Whittier, Alaska

College Fjord Glacier Viewing, near Whittier, Alaska

Whittier Glacier Cruise

Only 100 km from Anchorage, Whittier is the gateway to Prince William Sound - an amazing area made up of many deep fjords with tidewater glaciers that calve before your eyes, and islands around every turn.

Whittier is surrounded by the Chugach National Forest, the second largest in the United States.

Popular summer activities include day cruises, fishing charters, kayak tours, and hiking. Winter activities include snow shoeing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.

Fishing is a popular activity. The annual silver salmon run in late August or September is a favorite with anglers.

Glacier Cruise Tours out of Whittier, Alaska

Day cruise tours out of Whittier are very popular. The glacier and wildlife viewing are outstanding on these cruises. College Fjord has 9 tidewater glaciers and is the most popular cruise. Harriman Fjord has several tidewater glaciers. Blackstone Bay is the shortest cruise route, but this area is very beautiful and its tranquil waters offer wonderful reflection views of the mountains and glaciers.

Hiking around Whittier, Alaska

There are several local trails - Portage Pass, Salmon Run and Horse Tail Falls trails. The Portage Pass trail takes hikers to Portage Pass with great views of Portage Glacier, mountains, and the sea.

Kayaking around Whittier, Alaska

The kayaking is awesome around Whittier. There are several tour operators that offer kayak trips. Blackstone Bay is very popular because of the tranquil waters and great views.

Port of Whittier, Alaska

As the gateway to Prince William Sound, Whittier’s small boat harbor offers glacier viewing cruises and fishing charters into the Sound, is a favorite staging area for kayakers, and welcomes thousands of cruise ship passengers a year.

Whittier is a busy port for local cruise tours, with ships specially outfitted for viewing taking passengers to view glaciers, whales, seals, and other wildlife in the waters of Price William Sound–a beautiful rugged land of mountains and glaciers.

Whittier is accessible by road, with the Whittier Access Road running through North America’s longest vehicle tunnel – the 4.25 km Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel.

Access: By vehicle via the Seward Highway and Whittier Access Road; Alaska Railroad from Anchorage; Alaska Marine Highway ferry from Valdez and Cordova, all classes of cruise vessels.

Location: Whittier is on the west side or Prince William Sound at the head of Passage Canal, about 60 miles southeast of Anchorage.

Population: 188.

Accommodations: 2 hotels/motels; 2 bed and breakfasts; 6 restaurants/cafes/snackbars.

External Link: Whittier Chamber of Commerce official website.