Whittier, Alaska Travel Guide: Gateway to Prince William Sound

Whittier has a cool maritime climate, and the best time to visit depends on your activities:

• May–September (Summer & Early Fall): Best for glacier cruises, kayaking, and hiking.
• October–April (Winter & Early Spring): Ideal for Northern Lights viewing, snow sports, and solitude.

• Prince William Sound – A stunning area filled with glaciers, marine wildlife, and crystal-clear waters.
• 26 Glacier Cruise – A scenic boat tour offering close-up views of massive tidewater glaciers.
• Whittier Harbor – A beautiful marina where you can watch boats and enjoy fresh seafood.
• Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel – The longest highway tunnel in North America, connecting Whittier to Anchorage.
• Portage Glacier & Portage Lake – A breathtaking glacier located just outside of Whittier.
• Begich Towers – The unique high-rise building where most of Whittier’s residents live.
• Horsetail Falls Trail – A moderate hike leading to beautiful waterfalls and panoramic views.
• Kayaking & Paddleboarding – Explore the calm waters of Prince William Sound up close.
• Fishing Charters – Try your luck catching halibut, salmon, and rockfish in one of Alaska’s top fishing spots.
• Whale Watching Tours – Spot humpback whales, orcas, sea otters, and puffins in their natural habitat.

• Fresh Alaskan Salmon – A must-try, served grilled, smoked, or in chowder.
• Halibut Fish & Chips – A crispy, golden-fried Alaskan favorite.
• Reindeer Sausage – A savory Alaskan specialty, often served as a breakfast dish.
• Sourdough Bread – A staple from Alaska’s Gold Rush era.
• King Crab Legs – A luxurious seafood delicacy served with melted butter.
• Fireweed Honey – A sweet treat made from Alaska’s iconic fireweed flowers.
• Wild Berries – Try fresh-picked salmonberries, blueberries, and cloudberries.
• Alaskan Craft Beer – Sample local brews from nearby breweries.

• Flights: The nearest major airport is Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC), about 1.5 hours away.
• Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel: The only road access to Whittier, operating on a timed schedule.
• Alaska Railroad: A scenic train ride between Anchorage and Whittier.
• Ferries: The Alaska Marine Highway System offers ferry service to and from Whittier.
• Walking & Biking: Whittier is very small and easy to explore on foot.
• Car Rentals & Shuttles: Available in Anchorage for traveling to Whittier and nearby attractions.

• For U.S. travelers: No passport or visa required.
• For international travelers: A valid passport is required, and a visa may be necessary depending on your country.
• Visitors from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries: May need an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization).

• Currency: U.S. Dollar (USD).
• Credit cards are widely accepted, but some small vendors prefer cash.
• ATMs are available in Whittier, though options may be limited.
• Currency exchange is not widely available—exchange money before arriving in Alaska.

• English is the primary language spoken.
• Some locals speak Alaska Native languages, but English is used in all tourist areas.
• Most tourist attractions and restaurants have English-speaking staff.

• Whittier is a small, close-knit community—respect the locals and their unique way of life.
• Tipping is expected (15-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, and for taxi/rideshare drivers).
• If hiking, be bear-aware—carry bear spray and make noise on trails.
• Dress in layers—weather can change rapidly, even in summer.
• Respect wildlife—never feed or approach wild animals.

• Restaurants: 18–20% tip is standard for good service.
• Bars: $1–2 per drink or 15–20% of the total bill.
• Hotels: $2–5 per bag for bellhops, $2–5 per night for housekeeping.
• Taxis & Rideshares: 10–15% tip is appreciated.
• Tour Guides & Excursions: $10–20 per person for great service.

• For summer travel (June–August): Book 6–12 months in advance for hotels, tours, and cruises.
• For major events (Whittier Halibut Derby, Prince William Sound Boat Races): Book at least 6 months ahead.
• For last-minute trips: Whittier has limited accommodations, so booking at least a few weeks ahead is recommended.

• COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted, but check for any updates before traveling.
• The Anton Anderson Tunnel operates on a one-way schedule—plan accordingly.
• Weather can change quickly—bring rain gear and layers, even in summer.

Contact us at 281-229-0862 or admin@pointmetoparadise.com