Whittier, a small yet fascinating port town in Alaska, is uniquely accessible only by boat or through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel. This gateway to Prince William Sound offers spectacular glacier viewing, fishing opportunities, and a glimpse into Alaska’s maritime history. Whittier also serves as an important cruise port, primarily for Princess Cruises’ Voyage of the Glaciers itineraries between Alaska and Vancouver.
This protected waterway offers some of Alaska’s most spectacular scenery, with towering glaciers, abundant marine wildlife, and pristine fjords perfect for kayaking and boat tours.
The longest highway tunnel in North America at 2.5 miles, this engineering marvel is the only land access to Whittier, shared by both vehicles and trains on a scheduled basis.
Day cruises from Whittier provide access to spectacular tidewater glaciers like Blackstone, Beloit, and Surprise Glacier, with opportunities to witness calving ice and spot wildlife.
Whittier is renowned for its excellent fishing opportunities, with charters available for salmon, halibut, and rockfish in the rich waters of Prince William Sound.
Several trails around Whittier offer stunning views, including Horsetail Falls Trail and the Portage Pass Trail, which provides panoramic views of Portage Glacier and Prince William Sound.
Whittier serves as an important cruise port for Alaska voyages, particularly for cross-gulf itineraries. Several cruise lines use Whittier as an embarkation or disembarkation point:
Princess Cruises is the primary cruise line operating from Whittier, with ships like the Royal Princess and Grand Princess offering 7-day Voyage of the Glaciers cruises between Whittier and Vancouver. These cruises typically include visits to Glacier Bay National Park, Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan.
Holland America occasionally uses Whittier as a port for their Alaska cruises, with vessels offering voyages between Whittier and Vancouver during the summer season.
The cruise ship terminal is located at the harbor in downtown Whittier. Most cruise lines offer shuttle services between Whittier and Anchorage (approximately 60 miles north), which includes passage through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel. The Alaska Railroad also provides service between Anchorage and Whittier, timed to coordinate with cruise ship arrivals and departures.
Many cruise passengers combine their sea voyage with a land tour, often including visits to Denali National Park, Fairbanks, and other inland destinations. These “cruise tours” typically use Whittier as either the starting or ending point for the cruise portion of their journey.
While small in size, Whittier offers unique dining experiences focused on fresh seafood and stunning harbor views. Most restaurants are concentrated around the Small Boat Harbor, where you can enjoy everything from casual fish and chips to upscale waterfront dining. Local favorites include fresh halibut, king crab legs, and salmon dishes. View our complete dining guide for restaurant recommendations and local tips.
Whether you’re exploring glaciers, fishing in pristine waters, or experiencing the unique lifestyle of this remote Alaskan town, Whittier offers unforgettable experiences. For expert travel planning, contact Ahnapee Travel at andrew@ahnapeetravel.com.