Ambler (Alaska) Voyage Tips and guide

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Ambler, also known by its Inupiaq name Ivisaappaat, is a small but vibrant community in Arctic Alaska. It is rich in culture and history on the north bank of the Kobuk River, near the confluence of the Ambler and the Kobuk Rivers. It lies 45 mi (72 km) north of the Arctic Circle.

Ambler was permanently settled in 1958 when people from Shungnak and Kobuk moved downstream because of the variety of fish, wild game and spruce trees in the area. Ambler was home to 274 people in 2020, the large majority of whom are Iñupiat (Alaskan Natives).

Ambler has a subarctic climate characterized by extremely cold winters and short, mild summers. Winter temperatures can drop below -40 °F, while summer highs can reach up to 80 °F. The best time to visit is during late spring to early fall (May to September) when the weather is more temperate, and the outdoor activities are abundant.

Month	Avg High (°F)	Avg Low (°F)	Precipitation (inches)
Jan	-9.3	-17.9	1.15
Jul	59.3	47.6	2.66
Sep	40.7	32.1	4.50
Dec	6.6	-9.9	0.55

Ambler is remote and does not have road access to other parts of Alaska. The primary mode of transportation to and from Ambler is by air.

• 67.106201-157.8571561 Ambler Airport (ABL  ^IATA) (1.5 miles north of the city center). Daily scheduled flights from Kotzebue and Shungnak (both in Alaska) by local airline Bering Air. Air taxis provide charter flights to neighboring villages. (updated Jan 2025)

During the summer months (early June to mid-October), small boats navigate the Kobuk River, making it another option for reaching Ambler and exploring the surrounding areas.

Ambler’s major means of transportation are plane, small boat, and snow machine. There are no roads linking the city to other parts of the state.

Boats are used for inter-village travel and subsistence activities, while ATVs and snow machines are commonly used in winter.

• 67.0969-158.2981 Onion Portage (on the northern banks of the Kobuk River in Kobuk Valley National Park). A major archaeological site: archaeologists have located nine complexes ranging dating from approximately 6500BC to AD1700. (updated Jan 2025)
• Experience the rich culture of the Iñupiat people, including opportunities to witness traditional practices and learn about the Ambler dialect of the Inupiaq language.

Fish for chum salmon and hunt caribou in season.

Artisan shops offer local handicrafts, including birch baskets, fur pelts, and carvings made from jade, quartz, bone, and ivory.

Experience the tastes of Alaska with local fish, caribou, and seasonal berries. While dining options are limited, local stores may offer fresh fish and traditional foods.

• 67.0855-157.85941 US Post Office, 9998 Ambler Ave. (updated Jan 2025)