Things to do / Travel Guide
The Alaska Panhandle is the most populated area of the state of Alaska, which, as a whole, is the most sparsely-populated state in the U.S., with about just 665,000 residents. Of those, approximately 73,000 live in the Panhandle.
Caucasians make up the majority of the region's population, at about 70%, with native tribes constituting about 15% of the residents, and other minority groups making up the remainder. Alaska's official language is English, but due to the large population of native residents, there are a number of native languages spoken, such as Inuit, Tlingit, and Aleut. In addition, there are also still some communities interspersed throughout the area that speak Russian - a throwback to Imperial Russia's dominion over this area. Not to worry though, you'll be able to communicate in English virtually everywhere in the region.
Today, the native cultures of the Alaska Panhandle represent a significant segment of the population in over 120 villages and communities. Many natives have managed to retain their ancient customs, language, fishing and hunting methods, and unique way of life since their founding thousands of years ago.
Residents of the Alaska Panhandle are a very down-to-earth, blue-collar bunch. The locals primarily make their living from a thriving fishing industry, a still-functioning gold mining industry, and, of course, from tourism. The towns that run along the coast, known as The Inside Passage, show off the true flavor of this colorful region and, as such, are favorites for the many cruise lines that ply the waters during the spring and summer months.
Living in this region is hard to beat for the lifestyle it affords. Having some of the most beautiful scenery in the world at your doorstep, with the added convenience of modern infrastructure like supermarkets and chain stores is truly a life worth living, just so long as you can tolerate the cold winters!
The locals have access to some of the best hiking, camping, boating, and fishing options available anywhere in the world, and tend to fully avail themselves of it. The major cities of the Alaska Panhandle are developed enough to offer most common aspects of infrastructure for its citizens, like malls, cinemas, dining out options, and many civic activities, like little leagues, all of which give the cities an All-American feel.
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