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 invite you to visit Alaskatours.com where you will find great wildlife viewing opportunities. Our trip options include all modes of...
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...
Tour with a small group for a larger wilderness experience! Board a custom designed safari vessel as you search for wildlife, including Humpback...
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...
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...
Hoonah's Premier Tour Company! Offering a Whale Watch, Wilderness Tour & Brown Search, Saltwater Fishing, Stream Fishing and a Kayak Adventure...
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...
Step into Alaska with a small-group, fully-guided Photo Safari adventure. Your certified Naturalist Photography guide will lead you to local...
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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
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