Located 50 miles south of the Arctic Circle, Circle, Alaska, was the largest gold-mining town on the Yukon River prior to the 1898 Klondike Gold Rush.

Alaska Division of Tourism

Alaska - Eco Tourism Initiatives

By Smithsonian.com
Smithsonian.com, November 06, 2007

Alaska is a prime year-round destination for those seeking a more personal connection with nature, culture and wilderness. It is also one of the first to feel the ecological implications of global climate change, as well as its affect on the tourism industry. Businesses statewide encourage "responsible" travel, taking care to preserve the environment and improve the wellbeing of local people.

The Alaska Wilderness Recreation & Tourism Association is a member-led association that represents more than 300 nature-based tourism businesses, individuals, and organizations, offering travelers natural history tours, rafting, fishing, kayaking, hiking, backpacking, wilderness lodges, hunting, and day ocean cruises & charters trips to Alaska's wild lands.

AWRTA advocates for the sustainability of Alaska's natural and cultural resources, responsible tourism and tourism planning for communities. Member businesses and partners strive to work with communities to protect and enhance the quality of life, to provide good jobs and business opportunities, and to create strong incentives for protecting Alaska's wildlife, wilderness and special places.