A day in Utqiagvik (Barrow) | Remote Alaska

Utqiaġvik, formerly known as Barrow, is the northernmost town in the United States, located on the Arctic Ocean in the state of Alaska. The land of the first nations, it is one of the few places where you can see and experience the unique culture and way of life of the Inupiat people, who have lived in the region for thousands of years. In addition to its historical significance, Utqiaġvik is also a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with opportunities for activities such as whale watching, birdwatching, and dog sledding. Mind you, in most of the seasons you'll be doing ice watching more than anything else!
The area is home to some of the most spectacular and remote wilderness in the country, making it a great destination for those looking to get away from it all and experience the natural beauty of the Arctic. Some people may find the isolation, harsh weather, and rugged terrain of the region to be exciting and thrilling, while others may find it to be overwhelming or challenging. If you enjoy being in nature, experiencing new cultures, and are willing to brave the colder weather and isolated location, then you may find that Utqiaġvik is a rewarding destination. I certainly did and hope my video will be able to convey that. Thanks for watching!

[@cynthiataormino5987]

Barrow is not depressing rather gorgeous with cold gray skies, vety calming. Thank you for this video

[@strangevideos3048]

Utqiagvik is gorgeous? You have mental illness bro 😮

Thank you very much for the positive outlook! Take care!

[@JBags72]

gorgeous? 🤔

[@markphipps9964]

The best part of a visit to Barrow? Leaving!

I hear this sort of a comment about Utqiagvik sometimes and wonder what's in the perception that paints it so bad? That land has a different way of life, pace, organization of physical goods, logistics and more. Also there's the native way of life. You don't see that often in a regular lower 48 American town. But it is admirable how people live there and the choices they are making every day.

[@tedgrowney8981]

@ well, the fact that you never see anybody outside must mean that it's too miserable to be outside. no thanks.

[@user-fx9or3hc7y]

😮😅😂👍👍

[@JoseMarcio-kq2db]

Concordo com você markphipps brazilian

[@JT-nn8nj]

If all else fails, I’m faking my death and moving here. Stay safe bro

[@pewpewTN]

As weird as it sounds, If I was rich, this is probably where I would move. Barrow is a very unique place.

[@kelliejohnston850]

I’m with you on that idea! I would love it!

[@user-rg1ti8bx9y]

Agreed .

[@VoorTrekker88]

For anyone wondering, those little birds were Snow Buntings

Thank you! Birders community will be happy to know, I'm sure :)

[@Azalais24]

For anyone wondering those little birds are called imoathligallooks😂

[@VoorTrekker88]

@@Azalais24 huh? I don't get it

[@eddiew2325]

@@VoorTrekker88 what dont you get?

[@samcarrs]

Lovely. It’s an anything goes type of place. No judgment zone.

[@albertwells8503]

I’ve seen several videos of Barrow, but this is the first I’ve seen that shows many places are a frozen ghetto.

[@charlescarpenter3758]

The others must have been Chamber of Commerce ads.

[@albertwells8503]

@@charlescarpenter3758 I believe you’re exactly right.

[@southernrebel]

Excellent Video!!!!!!!!!!!!! not a bunch of loud music or somebody talking all the time trying to be a movie star. Enjoy moving there but just I"m just too old!!!!!!!!!!! DAMN IT!! haha

Hi Southern Rebel, thanks for the comment. Never blame it on the age, only on mileage haha

[@jimgreen5788]

@southernrebel, if you have the money, you can always visit. You're not too old for that. Go for it!

[@erincarter507]

I was there Jan2 thru May 15 1976 at NARL, U.S. navy station, a lot nicer homes now, bless the Inuits still there, rugged individuals for sure.

Let me compliment your memory for remembering the exact dates. The Inuits indeed take care of the this town and it is now twice the size it used to be in the 70s.

[@paulwan7258]

I went there 9/8/2023. 35F no snow but it was freezing at night. Stayed in King Eider one night but heard someone playing tennis outside of the hotel but when i look outside there wasnt anybody. I wanted to talk to front desk but they are closed after 10pm wow they didnt tell me its a haunted hotel, anyway Barrow has lots of muddy road, info window at police dept close all weekend. Lots of warehouse at the other end, most houses are bungalow. The asian restaurant was very good without nice family work there serving me food. The airport was Alaska airlines transit hub close everyday at 6pm. Seen lots of seafood vendors who are native alaskan buying seafood and taking with them to the airplane. Anyway i left to Anchorage to challenge the Chugach mountain despite seeing the most scariest Arctic ocean in my life.

Thanks for sharing your story, Paul! The tennis sounds may be somebody watching TV in a room around you. Local spirits are not so much into tennis haha, they have other inclinations. King Eider is a great place, Jack and Macie are amazing hosts. Take care!

[@livingintheforest3963]

Search beautiful photography of such a desolate place. I really love this. Thank you for making such a great video. Very much enjoying the uniqueness of it.

Thank you, I appreciate the kind words. Glad you liked it.

[@soniadowney7427]

I love this video ..beautiful sounds

[@leanneadams2549]

Unless you were born here many would have a very difficult time living here !!! I would absolutely HATE it but wouldn’t mind visiting just to see what it’s like and the. Getting the heck out lol

[@artfuldodger4850]

Thank you for this video about a place very few people will see for real. The first comment about it being depressing was my first thought, but watching to the end, the people who live here and similar places are a very special breed who just get on with a daily routine. I would imagine on a beautiful day with much less snow the place would be transformed. One thing I did notice was the amount of scrap cars and other debris. The local authority should be responsible for the cleanliness of the area and if they can get cars in, then a scrapping and recycling plant to crush damaged vehicles and “exporting” of scrap for cash would provide employment and make the place look as if it has pride in itself. At 75 I am very unlikely to ever see the area, but there are many worse places to live in , even in America I would guess. Good luck to the inhabitants.

[@ricka.a.]

Because of it's remoteness. New car parts are hard to come by. Broken down vehicles are slowly stripped of their good parts as needed. A lot of the metal itself is reused eventually. Trying to haul away scrap metal would be nothing but financial losses. The metal would never pay for the shipping costs. These are people who want nothing to do with home owners associations. Yes. It would be nice to have storage buildings for all the parts vehicles, instead of just sitting outside. They can't afford it. Just keep your opinion to yourself. They don't care what you want. Because they want to live as far away as possible, from people who want to dictate how they should live. These people value their freedom. Even if it means living in a harsh environment.

[@nonameuno9394]

Looks just like where I used to live in Nevada but with snow.

[@rondymiller9620]

Really interesting, Thanks!

[@policeofficersandy8057]

We lived in Barrow for a couple of Years. Its exciting for a while and after the excitement is gone its pretty boring. Although my Kids got bullied in School pretty bad for being white .

Sad to hear about bullying. That is never good under any circumstances. Hopefully you and they still have good memories of town.

[@omadjourney]

Can we see more of what people do in a day, beautiful place but it would be nice to see people enjoying it.

[@sidneykane9508]

Thanks! I’ve been a Barrow webcam fan for years. Excellent camera work and editing.

Thank you for the kind words, glad you liked it!

[@user-fx9or3hc7y]

Cannot be below 35-40° F ! 🥶🧊🌨️ To visit yes ! 💪🇺🇸🙏😊 Love a verbal narration !

[@traviscartwright3950]

It looks like Syria on a good day except replace the sand with snow. I feel sorry for the teathered dogs out in that weather, l realize people are limited to what they can do with thier properties and most are in it for the quick cash and then to leave once the oil/contracts expire. It would be interesting to visit though.

[@megatuanis]

It's horrible to see dogs tied up anywhere! It breaks my heart.

[@bangzoom22]

Who’s brilliant idea was it to change the name to something no one can pronounce

[@rustcohle8638]

6:43 What's going on with all these trashed cars?

[@tendrmoon]

365 shades of gray, mud,cold, dark and nothing green. I’d curl up and die.

[@tendrmoon]

I agree, it’s gotta be the most depressing place on the planet.

[@suzanne6841]

I feel so so bad for the dogs. It was not their choice to live there.

[@stargazer2533]

No, thank you. I couldn't stand all of the junk piled up everywhere. That is so depressing. And I don't like being cold 24/7/365.

[@williamebach3067]

Got lots of respect for the folks living here!!

[@choosesomethingfun5608]

I often think how cool it would be to live in polar Alaska. Then I remember the six weeks I was there for training with the Army, where a tiny mistake such as forgetting your gloves or mittens can be a life threatening situation. Many changes at -50 F. I loved it when I was up there, but I can see where it would get extremely depressing and boring, holed up in a tent, a cabin, or even a 4 star hotel, where there is no real day to speak of.

[@tomk4484]

They’re not the prettiest homes, but they are at least substantial… more than I can say for many parts of the world.

This is very true. Glad to read positive comments about the town.

[@brady9076]

My family is from here !!

What's your family now and why relocated?

[@AJoel-pj4db]

Im sure almost everyone moves outta barrow ak as soon as they graduate high school

[@randallknight869]

lol those broke down cars were in same exact spot as 5 years ago

[@jimgreen5788]

Fascinating video! Not that it makes a lot of difference, but was this filmed before or after the 2-month darkness?

Thank you! This was filmed in spring, nights were pretty light, didn't feel like true nights I used to.

[@user-tp6fo7im3d]

Does anyone know if those birds have any yes?

[@Jacob1O9187]

Are you still here?

Not anymore. Did you want to meet?

[@Jacob1O9187]

Nah just questioning

[@eddiew2325]

@@Jacob1O9187 i remember that time i went to barrow to chase some tail. good times

[@user-wl6bw3jl4n]

Sergey, how did you get a car in Barrow? I thought there’s no rentals or Uber.

There are a few cabs in town, drivers are helpful and friendly. Totally possible to negotiate a quick town tour.

[@adarajennifer]

In which month was this footage taken, please?

This was in May

[@adarajennifer]

@ Thank you!

[@frank2357]

I met a girl from barrow two decades+ ago. A real funny experience! She looked at me like as if she saw a ghost. The reason was that I without her asking for it, I put her on coming from Barrow. She was an exchange student to Stockholm and that's where I ran into her.

How could you tell she was from Barrow? What was so special for you to see?

[@MARIE19986]

It's too cold for dogs to be outside.

[@jadebijou9508]

Well okay 😂 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@jackchop1576]

poor puppy ❤❤❤

[@RockBiologist]

8:01 Farthest North Little Library, 6476 North Star Street, Little Free Library Charter #109967

[@MKUltra-ti8ts]

Мне нравятся наши домики в деревне , они такие душевные , с разными вырезками, не у всех есть машины, многие топятся дровами, но нет таких дипресивных видов , костей животных, раздолбаной техники, надеюсь это самое худшее посиление в США.

Что такое "наши домики"? В какой деревне, например, среди полукочевых поселений на севере Чукотки будет резьба по дереву на домиках? Или Вы сравниваете самое северное поселение Аляски на берегу Северного Ледовитого океана с уютной деревней в средней полосе Восточной Европы?

[@margo7059]

@ Почему в Средней Полосе? Под Архангельском, например, полно уютных домов с резьбой. Согласитесь, что место на видео очень напоминает помойку(((

[@lothanamarie6326]

What was that orange house at 1:18?

A local's cabin

[@lothanamarie6326]

@ oh ok i couldnt tell what the material was it looked strange is why I asked.

[@user-pg3xm7mo8k]

Why are t there people out or kids playing out.what do one at barrow.

[@Pilotc180]

Im gonna stick with Puerto Vallarta👍

Looks like someone made their choice :)

[@johnburgess5534]

Living in a tip. I don’t know how the residents manage it.

[@johndemeen5575]

Well I glad they like it. How lifeless, and terminal.

[@davidlaforce1855]

Well that would be a difficult place to live

[@Red-Robin4]

THAT POOR PUPPY THEY MAKE IT STAY OUTSIDE IN THE COLD THATS SO HORRIBLE!!! PEOPLE IF YOU ARE NOT GOING TO LOVE AND CARE FOR A PET BETTER THAN THAT DONT GET ONE!!! HE DESERVES TO BE INSIDE WHERE ITS WARM LAYING BY A FIRE OR HEATER BEING LOVED AND FED WELL!!!

[@josebarrientos3602]

It must be a very nice place but people with so much trash make it look ugly

[@Jackapoo1]

Bring the dog in the house… better yet…… MOVE🤔🤔🤔

[@AutonyB]

are there homeless people or poor people who cant pay rent here, how do they get by

[@RemoveDataHarvesters]

they move to anchorage

Such town are not forgiving for those who prefer to be a public expense. As someone already mentioned, they usually move to Anchorage or the lower 48.

[@bobsap1723]

They get their loser butts out of there and become somebody else’s issue

[@jamiekanayurak7908]

Their is a Homeless shelter in Barrow.

[@RemoveDataHarvesters]

@@jamiekanayurak7908 yeah? what's it look like inside? what's the state of it Mr know it all?

[@manulukolemaun4363]

These comment acting like barrow got no good days like no sun no grass and acting like is snow through the summer people from lower 48 need to go out more get out their comfort zone

[@manulukolemaun4363]

It gets nice out theirs summer very hot days the kids go out ride bikes

[@KBNoyes]

Compared this to how people live in the same latitude just across the Bearing Straits in Siberia for all you negative people.

[@charliebravo1906]

Shitty life for those dogs.

[@paultevendale9293]

A bit too desolate for me

[@mikek8377]

Crazy that they have NO pride with their homes or town. Sure doesnt take much effort at all to keep the outside free of junk, neat, and just show you care!!

[@wrath231]

Any vampires?

No vampires. Just good people

[@leahemmerich6292]

Certainly lacking in crime!

No kidding!

[@eddiew2325]

too cold to commit crime and too warm to go skinny dipping with polar bears

[@stevehedman7969]

I really hope you had sarcasm dripping from your lips

[@eddiew2325]

@@stevehedman7969 no that was semen

[@splintcell22]

​@@eddiew2325how did it taste

[@margo7059]

Вот так и умирают империи...

[@pberPSR]

where are all the homeless? 😊

[@dzxn3728]

They freeze

Hard to be homeless in this climate

[@pberPSR]

@ duh

[@justindeming3553]

They all have homes this what the rest of America will look like when everyone is reliant on the government. Socialism is coming keep voting D.

[@OneStrangeJourney]

Why does this place look so miserable? Compare it to say Svalbard in Norway which is much farther north and Svalbard is beautiful, looks like it's out of a fairy tale. This place looks sad, cold and miserable. Every house looks like it was tossed together with no pride in craftsmanship and on the verge of collapse. Every car looks trashed. I'm not trying to be a troll but why is it like that?

Thank you for such a great question. Each people constructs according to their cultural tradition. Svalbard inherits the Scandinavian traditional and Russian Arctic construction principles, while Utqiagvik hails to Arctic nomads of Northern Siberia and American Arctic. This is way deeper than on the surface, it goes into archetypical concepts of organizing the space.

[@NmpK24]

Those buildings are sinking due to building on permafrost and the extreme weather. And Svalbard is a different situation. Firstly, access by sea is pretty much all year round and its important for Norway to keep a strategic presence in the region. Unlike Utqiagvik it has no indigenous people and its population is limited to a few thousand, mostly in Longyearbyen. There are also strict environmental laws and rules when living there such as the deceased cannot be buried and pregnant women cannot give birth on the island. Though its a duty free zone, the cost of living is also expensive, but then the mainland Norway is too compared to rest of Europe. Lot of money comes in to Svalbard through tourism and research grants, meaning local investment and jobs.

[@OneStrangeJourney]

its sad, Svalbard ir beautiful and these alaskan towns look sad and depressing.@@NmpK24

[@user-ln9mj7tn8l]

Why would anyone live there maybe if your wanted .

It is their ancestors' land, to the locals this is home. Although the way of life is very different from other towns down south and much harder, most of those born and raised in Utqiagvik choose to stay.

[@user-ln9mj7tn8l]

@ I bet food is really expensive

@@user-ln9mj7tn8l Food is really expensive, true. Just to give you an idea, a gallon of milk is north of $13.

[@user-ln9mj7tn8l]

@SergeyMishenev that's alot by me 2.99

[@PC-CPPC]

What a depressing place

[@muntthedubious_9308]

That may be true but not gonna lie, I kinda dig the vibe of this place.

[@muntthedubious_9308]

It’s not so much as depressing as it is just freaking cold.

[@jamiekanayurak7908]

We manage to figure out something to do on the daily. Some of us work 2 or jobs & we make things happen.

[@d3adbatt3ry]

It’s not that terrible up here.

[@Azalais24]

Bro I live here

[@BillMartre-uq1gg]

Misery

[@mikem201]

what a depressing dump

[@jsion8]

Question do they have Uber or DoorDash?

Nah, you just walk to the store and buy a $13 gallon milk bottle

[@stanleygrayson3186]

It's only depressing so a "certain"group of people who believes everyone else on earth is beneath them.

[@AJoel-pj4db]

Im sure almost everyone moves outta barrow ak as soon as they graduate high school