Whittier, Alaska

Whittier is nestled at the base of mountains that line Passage Canal - one of the deepwater fjords of Prince William Sound, many with tidewater glaciers that calve before your eyes. The surrounding peaks are snowcapped much of the year and a glacier hangs above the town to the west. Just across Passage Canal from Whittier is the Kittiwake Rookery, largest of its kind in the world. Fishing is favorite pastime with salmon and halibut derbies every summer. Whittier is also a berry picker's paradise with blueberries and salmonberries growing in abundance at the edge of town.

Whittier History:
Whittier was created by the U.S. Army during World War II as its "secret port" and most of the older buildings date back to its days as an Army post. As the gateway to Prince William Sound, Whittier's small boat harbor offers glacier cruises and fishing charters into the Sound, is a favorite staging area for kayakers, and welcomes thousands of cruise ship passengers a year. The Whittier Access Road features the longest vehicle tunnel in North America, a 2.5-mile one-lane tunnel that accommodates both vehicles and the Alaska Railroad.

Location:
Whittier is on the west side or Prince William Sound at the head of Passage Canal, about 60 miles southeast of Anchorage.
Access:
By vehicle via the Seward Highway and Whittier Tunnel; Alaska Railroad from Anchorage; Alaska Marine Highway ferry from Valdez and Cordova.
Accomodations:
3 hotels/motels; 2 bed and breakfasts; 9 restaurants/cafes/snackbars.