Whittier, Alaska
Details
The Town That Time (Almost) Forgot
Whittier is unlike anywhere else in Alaska – and that's saying something. This community of just over 200 people serves as your gateway to Prince William Sound, but getting there is half the story.
Your arrival happens through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, the longest combined vehicle and railroad tunnel in North America. It's literally the only road connection this town has to the outside world, which gives Whittier a wonderfully isolated feeling that's both quirky and genuine.
Once you emerge into this dramatic fjord setting, you understand why people choose to live in such a remote place. The surrounding glacial landscapes and pristine waters of Prince William Sound create some of Alaska's most spectacular scenery, with mountains rising directly from the water and glaciers visible in multiple directions.
The boat tours from Whittier offer access to areas that few people ever see. Prince William Sound is renowned for its marine wildlife – sea otters, harbor seals, Steller sea lions, and an impressive variety of seabirds including puffins. The protected waters and nutrient-rich environment support one of Alaska's healthiest marine ecosystems.
What makes Whittier memorable isn't just its unique access or stunning setting – it's the feeling that you've discovered something genuinely off the beaten path. Most visitors pass through quickly, but those who take time to appreciate what they're seeing often describe it as one of their most distinctive Alaska experiences.
For a town of 200 people, Whittier provides remarkably good access to wilderness that would otherwise require serious expedition planning. It's small-town Alaska at its most authentic.
Port Info
Schedule
Start Time
Jul 23 6:00AM AKDT