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Whittier, AK

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.

    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.