Where is Alaska?
Where is Alaska? Is Alaska part of the USA or Canada?
Now, you’ve probably seen a few Netflix shows (Alone, Life Below Zero, etc.) that do a fantastic job misconstruing the 49th state’s true location.
Of course, it is remote, but so is Australia, French Polynesia, Sri Lanka, and thousands of other destinations that bring in millions of tourists every year regardless, and Alaska is no different!
When we first flew from New England to Alaska, we were surprised that the journey only took about 15 hours including a layover in Seattle. All of a sudden, Alaska didn’t seem so far away.
But, when we decided to move to Alaska and took on the challenge of driving from Boston, Massachusetts to the northern tip of the state in Prudhoe Bay, we quickly realized that Alaska is a lot more remote than we initially thought being over 7,000 miles away.
Located on Canada’s western border, Alaska is one of the most beautiful and wild places on Earth. It’s also home to an incredible array of wildlife including bears, moose, caribou, whales, and bald eagles (just to name a few).
We fell in love with its expansive national parks and charming fishing towns, and personally never got tired of the distance from the lower 48.
In this post, we’ve providing a complete map and layout so you can learn all about exactly where Alaska is, some interesting history about Alaska’s statehood and relationship with Canada, and even what this unique state is known for.
Where is Alaska?
Alaska is located in the northwestern corner of the United States, bordered by Canada to the east and Russia to the west (though Russia is separated by the Bering Strait which can’t be crossed by ferry or car).
It is separated from the British Columbia Province to its southeast by the Rocky Mountains and is north of Washington State, Oregon, California, and Nevada. Covering over 663,000 square miles, it is the largest state in the U.S.
The northern third of Alaska lies within the boundaries of the Arctic Circle, to put it into perspective just how far north the state is. According to the Official Alaska State Website, it’s exact coordinates are 63° 50′ north latitude, 152° west longitude.
Where is Alaska on the World Map?
For an exact visual of Alaska’s location, check out the blue pin on the map below. You can see just how far north the state lies in relation to Canada, Russia, and Greenland, as well as how far the state is separated from the contiguous United States.
Alaska Facts
Now that you know where Alaska is, here are some helpful and interesting facts about the state!
Alaska Capital
Alaska’s capital city is Juneau which lies along its southeastern coast on Gastineau Channel near Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve.
🐋Juneau is known as one of the top whale watching destinations in the country, with trips to the stunning Mendenhall Glacier coming in a close second for top activities for visitors.
Despite Juneau being the capital, Anchorage, Alaska is the largest city and can be found in the southcentral part of the state where it tends to get a bit colder in the winter.
Alaska Population
The state has a total estimated population of just over 733 thousand people (according to the U.S. Census Bureau) across five different regions: Southcentral Alaska (Anchorage), Interior Alaska (Fairbanks), Southeast Alaska (Juneau and the Pacific Ocean), Arctic/North Slope/Bering Sea Region, and the Southwest Region (Dillingham, Kodiak Island, and the Aleutian Islands).
It also includes many islands in both the Atlantic Ocean’s Bering Sea as well as the Pacific Ocean’s Aleutian Archipelago chain including Kodiak Island off its southern coast.
Alaska People
Known as an Alaskan or Alaska native, the people in Alaska are a diverse group. Alaska is home to over 200 different native languages and dialects, making it one of the most linguistically diverse places in the world.
It’s also home to many different ethnicities including Native Americans, Eskimos, Aleuts (indigenous peoples of the islands), and immigrants from Russia and Asia.
Having visited Alaska on numerous occasions and lived all across the state, we can personally vouch for the genuine hospitality and kindness of Alaskan locals.
FAQ
In this last section, we’ve answered some intriguing questions on Alaska’s relationship with Canada, if you need a passport to visit Alaska, and more!
Is Alaska Part of the USA or Canada?
Despite its border with the Yukon and British Columbia territories of Canada and its physical separation from the lower 48, Alaska is a U.S. state and is not in Canada.
Alaska follows all U.S. laws and regulations, uses American currency, and has English as its primary language.
What Country is Alaska in?
Alaska is in the United States. It has never been owned by Canada, though it was once the property of Russia prior to 1867 when the Treaty of Cession was signed.
Where is Alaska from the United States?
When compared to the lower 48 (what Alaska natives call the contiguous U.S.), Alaska is in the far northwest of the country.
Actually bordered by Canada for the majority of its land area, Alaska is a remote destination seemingly foreign to the rest of Americans.
Is Alaska an Island?
No, Alaska is not an island. While it does border the Pacific and Arctic Oceans as well as the Bering Sea and the Gulf of Alaska on nearly 75% of its borders, it is connected to land via its 1,538-mile border with Canada.
Where is North Pole Alaska?
North Pole, Alaska is about 13.5 miles southeast of the city of Fairbanks in interior Alaska.
While the name suggests that you may find this city perched on the edge of the Arctic Ocean, it’s actually where you can find Santa’s Village, top-notch ice fishing, and some of the best northern lights tours in the state!
Do I Need a Passport to Go to Alaska?
If you are a United States citizen, you do not need a passport to go to Alaska. However, since Alaska is a U.S. state, those traveling from a foreign country without U.S. citizenship will be required to have a valid passport before arriving in Alaska.
Furthermore, if you do not have U.S. citizenship, you may be required to obtain one or more visas before arriving in any U.S. state.
Where is Nome Alaska?
Much more remote than the city of North Pole, Nome is in the far western reaches of the state on the border of the Bering Sea.
Its historical significance reigns high as it was the town that required the Diphtheria antitoxin to be delivered all the way from Seward (known for its picture-perfect coastal hotels) by a combination of train and sled dog teams to cure the younger population’s rapidly spreading (and fatal) infection.
Nome still marks the finish line for the infamous Iditarod Race that started during the Diphtheria outbreak in February of 1925.
Is it Possible to Drive to Alaska?
Yes, you can absolutely drive a car to Alaska! 27 days and nearly 8,000 miles later, my husband Sean, dog, and I traveled by car from Boston, Massachusetts all the way to Prudhoe Bay, Alaska.
Just keep in mind that you will need to cross an international border to do this, so there are certain travel documents you will need.
Is Alaska Nice to Live in?
Alaska is easily one of the best states in North America to live in. From its stunning landscapes to its diverse wildlife, Alaska is epically scenic, unique, and special.
It’s a great place for outdoor enthusiasts, and those looking for a slower pace of life will surely appreciate the quiet forests and serene coastline of this beautiful state.
If you want to know more about why Alaska is nice to live in, be sure to check out our detailed account of life in Alaska!
Does Anyone Live on the Alaska Peninsula?
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the Aleutians West Census Area which includes the Alaska Peninsula has a population of just over 5,000 people for 2023.
Compared to Juneau which had a population of over 31,000 in 2023, the Alaska Peninsula has some of the lowest year-round population numbers in the entire state.
What is Alaska Known For?
Alaska is known for its oil and natural gas production, its abundant natural resources like fishing, forestry, mining, tourism, and of course for its breathtaking landscape.
It’s also known for its unique culture and traditions that you’ll find nowhere else on Earth.
From the world-famous Iditarod to the mark of summer when the salmon hit the rivers in Ketchikan and even some of the world’s best marine wildlife tours on the Kenai Peninsula, visiting Alaska is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Whether you’re looking for adventure or a tranquil escape from the rest of the world, this remote northwestern U.S. state is sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
With its rich history and culture, stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife, and endless outdoor activities there’s no better place than Alaska to get a taste of new life. Those curious about where Alaska is can use this guide to help dictate the logistics of visiting and life in the region!
