Have you ever heard of Whittier, an Alaskan town where "all the residents live in the same building"?
To enter Whittier, travelers must first pass through a single-track tunnel shared by trains and cars to reach this beautiful town surrounded by harbors, clouds, waterfalls, and towering cliffs. The town's famous Begich Towers are where almost all residents live, housing a post office, police station, supermarket, and clinic. In winter, they can truly stay indoors!
In the summer, Whittier, located in Prince William Sound, transforms into a popular tourist destination, serving as a key gateway for whale watching, glacier cruises, and trips to the Prince William Sound Glacier Fjord, attracting over 700,000 visitors annually. For travelers to Alaska, Whittier offers not only breathtaking scenery and diverse travel experiences, but also a genuine glimpse into Alaska's unique geography, climate, and lifestyle.
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Whittier, a must-visit town in Alaska during the summer
Whittier is located in south-central Alaska, facing Prince William Sound. From Anchorage, drive south along the Seward Highway, passing Turnagain Arm and Girdwood, then turn onto Portage Glacier Road, finally passing through the four-kilometer-long Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel to enter the town; the drive takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
After leaving Anchorage, the scenery gradually transforms into bays, mountain walls, wetlands, and glaciers. Driving along the Seward Highway, with mountains on one side and a bay on the other, the views are expansive on a clear day, and even on a cloudy day, there's a unique Alaskan wilderness atmosphere.
Visitors can only enter the town of Whittier via the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, the longest highway tunnel in North America, stretching approximately 4 kilometers and shared by vehicles and trains. Because the tunnel operates on a single-lane, alternating route, vehicles must queue at the tunnel entrance, waiting for their designated travel time. This adds a touch of mystery to Whittier, as if passing through a mountain gate into another secluded paradise surrounded by the sea and mountains.
The town of Whittier is surrounded by mountains, islands, glaciers, and fjords, creating Alaska's most classic mountain and sea landscape. Prince William Sound's fjord topography was formed by glaciers eroding the valleys over a long period. Therefore, a glacier cruise departing from Whittier Harbor offers views of mountain walls close to the sea, waterfalls cascading from rock formations, and glaciers stretching from the valley to the water's edge. You'll witness firsthand a glacier-carved marine world, including narrow waterways, steep cliffs, floating ice floes, and a grey-blue sea. In summer, there's a chance to see sea otters, seals, bald eagles, and even humpback whales or killer whales.
Furthermore, Whittier has a history closely intertwined with military, port, and rail transport, and still retains architectural traces from bygone eras. Besides the Vegichi Tower, where residents live, another frequently mentioned building is the Buckner Building. This abandoned building, standing before a mountain range, exudes a profound sense of history and adds a touch of austere grandeur to Whittier.
Extended Reading:Alaska Summer Five-Day In-Depth Experience
How to get from Anchorage to Whittier? By car, by train, and itinerary planning
The most common way for travelers to get to Whittier is by car. The advantages of driving are its flexibility in terms of time, allowing stops along the way in areas like Turner Bay, Guildwood, or Portitch, and easier coordination with cruise schedules. If you plan to take a glacier cruise around midday, it's generally recommended to depart from Anchorage in the morning and make sure to catch the tunnel entrance towards Whittier. Although Alaskan summers have long days, cruise arrival times, tunnel opening times, and return arrangements all need to be considered. If you're too rushed, it's easy to miss the tunnel entrance times and disrupt your subsequent itinerary.
Another option is to take the Alaska Railroad's Glacier Discovery Train. This is suitable for travelers who don't want to drive and want to turn the journey itself into a sightseeing experience. Departing from Anchorage, the train travels through bay and mountain landscapes before arriving in Whittier, where passengers can connect to a glacier cruise. However, train schedules and operating seasons need to be confirmed in advance; tickets may need to be booked ahead of time during the summer peak season, and the time flexibility is less than driving.
If it's your first time in Alaska, you're traveling in a large group, or you don't want to figure out the tunnels, rent a car, buy train tickets, and coordinate with the cruise ship yourself, consider a local group tour. Whittier may seem like just a day trip near Anchorage, but it actually involves tunnel openings, driving, cruise ship check-in, parking, weather changes, and the return journey. Having someone help with the arrangements will make the overall experience smoother and easier.
Whittier Transportation Comparison Table
| modes of transportation | Suitable for | Advantages | Note |
| Drive there | For travelers who want flexible itineraries and stops at attractions along the way, and are familiar with driving in the United States | Flexible time and itinerary, can be combined with Gilderwood and Portitch areas. | You need to confirm the tunnel hours, your driving energy levels for the round trip, and allow time for queuing and finding parking. |
| Traveling on the Alaska Railroad | For travelers who don't want to drive and want to experience riding the Alaskan train | The journey itself is a sightseeing experience, allowing you to enjoy the mountain and sea views along the way. | There are many restrictions on the number of flights and seasons, requiring adherence to fixed schedules. |
| Participate in group tours | Families, elders, and first-time visitors to Alaska | No need to figure out the tunnels, parking, and boat connections yourself; let the locals arrange the most comprehensive and seamless routes. | Limited flexibility, unable to freely change the itinerary. |
Recommended Classic Whittier Glacier Cruise Day Trip
We departed Anchorage at approximately 8:30 AM, heading south along Seward Highway, enjoying the scenery of the bay and mountains along the way. We then turned onto Portitch Glacier Road and arrived at the tunnel entrance, entering Whittier according to the day's traffic hours.
Upon arrival in Whittier, you can first stroll around the harbor area, have a simple meal, take photos, and soak in the bay atmosphere of the town. Whittier's harbor is not large, but it is surrounded by mountains, which gives it a more remote feel when the weather is overcast or rainy.
Midday to afternoon is typically the peak time for glacier cruises. The Prince William Bay Portitch Glacier Cruise, departing from Whittier, takes passengers deep into the fjord to see glaciers, waterfalls, seabirds, sea lions, and other marine wildlife. The allure of a cruise lies in the ability to approach the fjord's depths from the surface, witnessing the spectacular sight of glaciers stretching from the valley to the bay. The boat often stops near the glacier, allowing passengers to experience the sounds and sights of ice breaking and chunks falling into the water. These breathtaking moments are difficult to grasp from photos or videos and are often among the most unforgettable memories of the trip.
After the boat tour, depending on the time it takes to leave Whittier via the tunnel, a stop will be made at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center for close-up observation of Alaskan native animals such as brown bears, musk oxen, moose, and Arctic wolves. The return trip to Anchorage will take place around 5 PM. This itinerary involves short driving times and doesn't require an early morning drive, yet allows you to experience Alaska's mountains, sea, glaciers, wildlife, and charming towns all in one day.
* Skyhorse Alaska Summer 5-Day ItineraryOne day will be spent visiting Whittier, which is in summer during peak tourist season. Please feel free to inquire in advance!
Step into the mysterious entrance between Alaska's mountains, seas, and glaciers
Whittier is a famous tourist destination due to a multitude of factors, including the unique community of all residents living in the same building, the only single-track tunnel leading into the town, the spectacular bay road, the town's mountain and sea-surrounded scenery, and the glacial fjord views reminiscent of Prince William's visit.Alaska Summer TravelAll the fascinating elements are condensed together.
If it's your first time visiting Alaska, Whittier is a great option for a day trip. Travelers can drive, take the train, or choose an exciting group tour. Whether you have young children or seniors, this trip is relaxing, enjoyable, and offers excellent value for money, providing a captivating and breathtaking Alaskan experience throughout.
If you'd like to include Whittier, a Prince William Sound glacier cruise, the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge, and other attractions around Anchorage in your summer trip, please feel free to inquire in advance. Sky Horse Alaska Summer ItineraryHaving locals familiar with the route help with arrangements can make the trip smoother, allowing you to save your time and energy for the truly worthwhile scenery.
FAQs for Whittier
Q1: Is Whittier worth visiting?
If you're starting from Anchorage and looking for a day trip that doesn't require too much physical exertion but still offers a distinctly Alaskan experience, Whittyll is definitely worth a visit. Its appeal lies not just in the town itself, but in the combination of the surrounding highways, single-lane tunnels, harbor atmosphere, and a cruise on the Prince William Sound glacier.
Q2: Is it possible to make a day trip from Anchorage to Whittier?
Yes, Whittier is a popular day trip destination around Anchorage. However, since entering and exiting the town depends on the tunnel schedule, if you've booked a glacier cruise, it's advisable not to rush the time and to confirm the tunnel and cruise check-in times in advance.
Q3: Is there a toll for the Whittier Tunnel?
Yes, it is required. Most travelers entering Whittier will pass through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel. Tolls vary depending on the vehicle type; for small cars, it's generally US$13 per vehicle. However, fees and opening hours may vary, so it's recommended to check before you go.Official InformationThe
Q4: How long should I schedule my trip to Whittier?
If you're only visiting the town, port, exterior of Vegichi Tower, and surrounding scenery, about two hours is sufficient. If you've arranged a glacier cruise, it's recommended to allow a full day, including travel time to and from the glacier, and factor in tunnel travel, waiting times, and check-in time for a more comprehensive itinerary.
Q5: Which is more worthwhile to arrange: a glacier cruise or a glacier hike?
Both are worthwhile, and the experiences are quite different. If you want to see glacial fjords, waterfalls, bays, and marine wildlife more effortlessly, the Whittier Glacier Cruise is a great option. It doesn't require much physical exertion and is suitable for seniors, children, or first-time visitors to Alaska who want to see mountain, ocean, and glacier landscapes in one day.
If fellow travelers are physically fit and want to actually walk on the ice to observe the crevasses, blue ice, and glacier topography up close, then glacier hiking will be more immersive and suitable for those who enjoy outdoor activities and want to create a unique experience.
Extended Reading:Full introduction to hiking on the Matanuska Glacier
Q6: Is Whittier suitable for the elderly or children?
Suitable. Whittierga Glacier cruises are relatively easy to get around and involve a short drive. As long as you pay attention to keeping warm, protecting yourself from the wind, and preventing seasickness, seniors or children can easily enjoy the glacial fjord scenery and town views.
Q7: What's the best outfit to wear for a glacier cruise in the summer?
Even in summer, temperatures at sea in Alaska are lower than on land. We recommend layering your clothing: a warm inner layer, a long-sleeved or thin fleece midsleeve, and a windproof and waterproof jacket. This allows you to adjust to the weather and temperature on the ship. Choose comfortable, non-slip walking shoes. Also, bring a hat, scarf, or thin gloves, especially if you're prone to feeling cold; these will be very helpful when taking photos on deck or viewing the glaciers.
Q8: Will the glacier cruise be very rocky? Will I get seasick?
It's possible, but everyone's experience is different. Prince William Sound is a relatively protected bay area, and it's usually not as prone to large waves as the open sea. However, weather, wind, and individual physical condition can all affect the severity of seasickness. If you are prone to motion sickness or seasickness, it is recommended to prepare seasickness medication or patches before departure and use them 30-60 minutes before boarding, according to the product instructions.
