Whittier, Alaska: Our home port
As the Gateway to Prince William Sound, Whittier is known as a jumping-off point for enjoying the Sound. This small seaside hamlet has more to offer than first appears. Whittier hosts a delightful variety of restaurants and shops to explore. Indulge your culinary curiosity with fresh seafood caught from Prince William Sound’s icy waters, enjoy a gourmet espresso, baked goods, or ice cream at a charming seaside café.
Explore Prince William Sound
There are plenty of activities to choose from in Whittier, including excellent hiking trails, kayaking, fishing, and, of course, our Cruises. Sea kayaking is especially popular here thanks to the sheltered coves and camping beaches in this western part of the Sound. Numerous fishing and sightseeing charters are available as well. Anglers can fish for salmon, halibut, bottom fish, and even shark.
Getting To Whittier
Whether you ride the historic Alaska Railroad, take a narrated coach tour to Prince William Sound or drive yourself, the journey will be spectacular. Arrival by cruise ship, ferry, private boat, and private plane or helicopter is also possible. Travel along the scenic Seward Highway to the glacier-studded Portage Valley. To access Whittier, you will travel through North America’s longest shared rail/vehicle tunnel. GETTING TO US
Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel
All visitors to Whittier who travel by rail or highway will transit North America’s longest shared rail and car tunnel. The tunnel operates on a set schedule to allow one-way traffic. A user fee is assessed on all vehicles as they enter the tunnel from the Portage Valley Side. A fee is not collected when departing the tunnel from the Whittier side.
Whittier Museum Association
Over 25 exhibits, displayed in a 1200 square foot space donated by the Shen family, tell Whittier’s history story. Learn more about Whittier’s history by visiting the Prince William Sound Gateway Museum located in the Anchor Inn on Whittier Street. A small admission is requested upon entry.
What The Weather Brings
Annual precipitation brings 197 inches of rain and 241 inches of snowfall. Summer temperatures range from 49’F to 63’F, while winter weather gets 17’F to 28’F. During inclement weather, residents use underground passenger tunnels to walk between their residence in Begich Towers to the school and grocery store.
Housing and Population
Following the war, the Army built two large buildings that still stand as landmarks guarding this port town. The 14-story Begich Towers, now a condominium that houses most of Whittier’s population, and the Buckner Building, once the largest building in Alaska, is currently abandoned. At the military peak, Whittier had a population of 1260. Today the town population ranges from 182 – 218 citizens of Whittier.
Alaska Marine Highway
Serving coastal communities throughout Alaska, the Alaska Marine Highway System is our State ferry system connecting Whittier to Cordova, Valdez and the communities of Southeast Alaska down to Bellingham, Washington. Schedules and details vary annually so it is best to check their website often if traveling by ferry.
Greater Whittier Chamber of Commerce
Are you looking for more information about visiting Whittier? If you plan a vacation to Whittier, need accommodations, day cruises, sea kayaking, fishing charters, or general visitor information, check out these resources presented by the Greater Whittier Chamber of Commerce.
Whittier City Council
The Whittier City Council meets on the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers located in the P-12 building. Contact the City of Whittier for further details.
