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
Join us on a sweeping exploration of southeast Alaska, from Sitka's outer coast in the northwest, to Ketchikan in the southeast. Discover worlds...
Put on your hiking boots, fill your lungs with fresh air, and experience a day of world-class hiking in the Tongass National Rainforest. The pace...
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...
Come Fishing with Us! Rum Runner Charters specializes in affordable, private fishing charters for families and small groups. We offer ½ day, ¾...
Discover Alaska's best travel style: small ship cruising. Our seasoned experts will match you with an authentic and immersive cruise that’s best...
UnCruise defines adventure in Alaska. Moss and moose, thunderous glaciers and tufted puffins—Alaska is full of surprises. The birthplace of...
Unforgettable Voyages Aboard Our 90' Private Luxury Charter Yacht Experience luxury with our 90' private charter yacht, inviting you to indulge...
The Inn sits nestled in the middle of downtown amidst the Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park. Conveniently located near all attractions...
On an Alaska voyage with Cunard®, everyday moments hold untold possibilities – a chance to live life to the fullest. As you sail toward the...
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...
A smaller group makes for a larger wilderness experience! Gastineau Guiding offers travelers fully guided, small group tours to one or more of...
UnCruise defines adventure in Alaska. Moss and moose, thunderous glaciers and tufted puffins—Alaska is full of surprises. The birthplace of...
Join us for a 6-day spring cruise April 20th - 26th, 2024 on the Inside Passage from Sitka to Petersburg, Alaska. We’ll cruise alongside humpback...
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...
From breathtaking scenic coach tours to the iconic Alaska Rail Road and self-drive packages – we have every option covered to complete your dream...
Tour with a small group for a larger wilderness experience! Board a custom designed safari vessel as you search for wildlife, including Humpback...
Nestled along the Tongass Narrows, minutes from downtown, The Ketch embodies the spirit of Ketchikan - where fishing is a way of life, the food...
Meet Alaska’s best travel style, small ship cruising, and the veteran experts ready to match you with a small, authentic and immersive Alaska...
Get more from your tour experience on this small group, fully guided citizen science adventure. Play an active role in ongoing data collection...
Waterfall Resort Alaska is known the world over for the astounding number of king and silver salmon, halibut, lingcod, and other sport fish...
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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