# Inside Passage, Alaska Scenic Cruising *By James Hills — Updated March 2024* Written by: [James Hills](https://cruisewestcoast.com/james-hills.html) Published: 12 March 2024 Last Updated: 12 March 2024 TrendingHits: 1704Reading time: 01:11 The Inside Passage stands as Alaska's quintessential waterway experience, a labyrinthine network of channels where forested islands rise from mirror-calm waters and mountains surge from the sea in an unbroken wall of granite and spruce. Unlike the dramatic glacier-dominated landscapes elsewhere in Alaska, the Inside Passage offers a more intimate communion with the coastal wilderness, where the boundary between land and sea blurs beneath the wings of eagles and the spray of surfacing humpbacks. - **Frederick Sound** - Visitors enchanted by the Inside Passage's marine life will be awestruck by Frederick Sound's summer congregation of humpback whales, where these magnificent creatures feed, breach, and bubble-net feed against a backdrop of the Coast Mountains and Petersburg's nearby wilderness. - **Misty Fjords National Monument** - Those who appreciate the Inside Passage's forested shores and protected waterways will be mesmerized by this 2.3-million-acre wilderness area near Ketchikan, featuring 3,000-foot cliffs, waterfalls cascading into saltwater fjords, and pristine wilderness viewed from the comfort of your ship. - **Lynn Canal** - Travelers drawn to the Inside Passage's mountain-lined channels will marvel at North America's deepest fjord, where snowcapped peaks and glaciers form a spectacular backdrop on the water route between Juneau and Skagway. - **Icy Strait Point** - Passengers who value the Inside Passage's wildlife viewing opportunities will find similar experiences in these nutrient-rich waters, known for exceptional whale watching, particularly in summer months when humpbacks and orcas feed in the area. - **Glacier Bay National Park** - While more famous for its glaciers, this UNESCO World Heritage site also offers Inside Passage enthusiasts a pristine wilderness experience with abundant marine life, dramatic mountain backdrops, and protected waterways teeming with wildlife. --- ***Thanks for reading. We hope this was helpful!*** Why stop now? [Participate In Our Polls](index.php?Itemid=1275) | [Ask or Answer A Cruise Question](index.php?Itemid=1262) | [Contact Heather to Book Your Next Cruise!](index.php?Itemid=828) --- Written by: [James Hills](https://cruisewestcoast.com/james-hills.html) Pro-BloggerWest Coast Cruise ExpertThought Leader James is an avid fan of all types of cruising but especially enjoys exploring the Pacific coastal regions since it perfectly captures the elements that he is passionate about, including natural beauty, conservation, opportunities to explore new cultures, and meeting some fantastic new people too.  ### 🚢 Ready To Book A Cruise? #### Nocs Zero Tube Monocular Review - Perfect For Cruisers Packing Light [Nocs Zero Tube Monocular Review - Perfect For Cruisers Packing Light](https://cruisewestcoast.com/nocs-zero-tube-monocular-review.html) [Plan Your Next Cruise Today!](https://cruisewestcoast.com/book-a-cruise.html) ### Latest Cruise News #### Holland America Opens 2028 Canada and New England Bookings With the Most Montréal Calls [Holland America Opens 2028 Canada and New England Bookings With the Most Montréal Calls](https://cruisewestcoast.com/holland-america-opens-2028-montreal-cruises-canada-new-england.html) ### Cruise Gear & Shopping Guides #### How to Pack for an Alaska Cruise Without Overthinking It [How to Pack for an Alaska Cruise Without Overthinking It](https://cruisewestcoast.com/dressing-tips-to-stay-warm-and-comfortable-on-an-alaska-cruise.html) #### Wiley X Boss Sunglasses Kept My Eyes Protected On Our Alaskan Cruise [Wiley X Boss Sunglasses Kept My Eyes Protected On Our Alaskan Cruise](https://cruisewestcoast.com/wiley-x-boss-sunglasses-kept-my-eyes-protected-on-our-alaskan-cruise.html) #### Best Walkie-Talkies For Cruises In 2026: Two-Way Radios That Help You Stay Connected On A Cruise [Best Walkie-Talkies For Cruises In 2026: Two-Way Radios That Help You Stay Connected On A Cruise](https://cruisewestcoast.com/best-cruise-walkie-talkies-review.html) [Ask Cruise Questions Here!](https://cruisewestcoast.com/cruise-questions-and-answers.html) We are dedicated to supporting a community of west coast cruisers from ports including [San Diego](index.php?Itemid=838), [Los Angeles](index.php?Itemid=839), [San Francisco](index.php?Itemid=840), [Seattle](index.php?Itemid=841), and [Vancouver](index.php?Itemid=842) as they set sail to destinations worldwide. We offer cruise news, tips, and deals to help make cruising to our favorite West Coast and [Canadian destinations](index.php?Itemid=1812) an amazing adventure! ### Cruise Community Login: --- *Source: [Inside Passage, Alaska Scenic Cruising ](https://cruisewestcoast.com/inside-passage-alaska.html)*