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
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...
Our premier summer offerings are our bear viewing tours at Lake Clark National Park or Katmai National Park. We leave Homer in the mornings and...
Expedition Hiking Tour with Tongass Treks Explore the wilds of the Tongass National Forest on a private 4 to 5-day yacht-supported hiking...
Infinite Adventures is a small family owned business offering active small group adventures in a converted American school bus throughout Alaska...
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...
Adventure Fishing Tours offers private daily and multi-day trips in Southeast Alaska for groups of up to 6 people. Guests can enjoy fishing in...
Immerse yourself in Southeast Alaska's breathtaking underwater world as you snorkel the calm and clear waters of Mountain Point.
You'll stay...
With short travel times from Anchorage and Seattle, Sitka is closer than you think while still feeling like a true getaway. Meeting spaces...
Step into Alaska with a small-group, fully-guided Photo Safari adventure. Your certified Naturalist Photography guide will lead you to local...
Imagine yourself standing on the runners of a dogsled with a team of Alaskan huskies loping across the ancient snowfields nestled among the peaks...
A journey on a Cunard® ship will deliver you to untold possibilities. As you sail on the spacious deck of Queen Elizabeth® toward the horizon...
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...
Are you ready to explore Alaska up close and in style? Then you will love our award-winning small ship cruises and wilderness adventures. When...
Alaskan owned and operated, Alaska Private Touring specializes in custom, guided Alaska programs for groups and families of all sizes. Our...
Get active and experience the real Alaska on one of our 'Active, Informative, Fun!' (c), Alaska multi-sport/hiking or family adventure tours...
Above & Beyond Alaska (ABAK) has been organizing small group adventures in the Juneau area for over 21 years. Our commitment is unwavering — we...
UnCruise defines adventure in Alaska. Moss and moose, thunderous glaciers and tufted puffins—Alaska is full of surprises. The birthplace of...
Alaska Wildland Adventures operates vacation packages and wilderness lodges on the Kenai Peninsula and in Denali National Park. Our Alaska...
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...
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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