Things To Do in Whittier
The gateway to Prince William Sound, with its own unique history and character.
Things To Do in Whittier
The gateway to Prince William Sound, with its own unique history and character.
Things To Do in Whittier
The gateway to Prince William Sound, with its own unique history and character.
Things To Do in Whittier
The gateway to Prince William Sound, with its own unique history and character.
Things To Do in Whittier
The gateway to Prince William Sound, with its own unique history and character.
Whittier Things to Do
Located 60 miles south of Anchorage, Whittier is one of only a few deep water ports that remains free of ice all year. As such, it's been a busy place, first as an Alaska Native trade route, then for the U.S. military. These days, cargo barges, Alaska cruises, and Alaska Marine Highway ferries jockey for position around a multitude of fishing vessels headed into Prince William Sound.
Whittier visitors are always surprised at the layout of this tiny town. It was so obviously built for function, not fashion. But Whittier still has plenty to do, thanks to the broad expanse of Prince William Sound and nearby Chugach National Forest. One of the best ways to experience the area's beauty is by a Phillips 26 Glacier Cruise. The day cruise lives up to its name, you really will see 26 glaciers (at least!), plus tumbling waterfalls, huge mountains, and wildlife like seals, black bears, mountain goats, and sea otters.
Back in town, learn about Whittier's connection to commerce and military history at the Prince William Sound Museum, housed in the Anchor Inn. Afterwards, take a stroll to Begich Towers, a 14-story condominium building that not only houses nearly all Whittier residents and several vacation rentals, but most city businesses and the community's school as well.
Follow in the footsteps of Alaskan Natives and hike over Portage Pass, a four-mile roundtrip hiking trail that originates in Whittier and climbs over a low pass to Portage Lake. This is the best way to see Portage Glacier by land.
Getting to Whittier is half the fun, since access to and from the city is via the Anton Anderson Tunnel, a 2.5-mile, single-lane tunnel shared by cars and trains. Whittier is an easy hour drive from Anchorage in a rental car. There is a toll for the tunnel.
Not far from Whittier are several attractions that showcase the interesting topography, flora, and fauna of the area, including the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center managed by Chugach National Forest. Here you can find interpretive information and access to the Trail of Blue Ice near Portage Lake.
The Alaska Railroad also serves Whittier from Anchorage, and many tour companies offer transportation as well. The Park Connection Motorcoach provides bus service to and from the cruise port on ship days for those looking for a same-day cruise transfer to Denali National Park.
