Average Daylight Hours

In June the average amount of daylight is nineteen hours. While the sun briefly dips below the horizon, its glow illuminates the sky until it reappears a few hours later. This makes for long, beautiful evenings with plenty of light. About the time the leaves begin to turn their brilliant fall colors, we experience a rapid decrease in light. December has an average of five hours of daylight. With the passing of the winter solstice, the cycle begins again.

Average Temperatures and Precipitation

While most people expect Alaska to be cold, our summers have weather many dream of with an average high in the mid sixties, humidity around 50% and less than two inches of precipitation per month. Winter temperatures can be extreme, but The Kenai is one of the mildest winter climates in the state with average highs in the twenties and snowfall rarely accumulating more than four feet.

Banking Opportunities

All of the incorporated communities on The Kenai have banking facilities available. First National Bank of Alaska, Wells Fargo Bank, Key Bank, Alaska USA Federal Credit Union, Credit Union One and more financial institutions may be found within the communities on the Kenai. ATM machines can be found in most grocery and convenience stores.

Cellular Phone Service

Currently three different companies offer cellular phone service; ACS, AT&T and GCI. Your phone ought to work well in most areas of The Kenai, possibly in roaming mode. Check with your provider for rates.

Clothing

One of the most predictable aspects of Alaska is that the weather is unpredictable. It is not uncommon to have temperature shifts of 10 to 20 degrees within a day. During the spring, summer, and fall, dressing in layers is the key to being comfortable. A light shirt, short or long sleeved, makes an excellent first layer. Over that, something for warmth like a sweatshirt, wool sweater or fleece pullover. The ideal outer layer is light waterproof jacket. Layers should be lightweight and easy to remove depending on weather changes or your activity. Don't forget shorts or sleeveless shirts for those warm days! Comfortable footwear is a must, and if you plan to be out on the beach or hiking in the woods, waterproof boots are the best choice.

Driving Tips

• Alaska and Canada will honor a valid driver's license, from any state or country, for 90 days after entry.
• Seat belts must be worn by all drivers and passengers in all areas of Alaska.
• All children under age five, regardless of weight, must ride in a federally approved child safety seat. Children ages 5-7 under 4'9" tall and under 65 lbs. are required to use a booster seat.
• Some stretches of the Seward and Sterling highways require that motorists must drive with headlights on at all times.
• Winter visitors to Alaska need not worry too much about road conditions, while snow is always a factor the Alaska Department of Transportation has been maintaining roads in these conditions for years. Their system is safe, efficient, and effective. If you prefer to have some added precautions, studded tires are allowed in Alaska September through April.
• In the springtime, be careful of frost heaves, large indentions in the pavement, the larger heaves can break an axle.
• If there is a line of traffic behind your vehicle of five vehicles or greater the law requires you to pull over and let them pass.

Traveling through Canada:

• Due to changing legislation regarding border crossing requirements, it is recommended that U.S. Citizens traveling between the United States and Canada have a current passport. Please visit the U.S. Customs office at www.customs.gov for updated identification requirements well in advance of your trip. For additional information visit: www.customs.gov or www.cbp.gov
• Persons under 18 not accompanied by both parents must carry a notarized letter from their legal guardian and/or the other parent granting permission to travel to Canada.
• Persons under 18 not accompanied by both parents must carry a letter from their legal guardian and/or the other parent granting permission to travel to Canada.
• Be prepared to show proof of insurance and vehicle registration or rental papers.
• Dogs and cats may be transported through Canada as long as you have proof of current rabies vaccination. A health certificate is also recommended, as it may be required by U.S. border officials when entering from Canada.
• You may not be able to enter Canada if you have a criminal record (this includes DUIs).

Visitor Centers

Local visitor information centers can be found in the communities of Anchor Point, Cooper Landing, Homer, Kenai, Seward, and Soldotna.

Postal Service

UPS, Federal Express, and the US Postal Service all provide rapid parcel delivery service into and out most Kenai Peninsula communities. Fish processing stores are abundant and will process, freeze and ship your fish for you on the date you specify.

Student Information

The official Student Information Guide to Alaska is available at www.state.ak.us/local/kids/home.html  or at www.travelalaska.com

Tidal Safety

The tides of Cook Inlet have the second greatest tidal range in the world, with a maximum range approaching forty feet. While these tides are impressive to watch they can also be very dangerous. They boast powerful currents, some as fast as 20 miles per hour, and they come in very fast. The tidal flats are usually composed of gray clay that acts as a binding quicksand. DO NOT WALK OUT ONTO TIDAL FLATS IT IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS.

Time Zone

A state the size of Alaska needs it own time zone, called Alaska Time. We are one hour behind the Pacific Time Zone and four hours behind the East Coast Time Zone. When it is 12 noon in New York, then it is 8:00 am on The Kenai.