Whittier is nestled on the edge of Prince William Sound in Alaska. This unique coastal town is accessed by a single-lane tunnel to its west or the Whittier port to its east. Most travelers who visit do so on a Gulf of Alaska cruise from or to Vancouver, British Columbia.
So, if you’re booked on a Gulf of Alaska cruise, we suggest spending a few days pre- or post-cruise enjoying the pristine landscape around Prince William Sound.
With a population of under 500, Whittier may lack people but doesn’t fall short on summer activities. We found it best to explore the area by water, on a small boat cruise, and on kayaking adventures. On land, outdoor enthusiasts can select from many hiking trails, including the popularPortage Pass.
History buffs will appreciate Whittier’s unique past, particularly visible at the Prince William Sound Museum, where artifacts from World War II illuminate the town’s strategic importance.
Whether visiting for a short trip or a longer Alaskan adventure, Whittier combines many outdoor recreation with cultural experiences. Its setting is breathtakingly beautiful.
Transportation And Access
Whittier, Alaska, offers a unique transportation experience that adds to its charm and character. The town’s primary access point is the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel. It’s a single-lane route that’s shared with the Alaska Railroad.
For those not driving, the Alaska Railroad provides regular service to Whittier during the summer months. This scenic rail journey offers spectacular views that aren’t visible from the highway.
Princess and Holland America cruise lines dock in Whittier, making it a popular port of call or embarkation point. The deep-water port accommodates large vessels year-round.
Water taxis are available for those wanting to access remote areas of Prince William Sound. These services can transport visitors to hiking trails, kayaking spots, and Forest Service cabins inaccessible by road.
Activities In And Around Whittier
Even though Whittier’s port is open year-round, visitors usually visit in summer when activities are available. In winter, small tour operators close due to icy conditions.
We found Whittier had its own micro-climate, which can be very different from the weather on the other side of the tunnel.
So don’t despair if you’ve booked a tour and it’s raining. It rained hard on the morning of our 26 Glacier Cruise, but the weather rapidly changed for the better once we traveled through the tunnel and headed out to sea.
Here is the list of top activities in and around Whittier, Alaska.
Drive The Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel
Driving the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, we learned about its fascinating history. Initially built for railroad use during World War II, it was later adapted to accommodate vehicles. It’s North America’s lengthiest highway tunnel, at 2.5 miles long.
This tunnel through Maynard Mountain was an engineering feat. It survived the 1964 earthquake, a magnitude of 9.2, without any damage. I found it fascinating that the construction included “Safe rooms” throughout the tunnel in case of emergencies.
The tunnel operates as a one-way tunnel with scheduled openings in each direction throughout the day. The railroad gets priority access, followed by buses and private vehicles. Motorbikes and pedestrians cannot access the tunnel due to vehicle exhaust.
26 Glacier Cruise
For my 14-day cruise and land tour, the 26 Glacier excursion through Prince William Sound was the highlight of my trip. It had long been on my bucket list and exceeded my expectations. The focus of this cruise is seeing the glaciers in College Fjord.
The heated catamaran provides indoor seating with large viewing windows and outdoor observation decks. Our 5.5-hour cruise included a fantastic lunch with unlimited hot and cold drinks.
While sold as a glacial cruise to see more than two dozen glaciers, the adventure is also a partly wildlife tour. This 5+ hour journey through Prince William Sound visits massive tidewater glaciers and stunning fjords and often includes abundant wildlife sightings.
While we didn’t see 26 glaciers due to lingering at Harvard Glacier for additional calving events (no complaints here), we saw more wildlife than I expected.
Humpback whales, porpoises, sea lions, harbor seals, and sea otters were plentiful. I particularly enjoyed the seals with their pups beneath Harvard Glacier.
Whittier Museum
The Prince William Sound Museum offers a captivating glimpse into the town’s unique history. Located in the Anchor Inn building, this small yet informative museum includes artifacts from World War II, when Whittier served as a strategic military port.
Exhibits trace the town’s unusual evolution from a military outpost to a civilian community, featuring historical photographs, military equipment, and everyday items from early residents.
A highlight of the museum is its exploration of Whittier’s distinctive way of life, where most residents live in a single building – the 14-story Begich Towers.
Glacier Quest Cruise
The Glacier Quest Cruise offers a shorter alternative to the 26 Glacier Cruise, making it perfect for visitors with limited time in Whittier. This 3.5-hour excursion in a smaller vessel focuses on Blackstone Bay, where passengers can observe two tidewater glaciers and several alpine glaciers.
We didn’t get very close to Blackstone Glacier, but the experience was terrific. We saw sea lions, bald eagles, and humpback whales in Blackstone Bay. These sea lions who were barking up a storm were hilarious.
Onboard naturalists provide educational commentary throughout the journey. The cruise operates from May through September and includes complimentary hot drinks to keep passengers comfortable in Alaska’s cool maritime climate.
Salmon Or Halibut Fishing
Fishing enthusiasts find Whittier an excellent base for pursuing Alaska’s legendary salmon and halibut. Charter operations offer half-day and full-day fishing trips throughout the summer season.
From May through September, five species of Pacific salmon pass through Prince William Sound’s waters. Halibut fishing remains productive throughout summer, with these massive flatfish sometimes exceeding 100 pounds.
Charter boats provide all necessary fishing equipment; licenses can be purchased in town. Many charters offer fish processing services, allowing visitors to ship their catch home. For cruise ship passengers, specialized half-day trips fit perfectly into port schedules.
Portage Pass
From Whittier, hikers can access the Portage Pass Trail, which provides some of the most breathtaking views near Whittier with a relatively moderate effort. This 4-mile round-trip hike begins just outside the tunnel and climbs approximately 800 feet to Portage Pass.
At the summit, the reward for the climb is stunning panoramic views – Portage Glacier and Lake on one side and Prince William Sound on the other. The first mile has the steepest ascent, followed by a descent to Portage Lake. While the hike isn’t overly strenuous, the elevation changes make for a good workout.
For photographers, the trail’s vantage points provide exceptional opportunities to capture Alaska’s dramatic landscapes. Proper waterproof footwear is essential as the trail can be muddy, especially after rain.
Portage Glacier Cruise
If you prefer to enjoy Portage Glacier and the lake without the strenuous climb, there’s another option. The Portage Glacier Cruise operates between May and September and offers four daily time slots.
You’ll need to pass through the tunnel to access the tour company on the other side. The boat cruise is one hour and costs under USD 50. The MV Ptarmigan is the only vessel authorized to offer tours to Portage Glacier.
My cruise was accompanied by a US Forest Service representative who narrated the journey. We got very close to Portage Glacier but saw no wildlife nearby.
Emerald Cove Trail
Emerald Cove Trail offers a quieter hike through Whittier’s coastal beauty. This 4-mile round-trip path winds through lush rainforest to stunning views of Prince William Sound.
Since the route is rated moderate due to rocks and a 300-foot elevation gain, waterproof footwear is recommended for creek crossings and muddy areas.
Wildflowers and berries flourish in summer, while eagles, otters, and occasional black bears may appear. The cove’s emerald waters contrast beautifully with snow-capped peaks.
Kayaking In Prince William Sound
Prince William Sound offers an intimate wilderness kayaking experience among glaciers, icebergs, and marine wildlife. Several outfitters in Whittier provide guided tours ranging from two-hour introductory paddles to full-day adventures.
Beginners can explore the Black Legged Kittiwake rookery of Passage Canal near town. Nearby, we saw a beautiful waterfall and over 8,000 Kittiwakes hugging the cliff.
Experienced kayakers might venture to Decision Point State Marine Park or Blackstone Bay. Guided tours usually provide all required equipment and safety instructions.
Gliding quietly across the water allows for intimate wildlife encounters that bigger boats can’t offer. Curious sea otters sometimes drift closer, while harbor seals occasionally surface nearby for a quick look.
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
Beyond the Whittier Tunnel, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center offers a fantastic family outing. This 200-acre sanctuary provides a safe home for orphaned and injured animals that can no longer survive in the wild.
While the sanctuary has moose, muskox, wood bison, and smaller mammals, I enjoyed the brown bears the most. Educational presentations throughout the day offer insights into each species’ biology and conservation status.
The center features both a driving route and walking paths, allowing flexibility based on weather conditions, time constraints, and mobility needs.
Accommodation And Stays
With fewer than 500 residents in Whittier, expect a few hotel options. There are basically two hotels in town, one luxury resort nearby, and some Airbnb.
Inn At Whittier
The Inn at Whittier was still under construction when I visited. It has a premier waterfront location with 25 rooms overlooking Prince William Sound and the surrounding mountains.
Rooms include free Wi-Fi, satellite TV, and private baths, with some offering kitchenettes for extended stays. The on-site restaurant serves fresh seafood and Alaskan dishes.
Alyeska Resort Hotel
Though located about 30 miles from Whittier in Girdwood, the Alyeska Resort Hotel offers luxurious accommodation for those exploring the region. This chateau-style resort provides a stark contrast to Whittier’s utilitarian buildings.
We stayed at the Alyeska Resort in Girdwood and appreciated its extensive grounds for walking and hiking. Its 300+ rooms have fantastic mountain and forest views. Ours overlooked the Alyeska tram, which takes visitors to the peak for summer hiking or winter skiing.
We enjoyed access to multiple restaurants, a saltwater pool, and a full-service spa. This resort makes an excellent base for day trips to Whittier, especially for travelers who prefer upscale accommodations.
Anchor Inn
The Anchor Inn offers budget-friendly, comfortable lodging in Whittier. Simple, clean rooms range from singles to family-sized options. Steps from the harbor, it provides easy access to boat tours and fishing charters.
Guests can enjoy a casual restaurant and bar, mingling with locals for an authentic small-town experience. Amenities include free parking and a seasonal continental breakfast.
Is Whittier Worth A Visit?
Most travelers visit Alaska on a roundtrip cruise from Vancouver or Seattle. However, venturing deeper into the Gulf of Alaska reveals a different side of the state.
Whittier may be just a blip on the map. Still, this tiny town and its surroundings offer unique experiences I couldn’t find anywhere else. My cruise excursion to Harvard Glacier was nothing short of spectacular—an adventure I’d gladly repeat.
Just outside Whittier, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center provides an opportunity to see brown bears, caribou, muskox, moose, and wolves up close in a safe environment. While we prefer to spot the “Big Five” in the wild, at least here, sightings are guaranteed.
