The Aleutian Islands are the tops of submerged mountains belonging to a range stretching more than 1,100 miles into the Pacific Ocean from the Alaska mainland. Volcanic peaks, hidden valleys, and pebbled beaches invite explorers. Whales, sea lions, seals, and sea otters are a common sight on wildlife tours, as well as eagles, the rare whiskered auklet and the ancient murrelet. Halibut and three salmon species are the fisherman's reward.

The Aleutian Islands' cultural history dates back at least 8,000 years. The Unangan people, known since Russian colonial times as Aleuts, have preserved their arts and lifestyle amid a bustling commercial fishing economy. Russian influences began in the 1740's when fur traders descended upon the islands to secure sea otter pelts. The Russian Orthodox faith remains the dominant religion in many communities.

The Aleutians were strategically important during World War II in preventing Japanese invasion of the U.S. mainland. Japanese forces occupied the islands of Attu and Kiska in 1942, and traces of this era are still evident throughout the islands.