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
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 small ship...
Purchased by the State of Alaska in 1985, the Sheldon Jackson Museum was founded in 1888 to house an exceptional collection of Alaska Native...
Sitka is an island community boldly living between the mountains and sea, where the arts flourish and an ancient native culture still thrives...
Alaskan owned and operated, Alaska Private Touring specializes in custom, guided Alaska programs for individuals, groups, and families of all...
Nobody does Alaska better than CRUISES TO ALASKA.
We have sent thousands of travel enthusiasts to ALASKA on cruise and cruise-tour vacations...
Scenic, diverse Ketchikan is a coastal island located within Alaska's Inside Passage and surrounded by the magnificent Tongass National Forest...
We are the premier provider of wilderness brown bear viewing in Southeast Alaska! Imagine watching bears catch salmon, forage along the beach...
We are the premier commuter airline based in Juneau AK serving 13 communities in SE Alaska all year long with seasonal summer service connecting...
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...
Unforgettable Voyages Aboard Our 90' Private Luxury Charter YachtExperience luxury with our 90' private charter yacht, inviting you to indulge in...
We create self drive tours in Alaska and the Yukon which can be customized to your needs with a great selection of accommodations and activities...
Sitka offers RV parks, cabins and many camping areas located on and off the island. Travel the Alaska Marine Highway with your RV, camper or...
The Inn sits nestled in the middle of downtown amidst the Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park. Conveniently located near all attractions...
Alaskan owned and operated, Alaska Private Touring specializes in custom, guided Alaska programs for groups and families of all sizes. Our...
The Alaska Campground Owners Association (ACOA) represents campgrounds throughout Alaska and is a member owned non-profit. Our vision is to...
Scenic, diverse Ketchikan is a coastal island located within Alaska's Inside Passage and surrounded by the magnificent Tongass National Forest...
Salmon Falls Resort is an intimate full-service resort in Ketchikan, Alaska, situated at the southernmost entrance to Alaska’s iconic Inside...
As a small Alaskan company, ATC creates customized Alaska vacations for independent travelers, couples, families, and small groups. From our home...
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...
History, beauty and adventure meet in Alaska's first incorporated city. Nestled at the northernmost reaches of the Inside Passage, North Americas...
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.
Travel Inspiration
#TravelAlaska
#TravelAlaska