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
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...
Equinox offers private adventure cruises based out of historic Sitka, Alaska. Owner/operators Cameo and Brooks invite you and 5 friends to join...
Nestled along the Tongass Narrows, minutes from downtown, The Ketch embodies the spirit of Ketchikan - where fishing is a way of life, the food...
Expedition Hiking Tour with Tongass Treks Explore the wilds of the Tongass National Forest on a private 4 to 5-day yacht-supported hiking...
A smaller group makes for a larger wilderness experience! Gastineau Guiding offers travelers fully guided, small group tours to one or more 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...
The best of Alaska's glaciers and ports are yours on the ultimate Alaska cruise, with perfectly sized ships that get you closer to all the wonder...
We invite you to visit Alaskatours.com where you will find great wildlife viewing opportunities. Our trip options include all modes of...
"Welcome to Alaska Charters and Adventures, your gateway to the pristine wilderness of the Inside Passage, Alaska. We specialize in bear viewing...
Join us for our 3-hour Lighthouse, Totems, & Eagles tour! Hop aboard a bus to our rustic Ward Cove location where you will board a 60 ft...
Equinox offers custom multiday adventure cruises based out of historic Sitka, Alaska. Owner/operators Cameo and Brooks take groups of up to 6...
Join us on a sweeping exploration of southeast Alaska, from Sitka's outer coast in the northwest, to Ketchikan in the southeast. Discover worlds...
Located in the Father Andrew P. Kashevaroff (APK) building, the Alaska State Museum is a great way to experience the history, art, and culture of...
The Gateway to Glacier Bay, Gustavus offers a microcosm of all the natural beauty of Alaska. Gustavus is not too big -- no industry interfering...
Purchased by the State of Alaska in 1985, the Sheldon Jackson Museum was founded in 1888 to house an exceptional collection of Alaska Native...
Alaskan owned and operated, Alaska Private Touring specializes in custom, guided Alaska programs for groups and families of all sizes. Our...
Immerse yourself in Southeast Alaska's breathtaking underwater world as you snorkel the calm and clear waters of Mountain Point.
You'll stay...
Come to Alaska to enjoy the magic of the Northern Lights, the best outdoor adventures from dog sledding to skiing to snowmobiling and snowshoeing...
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...
Combine a cruise to Alaska with a land-package or add day tours in your ports of call! Visit Denali National Park, take a ride on the Alaska...
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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