Whittier Alaska
Reached through a 2.5-mile tunnel shared with the railroad, Whittier is a tiny port with an outsized reason to visit: a full day of glaciers in Prince William Sound.
Highlights
A small town built around one very good reason to visit.
26 Glacier Cruise
Phillips Cruises & Tours has run this full-day trip into Prince William Sound since 1987 - up to 26 glaciers, plus sea otters, seals, and whales, in a single afternoon.
The Anton Anderson Tunnel
The only way in or out by road - a 2.5-mile, single-lane tunnel shared with the Alaska Railroad, running on a schedule since 1943.
A One-Building Town
Most of Whittier's year-round residents live in a single high-rise, Begich Towers - a quirk of the town's history as a WWII army post.
Prince William Sound Wildlife
Calm, protected waters make this some of the most reliable wildlife-watching in the state - otters, harbor seals, and humpback whales close to shore.
Portage Pass & Horsetail Falls Trails
Two short, popular hikes right outside town - Portage Pass climbs to a glacier viewpoint, while Horsetail Falls is a quicker waterfall hike for a free hour before or after a cruise.
Swiftwater Seafood Cafe
Whittier's original, legendary seafood spot - known for a light-battered fish and chips and a rich seafood chowder.
Wild Catch Cafe
Seafood plus burgers and sandwiches, with an open-air deck for dining in summer.
Lazy Otter Cafe
A small cafe inside a local charter company's office - coffee, hot chocolate, and bagels before heading out on the water.
Varly's Ice Cream and Pizza Parlor
Whittier's go-to for a non-seafood option - pizza, burgers, and ice cream.