"Yohaho's new Barrow Page" Top 5 Page for this destination Barrow by Yohaho

Barrow Travel Guide: 139 reviews and 142 photos

Barrow? where is Barrow?? Many people ask me the same question when I tell them I have been to Barrow. ok, let me tell you now : )
Barrow is a small Eskimo town(village??) in Northern Alaska. It is located in the Northern tip of Alaska 300 miles north of the Artic circle. Half of the population in town are Inupiat Eskimoes. They still preserve some of their traditions like hunting, fishing, art and craft. As you can imagine, there is only one word to describe the weather: cold. The average daily high temperature is 50F in summer. During summer, the sun does not set for 82 days consecutively and you can see the famous midnight sun. In winter, you encounter another natural wonder: Northern light.
Modern conveniences are availble and they greatly improve their living standard. Let say,to avoid waiting the bus in the snow, each household can simply turn on their tv and switch to the channel that shows the location of buses. They can walk out when they see the bus is coming. As you can imagine, there is only one word to describe the weather: cold. The average daily high temperature is 50F in summer. During summer, the sun does not set for 82 days consecutively and you can see the famous midnight sun. In winter, you encounter another natural wonder: Northern light.
Eskimos are very friendly. I think they are strong though to live in such extreme weather. I was looking forward to see the ice house. However, nowadays they are only built for temporarily use when the eskimos go hunting.
Making a trip to Barrow was a challenge to me........ financially. Yes, $$$$. @_@ A day trip to Barrow from Anchorage costs US$565 including airfare and a day tour. Despite of the high cost of travelling, it is an unique experience to be in the Arctic circle as well as to learn how the eskimo survive in extreme weather.

Last visit to Barrow: May 2000
Intro Written May 21, 2001
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (10)

If you are going to Barrow on... - Barrow

If you are going to Barrow on... Warnings Or Dangers (1)

If you are going to Barrow on your own, beware of the polar bear. They do attack people. The biggest polar bear has ever... more travel advice

Most of the travellers are... Hotels (1)

Most of the travellers are arranged to stay in Top of the World Hotel. This hotel located in town right on the shore of... more travel advice

Inupiat Heritage center and... Things to Do (3)

Inupiat Heritage center and Museum is a new spot for learning more about the Inupiat culture. You have the chance to... more travel advice

Point Barrow is the northern... - Barrow

Point Barrow is the northern... Things to Do (3)

Point Barrow is the northern most point in North American that is accessible by road. It is only a few miles north from... more travel advice

Comments (5)

picklegirl Mar 8, 2004 at 12:12 PM Report Abuse

Oh I want to say I was in the Arctic as well!! (May make it to Barrow next month ;-). What month did you visit?
dsantosh Nov 3, 2003 at 12:17 AM Report Abuse

Excellant pages, beautiful albums and useful tips..Highly useful to a tourist.Many many happy returns of the day.Wishing you a happy birthday and great times ahead
ania70pl Mar 22, 2003 at 12:37 PM Report Abuse

I wish I could go there and tell others "I've been to the Arctic":-) Great tips and pics.
martin_nl Mar 14, 2003 at 12:45 PM Report Abuse

Never heard of this place but it sounds really interesting!
BorderHopper Nov 17, 2002 at 12:47 AM Report Abuse

Fascinating trip you made....expensive.....but worth it very much! Thanks for sharing it with those of us who have yet to see Barrow!