Set amid dramatic mountains and glaciers at the head of Prince William Sound, Whittier is an excellent launching point for exploring Alaska’s pristine beauty. A boating or kayaking expedition through the icy fjords provides scenic views of the glaciated inlets and may also offer glimpses of sea otters, seals and breaching whales. Hikes along the local trails lead into the surrounding mountains and to waterfalls cascading from the icefields into the sound.
Valdez is nestled on the shores of Prince William Sound, surrounded by the towering peaks of the Chugach Mountains. Known for its dramatic landscapes and vibrant history, Valdez is both a gateway to outdoor adventure and a testament to resilience. The town’s history is shaped by its role in the Gold Rush, its recovery following a catastrophic earthquake in 1964, and its importance as the southern terminus of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. The Valdez Museum provides insight into these events, highlighting the community’s pioneering spirit.
Sitka's history is deeply rooted in its Alaska Native heritage and influenced by its time as a Russian colonial outpost. The two stories meet in Sitka National Historical Park, where you can explore the restored 19th-century Russian Bishop’s House and walk a scenic coastal trail lined with Tlingit and Haida totem poles. Other notable landmarks include St. Michael’s Cathedral, an outstanding example of Russian Orthodox architecture, and the Baranof Castle State Historic Site, where Alaska was officially transferred from Russia to the United States in 1867.
Positioned on narrow Frederick Sound and accessible only to small yachts and fishing vessels, Petersburg is truly one of Alaska’s hidden gems. Known as “Little Norway,” the town was founded in the early 1900s by Norwegian immigrants who established a thriving fishing industry here, and Peterburg’s rich Scandinavian heritage is evident in its architecture, cultural festivals and time-honored traditions.
A tiny community on the rugged west coast of Prince of Wales Island, Klawock offers a unique opportunity to experience the untouched beauty of the remote Alaskan wilderness while also getting an authentic glimpse into the traditions and lifestyle of the locals that make their homes here. Klawock Totem Park is renowned for its collection of totem poles that reflect the artistry and culture of the Tlingit people, and you may have the opportunity to watch a master carver demonstrate the techniques used by local artisans to keep this ancient art form alive.
While in Ketchikan, you’ll likely want to spend some time on the water exploring the fjords and lakes embraced by Tongass National Forest, be it in a kayak, canoe or Zodiac boat. The town is known as the “Salmon Capital of the World” — and the seas are also rich in halibut, rockfish and Dungeness crab — so you might charter a fishing skiff and later grill your fresh catch over a campfire. The views from the air are equally impressive, as revealed in a seaplane flight over Misty Fjords National Monument or a helicopter ride over the 1,500-foot cascades of Mahoney Falls.
Steps from the port in Juneau, you’ll find numerous shops, museums and a surprisingly diverse culinary scene, featuring innovative food trucks, local breweries, fusion restaurants and Alaska’s famously delicious Dungeness crab. Just beyond the city, the towering mountains of Tongass National Forest and a vast icefield comprising multiple glaciers surround this capital that is only accessible by air or sea.
The harbor of Icy Strait Point was purpose-built by Alaska Natives to welcome visitors to Chichagof Island, and you can learn about the indigenous Tlingit culture through traditional music and dance performances in the nearby village of Hoonah. On the waterfront, a restored cannery now houses a museum, local shops, and restaurants serving freshly caught crab and other delicious seafood, or you might go fishing for your own fresh salmon or halibut.
