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71 north tours, ** we are currently closed for the winter months and will re-open in june 2024. **.

Our Inupiat tour business is dedicated to sharing our unique culture with visitors. As members of the Inupiat community, we have a deep understanding and respect for the Arctic environment and our people. Our true Alaskan tours offer an authentic experience that educates the traditions, customs, and way of life of our community. Let us share our culture with you and take you on a journey through the Arctic that you will never forget.

We offer a 2-hour off-road tour, starting from your preferred pick-up location, that will take you all the way to Point Barrow, Alaska.

We accept cash or credit card and will be charged prior to the tour.

Point Barrow, Alaska

Northernmost Point in America

Arctic Ocean

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Utqiagvik (Barrow) Adventure – Overnight Tour

Multi day tour from/to anchorage or fairbanks, 2 days / 1 night.

Fly north from Anchorage or Fairbanks across the Arctic Circle to the Inupiat Eskimo village of Utqiaġvik (formerly known as Barrow).

• Discover firsthand the lifestyles of Alaska’s Arctic Coastal peoples with a tour of the village with a local host.
• Walk the shores of the Arctic Ocean near the northernmost point on the North American Continent. Bravely dip your toe in the frigid waters of the Arctic Ocean.
• Overnight in Utqiaġvik at Top of the World Hotel (included).

Cross the Arctic Circle

Visit the Inupiat Eskimo village

Walk the shores of the Arctic Ocean

Bravely dip your toe in the frigid waters of the Arctic Ocean

Tour Summary

Day 1: Depart Anchorage for your 1 hour 50 minute flight by jet to the community of Utqiagvik. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel, free time to explore and have dinner.

Day 2: Breakfast on your own, check out of Top of the World Hotel and meet your local host for your guided tour around Utqiagvik. The route can vary but will take you around the residential and commercial areas of the community to get an insight into life in this Arctic Community.

*** NOTE – Flight times have been variable the last couple of years – schedule below is based on current schedule being posted by Alaska Airlines for the mid/late summer of 2024. ***

FLIGHT TIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

From Anchorage:

• Day 1   Depart Anchorage at 3:05 PM on AS #51, arrive at Utqiaġvik at 4:59 PM
• Day 2 Depart Utqiaġvik at 5:52 PM on AS #50, arrive at Anchorage at 7:36 PM

From Fairbanks:

• Day 1 Depart Fairbanks on AS #2406 at 12:15 PM, arrive at Anchorage at 1:17 PM, depart at Anchorage on AS #51 at 3:05 PM – Arrive at Utqiagvik at 4:59 PM
• Day 2 Depart at Utqiagvik on AS #50 at 5:52 PM – Arrive at Anchorage at 7:36 PM , depart at Anchorage on AS #2110 at 8:45 PM, arrive at Fairbanks at 9:42 PM

Flight times are subject to change . The times are given as an example – the 2024 flight schedule for Alaska Airlines has and will most likely continue to change over the course of the summer and can be extreme, for example changing from an afternoon flight to a morning/mid morning flight.

Tours operate daily from May 15 – September 15, 2024.

From/to Fairbanks,  (no meals included)

** For single occupancy please add USD150 single supplement **

From/to Anchorage,  (no meals included)

CANCELLATION POLICY

Any change, $180.00 per person – Cancellations: up to 7 days prior USD 155.00/person – Later 100% due Cancellations from side of Alaska Airlines at discretion of Alaska Airlines may or may not received a refund or voucher.

Use this form to request a non-binding quote for the  Utqiagvik Adventure Overnight (NAT31 / 32). One of our destination specialists will contact you shortly with specific pricing and itinerary information.

Things to do in Utqiagvik (Barrow), Alaska

Nestled alongside the vast Arctic Ocean, Utqiagvik stands proud as the northernmost inhabited point in the United States. Typically overlooked on most Alaskan interaries, a trip up to Utqiagvik promises a truly unique adventure to the heart of a frozen world.

Formerly Known as “Barrow”

In 2016, Barrow underwent a transformative name change. Its residents voted to rename the village back to Utqiagvik, its traditional Iñupiaq name, bridging the present with their ancestral roots. The name isn’t just symbolic but an affirmation of the region's indigenous identity. While you will often still see the name Barrow referenced in older travel materials and government documents, the official name is Utqiagvik, and should be used during your trip.

Why You Should Visit 

Utqiagvik isn't merely a geographical wonder; it's a living tapestry of Iñupiaq culture. It proudly holds the title of the largest Iñupiaq settlement in Alaska, echoing centuries of history, traditions, and enduring spirit.

By making the journey up to this northern world, you will enter into a place of extremes. You will have the chance to walk across tundra, see rare arctic wildlife, and interact with the rich and beautiful culture of the Iñupiat people.

Top Experiences in Utqiagvik

Visit the iñupiat heritage center .

Located in Utqiagvik, the Iñupiat Heritage Center is a treasure trove of history and culture. You can visit the center on your own or book a guided tour through the Top of the World Hotel. This is the perfect spot to start your trip, with in-depth exhibits and live demonstrations that introduce and inform visitors about Iñupiat traditions.

Live demonstrations:  Live demonstrations, such as traditional dances and games, occur often, throughout the summer, from 1:30-3:30. If you are visiting outside of the summer season, call ahead for hours. Iñupiat traditions.

Take a Photo at the Whale Bone Arch

No trip to Utqiagvik is complete without a photo op at the Whale Bone Arch. Here you can stand under the Whale Bone Arch, a monument to the whaling traditions that have sustained the people of this region for generations. It's a must-visit photo point that captures the spirit of Utqiagvik and a great way to memorialize your trip to the far north.

Touch the Arctic Ocean

If you visit in the summer, you’ll have the unique opportunity to experience a sensation few on this planet get to experience – touching the Arctic Ocean. In the summer, the sea ice retreats far enough to unveil the unique beaches of Utqiagvik. This is your chance to walk the shores of the Arctic Ocean and even dare to dip a toe into its icy embrace (or opt for a full polar bear plunge if you’re feeling bold).

Dance under the Northern Lights

Winter nights in Utqiagvik offer the perfect chance to witness the Aurora Borealis. With the wide horizon of the tundra, you can enjoy a full display of the lights as they dance above you. You will need to visit during a time when Utqiagvik experiences true darkness.  Ensure your camera is ready to capture this ethereal phenomenon, and download an aurora app to monitor solar activity during your stay.

Visit the Birnirk National Historic Landmark

Barely a few miles from town, this landmark narrates stories of human settlements dating back 1,000 to 1,500 years. Traverse through 16 dwelling mounds and marvel at how driftwood and whalebones shape these ancient homes. Dive deeper into Iñupiat history through artifacts offering insights into the links between prehistoric cultures and their modern descendants.

Book a Top of the World Hotel Day Tour

If you’re looking to experience everything Utqiagvik has to offer, without overlooking the immense cultural and historical significance of every sight, consider booking a day trip with the Top of the World Hotel. This all-inclusive tour is your ticket to experiencing Utqiagvik's highlights. From tundra walks, spotting wildlife, and historical tours, this tour ensures every moment promises a memory. The tour also includes transportation, in case you haven’t booked a car for your stay.

Go Birding in the Arctic

As summer beckons, migratory birds grace Utqiagvik and the tundra becomes a birder’s paradise. While you are exploring the road outside of town, keep your binoculars handy to look for snowy owls, eiders, and loons. You can also download the eBird app for up-to-date sightings.

Go Whale Watching 

Utqiagvik’s beaches become nature's theater in summers. With a large migration of whales throughout the summer, many of these mighty creatures venture close enough that you can spot them from shore. Keep your eye out for the spouts of bowhead or beluga whales.

Take a Drive on the Road System

Utqiagvik doesn’t boast an extensive road network, but the roads you can travel here offer a great way to experience all of the beautiful wonders of the arctic. In the summer, you can spot seals, arctic foxes, and caribou, and if the stars align, a rare glimpse of a polar bear. You also have a chance to drive to the most northern point of the United States, the perfect spot for another photo op!

Life in Utqiagvik - What You Should Know

Life in Utqiagvik is unique – even by Alaska’s standards. If you’re visiting in the summer, be prepared for 24-hour daylight from mid-May to mid-August (known as the “Midnight Sun”), and be prepared for constant darkness if you visit around the winter solstice.

Even in the summer, the climate can be deceptively cold despite the constant sun, with average summer temperatures around 40°F. Grocery shopping can be an expensive affair due to transportation logistics. It's advised to budget for higher prices, especially at gas stations where fuel prices can be significantly higher than the mainland U.S. due to the annual shipment of gasoline.

Getting to Utqiagvik

Utqiagvik is accessible primarily by air. Major Alaskan airlines operate flights to and from Utqiagvik, ensuring it's well-connected despite its remote location. Make sure to book in advance, especially if visiting during peak tourist seasons.

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Utqiaġvik Adventure - Overnight Tour

Find Your perfect trip

When will you come?

What do you want to see?

Tour Summary

• Fly north from Anchorage across the Arctic Circle to the Inupiat Eskimo village of Utqiaġvik.
• Discover firsthand the lifestyles of Alaska's Arctic Coastal peoples with a tour of the village with a local host.
• Walk the shores of the Arctic Ocean near the northernmost point on the North American Continent. Bravely dip your toe in the frigid waters of the Arctic Ocean.
• Overnight in Utqiaġvik at Top of the World Hotel (included). 
• Depart Utqiaġvik by air on Alaska Airlines to Anchorage.  (Departure and/or return flights can be arranged from/to Fairbanks.  The routing would be Fairbanks to Anchorage, change planes on the way to Utqiagvik on Day 1 and it would be Utqiagvik to Anchorage, change planes to then go to Fairbanks on Day 2)  NOTE - Flight times have been variable the last couple of years - schedule below is based on current schedule being posted by Alaska Airlines for the mid/late summer of 2024.

Tour Dates and Rates

May 15, 2024 - September 15, 2024

Varied Departure Times

Days: Daily

Rate: $779 *

* STARTING AT RATE

• Arctic Circle
• Arctic Ocean
• Undiscovered Arctic

FLIGHT TIMES ARE SUBJECT TO, AND DO, CHANGE

Day 1 -   START   Depart Anchorage 3:05 PM on AS #51 / 4:59 PM  arrive Utqiaġvik 

Day 2 - RETURN Depart Utqiaġvik 5:52 PM on AS #50/ arrive Anchorage at 7:36 PM

Flight times are subject to change - we ask guests to call 1-2 days prior to departure to reconfirm times .  The above  times are given as an example - the 2024 flight schedule for Alaska Airlines has and will most likely continue to change over the course of the summer.   THIS CHANGE CHANGE CAN BE EXTREME - changing from an afternoon flight to a morning/mid morning flight.

Tour Schedule: Tours operate daily from May 15 - September 15, 2024.  

2024 Starting at Rates: Rates began at $779 per person from Anchorage ($829 per person from Fairbanks) and are based on double occupancy and subject to change. Rates can and do vary depending on requested date of travel, routing and available categories of seat rates. 

SINGLE Guests / Single Rooms:  Add $150 for Single Supplement.

CANCELLATION Policy   - Due to restrictions of commercial air travel it is very important for guests to understand the Cancellation Policy associated booking the Utqiaġvik Adventure.

There is a $150 per change fee for any changes made to this reservation once it has been made (name spelling or date/flights) plus any additional fees associated with a higher ticket price if the reservation is changed to a new day. An exchange of travelers is not allowed.

CANCELLATION : Outside of 48 hours prior to scheduled departure = $125 fee per person Within 48 hours prior to scheduled departure = 100% non-refundable

No refunds will be made on unused portions of any itinerary omitted by the passenger while traveling.

CANCELLATION OF FLIGHT BY ALASKA AIRLINES:

The tours sold herein have a risk of cancellation or rescheduling due to uncontrollable circumstances such as adverse weather conditions. It may be necessary to delay a departure, expedite a departure or cancel a tour entirely.

Under these circumstances, Northern Alaska Tour Company will attempt to secure a refund on behalf of the guests. It is important to note that any refund or voucher given is at the sole discretion of the airline and   cannot be guaranteed.   Any additional costs incurred due to trip disruption such as, but not limited to, meals or forced overnights are the responsibility of the guests.

At the sole discretion of the airline, a voucher for airline travel at a future date may be issued, however, if one is traveling with a tight timeframe that does not lend itself to rescheduling or does not likely have use for such vouchers at later time, travel insurance is strongly recommended. 

Responsibility, Liability and Extra Costs : Northern Alaska Tour Company contracts with carriers, hoteliers and other independent suppliers to provide the travel services you purchase. These parties are independent suppliers; we have no direct control of the supplier or their products. Northern Alaska Tour Company is responsible for effectively reserving and coordinating the itinerary only. We are not responsible for any claims, losses, damages, additional costs or expenses.

Note: In respect to the community's recent vote to rename Barrow to Utqiaġvik, the traditional Inupiat name for the community, Northern Alaska Tour Company's Barrow Adventure have been renamed to the  Utqiaġvik Adventure.

Adventure Series guests travel to and from Utqiaġvik in a 737 jet operated by Alaska Airlines. On any given day the plane can be configured to accommodate up to 111 passengers.  

For information on how to make a reservation, click on the link to our planning  page. 

Arctic Ocean Adventure

A three day guided round trip journey by air and land to Alaska's Arctic Coast

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Denali Summit Flight (from Denali)

Thrill at the excitement of witnessing firsthand Denali, North America's tallest mountain, by air from a unique perspective - eye level!

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You are invited to join us for this small group experience to the northernmost Inupiat community of Utqiaġvik,formerly known as Barrow. Utqiaġvik is situated 1,300 miles south of the North Pole, making it the northernmost community in the United States. Two-thirds of its approximately 4,500 residents are of Inupiat Eskimo descent. The local culture is an interesting mix of traditional lifestyles influenced by community investments from the profits of the Alaskan Pipeline. Utqiaġvik (Barrow) was originally a whaling community, and tours of Utqiaġvik combine cultural and educational activities with wildlife viewing and tundra exploration. Visitors can learn more about Inupiat culture and history at the Inupiat Heritage Center, or by visiting during the Nalukataq - the traditional spring whaling festival, usually held in June. The majority of Utqiaġvik tours take place between mid-May and mid-September, when average daytime temperatures are in the 40s. Keep in mind that average nighttime temperatures only creep above freezing in July and August. In winter, the community endures 65 days of darkness, while during summer it enjoys 82 days of perpetual sunlight.

Booking Request Inquire A Trip

Description

Prices & dates, rates in us $ / per person, what’s included.

Round trip scenic flight to Utqiaġvik (Barrow)

Guided Tour of Utqiaġvik

All Taxes and Fees

Tour Departures

Every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday,  Saturday

Marc, FL: We flew to Barrow and didn't know what to expect regarding our tour as my wife booked it. We were pleasantly surprised when our local tour guide picked us up from Barrow airport. We had time for lunch and then we were off for an entertaining afternoon. Growing up there, he is very knowledgable about the history and the people. Lots of stops for pics. We saw snowy owls, touched the Arctic Ocean, felt the squishy tundra and were permitted to watch a native woman preparing seals for her family's winter survival. Great to hear a very personal account of life in Barrow, of the culture and history of the northern most town. Visiting Barrow was one of my favorite stops during out two week vacation in Alaska!

Utqiagvik (Barrow): Spring in the Arctic

Birders head to Utqiagvik (formerly known as Barrow) in the spring for several reasons: the chance to see all four species of eiders; to look for arctic specialties like Snowy Owl, Yellow-billed Loon and Buff-breasted Sandpiper; and to experience the cacophony of displaying shorebirds competing to pass on their genes during the brief Arctic summer—just to name a few. Of course, the possibility of seeing a polar bear and birding in the land of the midnight sun are top attractions as well. Follow the most intrepid avian breeders to the northernmost city in the U.S., where the 24-hour sunlight of mid-June thaws the tundra in fast forward, ice and snow rapidly giving way to an eruption of tundra plants and insects just as the birds arrive to breed.

The price includes three nights lodging in Utqiagvik, ground transportation in Utqiagvik; permits; WBA guide. Airfare to/from Utqiagvik is not included. Meals are not included. The trip begins and ends at the Utqiagvik Airport. Participants arrive throughout the day on June 20 (arrival day) and will be picked up at the airport in Utqiagvik by the tour leader. There are several flights daily from Anchorage. The tour ends on June 23rd with an evening flight back to Anchorage. Please contact us before booking your flights to/from Utqiagvik. Price is based on double occupancy. Single supplement is $300 ($100/ night).

Things to do in Barrow, Alaska (Utqiagvik): A Trip to the Top of the World (or at Least the US)

My family took an epic trip to Alaska during the summer of 2019. You can read about the whole trip here. Each family member was allowed to pick one thing they really wanted to do as far as expensive excursions (Alaska is expensive!) Three of the five of us desired a visit above the Arctic Circle.

Read on for why we choose Barrow, how we got there and things to do in Barrow (Utqiagvik), Alaska. It ended up being the most culturally unique and thought-provoking trip we have done.

Table of Contents

Visiting the Arctic Circle

What is the arctic circle.

The Arctic Circle is the northernmost circle of latitude. At this latitude the ground is in a state of permafrost, meaning it never thaws in the year. The temperatures are low, the growing season is short (only about 100 days) and the daylight is different. The sun doesn’t even exactly set in the east and rise in the west if it goes down at all. In the summer it rises and sets near the northern horizon and is around most of the time. Conversely, It sets in the south in the winter when there are many hours of darkness.

In Alaska, the Arctic Circle lies about 200 miles north of Fairbanks on the Dalton Highway, a rough road on which most rental car companies do not allow their cars driven. There are also areas above Anchorage you can fly into.

Where in Alaska to Visit Above the Arctic Circle

I had already been away from work for a little too long (I run a dental practice), so we didn’t have a lot of time to spend above the Arctic Circle. We looked at going into some small villages in northwest Alaska, such as Kotzebue, but for us, the trip would have taken too long. We knew we were going to Fairbanks and had read about day trips to the Arctic Circle.

Arctic Circle Day Trip from Anchorage

Alaska Airlines has a flight that leaves Anchorage in the morning flying directly to Barrow and returns in the evening. It will give you about 7 hours in Barrow.

How to Get From Fairbanks to the Arctic Circle

Arctic circle day trip from fairbanks.

If you only have a day, you can get to the Arctic Circle from Fairbanks with two basic tours:

• Drive just over the Arctic Circle sign on the Dalton Highway with a tour. 12 hours and around $200. Book a day driving tour here. 
• Take a tour to fly up to Coldfoot and a drive back (or visa versa), stopping at a native village, Joy. 12 hours and around $500.  Book a fly and drive here. 

How to Fly from Fairbanks to Barrow

Alaska Airlines has flights that go daily from Anchorage to Fairbanks to Prudhoe Bay to Barrow and back again to Anchorage.

With regular commercial flights to Barrow for under $300 per person, we decided we would much rather visit the Arctic this way than by day tour. We could see the Arctic Ocean, stay overnight in a hotel and take a tour for under $500.

What to do in Prudhoe Bay (Deadhorse)?

First of all, you are stopping in an unincorporated village called Deadhorse. Not a positive sign.

We had a two and a half hour layover, so we hoped to see a bit of the town. The airport is very small, just a corrugated metal building and a tarmac. We asked the flight attendants what we could do in town and they looked blankly at us and said they had never gotten off the plane and the only thing to do is get some really good soup. Really good soup in Deadhorse? Intriguing, albeit a bit bizarre.

We asked the people on the ground the same question and pretty much got the same answer. Prudhoe Bay is all oil wells on the Arctic. They do offer tours , but you have to plan ahead because you need clearance to get on the fields. There are no taxis or Uber in the area.

The official population of the town in 25. Yes, 25, although the transient population servicing the oil fields numbers in the thousands. The oil fields are why the settlement is there.

After our stop, we were on to the main attraction…

24 Hours in Barrow, Alaska

Why visit Barrow, Alaska?

• Barrow has a strong Iñupiat culture and there are many ways to explore it.
• It is easy to get to compared to most Eskimo, or Inuit, villages. In Alaska, Inuit is the name for the collection of native tribes that long ago traveled to North America over the Bering Strait from Russia. They are currently settled above Fairbanks. There are Eskimos elsewhere in the world and they are all ethnically related to Mongolians.
• Barrow lies on the Arctic Ocean and its peninsula, Point Barrow, is the northernmost land in the United States.
• There are walruses, beluga whales and polar bears.
• It is so different than the lower 48.
• When we first arrived in Barrow, we were struck by the mud and junk in yards. Barrow was a perfect opportunity to explore the way my family percieves cultures and places. It was quite thought-provoking for us.

Is it Still Called Barrow?

Barrow got its English name after an explorer, Sir John Barrow in 1825. It has been a home of the Iñupiat natives for over 4,000 years.

In 2016, the locals decided to change the name back to the original Iñupiat name, of Utqiaġvik, so that is officially the name of this town. The correct name sounds like Oot-Key-og-vik , with an unusual guttural accent in a key that will make it difficult for non-native speakers to say.

However, I never heard one person refer to it as Utqiaġvik in town, although I saw it written. Our flights were booked to Barrow, the listings on the web are under Barrow.

The Realities of Barrow, Alaska

The climate is harsh, the native land has been overrun by foreigners for oil and the bay is only accessible for two months of the year. Like many areas in the US, you can see the struggle of a people holding onto its culture in the midst of being part of the US.

There are many parts of Utqiaġvik that will first turn off many from the lower 48– whale hunting, muddy roads and yards full of junk. If you open your eyes and mind you will appreciate how all these things are proof of the strength and ingenuity of an independent people who survived in an environment many are afraid to visit at all.

What to do in Barrow Alaska

The city of Barrow is small enough to walk around. It is not safe to walk outside of town due to the danger of polar bears. Locals travel by car, ATV or snowmobile. There are many taxis that you can call.

Spend time walking around town, exploring shops and the beach in front of the whale ribs.

Take a Tour

Although I am all about exploring cities on my own, this is a place you really need to be shown around. The guides bring with them extensive knowledge of the local culture, as well as the area.

Since it is not safe to walk outside of town, this is the only way you can get to Point Barrow, the northernmost land in the United States as well as visit the town’s cemetery and see the tundra. It will also give you a better chance to see wildlife in the area, such as birds, whales and polar bears.

We took the basic tour which was 2 hours long and $100 a person. For $500 a person, you can walk with the guide all the way out onto Point Barrow. We took our tour with Mike of Windows of the World . I would also recommend Andrew who we spent a lot of time talking with. He runs the Airport Inn, so you can contact him by calling there.

Visit the Heritage Center

Spend a few hours in the Iñupiat Heritage Center , an exciting and informative place to learn about the natives of the North Slope. We were blessed to have  Iñupiat local, Colleen, share her family experiences whaling while showing us the whaling exhibition.

When you are done, be sure to see the local artists outside and to the left of the building as they use local materials to produce unique handicrafts. The museum is closed from 12-1 for lunch, although the artists are still active.

Do you Dare Take the Plunge?

Take a polar bear plunge in the land of the polar bears. Either of the tour guides I recommended will help you make that happen.

Take in a Whaling Festival

Bowhead whales come to shore where they are hunted in spring and fall. If you visit at these times you may be able to take part in these cultural celebrations. These whales are not endangered.

Birding in Alaska

Mike also offers bird tours. Barrow is one of the best spots in Alaska to see unique birds.

How Long to Stay in Barrow, Alaska

The town is stark and small, so unless you come for a reason other than seeing what it is all about, you don’t need to stay for more than 24 hours.

Where to Stay in Barrow, Alaska

Top of the world hotel.

There are not many hotels to choose from. A native corporation owns the seaside Top of the World . It feels like a hotel, has a restaurant with reindeer soup and a lobby with information, much like a museum, about the area.

The Airport Inn

We stayed at The Airport Inn, which is a B&B owned by Arizona-native, Andrew, and his Iñupiat wife, Nancy. This is the perfect spot to stay in Barrow. The rooms are bigger and less expensive and it’s just a few blocks from the airport.

But the real reason this place was so perfect was the hospitality and help of the owners. They set the tone for our positive learning experience of the whole town. And their dog, Pickles, put a smile on our face when he was around.

What to Eat in Barrow

The food in the town was much different than I expected, although that was true in much of Alaska. The majority of the restaurants in town are owned by Koreans! If you want Iñupiat food, you won’t really find it. The closest you can get is the reindeer soup at Top of the World, which is served alongside a very stereotypical American menu. Natives wouldn’t eat reindeer, but rather caribou.

Why is this so? Any food considered part of a subsistence diet cannot be sold in a restaurant. That even means that you can’t order local whitefish.

That being said, the Chinese food was very tasty at Sam and Lee’s. The portions are huge and Mrs. Kim is very welcoming.

When to Visit Barrow

Even in the summer, the temperatures feel like a nice New England winter day, falling between 35-45 F. In the winter they plummet far into the negatives. I imagine there is a beauty to the white, as opposed to the brown dirt of the summer.

Polar Bears in Barrow

The area surrounding Barrow has polar bears. That is a big draw to the town for tourists who want to see one. They come into the area on ice floes. The summer we visited all of the ice was melted, as it has been for the last few years. This means there was very little chance for us to see the bears. You are most likely to see the bears in the fall and spring.

For more information on how to see wildlife in Alaska read my Alaskan Wildlife Guide.

Literary Inspiration for Barrow, Alaska

The movie, Big Miracle, follows the true story of the rescue of three gray whales in Barrow. It sheds light on both sides of whale hunting and gave us an idea of the town before we visited. Read Stories to Inspire Travel for more ideas of books and movies to enhance your travels.

Our trip to Barrow, Alaska was not warm and glamorous, but one we will remember forever. It was a highlight of our epic trip to Alaska, even to the youngest in my family. It was eye-opening and served a purpose to my family which is one of the main reasons we expose them to traveling- an understanding of people and lifestyles much different than them.

When are you headed to Barrow? Have you been? I would love to hear about your experiences in the comments.

Don’t forget to check out my other Alaska posts.

If you liked it, please share it. Thank you!

28 thoughts on “Things to do in Barrow, Alaska (Utqiagvik): A Trip to the Top of the World (or at Least the US)”

This was such a good post on Barrow! I loved my time seasonally working there and recently re-visiting! It’s truly a unique destination filled with culture!

I was thankful for all I learned from you before I visited. So glad I got there and you appreciating it is a high compliment. Thanks, Joy.

But you’re. It going to mention “30 Days of Night” 😉 I

But you’re not going to mention “30 Days of Night” 😉

They definitely have that, but we were there in the summer when it barely got dark.

This is so well written. Felt as if i visited Barrow.

Thank you for including the Airport Inn in your adventures and article.

It is exciting to read other’s experiences of the place we call home.

Safe travels and many blessings!

Blessings to you, Nancy.

Looks like I am eating a ton of soup when we finally get up to Barrow or mainland Alaska! I would love to try the reindeer soup for sure! I love also all the different heritage experiences you had. I know so little about the true Inuit or Eskimo cultures so to get a chance to see how they lived, survived, and celebrated life would be a wonderful experience.

I never made it to Fairbanks, let alone Barrow. I can see why life is challenging here. I guess the oil business mostly drives the economy.

After reading your story I have to visit Barrow. It sounds quite intriguing and a place that really deserves to be seen.

Never thought of visiting the Arctic Circle! I visited Iceland and I do enjoy the remoteness and nature. Good to know it is best to have a guide. I too like to explore on my own, but I also know you get so much more with a guide. I wish I get to see polar bears in person some day!

It is SO COOL that you got to go! I’ve always known about Utqiagvik just because of its geographical significance, but I had no idea what the town would be like. It’s good to know that organizing tours beforehand is the way to go. It’s also fascinating to hear that there are a lot of Korean restaurants, but I would still want to try the reindeer soup.

Amazing post . Myself I enjoy seeing life of the locals & Natives, not the tourist attractions. I am excited to visit the Barrow after reading your article. Most of my researching on areas to visit I have never come across anything negative about the Natives…only how wonderful everyone was. This trip next week is limited, a week. Next trip I am definitely taking more time. Again thank you for your article and glad you all loved it

We are heading to Barrow for 24 hours in mid November. My impression is that there really aren’t any tours in 2021.. will be at top of the world .. have hard checkout at 11 and plane at 5. Suggestions? I loved your post btw!!

Joan, The tour we went on was private. It will be cold when you are there, but I imagine they will still be available. Definitely give the operators a call.

We made the trip to Barrow in November 2021. Freezing cold, dark, we absolutely loved every minute…Arctic Ocean, the town, the Inn, the Chinese food, the coffee pop up. We rented a pickup truck. It was absolutely perfect.

What a cool experience with it all dark!

This was great, thank you!! I’d like to head to Barrow to put my feet in the arctic ocean, but now you have me excited to perhaps see a polar bear. We’ll see.

About to head up to Barrow on a 2 month nursing contract. Thanks for all the helpful info 🙂

I visited Barrow with my family June 14-15, 2021. I generally don’t like the winter at all, and I usually think of a vacation spot as a place with palm trees. My family thought I might enjoy something different. IT WAS AWESOME! Barrow was a mythical place until I walked the roads, met the friendly locals, and stood on the frozen Arctic Ocean. The countdown to midnight was very much like New Year’s Eve, and when 12:00 AM came, my wife and I had our photo taken standing on the Arctic Ocean ice with the midnight sun in the sky. Although the sky was cloudy, the scene was something difficult to really capture with a photograph; you had to be there. If you get a chance to go to Barrow, take it. If you don’t like cold weather, it won’t matter, go there anyway. I write this note on Feb 20, 2022 from Hopkinton, MA, in the middle of a New England winter. I look forward to the spring, but I smile when I remember my visit to Barrow.

I love this story about your time in Barrow- magical. Thanks for sharing.

My wife and I will be there in mid Sept. I’m glad to get your recommendation for a guide. This has been on my bucket list for a long time. I hope layering of sweaters under a windbreaker will suffice.

I think you may want to invest in a thick jacket in September!

Visiting in Jan 2024. Looking for host to show me around. I will pay. Age 65, male, staying at Top of World hotel. I’m a world traveler and enjoying meeting people and seeing things. Staying 2 days. This is not for sex or dating. Just exploring.

I don’t live there, but good luck finding a guide.

I’m heading to Barrow in early October. When exactly is the whale festival? Do you know? Is there such a thing as going whale watching for tourists? Did you see that anywhere? Loved reading your article. Thank you for all the info!

The whale festival is in the summer and I didn’t see anything about whale watching. Enjoy your trip.

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Alaska Birding

• Full-day birding and wildlife cruise in Kenai Fjords National Park
• Unique northern and migratory birds in their arctic breeding grounds
• Explore the dramatic arctic tundra in Nome and Barrow
• Look for Alaska's amazing megafauna including bears, whales, sheep, moose, and more
• Revel in the long days of the northern summer

Tour Overview

Alaska is famed for its stunning scenery, amazing megafauna, breathtaking birds, and long summer days! Our Alaska birding tour explores a diversity of habitats and ecosystems that dreams are made of. From the productive summer tundra of Nome, to standing on the edge of the the Arctic Ocean in Barrow, the glacial carved fjords of Kenai Fjords National Park, and the stunning spruce and hemlock forests of the Chugach Mountains and Kenai Peninsula, Alaska’s beauty is profound.

This tour is a nature-lovers paradise, with chances to see mammals like Grizzly Bear, Moose, Muskox, Orca, Humpback Whale, Caribou, Thinhorn Sheep, Black Bear, Steller’s Sea Lion, Harbor Seal, Sea Otter, Brown Lemming and more!

Summer in Alaska attracts breeding birds in the millions and we will travel to some of the best birding locations in not only the state but in the entire country! From Anchorage, to Seward to Nome and Barrow, you will be blown away by an array of unique birds in their beautiful breeding colors. 

Birds on this tour include Bald Eagle, Horned and Tufted Puffins, Marbled, Ancient, and Kittlitz’s Murrelet, Long-tailed and Harlequin Ducks, Aleutian and Arctic Terns, all four of the Eider species (Steller’s, Spectacled, Common and King), all three Jaeger species (Pomarine, Parasitic and Long-tailed), Bristle-thighed Curlew, and Emperor Goose. Other big targets on this tour include Gyrfalcon, Snowy Owl, Arctic Warbler, American Dipper, Rufous Hummingbird, Townsend’s Warbler, Northern Wheatear, Bluethroat, Rock and Willow Ptarmigan, White-winged and Red Crossbill, Pine Grosbeak, Slaty-backed Gull, Black-legged Kittiwake, Red-faced Cormorant, and Black-backed Woodpecker. Alaska is in a league of its own, let us show you the best of what it has to offer!

Dates & Prices

Dates & prices, what's included, tour price includes.

• All accommodation (Good, comfortable)
• Internal flights (Anchorage to Nome return, Anchorage to Utqiaġvik return)
• All breakfasts and lunches
• Ground transportation (passenger vans)
• Kenai Fjords National Park boat ride
• All park, conservation and entrance fees
• 4 - 8 participants with one leader, 9 - 12 participants with two leaders

Tour Price Does Not Include

• Flights to and from start/ end location
• Evening meals
• Travel Insurance
• Items of a personal nature

Day 1: Arrival in Anchorage - meet for dinner

Our Alaska birding tour starts at our hotel in Anchorage for a meet and greet and dinner. Night in Anchorage.

Day 2: Drive to Seward

Following breakfast we’ll begin our beautiful journey towards Seward (2.5 hrs). Along the way, we’ll make several stops as we drive by the glorious Chugach Mountains and Turnagin Arm looking for Kenai Peninsula regional specialties!

At our first stop in Kincaid Park we’ll look for Sandhill Crane, Black-capped Chickadee, Boreal Chickadee, Brown Creeper, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker and the illusive Spruce Grouse. Then we’ll bird Potter Marsh where we’ll look for Cackling Goose, Arctic Tern, Northern Harrier, Black-billed Magpie, Golden-crowned Sparrow, Rusty Blackbird, an assortment of ducks, and more!

After Potter Marsh we’ll check out a pullout along the Seward Highway to use the restroom and scan the hillside for Mountain Goat, Black Bears or whatever might be around! Next stop, we’ll check out Tern Lake for Trumpeter Swans, Common and Barrow’s Goldeneye, Red-necked Grebe, Common Loon, Varied Thrush and we’ll check for White-winged Crossbill.

Continuing on for another stop at Bear Creek Weir to look for American Dipper and Steller’s Jay, Townsend’s Warbler and Pacific Wren!

After lunch in Seward we’ll explore Lowell Point scanning the water and skies for birds like Harlequin Duck, Surf Scoter, Wandering Tattler, Common Murre, Pigeon Guillemot, Marbled Murrelet, Black-legged Kittiwake, Glaucous-winged Gull, Double-crested Cormorant, Pine Siskin and keep a look out for the White-winged Crossbill in case we haven’t seen them yet!

We’ll spend the rest of the day looking for birds around Seward and enjoying this beautiful coastal town! This should take us into dinner and if folks want to walk around and explore we’ll have plenty of daylight left! Night in Seward.

Day 3: Kenaij Fjords Wildlife Cruise

Today we’ll head out on a 8.5 hour wildlife boat cruise exploring Kenai Fjords National Park. This spectacular full-day outing includes beautiful scenery with rugged cliffs, glaciers, spruce forested islands, and frigid waters that host a plethora of marine life!

This is the best chance for us to observe a variety of Alcids and other marine birds like Horned Puffin, Tufted Puffin, Black-legged Kittiwake, Comon Murre, Thick-billed Murre, Black Oystercatcher, Red-faced Cormorant, Kittlitz's Murrelet, Ancient Murrelet, Marbled Murrelet, Rhinoceros Auklet, Parakeet Auklet, Sooty Shearwater, Parasitic Jaeger, Long-tailed Jaeger, Peregrine Falcon, Pigeon Guillemot, Surf Scoter, White-winged Scoter, Black Scoter, Red-breasted Merganser, Red-necked Phalarope, Pacific Loon, Common Loon, Harlequin Duck, and Bald Eagle!

As we cruise throught the cold, nutrient rich waters we’ve also got chances for seeing other epic marine life like Orca, Humpback Whales, Dall’s Porpoise, Harbor Seal, Steller Sea Lion, Sea Otter, or Mountain Goat and Black Bear foraging by the coast!

Town for dinner and relaxing! Night in Seward.

Day 4: Drive to Anchorage

Today we’ll hit some birding spots around Seward, hoping to pick up any of our missing targets like Rufous Hummingbird, Pine Grosbeak, Chestnut-backed Chickadee and Red Crossbill. Then we’ll drive back leisurely to Anchorage area with some more birding stops once we arrive.

Our agenda includes another visit to Potter Marsh then on to Spenard Crossing to look for a few new species like Canvasback, Redhead, Bufflehead, and Bonaparte’s Gull. Then we’ll enjoy a nice lunch and head back into the field to explore Westchester Lagoon where we’ll be on the lookout for Long-tailed Duck, Semipalmated Plover, Hudsonian Godwit, Surbird, Short-billed Dowitcher, Long-billed Dowitcher, Red-necked Phalarope, Osprey, Merlin, and Bank Swallow. How we do will determine where we go to explore the rest of the day!

Dinner/Night in Anchorage.

Day 5: Fly to Utqiaġvik (Barrow)

This morning we’ll have the opportunity to explore local hotspots around Anchorage with specific effort to look for a couple beautiful woodpeckers, the American Three-Toed and Black-backed Woodpecker. They are both fans of burned areas so we’ll head to a recent burn area to see what we can find! We’ll also be on the lookout for Olive-sided Flycatcher, White-winged Crossbill and any other forest birds we need!

We will have an afternoon flight t to Utqiaġvik (Barrow), the northernmost town in the United States where the sun never sets in the summer. Situated on the edge of the Arctic Ocean, an incredible 320 miles north of the Arctic Circle, we'll spend two and a half days here.

Upon arrival we’ll check into our hotel, have some food and get situated to head out in our van to explore this birding mecca! Here we have chances at seeing all four Eiders, Yellow-billed Loon and an abundance of shorebirds donning their breeding colors and display behaviors, a sight to behold! Night in Utqiaġvik.

Days 6 - 7: Utqiaġvik (Barrow)

Targets during our time in Utqiaġvik include Snow Goose, Long-tailed Duck, American Golden-Plover, Semipalmated Plover, Ruddy Turnstone, Red Knot, Sanderling, Dunlin, Baird's Sandpiper, White-rumped Sandpiper, Pectoral Sandpiper, Stilt Sandpiper, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Western Sandpiper, Long-billed Dowitcher, Wilson's Snipe, Red-necked Phalarope, Red Phalarope, Pomarine Jaeger, Parasitic Jaeger, Long-tailed Jaeger. We’ll also look out for Snowy Owl, Glaucous Gull, Black Guillemot, Blackpoll Warbler, and the abundant Snow Bunting in its gorgeous breeding colors! We may even get lucky and see a Polar Bear (rare) or Walrus (rare). Nights in Utqiaġvik.

Day 8: Morning bird in Utqiaġvik, fly to Anchorage (evening flight)

Today we’ll head down another road in search of what the tundra and sea have to offer us! We’ll bird most of the day, and then collect our bags from the hotel and head to the airport to catch our early evening flight back to Anchorage. Night in Anchorage.

Day 9: Fly to Nome

We will have an early morning flight to Nome.Upon arrival we’ll take a taxi to our hotel for the next three nights and then head into a van looking for a whole new assemblage of birds!

Our first foray on the Seward Peninsula will be down Council Road to the Nome Rivermouth all the way down to Cape Sound. Along the way we’ll stop at ponds, bridges, creek crossings and anything that draws our attention.

We have a ton of targets in Nome including Emperor Goose, Slaty-backed Gull, Baird’s Sandpiper, Red Knot, Northern Wheatear, Eastern Yellow Wagtail, White Wagtail, Hoary Redpoll, and Lapland Longspur to name a few, and we hope to see Red-throated Loon, Pacific Loon, Common Loon and just maybe an Arctic Loon!

We’ll have dinner and then if folks wanna cruise around more we have that option! Night in Nome.

Day 10: Nome

Breakfast at the hotel, and then load into the vans to spend most of the day in the field! Birding in Nome essentially involves cruising one of the three roads searching, walking and scanning the tundra and sea for birds! Which is exactly what we’ll be doing! Depending on road conditions we hope to journey 70 miles inland on the Kougarok Road. Today’s primary target is the Bristle-thighed Curlew which requires about a 2-3 mile walk on challenging tundra.

However we’ll be walking at an easy pace, and along the way we’ll look out for Golden Eagle, Gyrfalcon, Tundra Swan, Willow and Rock Ptarmigan, Wandering Tattler, Gray-cheeked Thrush, American and Pacific Golden-Plovers, Arctic Warbler, and Bluethroat! Out on the tundra we’ll also keep our eyes peeled for Grizzly Bear which are generally uncommon but would be amazing to see! Lunch will be a picnic style out in the field followed by dinner back in town after a late afternoon arrival. Night in Nome.

Day 11: Nome

Today we are heading northwest of Barrow with the Town of Teller as our furthest point. We have many of the same targets as the previous two days. Here we might find American Dipper, Short-eared Owl, Bar-tailed Godwit, Northern Wheatear or any of the three Jaegers! Chances for mammal sightings include Grizzly Bear, Beaver and the prehistoric Muskox! Night in Nome.

Day 12: Nome morning birding - fly back to Anchorage (evening flight)

With our bags packed and stowed at the hotel, we’ve got the better part of the day to search for any missing targets as we scan the sea, skies and tundra for Black, White-winged and Stegneger's Scoter, Rock Sandpiper, Black Guillemot, Sabine’s Gull, Aleutian Tern, and Rusty Blackbird.

In the afternoon, we will pick up our bags and head to the airport for our flight to Anchorage. Night in Anchorage.

Day 13: Departure

Today is the last day of our tour and folks will be dropped off at the airport in Anchorage to catch their flights.

What to Expect

The Alaska tour is a moderately paced birding tour. You can expect some early mornings and long days in the field. 

We generally have breakfast at the hotel before we head out for the day. We often take a picnic lunch in the field, but will occasionally stop at a restaurant for lunch. Dinner is usually at the lodge or a nearby restaurant. Each evening after dinner we compile the day's checklist, review the day's activities, birds, mammals and other observations, and plan the next day's activities.

Accommodation

All of our accommodations will be at comfortable, clean and delightful lodgings. Even remote places like Nome and Barrow have great places to stay! 

Our days will be a mix of driving and walking. One of our longest walking days will be in Nome hiking 3-5km (2-3 miles) on challenging tundra. The rest of the days will be much more relaxed, we may easily walk 3-5km (2-3 miles) or more, but it will be on well established trails, wooden boardwalks, roads, or sidewalks. All of our walks will be at a slow to moderate pace with many breaks.

Rubber boots are mandatory for our time in Nome and Barrow as we may walk on wet soggy tundra to get better looks of birds or scan the edges of ponds and spits for illusive birds. They are easy to store under the seat of the van and you can slip into them easily when you need them.

We will be using rented vans to transport ourselves around Anchorage and Seward, these will be comfortable and modern passenger vans. In Nome and Barrow we will also travel in rented vans, however these will likely be older, but these vans will still be safe and get us to where we need to go! In Nome and Barrow we’ll be in and out of the vehicle as we make forays to scan the tundra, or drive to hotspots.

The weather in Alaska is highly variable, it could easily be sunny one day and rainy, drizzly or overcast the next. So pack for extremely variable weather. Temps from -7 to +7° C (20° - 45° F) in Nome and Barrow to temps in between 10 - 20° C (50° - 80°F) in Anchorage and Seward. High-quality rain gear, rubber boots and plenty of warm layers and gloves are required!

We take an 8.5 hour boat trip on a vessel with 60 person capacity. The boat is comfortable with lots of covered seating. There are bathrooms on board, as well as snacks and beverages.

This cruise is not wheelchair accessible and not suitable for guests with limited mobility, or for those who are prone to seasickness since it travels through the open Gulf of Alaska.

Featured Wildlife

While we cannot guarantee sightings of the birds or mammals listed below, we believe that encountering these species is quite likely during this tour.

• Horned and Tufted Puffins
• Marbled, Ancient, and Kittlitz’s Murrelet
• Long-tailed and Harlequin Ducks
• Aleutian and Arctic Terns
• Steller’s, Spectacled, Common and King Eiders
• Pomarine, Parasitic and Long-tailed Jaegers
• Bristle-thighed Curlew
• Emperor Goose
• Arctic Warbler
• American Dipper
• Rufous Hummingbird
• Townsend’s Warbler
• Northern Wheatear
• Rock and Willow Ptarmigan
• White-winged and Red Crossbill
• Pine Grosbeak
• Slaty-backed Gull
• Black-legged Kittiwake
• Red-faced Cormorant
• Black-backed Woodpecker

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Explore Utqiagvik

Plan your trip to utqiagvik: best of utqiagvik tourism.

Essential Utqiagvik

• Top of the World Hotel
• King Eider Inn of Barrow Alaska
• Latitude71 B and B
• Airport Inn
• Polar Bear's Den Bed and Breakfast
• Sam & Lee's Restaurant
• Niggivikput
• East Coast Pizza
• Cruz's Mexican Grill
• Arctic Pizza
• Tundra Tours Inc
• Barrow Beach
• Piuraagvik Recreation Center
• Inupiat Heritage Center
• St. Patrick's Catholic Church

Birding Tour USA: Alaska – Utqiagvik (Barrow), Top of the World

Go to: Alaska: Main Birding Tour | USA Birding Tours | North America Birding Tours | All our birding tours

Dates and Costs

26 – 30 June 2025

Price: $3,550  / £2,974 / €3,476 per person sharing, assuming 4-8 participants

Single Supplement: $740  / £620 / €725

* Please note that currency conversion is calculated in real-time, therefore is subject to slight change. Please refer back to the base price when making final payments.

Recommended Field Guide

(Please also read our blogs about recommended field   guides for the seven continents here )

Tour Details

Duration : 5 days Group Size : 4 – 8 Tour Start : Anchorage Tour End : Anchorage

Price includes:

Meals Accommodation Transport Guiding fees Native Land Birding Permit Flights Anchorage – Utqiagvik – Anchorage

Price excludes:

Flights to and from Anchorage Personal insurance Alcoholic beverages Gratuities Laundry service Personal expenses such as gifts Gratuities (please see our tipping guidelines blog )

Featured Guide:

Alaska: Utqiagvik (Barrow) – Top of the World June 2025

Utqiagvik (formerly Barrow), Alaska, is the northernmost city in the United States, located over 300 miles (480 kilometers) into the Arctic Circle. In the summer the sun never fully sets as the area experiences 24-hour daylight, an amazing phenomenon to see firsthand. Several species utilize this high-Arctic habitat for breeding, such as Steller’s , Spectacled , and King Eiders , Long-tailed Duck , Tundra Swan , and numerous shorebirds.

This trip can be combined with our main tour Alaska: Vast Beauty , which immediately precedes it and covers many other amazing areas of Alaska.

Itinerary (5 days/4 nights)

Day 1. arrival in utqiagvik.

This extension trip will start in Anchorage at the tail end of our main Alaska tour as we take an afternoon flight to Utqiagvik (formerly known as Barrow). Once we arrive we will get settled in for the evening with potential for some birding, depending on time and conditions.

Overnight: Utqiagvik

Days 2 – 3. Birding the Top of the World

We will have the next two days to fully experience the culture and birding of Utqiagvik. With a large percentage of the population being Iñupiat, an indigenous Inuit ethnic group, there are many cultural aspects that give us a small insight into the life in the high Arctic. We will be birding around town, where the ice thaw can create nice ponds and lakes while also changing the habitat drastically day-to-day. These areas are famous for their small nesting populations of Steller’s , Spectacled , and King Eiders as well as other waterfowl, such as Tundra Swan , Brant Goose , and Long-tailed Duck . Some of these thaws will also create shallower waters that are utilized by numerous shorebirds like Red and Red-necked Phalaropes , Pectoral Sandpiper , Semipalmated Sandpiper , and Dunlin . We will also spend some time birding Point Barrow, where Pomarine Jaegers are staples, with Glaucous Gulls hanging around, and we may even have a shot at a drifting Yellow-billed Loon .  The combination of great birding, cultural experience, and the never-setting sun make Utqiagvik a memorable experience.

Day 4. Back to Anchorage

We’ll spend the morning birding around town again for our final looks at several species before catching an afternoon flight back to Anchorage. Once we arrive we will shuttle to a hotel for the evening.

Overnight: Anchorage

Day 5. Departure – tour concludes

This morning we will use the hotel shuttle services to take us to the Anchorage airport to catch our various flights home. This concludes the extension tour to the unique area of Utqiagvik.

Please note that the itinerary cannot be guaranteed as it is only a rough guide and can be changed (usually slightly) due to factors such as availability of accommodation, updated information on the state of accommodation, roads, or birding sites, the discretion of the guides and other factors. In addition, we sometimes have to use a different international guide from the one advertised due to tour scheduling.

Pomarine Jaeger

Red-necked Phalarope

Black-legged Kittiwake

Red-throated Loon

Semipalmated Plover

American Golden Plover

Glaucous Gull

Lapland Longspur

Arctic Tern

Red Phalarope

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How To Visit Point Barrow And Utqiaġvik: The Northernmost Points in America

Point Barrow and Utqiaġvik are for those travelers who are truly adventurous, and this Arctic Alaskan territory does not disappoint.

Who has wanted to travel to Alaska and travel deep into the heart of the Arctic? The northernmost part of the United States is Point Barrow (also called Nuvuk). It is a headland on the Arctic coast around 9 miles from Utqiaġvik (which is also the northernmost settlement in the United States).

This is another world and an experience that will not be forgotten, it will surprise many in just how varied the United States truly is. See the part of the nation that few people ever venture to explore and is the definition of remote. To explore another Arctic wonderland see here for how to explore Greenland .

About Point Barrow and Utqiaġvik

Point Barrow is only 40 miles further south than the northernmost point in the North American mainland (Murchison Promontory in Canada is further north).

• Distance: 1,291 Miles South Of The North Pole
• Closest Settlement: Utqiaġvik (Formerly Called Barrow)
• Location: 320 Miles North Of The Arctic Circle
• Population: 4,429 Residents of Which 61% Are Iñupiat Eskimo

The gateway to the northernmost point of Point Barrow is Utqiaġvik. It is a small town of over 4,000 residents and is one of the northernmost towns in the world. The climate here is cold and dry being classified as a polar climate. In the winter the weather can be extremely dangerous as the intense cold can be combined with wind.

In the summer, the temperature is also cool - although the record highs have reached a respectable 79°F (26°C). The temperatures are moderated by the Arctic Ocean and the flat tundra stretches to the south. This means dense cold air can't become trapped in a temperature inversion - like in some other parts of Alaska with valleys.

The roads in the town are unpaved - they don't need to be paved because of the permafrost. There are also no roads connecting the town with the rest of Alaska. To reach the town one must fly to the Wiley Post - Will Rogers Memorial Airport (there are flights from Anchorage and Fairbanks).

Related: How To Visit The Eerie, Mysterious And Abandoned Viking Ruins In Greenland

Things To Do

What is there to do at this extreme northern location apart from freeze? Freezing is likely to be a part of any expedition here, but there are also a number of other things to see and do here.

While exploring the frozen north, explore the Iñupiat village and learn about their unique way of life. Immerse oneself in their traditional events and customs. Join a guided tour and walk through the tundra and see the ancient remains of sod huts, gaze at the iconic whalebone arches, and visit the historic whaling post here.

Don't forget to visit the Iñupiat Heritage Center and gain insights on the migration patterns, about subsistence living (that still persists), festivals, celebrations, and about the neighboring villages.

• Note: The Cost Of Transportation Is Very High Here, So Expect Necessities And Food To Be Very Expensive

Come in the winter and gaze in wonder at the Northern Lights and the long cold dark nights of this northern latitude.

Keep an eye out for the northern wildlife like whales or polar bears (remember polar bears are extremely dangerous). Visit the Whale Bone Arch. This is one of the top attractions and ideal for amazing pictures. The bones are the remains of a Bowhead whale and one can appreciate the sheer size of these majestic marine animals. While exploring Alaska, check out Juneau, there are a number of eye-watering attractions one will not want to miss out on .

Related: How To Plan A Trip To Canada's Yukon Territory Before It Gets Too Cold

Tours Of Utqiagvik and Point Barrow

There are a number of tours on offer for the intrepid traveler. One of the tour companies is the Northern Alaska Tour Company . They offer one day or overnight Utqiagvik Adventures with the jumping-off point being from Fairbanks or Anchorage

One Day Guided Journey By Air To The Farthest North Inupiat Village

• Discover: The Lifestyles Of Alaska's Arctic Coastal Peoples At The Ancient Inupiat Eskimo Town With A Local Host
• Walk: The Northernmost Point Of The Continental United States
• Tour Schedule: July 1 - September 15, 2021
• Days Available: Monday, Thursday, Saturday
• 2021 Rates: $989.00 / person (From Fairbanks)

Overnight Tour Guided Journey By Air To The Farthest North Inupiat Village

Do all the activities above, but stay the night at Top of the World Hotel.

• 2021 Rates: Starting at $859 per person based on double occupancy. Single Supplement $130.

Alternatively, one can book a tour directly with the Top Of The World Hotel. For those interested, inquire here on their website. Also, check with the tour providers about the impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak on tourism in the high Arctic (tours were canceled for the 2021 summer season).

• Room Cost: From around $260.00 Per Night For A Standard Room

Next: This Is The Best Way To Visit Alaska's Beautiful & Remote Aleutian Islands