Just wanted to a report on my trip to BRW a few months ago. I thot BRW would be a good place to see a whale hunt, the northern lights and polar bears. Got disappointed on all three counts.

BRW is not actually at the northern most point. One can drive a regular car on a road that ends two miles before Barrow point. From the end of the road, you need a snowmobile to go further. There are some companies that take you, but its about $100+
One company is Aarigaa and their # is 907 367 3332


At the point, the chances of seeing polar bears increases. The whale hunting season is around Oct, but its unpredictable. Plus there is a quota of 12 whales per season I think. The catch the whales and bring them to an area called the "Narl" I think. The catch is announced on some radio station which the ppl at the Barrow Airport Inn knows. They were also willing to give me a call on my cell if they heard of a catch,.

The locals don't seem to take non-locals on their whaling expeditions. Bad luck I believe. I was also not able to find any restaurant serving their food, which according to the car rental lady was b/c it is not allowed in their tradition. The meat of the whales caught by locals is not served in restaurants b/c its not processed under the US specifications/standards.

There is a car rental (got the # from the hotel) and we got an old Taurus for $130. Its walking distance from the airport terminal. After you step outside the terminal walk to the right. The Barrow Airport Inn is walking distance as well, but make sure you are warm, the King Eider (??) Inn is almost opposite. There were plenty of taxis available.
The Barrow Airport Inn is decent, costed $130/night and had breakfast. They didn't seem to have queen beds, all were single.