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Aerial view of Whittier, Alaska, showcasing the marina with boats, colorful buildings, and surrounding mountains, highlighting the town as the "Gateway to Prince William Sound."

Whittier, AK

Explore Whittier, AK

Whittier, AK

Whittier, AK: The Gateway to Prince William Sound

Whittier, Alaska, is a hidden gem surrounded by breathtaking glaciers, fjords, and mountains. Known as the “Gateway to Prince William Sound”, this small town is a prime spot for wildlife cruises, fishing, and glacier adventures. Whether you're kayaking among icebergs, taking a scenic train ride, or spotting whales on a boat tour, Whittier is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Aerial view of Whittier, Alaska, showcasing the marina with boats, colorful buildings, and surrounding mountains, highlighting the town as the "Gateway to Prince William Sound."

    Frequently Asked Questions: Whittier, AK

    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.