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
Purchased by the State of Alaska in 1985, the Sheldon Jackson Museum was founded in 1888 to house an exceptional collection of Alaska Native...
Built in 1898 to open the Klondike to gold seekers, this narrow gauge railway, originally stretching from Skagway, Alaska, to Whitehorse, Yukon...
Adventure Sitka is Alaskan owned and operated with headquarters in Sitka, Alaska. We offer a variety of activities to visiting guests including...
History, beauty and adventure meet in Alaska's first incorporated city. Nestled at the northernmost reaches of the Inside Passage, North Americas...
Alaska Tour & Travel specializes in custom vacations to Alaska's most spectacular destinations. Based in Anchorage for over 25 years, our...
Waterfall Resort Alaska is known the world over for the astounding number of king and silver salmon, halibut, lingcod, and other sport fish...
Equinox offers custom, multiday fishing charters based out of Sitka, Alaska. Owner/operators Cameo and Brooks take groups of up to 6 guests on 5...
The best of Alaska's glaciers and ports are yours on the ultimate Alaska cruise, with perfectly sized ships that get you closer to all the wonder...
From breathtaking scenic coach tours to the iconic Alaska Rail Road and self-drive packages – we have every option covered to complete your dream...
Get active and experience the real Alaska on one of our 'Active, Informative, Fun!' (c), Alaska multi-sport/hiking or family adventure tours...
The Inn sits nestled in the middle of downtown amidst the Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park. Conveniently located near all attractions...
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...
The Real Alaska Adventure Company provides all inclusive, fully immersive trips primarily on the Kenai Peninsula. Trips include white water...
A smaller group makes for a larger wilderness experience! Gastineau Guiding offers travelers fully guided, small group tours to one or more of...
As a small Alaskan company, ATC creates customized Alaska vacations for independent travelers, couples, families, and small groups. From our home...
Seabourn combines ultra-luxury with expedition-style flair to bring you an in-depth experience of the area’s nature, history, forestry and...
Put on your hiking boots, fill your lungs with fresh air, and experience a day of world-class hiking in the Tongass National Rainforest. The pace...
Equinox offers custom multiday adventure cruises based out of historic Sitka, Alaska. Owner/operators Cameo and Brooks take groups of up to 6...
Infinite Adventures is a small family owned business offering active small group adventures in a converted American school bus throughout Alaska...
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...
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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