Tucked between towering mountains and the deep waters of Prince William Sound, Whittier delivers an authentic Alaska experience that savvy cruise travelers appreciate. When planning your Alaska voyage, this port deserves consideration for its remarkable accessibility to glaciers, wildlife habitats, and military history—all concentrated in a compact, walkable area. The town serves as a gateway to some of Alaska's most spectacular marine ecosystems, where orcas and sea otters frequently appear alongside floating ice chunks from nearby glaciers.
Families appreciate Whittier's straightforward layout and educational opportunities about Alaska's ecosystem and WWII strategic importance. Adventure seekers value the immediate access to kayaking routes and hiking trails that require minimal travel time from the dock. Photography enthusiasts find the dramatic contrast between the small-town architecture and massive Chugach Mountain backdrop particularly compelling, especially during the summer months when daylight extends past 10pm, creating exceptional lighting conditions.
Key Takeaways
Whittier, Alaska provides a pristine wilderness escape where cruise visitors can explore ancient glaciers, immerse in WWII history, and witness abundant wildlife in one of America's most unique port towns.
• Visitors to Whittier can experience five memorable activities including glacier cruises, historical exploration, scenic hiking, wildlife viewing, and adventure excursions during their cruise stop.
• The 26 Glacier Cruise Adventure offers spectacular views of ice formations with expert marine science guides providing educational context.
• History enthusiasts can delve into Whittier's significant WWII past through self-guided tours of sites like the abandoned Buckner Building.
• Nature lovers will appreciate the Portage Pass Trail's breathtaking views of Portage Glacier and opportunities to spot sea otters, harbor seals, and bald eagles along the Waterfront Promenade.
• For adventure seekers, Whittier offers thrilling kayaking expeditions among glaciers and helicopter tours providing aerial perspectives of the stunning alpine landscape.
Why You Should Book A Cruise To Whittier, Alaska
Nestled at the entrance of Passage Canal in Prince William Sound, Whittier stands as one of Alaska's most distinctive port towns just 60 miles southeast of Anchorage. This small community, historically significant for its strategic military positioning during World War II due to dense fog coverage, now serves as an essential gateway for cruise travelers discovering the magnificent Prince William Sound.
The town's unique character stems partly from its condensed living arrangements—most of the 280 year-round residents live within a single 14-story building called Begich Towers. Visitors can investigate Whittier during the cruise season from May through September, when temperatures range from 50-65°F, offering ideal conditions for viewing spectacular glaciers like Portage Glacier and abundant wildlife including sea otters, harbor seals, and bald eagles in the surrounding Chugach National Forest.
The recently opened cruise terminal (September 2024) has improved the port experience for major cruise lines including Princess, Holland America, and Norwegian. Whittier Harbor serves as Alaska's only ice-free port, making it strategically important for year-round maritime activities.
What makes Whittier truly extraordinary is its accessibility—visitors arrive through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, North America's longest highway tunnel at 2.5 miles, which serves as the town's only land connection to the rest of Alaska, creating a genuine sense of isolation and adventure that appeals to both families seeking educational experiences and couples craving romantic glacier views. The area features a solemn memorial that commemorates the 1964 Good Friday Earthquake, which caused over $10 million in damages and remains the largest earthquake in U.S. history.
Tips To Make The Most Of Your Visit To Whittier
When disembarking in Whittier, you'll find the cruise terminal conveniently located within walking distance of the town's main attractions, eliminating the need for tendering services. For ideal exploration, disembark early and layer your clothing appropriately—Whittier receives substantial rainfall year-round, so waterproof outer layers are vital alongside warm mid-layers that can be removed as needed.
Bring quality binoculars for wildlife spotting and a camera with polarizing filters to reduce glare when photographing glaciers during your Phillips 26 Glaciers Cruise, which is best booked through your cruise line due to timing constraints and guaranteed returns to the ship.
Families with children should consider the more structured glacier cruises over independent kayaking expeditions, while travelers with mobility concerns might find the flat walking paths near the harbor more manageable than the surrounding hiking trails. Consider taking a self-guided walking tour to discover the unique character of Whittier, especially the remarkable Begich Towers where most of the town's residents live.
For independent exploration, the Alaska Railroad and shuttle services offer reliable transportation to nearby attractions, though booking these arrangements in advance is important during peak season. Remember that Whittier is accessible only through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, which operates on a strict schedule that can affect your day trip planning.
Wildlife enthusiasts should plan their activities for early morning or late afternoon when animals are most active, and photographers can take advantage of the extended daylight hours in summer—though be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions that might temporarily obscure glacier views or affect scheduled port activities.
Top Cruise Excursions For Families In Whittier
Whittier serves as an ideal family destination during Alaska cruises, offering breathtaking glacier views and wildlife encounters all accessible through the unique Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel—North America's longest highway tunnel that connects this charming port to the outside world.
26 Glacier Cruise Adventure
This 5-hour expedition through Prince William Sound with Phillips Cruises captivates children and adults alike as families witness the thunderous calving of massive ice walls while marine science guides provide kid-friendly explanations about glacier formation and spotting harbor seals lounging on floating ice chunks. The cruise operates from May 3 to October 5 and requires arriving at least 90 minutes before the 12:00 PM departure for smooth boarding. Klondike Club membership offers special savings for Alaska residents who want to enjoy this adventure multiple times.
Portage Trail Family Nature Hike
This gentle, accessible 1-mile loop trail offers multigenerational appeal with clearly marked wildlife viewing platforms where children can use provided binoculars to spot black bears foraging for berries in summer months.
Additionally, educational placards featuring local flora encourage young adventurers to complete a nature scavenger hunt.
Sea Otters & Wildlife Quest
Lazy Otter Charters' 3-hour wildlife-focused cruise features specially designed kid-height viewing rails and junior naturalist activity books that keep children engaged while spotting playful sea otter mothers floating with pups on their bellies, Steller sea lions, and migrating birds in the protected waters of glacier-carved fjords.
Top Cruise Excursions For Couples In Whittier
Nestled at the head of the Passage Canal in Prince William Sound, Whittier serves as a gateway to some of Alaska's most breathtaking natural wonders.
This makes it an ideal port for couples seeking both adventure and intimacy during their cruise vacation.
Glacier Kayaking Adventure in Prince William Sound
Paddling together through the pristine waters of Prince William Sound offers couples an intimate experience as you navigate past blue ice formations while spotting playful sea otters and majestic bald eagles against a backdrop of towering glaciers. The experience mirrors the guided kayaking adventure available in honeymoon packages, creating unforgettable memories against Alaska's rugged coastline.
Private Wildlife and Glacier Cruise in Blackstone Bay
The Glacier Quest Cruise provides couples with spectacular up-close views of tidewater glaciers and cascading waterfalls.
It also offers the chance to witness harbor seals lounging on floating ice and possibly spot orcas breaching in the distance. After the cruise, you can enjoy outstanding fish and chips at Varleys Swiftwater Cafe while discussing your glacier experiences.
Helicopter Tour to Pristine Alpine Meadows
Soaring above the Chugach Mountains in a helicopter gives couples a rare bird's-eye view of Whittier's surrounding glaciers. You will land in remote alpine meadows where you can enjoy a short private hike among wildflowers and breathtaking panoramic vistas.
Free Things To Do In Whittier, Alaska
Whittier offers several no-cost activities for cruise passengers looking to investigate this unique town where nearly all 300 residents live in a single building - the iconic Begich Towers.
Waterfront Promenade Stroll
The paved walkway along Whittier's harbor provides stunning views of Prince William Sound and the surrounding Chugach Mountains, with opportunities to spot sea otters, harbor seals, and bald eagles just steps from where cruise ships dock. While enjoying this peaceful walk, visitors can often observe whale-watching tours departing from the harbor as they head out to encounter humpback and orca whales in their natural habitat. The scenic waterfront is particularly charming in the evening when you can watch the sunset while sampling some of the Tunnel Special fudge from the popular Sound Ideas shop.
Self-Guided Historical Tour
Grab a free brochure from the small visitor center near the cruise terminal and investigate Whittier's fascinating WWII military history, including exterior views of the massive abandoned Buckner Building that once housed an entire military community.
Portage Pass Trail
For the more adventurous, this moderate 4-mile round-trip hike begins less than a mile from the cruise terminal and rewards hikers with breathtaking views of Portage Glacier and Prince William Sound after climbing just 750 feet to the pass.
More Whittier, Alaska Excursion Ideas
Booking excursions with trusted tour providers is crucial when visiting Whittier to guarantee safety, quality experiences, and environmental responsibility in this pristine wilderness area. Work with your travel advisor for personalized recommendations, insider tips about seasonal conditions, and assistance with coordinating logistics through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel.
- Glacier Helicopter Tour – Experience breathtaking aerial views of massive ice fields and pristine snowcapped mountains with potential landings on remote glaciers.
- Native Cultural Workshop – Learn traditional Alaskan crafting skills and cultural practices from local indigenous artisans while creating your own meaningful souvenir.
- Wildlife Photography Excursion – Capture stunning images of sea otters, harbor seals, and possible whale sightings with guidance from a professional nature photographer.
- Family Tide Pool Adventure – Investigate fascinating marine ecosystems at low tide, where children and adults can find starfish, anemones, and other colorful intertidal creatures. Whittier offers a simplified excursion selection that focuses primarily on Prince William Sound and its magnificent glaciers.
- Alaskan Seafood Cooking Class – Participate in preparing fresh-caught local seafood while learning sustainable fishing practices and traditional preparation techniques from a local chef.
- Forest Ecology Hike – Wander through the lush Chugach National Forest to identify native plants, edible berries, and wildlife tracks with an experienced naturalist guide.
- 26 Glacier Tour – Embark on this highly recommended tour to witness the breathtaking beauty of multiple glaciers while enjoying scenic views and potential wildlife sightings throughout Prince William Sound.
Destinations Similar to Whittier, Alaska That You Might Also Enjoy Visiting
If you're captivated by Whittier's unique blend of dramatic glaciers, pristine fjords, and remote charm, you'll find similar allure in several other Pacific Coast destinations.
These ports offer comparable experiences with their own distinctive character—combining breathtaking natural landscapes, abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, and fascinating historical contexts that appeal to adventurous travelers.
- Vancouver, British Columbia - This gateway to Alaska cruises offers a perfect blend of urban sophistication and natural splendor, with Stanley Park's seawall trails and nearby mountains providing wilderness experiences reminiscent of Whittier but with metropolitan amenities.
- Seward, Alaska - The jumping-off point for Kenai Fjords National Park features the same spectacular glacier-carved coastlines as Whittier with additional opportunities for wildlife spotting, including puffins, sea lions, and humpback whales during summer months. While Whittier focuses more on glacier experiences, Seward cruises are renowned for abundant wildlife sightings, making it an excellent alternative for nature enthusiasts.
- Sitka, Alaska - With its unique Russian heritage evident in the onion-domed St. Michael's Cathedral, this charming port combines Whittier's wildlife viewing opportunities with fascinating historical sites and a vibrant Alaska Native culture.
- Victoria, British Columbia - This elegant provincial capital offers a more refined experience than Whittier, but nature enthusiasts will appreciate similar whale watching opportunities plus the magnificent Butchart Gardens, providing a perfect balance of wilderness and civilization.
- Astoria, Oregon - Located at the mouth of the Columbia River, this historic port shares Whittier's connection to maritime history and offers similar scenic beauty, with the added attractions of Victorian architecture, the Columbia River Maritime Museum, and nearby coastal trails.
- Juneau, Alaska - As Alaska's capital city, Juneau offers incredible outdoor adventures with easy access to Mendenhall Glacier and numerous hiking trails, providing the same magnificent glacier views you would experience in Whittier but with the added benefit of more developed tourism infrastructure.
Whittier: Alaska's Gateway to Glacier Wonders and Maritime Adventures
Alaska's coastal jewel of Whittier stands as a testament to nature's grandeur and human resilience. During your cruise visit, you'll discover a destination where towering ice formations reflect in crystal waters and wilderness adventures beckon just beyond the harbor. The haunting remnants of the historic Buckner Building tell stories of Alaska's strategic importance, while the surrounding Chugach Mountains create a dramatic backdrop for every photograph.
What distinguishes Whittier from other Alaskan ports is its remarkable accessibility to pristine wilderness despite its compact footprint. The conventional approach of rushing through attractions fails to capture Whittier's essence—instead, allow yourself to absorb the rhythms of this working port town where locals navigate life in a community where nearly everyone lives under one roof.
For those seeking authentic Alaska, venture beyond standard excursions to engage with local fishermen who understand the waters intimately, or hike the Portage Pass Trail for views that showcase Alaska's raw, untamed beauty that cruise ship observation decks simply cannot capture.
Book a Cruise with Heather Hills from Flow Voyages to experience Whittier through expert eyes. Her intimate knowledge of Alaska's coastal communities ensures your time in port transcends typical sightseeing, creating moments of connection with this extraordinary landscape that will remain with you long after you've sailed away.
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