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
See more of the real Alaska! Alaska is big, beautiful and logistically challenging! Make sure you have someone that knows the intricacies of...
NorthStar Helicopters offers a diverse range of personalized flightseeing and glacier experiences tailored to each guest's abilities and...
Meet Alaska’s best travel style, small ship cruising, and the veteran experts ready to match you with a small, active, authentic and immersive...
Imagine yourself standing on the runners of a dogsled with a team of Alaskan huskies loping across the ancient snowfields nestled among the peaks...
Spirit Walker Expeditions is a locally guide-owned and operated company with over 35 years of experience leading sea kayaking trips throughout...
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...
Meet Alaska’s best travel style, small ship cruising, and the veteran experts ready to match you with a small, authentic and immersive Alaska...
UnCruise defines adventure in Alaska. Moss and moose, thunderous glaciers and tufted puffins—Alaska is full of surprises. The birthplace of...
Purchased by the State of Alaska in 1985, the Sheldon Jackson Museum was founded in 1888 to house an exceptional collection of Alaska Native...
A smaller group makes for a larger wilderness experience! Gastineau Guiding offers travelers fully guided, small group tours to one or more of...
From breathtaking scenic coach tours to the iconic Alaska Rail Road and self-drive packages – we have every option covered to complete your dream...
Equinox offers custom multiday adventure cruises based out of historic Sitka, Alaska. Owner/operators Cameo and Brooks take groups of up to 6...
Alaska's Luxury Adventure Resort - There's nothing else like it! Exclusive Private Island & Beach Best Salmon Fishing in Alaska Gourmet Cuisine...
Sitka is an island community boldly living between the mountains and sea, where the arts flourish and an ancient native culture still thrives...
Tour with a small group for a larger wilderness experience! Board a custom designed safari vessel as you search for wildlife, including Humpback...
Meet Alaska’s best travel style, small ship cruising, and the veteran experts ready to match you with a small, active and authentic wildlife...
History, beauty and adventure meet in Alaska's first incorporated city. Nestled at the northernmost reaches of the Inside Passage, North Americas...
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...
Above & Beyond Alaska (ABAK) has been organizing small group adventures in the Juneau area for over 21 years. Our commitment is unwavering — we...
Salmon Falls Resort is an intimate full-service resort in Ketchikan, Alaska, situated at the southernmost entrance to Alaska’s iconic Inside...
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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