. Geologists and researchers have concluded that Alaska is a region undergoing constant changes in the continental plates.  Mount Shishaldin one of the many occasionally active volcanoes is often described as the 'perfect volcanic cone' extending over 3,000 metres over the North Pacific.  To the south of Anchorage, Turnagain Arm is the location of tidal surges where differences in tides can reach up to 35 ft. Outgoing tides leave treacherous, slippery mudflats which unwary tourist can wander into.  Safety precautions and warnings are installed in such areas to keep travellers and tourists away.

The state's priority to landscape and tourism is evinced by the fact that no less than 17 national parks to protect and conserve the natural, historic, and cultural features have been set up.  With more than 100,000 glaciers and three million water bodies, Alaska is home to half of the world's glaciers.
There are a great deal of options to travel through Alaska and catch the breathtaking scenery of its glaciers, mountains, parks and lakes.
 
Bush planes are the best choice to view Alaskan bears. Cruises from Seward that take you to Resurrection Bay are a must for those who love water and marine life and wish to see the as yet untouched beauty of the coastal waters of Alaska.  Watching the humpback whales, orcas, otters, sea lions, puffins and other sea birds will make you want to stay here forever.  Adventure lodges and campsites offer spectacular vistas of the Kenai and Chugach Mountains and ice fields.

Travel modes in Alaska are as exciting as the state's wild and ethereal beauty.  Bush planes, rafts, kayaks, bicycles and even trekking by foot to scenic sites like The Kenai Peninsula, the Kenai Fjords National Park, Denali National Park, Katmai National Preserve famous for its brown bears and salmon, Sitka National Park or Bear Country, Kodiak Island and the Yukon Valley are a lifetime opportunity. These are the best ways to soak in the sights of the wild inhabitants of the parks and mountains and the teeming bird life around the coastline.
Alaska is well connected by air, by road and by water.  Anchorage is the first and most focal point from where tourists can use a variety of options to travel further inland.  Although Alaska has a sub arctic climate, marine influences provide moderate climate and temperature throughout the year.

A trip to Alaska can be rivaled by none. To a photographer it is a dream trip and to a wildlife enthusiast it is a wilderness odyssey.