Whittier, on Prince William Sound, is one of the quickest ways to reach the glaciers from Anchorage—just an hour’s drive through a single tunnel. The town serves as the starting point for glacier cruises to College Fjord and Surprise Glacier, as well as kayaking and fishing trips. Gateway to Prince William Sound. Best time to visit: May through September.
Whittier, a small, unique town nestled at the end of a fjord in Prince William Sound, is accessible via a tunnel through the mountain, about an hour southeast of Anchorage. This proximity makes it one of the most convenient gateways to the Sound’s glaciers.
The town, where a large portion of the residents live in a single building, serves primarily as a port for glacier cruises, ferries, and water-based excursions. This page provides details on cruises, the tunnel, activities, the season, and how to get there. It complements our pages on Anchorage and Valdez.
Why visit Whittier?
Whittier’s biggest draw is its location: just an hour from Anchorage via the tunnel, it offers the quickest access to the glaciers of Prince William Sound. You can set out on a day cruise into the heart of the fjords and return the same day, making it a popular excursion.
From Whittier, Prince William Sound boasts some of Alaska’s most beautiful coastal glaciers, such as College Fjord, and a rich variety of marine life. The town itself, with its unique building and tunnel, is a one-of-a-kind attraction. Whittier thus combines accessibility with spectacular natural beauty.
What to Do in Whittier?
Here are the top things to do, centered around glaciers and the ocean.
1. Cruising to the Glaciers
Whittier is the starting point for cruises to the glaciers of Prince William Sound. College Fjord is lined with several glaciers, and the Surprise Glacier calves into the sea. These day trips offer close-up views of the ice and wildlife, set against a backdrop of fjords and mountains.
2. Paddle and Observe Marine Life
Sea kayaking lets you explore the sheltered waters around Whittier, sometimes right at the foot of the glaciers. You can spot sea otters, seals, sea lions, and seabirds—and sometimes even whales. Guided tours are organized from the harbor and are tailored to different skill levels.
3. Drive through the tunnel and explore the city
Access to Whittier is via the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, the longest combined road-and-rail tunnel in North America. With alternating one-way traffic for cars and trains, it’s an experience in itself. The town, where most residents live in a single apartment building, intrigues visitors.
When is the best time to visit Whittier?
The glacier cruise season runs from May through September, offering full access to excursions and wildlife. Summer provides the best sailing conditions and long days.
Whittier is known for its very rainy climate. Outside of summer, tourist activities are significantly reduced, although the tunnel remains open during certain hours. Check out our guide on when to visit Alaska.
| Period | Conditions | Activities |
|---|---|---|
| May through September | Cruise Season | Glaciers, kayaking, wildlife |
| June through August | Peak season, long days | Cruises, fishing |
| October through April | Low season, rainy | Limited access |
How do you get to Whittier?
Whittier is about an hour’s drive from Anchorage via the Seward Highway and the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel. This alternating one-way tunnel, shared by cars and trains, operates on a specific schedule that should be checked before departure. The Alaska Railroad also serves the town.
The Alaska Marine Highway ferry connects Whittier to Valdez and Cordova across Prince William Sound. Cruises and kayaking tours depart from the harbor. Our team can easily incorporate Whittier into a trip starting from Anchorage. Check out our suggested itineraries.
Frequently Asked Questions About Whittier
Where is Whittier, Alaska?
Whittier is located in south-central Alaska, on the west shore of Prince William Sound, about an hour’s drive southeast of Anchorage. The town is accessible via a road and rail tunnel, the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, which runs through the mountain.
How do you get to Whittier through the tunnel?
Whittier is accessible via the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, the longest combined road and rail tunnel in North America. Traffic flows in alternating one-way directions, shared between cars and trains, according to a specific schedule that should be checked before departure.
What is there to do in Whittier?
Whittier is the departure point for cruises to the glaciers of Prince William Sound, notably the Surprise Glacier and College Fjord. Visitors can also enjoy sea kayaking, fishing, and marine wildlife viewing. The town serves as a port for ferries and certain cruise ships.
Is Whittier a gateway to Prince William Sound?
Yes. Close to Anchorage thanks to the tunnel, Whittier is one of the quickest ways to reach Prince William Sound and its glaciers. Many day cruises depart from here, making it a popular excursion from the Anchorage area.
When is the best time to visit Whittier?
The glacier cruise season runs from May through September, offering full access to excursions and wildlife. Whittier is known for its very rainy climate. Outside of summer, tourist activities are significantly reduced, although the tunnel remains open.
What can you see on a cruise departing from Whittier?
Cruises departing from Whittier take you to the glaciers of Prince William Sound, including College Fjord—which features several glaciers—and the Surprise Glacier. Sea otters, seals, sea lions, whales, and seabirds are often spotted there, set against a backdrop of fjords.
Last updated: August 19, 2026.
About Terra Alaska
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Sources
Travel Alaska (Whittier); Alaska Department of Transportation (Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel); Alaska Marine Highway System.
