Inside Passage Region
Shaped by the staggering force of massive glaciers millions of years ago, Alaska’s Inside Passage stretches 500 miles along the Pacific Ocean and boasts wildlife-filled fjords, tidewater glaciers, and lush island scenery. The Tongass National Forest — the largest national forest in the United States and the largest intact temperate rainforest in the world — covers the vast majority of the Inside Passage.
The Inside Passage is home to Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian Alaska Native peoples whose history is reflected in towering totem poles and whose vibrant culture can be seen today through art, song, and dance. Russian settlers left their legacy through onion-domed churches gleaming with icons.
Today, the Inside Passage is the most popular route for large and small cruise ships departing from the Seattle, Los Angeles, and Vancouver, B.C. from May through September. For those that want to travel at their own pace, the Inside Passage is also accessible on the state ferry along the Alaska Marine Highway System, which stops in 35 ports of call from Bellingham, WA to Dutch Harbor in Alaska’s Aleutian Islands.
Both cruisers and independent travelers are awed by the lush beauty of top Inside Passage destinations including Juneau, Ketchikan, Petersburg, Sitka, Skagway, Wrangell, and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve. There’s no shortage of adventures to be had, including kayaking, hiking, fishing, experiencing Alaska Native culture, glacier viewing, and searching for wildlife including whales, bears, and eagles.
Map of Inside Passage Alaska
Plan Your Trip
Experience Alaska's highest sportfishing catch rates of King salmon & Silver salmon in beautiful Sitka. The highly rated fishing charters are...
Authentic Alaska is just waiting for you to discover it, by land. Our Alaska vacations take you into the heart of our National Parks, Native...
Are you ready to explore Alaska up close and in style? Want to go where the big ships can’t? Then you will love our award-winning Alaska small...
Come Experience Alaska exactly as you dreamed it could be. Our all-inclusive lodge, secluded in an unforgettable bay at the far south edge of...
Are you ready to explore Alaska up close and in style? Want to go where the big ships can’t? Then you will love our award-winning Alaska small...
Princess® is the #1 Cruise Line in Alaska, with over 50 years' experience in the region. Choose from a variety of itineraries and connect with...
Every spring, pacific herring move inshore in the billions to spawn in Sitka Sound. This epic 2-3 week event marks the beginning of spring and...
Equinox offers custom multiday adventure cruises based out of historic Sitka, Alaska. Owner/operators Cameo and Brooks take groups of up to 6...
The Inn sits nestled in the middle of downtown amidst the Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park. Conveniently located near all attractions...
Come see Alaska's "Big 5" from bears to moose, caribou to wolf, and Dall sheep! At Alaska Tours, we offer the widest range of wildlife tours...
Above & Beyond Alaska (ABAK) has been organizing small group adventures in the Juneau area for over 21 years. Our commitment is unwavering — we...
Step into Alaska with a small-group, fully-guided Photo Safari adventure. Your certified Naturalist Photography guide will lead you to local...
The Alaska Marine Highway operates a fleet of vessels along a route so special it has been designated as a National Scenic Byway and All-American...
Discovery Voyages is Alaska's original small ship cruise. We offer the finest guided small group sea and land tours, featuring photography...
UnCruise defines adventure in Alaska. Moss and moose, thunderous glaciers and tufted puffins—Alaska is full of surprises. The birthplace of...
Expedition Hiking Tour with Tongass Treks Explore the wilds of the Tongass National Forest on a private 4 to 5-day yacht-supported hiking...
History, beauty and adventure meet in Alaska's first incorporated city. Nestled at the northernmost reaches of the Inside Passage, North Americas...
Sitka is an island community boldly living between the mountains and sea, where the arts flourish and an ancient native culture still thrives...
Local Climate & Weather
For Alaska's day-to-day weather, it’s best to plan for a bit of everything. Learn more about weather in this area.
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