Whittier, Alaska is one of the most unique and remote cruise ports in the world — surrounded by glaciers, rainforest, and the pristine waters of Prince William Sound. Before or after your cruise from Whittier, explore these remarkable local and nearby attractions.
🏛️ Prince William Sound Museum
📍 Located inside the Anchor Inn Hotel, Whittier
Small but incredibly informative, this museum is a wonderful way to learn about the history and people of Whittier and the surrounding area. The 25 professional exhibits detail Alaska's military heritage during World War II and the Cold War, plus Whittier's pioneer history as both a military port and railway gateway to the far north.
⚔️ WWII Battles of Attu & Kiska
The story of the Aleutian Islands campaign — the only battles of WWII fought on American soil, when Japanese forces occupied these remote Alaska islands.
🚢 Sinking of the S.S. Yukon
The dramatic 1960s story of the sinking of this legendary vessel — one of the most gripping exhibits in the museum.
🧊 Begich, Boggs Visitor Center
📍 Northwestern shore of Portage Lake, near the entrance of the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel
This modern visitor centre showcases the spectacular glacial activity that formed Portage Valley. High-tech exhibits make you feel as though you're standing in the middle of Prince William Sound and Chugach National Forest. Although the Portage Glacier has retreated and is no longer visible from the observation deck, you can sign up for a one-hour narrated boat excursion to get up close and personal with the glacier itself.
🚣 Kayaking in Prince William Sound
The waters surrounding Whittier are some of the best in Alaska for kayaking — less affected by weather than many other areas, with smooth, calm conditions perfect for half or full-day trips. See glaciers and wildlife up close in areas of Alaska that very few visitors ever get to experience.
🦦 What you might see
Sea otters, harbour seals, Steller sea lions, orcas, humpback whales, puffins, and bald eagles — all against the dramatic backdrop of tidewater glaciers.
🎒 What's included
Tours provide all gear, experienced guides, and a picnic lunch on full-day trips. No prior kayaking experience required.
🔭 Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center
📍 Downtown Anchorage — a great stop before heading to Whittier
The Anchorage Museum reflects the history, art, and culture of Alaska through world-class exhibits and programmes. A guided 45-minute tour covers museum highlights, the first peoples of Alaska, and 10,000 years of Alaskan history. The on-site planetarium offers a unique way to learn about astronomy in the land of the midnight sun.
🥁 Alaska Native Heritage Center
📍 Anchorage, AK — accessible on your way to or from Whittier
Experience Alaska's 11 major cultural groups first hand through native song and dance, storytelling, and interactive demonstrations at the Alaska Native Heritage Center. The Hall of Cultures features exhibits from native artists, while the Theatre screens engaging films about the many cultures of the indigenous peoples of Alaska.
🏠 Life-sized Native dwellings
Outdoors, explore authentic life-sized dwellings depicting the traditional ways of 5 indigenous groups — a truly immersive cultural experience.