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
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...
Waterfall Resort Alaska is known the world over for the astounding number of king and silver salmon, halibut, lingcod, and other sport fish...
We've hand-picked the participating vendors. Frankly, most of them are personal friends--and we have a vested interest in making sure you have a...
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...
Salmon Falls Resort is an intimate full-service resort in Ketchikan, Alaska, situated at the southernmost entrance to Alaska’s iconic Inside...
Get active and experience the real Alaska on one of our 'Active, Informative, Fun!' (c), Alaska multi-sport/hiking or family adventure tours...
Alaska vacations require a lot of planning in advance. When you travel to Alaska, you may want to find the best Alaska fishing, sightseeing...
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...
Equinox offers private adventure cruises based out of historic Sitka, Alaska. Owner/operators Cameo and Brooks invite you and 5 friends to join...
Infinite Adventures is a small family owned business offering active small group adventures in a converted American school bus throughout Alaska...
Tour with a small group for a larger wilderness experience! Board a custom designed safari vessel as you search for wildlife, including Humpback...
Spirit Walker Expeditions is a locally guide-owned and operated company with over 35 years of experience leading sea kayaking trips throughout...
Equinox offers custom multiday adventure cruises based out of historic Sitka, Alaska. Owner/operators Cameo and Brooks take groups of up to 6...
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...
Get more from your tour experience on this small group, fully guided citizen science adventure. Play an active role in ongoing data collection...
Alaska Wildland Adventures operates vacation packages and wilderness lodges on the Kenai Peninsula and in Denali National Park. Our Alaska...
Discover Alaska's ultimate adventure experience at Talon Lodge & Spa, where Alaska meets 5-star service on an exclusive private island. This is...
Built in 1898 to open the Klondike to gold seekers, this narrow gauge railway, originally stretching from Skagway, Alaska, to Whitehorse, Yukon...
Imagine yourself standing on the runners of a dogsled with a team of Alaskan huskies loping across the ancient snowfields nestled among the peaks...
Unforgettable Voyages Aboard Our 90' Private Luxury Charter YachtExperience luxury with our 90' private charter yacht, inviting you to indulge in...
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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