21 Things to Do in Whittier Alaska Without a Tour: Self-Guided Itinerary

At first glance, Whittier looks like a sleepy little harbor backed by mountains and often cloaked in mist. But beneath that quiet surface lies a town with one of the most unusual stories in the state.

Built by the U.S. Army in the 1940s to shield supplies from Japanese attacks, Whittier was designed to be invisible. The military carved into mountains and constructed monolithic buildings meant to house entire battalions indoors, safe from the elements and enemy eyes. That sense of hiddenness still defines the town today. Most of its residents live under one roof, in the fortress-like Begich Towers—a living relic of its secretive past.

Today, that same tunnel—the longest combined rail and highway tunnel in North America—is still the only road into town. And once you’re here, it feels like you’ve stumbled onto a well-kept secret. Most of Whittier’s residents live in a single building, the Begich Towers, a holdover from its military past that still shapes daily life.

In the sections ahead, we’ll guide you through the best things to do in Whittier, Alaska—from outdoor thrills to history-rich stops—each one worth the journey through that unforgettable tunnel.

1. Prince William Sound Museum

The Prince William Sound Museum in Whittier is small in size but immense in historical weight. Its exhibits center on Alaska’s strategic role during World War II and the Cold War. When Japanese forces invaded the Aleutian Islands in 1942, the U.S. military rushed to fortify Southcentral Alaska. Whittier became a vital supply port, hidden by mountains and connected to the outside world through tunnels and rail.

Inside the museum, artifacts and photographs document the construction of military installations, including the Buckner Building and Begich Towers, both designed to withstand harsh winters and isolation. Oral histories from soldiers and locals reveal how Whittier functioned as a fortress port, moving fuel, ammunition, and supplies across the North Pacific. These stories give insight into a period when global conflict reshaped even the most remote corners of Alaska.

The museum also explores the Cold War years, when Whittier’s port continued to guard against potential Soviet threats. Standing inside its galleries, visitors see how a fishing settlement evolved into a military hub and later into the civilian town it is today. The Prince William Sound Museum preserves this transformation with rare artifacts that might otherwise have been lost to time.

2. Emerald Cove Trail

The Emerald Cove Trail near Whittier carries echoes of an older Alaska where human survival depended on navigating difficult landscapes. The path leads through coastal forest, where spruce, alder, and moss mark the transition between mountains and sea. Before the modern town was established, the cove served as a natural landing site, used by Alaska Native peoples and later by early mariners searching for shelter from rough waters.

The trail itself reflects the practical routes carved into the land to connect hidden coves with nearby settlements. Hikers following its course retrace steps taken long before tourism reached Prince William Sound. The cove’s striking green waters, from which it takes its name, form a sheltered inlet that has long provided anchorage and resources for those who relied on the sea.

Emerald Cove remains part of Whittier’s layered story: a landscape shaped by glaciers, inhabited for centuries, and later tied into the supply routes of a military outpost. Walking this trail is less about recreation than about witnessing how geography dictated human movement and survival along Alaska’s southern coast.

3. Portage Pass Trail

The Portage Pass Trail has its origins in an era long before Whittier existed as a port town. This narrow corridor across the Chugach Mountains was first used by the Dena’ina people, who traveled between Prince William Sound and the inland valleys for trade, hunting, and fishing. Later, Russian traders and American prospectors followed the same path, carrying supplies and stories over the steep divide that linked coastal waters to Cook Inlet.

The route gained renewed importance during World War II, when the U.S. military recognized Whittier as a sheltered deep-water port. Engineers reopened the pass to connect the port with the Anchorage supply network. Though rail lines and tunnels soon dominated transportation, the Portage Pass Trail still represents the original footpath that tied Whittier to the wider region.

Today, walking across the pass brings into view the immense sweep of Portage Glacier, a landscape that shaped both the environment and human survival. The trail is not just a route to a viewpoint—it is a reminder of how geography dictated commerce, strategy, and settlement in Alaska’s frontier history.

4. Horse Tail Falls Trail

The Horse Tail Falls Trail rises into the mountains above Whittier, tracing a course alongside the roaring waters that plunge from hanging glaciers into the valley below. Waterfalls like this one were landmarks for early seafarers entering Prince William Sound, visible from a distance as white threads on the mountainsides. For Alaska Natives and later settlers, these falls were not only natural markers but also vital sources of fresh water.

The path toward Horse Tail Falls reflects Whittier’s unusual development. Built initially as a military outpost during World War II, the town left behind a grid of service roads and utility paths. Over time, some of these routes transformed into hiking trails, giving access to the same alpine terrain that once served only practical needs.

Standing at the falls, with spray rising from the rocks, one can imagine centuries of travelers pausing here—some to drink, some to orient themselves, others simply to mark progress through unforgiving terrain. Horse Tail Falls embodies the meeting of natural force and human endurance, a landmark that has watched generations move across the Sound’s rugged threshold.

5. Glacier JetSki Adventures

Operating on the icy waters of Prince William Sound, Glacier JetSki Adventures represents a modern way of experiencing a landscape once approached only by paddle or sail. Long before the advent of motors, Indigenous Alaskans navigated these glacial bays in skin-covered boats, their routes guided by memory and seasonal change. The arrival of Russian traders in the 18th century introduced larger vessels, but the Sound remained a realm of skill and danger, where shifting ice and storms could decide survival.

Jet skis are a dramatic contrast to those early craft, yet they follow many of the same channels cut by retreating glaciers. The engines hum across waters that carried explorers, prospectors, and later the military convoys of World War II, when Whittier’s hidden harbor became a supply stronghold. In this way, modern adventure tourism overlays a thin layer of speed and novelty onto a region with centuries of maritime history.

Glacier JetSki Adventures allows participants to move through time as much as through space. Beneath the thrill lies the record of glaciers carving valleys, people testing their skill against the sea, and armies moving supplies to the North Pacific. The Sound, once a frontier of survival, is now a stage for exploration of a different kind.

6. Lazy Otter Charters Inc

The story of Lazy Otter Charters ties into the deep maritime traditions of Prince William Sound. Chartering boats has always been central to life in this region, where overland travel is blocked by mountains and glaciers. Indigenous canoes, Russian sloops, and later American fishing vessels all filled the same role: carrying people and goods across waters that served as the true highways of Alaska’s southern coast.

Whittier’s transformation into a Cold War port gave charter operations a new layer of importance. Local knowledge of tides, shoals, and hidden inlets supported military logistics, fishing fleets, and eventually recreational travel. Companies like Lazy Otter carry forward this heritage, blending seafaring skill with a deep familiarity of the Sound’s intricate geography.

Every charter voyage retraces centuries of movement. The otters that inspired the company’s name were once hunted heavily for the fur trade, a commerce that drew foreign powers into Alaska long before its American purchase. By sailing with a local operator, travelers encounter both the modern comforts of guided exploration and the enduring maritime history of Prince William Sound.

7. Begich Towers Condominium

The Begich Towers in Whittier is more than a condominium block—it is the physical embodiment of a town built for war and repurposed for civilian life. Constructed in the 1950s by the U.S. Army, the building was originally known as the Hodge Building and designed as a self-contained military complex. It contained barracks, offices, a theater, and even a hospital, engineered to endure Alaska’s brutal winters while housing hundreds of personnel in one structure.

When the Army decommissioned Whittier in the 1960s, the building transitioned into civilian use and was renamed in honor of Congressman Nick Begich. For decades, nearly all of Whittier’s population has lived within its walls, earning the town the nickname “the city under one roof.” The towers include apartments, municipal offices, a post office, and stores—an entire community compressed into a single reinforced structure.

Begich Towers represents both architectural pragmatism and social experiment. Its thick concrete echoes the anxieties of the Cold War, while its continued use highlights the resourcefulness of Alaskans in adapting military infrastructure for daily life. To walk its halls is to step into a living monument of Whittier’s unusual past.

8. Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel

The Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel stands as one of Alaska’s most remarkable engineering feats. Completed in 1943 during World War II, it was designed to connect Whittier’s ice-free port with the Alaska Railroad and the interior supply network. At 2.5 miles long, the single-lane tunnel cut through the Chugach Mountains, providing the U.S. Army with a secure, all-weather route for moving fuel and munitions critical to the Pacific theater.

Named after Colonel Anton Anderson, the military engineer who oversaw its construction, the tunnel symbolizes wartime urgency and ingenuity. Originally used only by trains, it later underwent modifications to accommodate both rail and vehicle traffic, creating the longest combined rail-and-highway tunnel in North America.

Passing through the tunnel is more than a practical crossing—it is an immersion into history. Each trip recalls the immense effort of soldiers and engineers who blasted through solid rock under wartime pressure, transforming an isolated fjord into a fortified port. The tunnel remains the literal gateway to Whittier, embodying both its origins as a secret military outpost and its present as a civilian harbor town.

9. Crazy Ray’s Adventures Whittier

Crazy Ray’s Adventures is a modern fishing charter that reflects a practice stretching back centuries in Prince William Sound. Long before commercial operations, the Sugpiaq and Dena’ina peoples relied on these waters for halibut, salmon, and cod, developing techniques that balanced subsistence with sustainability. Russian traders arriving in the 18th century exploited the same fisheries, turning the Sound into a hub of resource extraction that fed both local and overseas markets.

By the time Whittier was developed during World War II, fishing was already an economic lifeline. Soldiers and dockworkers alike cast lines from the shore or small boats, supplementing rations with the abundance of the sea. After the military decommissioning of the port, commercial and charter fishing grew into a civilian enterprise, with locals guiding visitors into the same channels once navigated by Native hunters and wartime patrol boats.

Crazy Ray’s carries forward this tradition by blending deep regional knowledge with the enduring lure of the catch. Each outing is not only a pursuit of sport but a continuation of Whittier’s relationship with the sea, where livelihoods, survival, and recreation all converge on the same historic waters.

10. Phillips Cruises & Tours, LLC

The story of Phillips Cruises & Tours can be traced to the evolution of maritime travel in Prince William Sound. Long before sightseeing excursions, small craft carried traders, missionaries, and prospectors into fjords lined with glaciers. When the U.S. Army built Whittier into a port during World War II, military vessels plied the same passages for defense and supply, often recording the dramatic landscapes in journals and photographs.

As Alaska transitioned from military outpost to tourist destination in the late 20th century, boat tours became a way to reframe the Sound—from a zone of conflict and commerce into a theater of natural spectacle. Phillips Cruises emerged as a leading operator, offering routes that highlight glacial formations, sea otters, and orcas while retracing the very channels once vital to transport and defense.

Each cruise tells two stories at once: the geological history of glaciers sculpting valleys over millennia, and the human history of exploration, trade, and strategy on the same waters. What passengers see as dramatic views of tidewater ice and marine wildlife are also living records of how Prince William Sound has sustained human ambition for centuries.

11. Whittier Marine Charters

Whittier Marine Charters reflects the enduring role of fishing and navigation in Prince William Sound. For centuries, Indigenous communities harvested halibut, salmon, and shellfish from these waters, building seasonal camps along the shore. Russian colonists expanded the fish trade in the 18th century, drawing wealth from the Sound while leaving a legacy of overexploitation that still echoes in regional history.

When the U.S. Army established Whittier as a strategic port during World War II, the Sound became not just a food source but also a lifeline for soldiers and supply lines. After the military departure, commercial and recreational fishing defined much of the town’s civilian economy. Charters like Whittier Marine continue that legacy, guiding vessels into hidden coves and open waters where generations have tested skill against the sea.

Every fishing trip is layered with history: the same tides that carry sport anglers today once carried Native hunters, Russian schooners, and wartime convoys. The charter embodies Whittier’s transformation from outpost to community, while the fish themselves remain a timeless connection between people and the sea.

12. Saltwater Excursions, LLC

The origins of Saltwater Excursions lie in the same maritime traditions that built Whittier’s identity. In Prince William Sound, survival and prosperity have always been bound to the ocean. Indigenous peoples navigated in skin boats, reading the currents and weather to locate schools of fish. Later, Russian and American settlers harnessed those same resources for trade, fueling industries that brought global attention to Alaska’s waters.

When Whittier became a military port in the 1940s, fishing continued alongside fortification. Soldiers relied on local catches for supplementing rations, while civilian crews kept the supply of halibut and salmon flowing into Anchorage and beyond. The sea provided not only food but also strategic cover, with countless inlets serving as natural harbors during wartime.

Saltwater Excursions represents the modern face of that heritage. Its charters retrace historic routes, turning subsistence waters into a stage for guided exploration. Each outing ties the present to centuries of maritime experience, showing how the Sound has always been more than scenery—it has been a working sea, a contested frontier, and an enduring lifeline for Alaska.

13. Paddlers’ Realm

Paddlers’ Realm connects directly to the oldest form of travel in Prince William Sound: the paddle. Long before motorized craft or military ships, Alaska Native peoples carved their way across the fjords in skin-covered kayaks, vessels that could navigate ice-clogged bays and narrow coves with unmatched agility. These boats were not leisure craft—they were tools for hunting, trade, and survival in a landscape where the sea was the true highway.

European arrivals in the 18th and 19th centuries observed and sometimes adopted these Indigenous designs, recognizing their efficiency in harsh waters. Even as steel ships and steamers entered the Sound, paddling remained a constant presence, linking human endurance with environmental mastery. During World War II, when Whittier’s harbor became militarized, small craft still slipped into hidden inlets that even larger Navy vessels could not reach.

Modern paddling excursions, like those led by Paddlers’ Realm, continue this lineage. Each stroke into the Sound traces paths once cut by hunters, traders, and explorers. The quiet rhythm of the paddle contrasts with centuries of struggle and survival, making every journey a living reminder of the oldest relationship between people and the water here.

14. Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC) stands at the edge of Turnagain Arm, preserving a connection between human history and Alaska’s great animals. This land was once part of the seasonal migration routes of caribou and bison, long before roads and railroads divided the valleys. Native hunters relied on these herds, developing knowledge of cycles that stretched across centuries.

In the 20th century, the expansion of settlement, industry, and transport corridors threatened many species. The bison herds nearly vanished, while brown bears and moose faced shrinking habitats. The AWCC was established to reverse this loss, beginning with rescue efforts for injured and orphaned animals, and expanding into a broader mission of conservation and education.

Walking the grounds is a step into Alaska’s natural history: wood bison, once hunted to near extinction, now roam in protected herds; bears pace the same forests where they were once trapped; elk and moose recall the vast migrations that defined the region’s past. The center is not a zoo but a living archive of the state’s wildlife heritage, preserving species that shaped both the land and the cultures that depended on them.

15. Alaska Sea Kayakers

The story of Alaska Sea Kayakers is inseparable from the oldest craft in the North Pacific. The kayak itself, perfected by the Sugpiaq and Inuit peoples, was built from driftwood frames stretched with seal or sea lion hides. These narrow boats were engineered for survival—light, fast, and silent enough to approach seals and fish, yet strong enough to navigate surf and icy channels. Every seam, every bone lash, carried centuries of trial and adaptation.

Russian explorers of the 18th century quickly realized the unmatched utility of these vessels. They adopted Indigenous designs, even employing Native hunters to secure furs that fueled the global sea otter trade. Later, American settlers and prospectors used kayaks and canoes as scouting tools in bays where larger ships could not venture. During World War II, while Whittier became a fortress port, small craft like kayaks still slipped quietly into the narrow inlets that defined the Sound’s geography.

Modern outfitters such as Alaska Sea Kayakers extend that legacy. Their routes across Prince William Sound mirror journeys taken for food, trade, and defense. Each paddle stroke ties visitors to a continuum of human adaptation, reminding us that the kayak was not invented for recreation but for endurance in one of the world’s harshest marine environments.

16. Buckner Building

The Buckner Building looms over Whittier as one of Alaska’s most haunting Cold War relics. Constructed by the U.S. Army in 1953, it was once celebrated as the largest building in Alaska—designed to house, feed, and protect an entire garrison under a single reinforced roof. Within its walls were a hospital, theater, jail, gymnasium, and living quarters, all engineered to function in complete isolation should war or weather cut Whittier off from the outside world.

The building was named after General Simon Bolivar Buckner Jr., the highest-ranking American officer killed by enemy fire during World War II. Its construction reflected the anxieties of the era: Whittier’s port was considered strategically vital in defending Alaska from potential Soviet incursions across the Arctic. For a time, the Buckner Building was not just military housing but a symbol of American resolve at the edge of the Cold War frontier.

Abandoned after only a decade of use, the massive structure now stands in ruin, its corridors echoing with graffiti and decay. Yet it remains a monumental artifact of Whittier’s transformation from hidden military outpost to civilian town. The Buckner Building endures as a reminder of both the scale of wartime ambition and the impermanence of even the strongest concrete.

17. Whittier Harbor Store

The Whittier Harbor Store may seem modest compared to Whittier’s military relics, yet its existence tells part of the town’s civilian story. Whittier began as a wartime port, a place where soldiers moved munitions, fuel, and supplies through a secretive corridor of tunnels and rail lines. When the Army departed in the 1960s, the community that remained needed new infrastructure to support daily life. Small stores, supply depots, and harbor services gradually filled the void left by military warehouses.

The harbor itself had always been the lifeline. In the decades following the war, fishermen, charter operators, and residents depended on local shops for bait, fuel, and provisions, especially in a town cut off from the road system until the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel was opened to cars in 2000. For long stretches, the harbor store represented not just convenience but survival, a place where essential goods could be obtained without leaving the Sound.

Though its shelves may hold snacks, fishing tackle, and everyday supplies, the Whittier Harbor Store symbolizes a transition: from a militarized economy built on secrecy and strategy to a civilian port town reliant on self-sufficiency. It reflects the persistence of small commerce in one of Alaska’s most unusual communities.

18. Alyeska Resort

The Alyeska Resort, located in nearby Girdwood, carries a different chapter of Alaskan history—one tied not to war but to leisure and the search for identity after statehood. In the 1950s and 60s, as Alaska adjusted to its new status as the 49th state, development efforts turned toward attracting visitors with the promise of wilderness recreation. Girdwood, a former gold mining town along Turnagain Arm, was chosen as the site for a world-class ski resort.

Built in 1959, Alyeska was envisioned as Alaska’s answer to European alpine destinations. Its slopes cut through the same Chugach Mountains that once served as barriers to settlement and military defense. Hosting international ski events in the following decades, Alyeska became a showcase of the state’s ambition to redefine itself as both rugged and cosmopolitan—a place where glaciers framed luxury hotels and ski lifts overlooked tidewater inlets.

The resort’s history mirrors Alaska’s broader transformation. What was once a frontier for miners and soldiers evolved into a stage for tourism, sport, and culture. Alyeska Resort stands as a symbol of mid-20th century optimism, when Alaska sought to attract the world not with forts and tunnels, but with peaks, powder, and panoramic views of the North Pacific.

19. Portage Glacier

The Portage Glacier has long been one of Alaska’s most iconic natural landmarks, shaping both the land and human history of the region. Thousands of years ago, the glacier stretched far down the valley, carving out the basin that would later fill with Portage Lake. Indigenous peoples knew these ice fields not as tourist attractions but as powerful forces that dictated travel routes, seasonal hunting, and the very shape of the surrounding terrain.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Portage Glacier became a subject of fascination for scientists and explorers. Early survey teams documented the ice’s massive reach, while gold prospectors moving through the Chugach Mountains crossed nearby passes, aware of the glacier as both obstacle and landmark. By the mid-20th century, the site had entered popular consciousness as road and rail made access easier, transforming the glacier into a symbol of Alaska’s wild identity.

The retreat of Portage Glacier in recent decades has also become a record of environmental change. Once visible from the road, the ice has drawn steadily back across the lake, leaving behind sediment and stories of its former scale. To stand on its shores is to witness not only a frozen remnant of the Ice Age but also a living timeline of Alaska’s natural and cultural history.

20. Alaska Wild Guides

The story of Alaska Wild Guides is part of a broader narrative of adventure in Prince William Sound. Long before guided snowmachine tours and small-group expeditions, the surrounding mountains were crossed by Indigenous hunters who relied on memory and observation to move through glaciers, valleys, and passes. These routes were later used by Russian fur traders, and much later by American prospectors searching for mineral wealth in the Chugach backcountry.

During World War II, when Whittier became a fortified port, the same wilderness that had challenged hunters and miners became a defensive barrier. Soldiers patrolled ice fields and ridges, learning to adapt military operations to a landscape of avalanches and storms. The knowledge gained from surviving in this environment fed directly into postwar Alaskan identity—where the wilderness was no longer just endured but embraced.

Alaska Wild Guides continues that tradition, reframing survival skills into exploration. Their journeys across glaciers and through remote valleys link back to the same challenges faced for centuries: navigation, endurance, and respect for the elements. Each trip carries layers of history, from Native subsistence to wartime necessity, making every excursion part of Alaska’s longer human story of adaptation in the wild.

21. Begich, Boggs Visitor Center

The Begich, Boggs Visitor Center on Portage Lake was built as both a learning hub and a memorial. It is named after U.S. Congressman Nick Begich and Representative Hale Boggs, who disappeared in a 1972 plane crash en route from Anchorage to Juneau. Their loss was a defining moment in Alaska’s political history, and the center carries their names as a reminder of the fragility of life in the state’s unforgiving terrain.

Beyond its commemorative role, the visitor center connects modern travelers to the deep history of glaciers and human settlement in the Chugach Mountains. Exhibits trace the advance and retreat of ice over thousands of years, explaining how these forces shaped valleys, carved waterways, and determined where people could live. The displays also explore Indigenous lifeways, showing how Native groups understood and adapted to the ice fields long before scientific study began.

Standing on its viewing decks, one can look across Portage Lake toward the retreating glacier, recognizing both the beauty of the landscape and the long narrative of change it represents. The Begich, Boggs Visitor Center is not just an interpretive stop—it is part of the story of Alaska itself, blending memory, geology, and culture into one enduring site.

Conclusion

Whittier isn’t just a detour on your way to somewhere else—it’s a destination carved from rock, history, and resilience. In a state full of wide-open landscapes, Whittier flips the script: here, everything feels tucked in and cloaked in cloud, like Alaska whispering a secret.

It’s a place where the past hasn’t been paved over—just weathered and repurposed. From WWII-era bunkers now softened by moss to a community that still lives in a single tower, Whittier reminds us that history isn’t always grand—it’s often strange, practical, and deeply human.

And then there’s the nature: glaciers calving into icy fjords, whales surfacing in the sound, trails that end in silence and snowfields. It’s not tourist-trap Alaska—it’s the real thing, wrapped in fog and worth every step (and every tunnel delay).

Ready to plan your trip? Check out the full list of things to do in Whittier, Alaska, and don’t forget to leave room for the unexpected.

Interactive Map

Where to Eat in Whittier

Restaurant	Address	Contact	Notable Dish / Specialty
The Inn at Whittier	100 Harbor Drive, Whittier, AK 99693	Phone: (907) 302-5035	Fresh Alaskan cuisine, waterfront views; good for dinner & local spirits
Anchor Inn	100 Whittier Street, Whittier, AK 99693	Phone: (907) 472-2354	Classic comfort food & hearty meals; old-school tavern feel
Swiftwater Café & Seafood	Lot 8, Triangle Area, Whittier, AK 99693	Contact via Chamber directory	Seafood & casual fare; good choice for fresh local fish and relaxed vibe
Wild Catch Cafe	Whittier, AK (near downtown area)	Contact via social media or local listings	Light bites & café style; good for breakfast or lunch
The Harbor Store / Outpost	Harbor Triangle Rd, Whittier, AK	Contact via Chamber / Outpost listing	Quick supplies & grab-and-go meals; convenience plus views
Whittier Ice Cream & Pizza	Whittier, AK (general downtown area)	Local phone listings	Pizza & dessert-type treats; casual, good for families or snack stops
China Sea	6 Harbor Road, Whittier, AK 99693	Contact via local listing	Chinese food; take-out/indoor dining, one of the few international flavors in town

Whittier, AK Vs Other Arkansas Cities

Metric	Whittier, AK	Anchorage, AK	Fairbanks, AK	Juneau, AK
Population (2023 est.)	~470	~283,000	~31,500	~31,100
Median Household Income	$57,188	$89,300	$70,000	$75,000
Per Capita Income	$33,055	$45,000	$36,000	$39,000
Poverty Rate	~15.9%	~10%	~12%	~11%
Median Home Value (Owner-occupied)	$83,500	$300,000+	$250,000	$280,000
Mean Commute Time	~6-7 minutes	~17-20 minutes	~12 minutes	~15-18 minutes
Cost of Living & Access	Very remote, high transport costs, limited groceries & supplies	Major urban center, extensive services, more affordable access by comparison	Regional hub, moderate services & connectivity	State capital, moderate size, decent services & transport access
Vibe & Lifestyle	Small-town, very tight community (“town under one roof”), heavy reliance on nature & tourism	Urban, diverse, broad economies, cultural amenities	Cold climate, strong outdoors culture, regional medical & education hub	Scenic, government & tourism oriented, remote feel but with capital -services

How to Get to Whittier

By Air

• Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) – The nearest major airport, about 60 miles north of Whittier. Serves as the main entry point to Alaska with extensive domestic and international flights.
• From Anchorage, travelers continue by car, shuttle, or train to reach Whittier.

By Train

• Alaska Railroad runs seasonal service from Anchorage to Whittier (May–September). The trip takes about 2.5 hours and includes breathtaking scenery through mountains and along Turnagain Arm.
• This is the most scenic way to reach Whittier and is popular with cruise passengers.

By Bus / Shuttle

• Several shuttle and coach companies operate between Anchorage and Whittier, particularly during cruise season. The drive takes about 1.5–2 hours depending on tunnel timing.
• This is a convenient option for those without a rental car.

By Car

• From Anchorage, take Seward Highway (AK-1 South) along Turnagain Arm to Portage Glacier Road.
• Enter the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel (the longest combined road-and-rail tunnel in North America, ~2.5 miles). Traffic is controlled and alternates directions on the hour.
• Drive time from Anchorage: 1.5 hours.

By Water

• Whittier is a major cruise ship port on Prince William Sound. Many visitors arrive directly by cruise ship or by private boat.
• Ferry services (such as the Alaska Marine Highway System) also connect Whittier to other coastal towns.

FAQ

1. Why is Whittier called “the town under one roof”?

Whittier earned this nickname because nearly all of its residents live in Begich Towers, a former military barracks turned condominium complex. Inside, you’ll find apartments, a post office, a convenience store, a small clinic, and even a church. This unusual arrangement makes the community extremely close-knit, and it reflects Whittier’s history as a military outpost during World War II.

2. How do you get to Whittier?

Whittier is reachable from Anchorage by road via the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, the longest combined vehicle-and-rail tunnel in North America. The tunnel alternates traffic direction once per hour, so timing matters. In summer, the Alaska Railroad offers scenic trains, and cruise ships or ferries dock right in town. Driving takes about 1.5 hours from Anchorage.

3. What is Whittier known for?

Whittier is best known as a gateway to Prince William Sound, offering spectacular access to glaciers, fjords, and marine wildlife. It’s a key cruise ship port, a fishing hub, and a base for kayaking and boat tours. The town’s “one building” lifestyle and its WWII history also make it a quirky and memorable destination.

4. What is the weather like in Whittier?

Whittier has a cool maritime climate and is one of the wettest places in Alaska. It receives over 200 inches of precipitation annually, often in the form of rain and heavy snow. Summers are mild, with highs around 60°F, while winters are cold, wet, and windy. Fog and clouds are common, but the scenery is stunning when the skies clear.

5. Are there things to do in Whittier besides cruises?

Yes. Visitors can enjoy kayaking, glacier tours, fishing charters, and hiking trails like the Portage Pass Trail. The Prince William Sound Museum tells the story of Whittier’s WWII and Cold War role. Even just walking along the harbor to watch fishing boats and wildlife is rewarding. Despite its size, Whittier offers plenty for a day trip or overnight stay.

6. Is Whittier a good place to stay overnight?

Many people use Whittier as a launch point for tours rather than a long-term base, but staying overnight can be rewarding. The town has a handful of small hotels, inns, and restaurants. Overnight stays give visitors a chance to see Whittier after cruise crowds leave, enjoy the quiet harbor, and take early-morning boat trips into Prince William Sound.

Tags

• Trip Ideas