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
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...
The ultimate trip planning tool, it unfolds to 27 x 36 inches and is packed with great information on Alaska's top destinations, activities...
History, beauty and adventure meet in Alaska's first incorporated city. Nestled at the northernmost reaches of the Inside Passage, North Americas...
Sitka is an island community boldly living between the mountains and sea, where the arts flourish and an ancient native culture still thrives...
The Gateway to Glacier Bay, Gustavus offers a microcosm of all the natural beauty of Alaska. Gustavus is not too big -- no industry interfering...
Unspoiled and unhurried, Haines is the natural choice! We are renowned for our stunning scenery, abundant wildlife and rich culture. Make Haines...
Scenic, diverse Ketchikan is a coastal island located within Alaska's Inside Passage and surrounded by the magnificent Tongass National Forest...
Sitka is a melting pot of cultures, languages and customs. Home to the native Tlingit for over 10,000 years, Sitka honors our history 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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