Over beer and hamburgers at the Two Rivers Lodge near Fairbanks, Alaska, a small group of mushers conceived a gutsy idea for a new sled dog race that would be more challenging than any other marathon race in the Far North. In 1984, mushers organized the Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race between Fairbanks and Whitehorse, Yukon Territory. Soon, mushers adopted an unofficial race motto, "Survive first, race second." The Quest trail boasts fewer checkpoints, longer wilderness runs, and more campouts. The trail crosses three mountain passes, including the dreaded 3,685-foot Eagle Summit, a killer of mushers' dreams. Outdoor survival skills and self reliance are on a par with commercial sponsorships and high-tech sleds and mushing gear. Yukon Quest is an exciting, inspirational story full of bigger-than-life characters told by Lew Freedman, best-selling author of eight books about sled-dog racing. Includes a list of race champions, names of all finishers, and 16 pages of photos.

The Yukon Quest is more than just a sled dog race. It was the dream of two Fairbanksans--a recreational musher and an amateur historian--who conceived of a race closer to the roots of Alaskan dog sledding. The Yukon Quest is a 1,000-mile slog through trails used only for this race that cross mountains, rivers, and lakes in some of the harshest weather on the planet. It celebrates the history of the dogs that carried freight and delivered mail, dogs that many times over saved lives before the advent of aviation and snowmachines made them obsolete. The inaugural Yukon Quest Sled Dog Race of 1984 was a great success with the wholehearted support of the Fairbanks community, and it has become a much-anticipated annual event ever since.

Canada's Yukon is one the world's last great wildernesses, where bears, moose and caribou roam. It's a place where hikers, paddlers, skiers and mushers can travel for days without seeing another human soul, where the northern lights dance green and red across starry skies, and where glaciers tumble, mountain peaks soar, and tundra shrubs scream scarlet as summer turns to fall. Bradt's Yukon is the only guidebook dedicated to this natural and historical wonderland. Offering practical advice on everything from where to pan for gold to how to avoid being eaten by a bear, alongside quirky anecdotes (such as the story behind the 'sourtoe cocktail' - a shot of whisky garnished with a severed human toe), it's the perfect companion for highway drivers, cruise-ship passengers, and outdoors enthusiasts alike.

If you want to know Alaska inside and out, there is no better reference than THE ALASKA ALMANAC.. Updated annually with facts and figures on geography, history, economics, sports, cultures, and people of the Last Frontier, this information-packed volume is a must-have for Alaskans and visitors alike. Celebrating its thirtieth birthday this year, this handy little guide is chock-full of Alaskana, from the beautiful to the bizarre. As always, the wit and wisdom of Mr. Whitekeys continues to delight readers with his wacky-but-true Alaska factoids. Did you know . . . Arctic researchers on the northern tundra have reported up to 9,000 mosquito bites per minute. There are 166,000 moose in Alaska. Each one produces approximately 400 ""moose nuggets"" per day. Alaskans are the second highest per capita consumers of SPAM. in the nation. ""Gold nuggets about Alaska."" -- The Associated Press

With facts and figures on geography, history, economy, cultures, and peoples of the Last Frontier, the 29th edition is packed with all-about-Alaska information for people who dream of visiting Alaska, as well as long-lasting sourdoughs.

The most detailed, up-to-date guide to traveling the highway, from BC through the Yukon and Alaska to Prudhoe Bay. Fairbanks, Anchorage, Dawson City, Skagway, Denali National Park, Valdez--these are just some of the destinations covered. Also included are details on alternate highways, such as the Stewart-Cassiar, the Yellowhead, Top-of-the-World, the Richardson and Glenn Highways. The authors talk about where to find wildlife and how to get the best photos; they share their knowledge about the most coveted camping areas; they tell you which historic sites you should take in. An entire chapter is dedicated to the Alaska Marine Highway, a ferry service that serves as a lifeline to Alaska's coastal towns. 30+ maps, color photos.

More than twenty years ago, a disillusioned college graduate named Peter Jenkins set out with his dog Cooper to look for himself and his nation. His memoir of what he found, A Walk Across America, captured the hearts of millions of Americans. Now, Peter is a bit older, married with a family, and his journeys are different than they were. Perhaps he is looking for adventure, perhaps inspiration, perhaps new communities, perhaps unspoiled land. Certainly, he found all of this and more in Alaska, America's last wilderness. Looking for Alaska is Peter's account of eighteen months spent traveling over twenty thousand miles in tiny bush planes, on snow machines and snowshoes, in fishing boats and kayaks, on the Alaska Marine Highway and the Haul Road, searching for what defines Alaska. Hearing the amazing stories of many real Alaskans--from Barrow to Craig, Seward to Deering, and everywhere in between--Peter gets to know this place in the way that only he can. His resulting portrait is a rare and unforgettable depiction of a dangerous and beautiful land and all the people that call it home. He also took his wife and eight-year-old daughter with him, settling into a "home base" in Seward on the Kenai Peninsula, coming and going from there, and hosting the rest of their family for extended visits. The way his family lived, how they made Alaska their home and even participated in Peter's explorations, is as much a part of this story as Peter's own travels. All in all, Jenkins delivers a warm, funny, awe-inspiring, and memorable diary of discovery-both of this place that captures all of our imaginations, and of himself, all over again.

Moon Travel Guides: Make Your Escape! Remote, wild, and all-around otherworldly, Alaska promises unforgettable adventure. Discover the heart of "The Last Frontier" with Moon Alaska. What you'll find in Moon Alaska: Strategic itineraries for every budget and timeline, whether you have a week to hit the top sights or a month to explore the whole state Full-color photos and detailed maps throughout, plus a full-color foldout map Curated advice for outdoor adventurers, history buffs, culture mavens, road-trippers, wildlife enthusiasts, and more Must-see attractions and off-beat ideas for making the most of your trip: Embark on a guided active glacier hike, explore ice caves, or take an intrepid "flightseeing" tour to secluded glacier landings in Denali National Park. Experience the thrill of spotting wild bears, moose, or even walrus, or catch a glimpse of sea otters and humpback whales on a boat tour of the spectacular Kenai Fjords. Hike through lush wilderness or along pristine beaches, kayak on tranquil sounds or secluded lakes, or camp under the crystal-clear stars. Learn about Alaska's native cultures and quirky small towns, savor a freshly-caught seafood dinner, and discover the best spots to witness the enchanting northern lights Honest advice from Anchorage local and outdoor aficionado Lisa Maloney on when to go, what to pack, and where to stay, from campsites and hostels to B&Bs and resort fishing lodges How to get there and get around by plane, train, ferry, cruise ship, or guided tour Recommendations for families, LGBTQ+ travelers, seniors, international visitors, and travelers with disabilities Thorough background on the culture, weather, wildlife, local laws, history, and health and safety With Moon Alaska's local insight, myriad activities, and expert advice, you can plan your trip your way. Full list of coverage: Juneau and Southeast Alaska, Anchorage and Southcentral Alaska, Denali, Fairbanks, and the Interior, Kodiak and Southwest Alaska, the Arctic Can't get enough of Alaska? Try Moon Anchorage, Denali & the Kenai Peninsula. Headed to Canada? Try Moon Vancouver & Canadian Rockies Road Trip or Moon Banff National Park.