Tok is located in the Southeast Fairbanks Census Area. It is called the "Gateway to Alaska," because it is the first major community travelers encounter upon entering Alaska from Canada. Tok is home to about 1,415 people and the elevation is around 1,635 feet. It is the trade center for the Athabascan native villages of Northway, Tetlin, Tanacros, Mentasta, Eagle, and Dot Lake. Local Native arts & crafts may be purchased in local gift shops.
Tok (rhymes with poke) began as a road construction camp on the Alcan Highway (Alaska Hwy). It is a major overland point of entry into Alaska, especially for summer motorists. The Tanana River is to the north and the Alaska Range is southwest.
The Tok Civic Center houses the Mainstreet Visitor Center, which provides trip planning, travel information and Wildlife Viewing displays. It also provides restrooms, phones and free coffee.