Whittier Travel Guide: Glacier Cruises, Tunnel Access, and Day Trip Tips

Whittier is one of the most unusual places in Alaska—and one of the easiest coastal destinations to reach from Anchorage. Located about 60 miles southeast of the city, it sits on the edge of Prince William Sound, surrounded by steep mountains, waterfalls, and glaciers. Getting here is part of the experience. The only road access is through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, a 2.5-mile tunnel shared by cars and trains with scheduled one-way traffic. Whittier is very small, but it serves as a gateway to glacier cruises, marine wildlife, and ferry routes across Prince William Sound. In this Whittier travel guide, we share our firsthand experiences and practical tips to help you plan your visit.

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Our Experience in Whittier

We’ve visited Whittier many times, usually as a day trip from Anchorage. Each visit starts the same way—with the drive through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel. It’s a short trip, but it sets the tone right away. Once you exit, the landscape changes fast. Steep mountains, waterfalls, and the harbor all appear at once.

Whittier feels very different from other Alaska towns. It’s small and quiet, and most of the activity is centered around the harbor. You don’t need much time to walk around, but the setting makes it worth the stop.

On our visits, we often combine Whittier with nearby stops. Driving to Portage Glacier or hiking the Portage Pass Trail adds more variety to the day. It’s an easy way to turn a short visit into a full experience.

We’ve also seen how Whittier works as a starting point for glacier cruises. This is where many trips into Prince William Sound begin, and it’s one of the main reasons people come here.

For us, Whittier is not a place to stay long. It works best as a well-planned stop or day trip, especially if you combine it with other nearby highlights.

In this Whittier travel guide, we share our firsthand experiences, practical tips, and how to plan your visit. Whittier is small but strategically located, especially for glacier cruises and ferry connections. If you’re figuring out how to include it in your itinerary, our Alaska destinations guide explains how it fits into Southcentral Alaska routes.

Where Is Whittier (And Why It Matters)

Whittier is located in Southcentral Alaska, about 60 miles southeast of Anchorage, on the edge of Prince William Sound. It sits across the sound from Seward and is one of the main Alaska cruise ports, with many Alaska cruises departing from Whittier.

What makes Whittier unique is access. The town is connected to the road system by only one route—the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, a 2.5-mile (4 km) tunnel shared by cars and trains with scheduled one-way traffic. There is no alternative road, so timing your arrival and departure matters.

Whittier is also connected to Anchorage by the Alaska Railroad, which makes it one of the easiest coastal towns to reach without a car.

The town serves as a gateway to Prince William Sound, with glacier and wildlife cruises departing directly from the harbor.

It’s also part of the Alaska Marine Highway System, with ferry connections to places like Valdez.

Because of its location and function, Whittier works best as a day trip, cruise port, or short stop, rather than a destination where you stay for several days.

Is Whittier Worth Visiting?

Yes—but it depends on how you plan your trip.

Whittier is absolutely worth visiting as a day trip from Anchorage or as a starting point for a glacier cruise. The setting is dramatic, with mountains rising straight from the water, waterfalls along the cliffs, and easy access to Prince William Sound.

It’s also one of the simplest ways to experience coastal Alaska without long travel times. Within a few hours, you can walk around the harbor, see wildlife, and get close to glaciers by boat.

At the same time, Whittier is not a destination like Seward or Valdez. The town itself is very small, with limited attractions, restaurants, and accommodations. Most visitors don’t stay overnight unless they are taking a cruise or catching an early tour.

If you’re looking for a quick coastal experience, Whittier is a great choice. If you want more activities, hiking options, and a larger town, Seward may be a better fit.

When Whittier Makes Sense

• as a day trip from Anchorage
• for glacier and wildlife cruises in Prince William Sound
• as a cruise departure or arrival port
• as part of a route that includes Valdez (via ferry)

When You Might Skip It

• if you prefer destinations with more to do on land
• if you’re already visiting Seward or Valdez and have limited time

Whittier is not about the town itself—it’s about what you can access from it. If you plan your visit around that, it can be one of the most rewarding short stops in Alaska.

Top Experiences in Whittier (Quick Overview)

Whittier is not about a long list of attractions. It’s about a few key experiences that are easy to access and fit well into a short visit.

• Prince William Sound glacier cruises
  The main reason most people come here. Boats take you to tidewater glaciers, icebergs, and wildlife-rich areas in a few hours.
• Drive through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel
  One of the most unique drives in Alaska. Timing your entry and sharing the tunnel with trains is part of the experience.
• Visit Portage Glacier
  Located just before Whittier, this is one of the most accessible glaciers in Alaska and an easy stop on the way.
• Hike the Portage Pass Trail
  A moderate hike (about 4 miles round trip) that leads to views of Portage Glacier from the opposite side.
• Walk around the harbor
  Short, easy walk with views of boats, mountains, and waterfalls. Good place to spend time between activities.
• Fishing charters
  Fishing is available in Whittier, mainly for salmon and bottom fish, but it’s not as developed as in places like Valdez or Homer, so most visitors choose glacier cruises instead.

Agnes’ Advice: For a more detailed breakdown, including additional stops and tips, take a look at our best things to do in Whittier guide.

Prince William Sound Glacier Cruises (What to Know)

Glacier cruises are the main reason most people visit Whittier. From here, you can reach tidewater glaciers, icebergs, and marine wildlife in a relatively short time compared to other parts of Alaska.

Most cruises depart directly from the harbor and last 4 to 6 hours. Routes vary depending on conditions, but typically include:

• close views of tidewater glaciers
• floating icebergs
• waterfalls along steep coastal cliffs
• wildlife such as sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions, and seabirds

One advantage of Whittier is location. Boats enter Prince William Sound quickly, which means less travel time and more time near glaciers compared to longer cruises from other ports.

Conditions change often. Weather, ice, and wildlife activity all affect each trip, so no two cruises are the same.

From our experience, a Prince William Sound glacier cruise from Whittier is one of the easiest ways to see glaciers up close without spending a full day on the water.

Visiting Whittier as a Day Trip

Most travelers visit Whittier as a day trip from Anchorage, and it’s one of the easiest ways to experience coastal Alaska without a long drive.

The distance is about 60 miles, and the trip takes around 1.5 hours, including the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel. Because the tunnel operates on a scheduled one-way system, your timing matters, so plan your entry and return in advance.

You can also visit Whittier as a day trip by Glacier Discovery Train. The Alaska Railroad runs service between Anchorage and Whittier, mainly aligned with cruise ship schedules.

This option is scenic and relaxed, but it’s less flexible than driving, so it works best if the schedule matches your plans. We cover timing, experience, and how to plan it in our Anchorage to Whittier transportation guide.

Typical Day Trip Plan

• Morning drive from Anchorage
• Pass through the tunnel into Whittier
• Walk around the harbor and town
• Learn about Whittier’s WWII history by visiting landmarks like the Buckner Building.
• Take a glacier cruise or short activity
• Return to Anchorage in the afternoon or evening

If you’re not taking a cruise, a few hours is enough to explore the harbor and enjoy the views. If you book a cruise, plan most of the day around it.

Combine with Nearby Stops

Whittier works well when combined with nearby highlights:

• Portage Glacier and Portage Lake – easy stop before the tunnel
• Portage Pass Trail – short hike with glacier views
• Turnagain Arm viewpoints on the drive from Anchorage

This combination turns a simple visit into a full and varied day.

What to Know

• Check tunnel schedules before you go
• Allow extra time for delays or weather
• Book cruises in advance in summer

For a step-by-step plan with timing and stops, take a look at our one day in Whittier itinerary (also perfect for cruise passengers).

Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel (How It Works)

The Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel is the only road access to Whittier—and one of the most unique travel experiences in Alaska.

The tunnel is 2.5 miles (4 km) long and is shared by both cars and trains. Because of this, traffic moves in one direction at a time on a fixed schedule. You can’t just drive through whenever you want—you need to arrive before your designated entry time.

Here’s how it works:

• traffic flows one-way only at scheduled times
• cars line up at the entrance before opening
• a train may use the tunnel between vehicle windows
• there is a fee for vehicles (paid at the entrance)

Travel time through the tunnel itself is about 10 minutes, but you should plan extra time for waiting, especially in summer.

Tunnel schedules vary by season, so it’s important to check times before your trip. Missing your slot can mean waiting for the next opening.

Driving through the tunnel is straightforward but feels unusual, especially the first time. The road shares space with railroad tracks, and the tunnel is narrow, so speeds are controlled.

If you want full details, including schedules, fees, and tips, take a look at our Whittier tunnel guide.

Best Time to Visit Whittier

The best time to visit Whittier is June through August, when glacier cruises operate daily, the tunnel runs on a full schedule, and weather conditions are the most stable.

Summer (June–August): Best Overall

• Temperatures: 50°F to 65°F (10°C to 18°C)
• Long daylight hours
• All tours and services are running

This is the best time for:

• glacier and wildlife cruises in Prince William Sound
• hiking and short walks
• day trips from Anchorage

Expect more visitors, especially when cruise ships are in port.

Shoulder Season (May & September): Limited but Possible

• Cooler temperatures and more rain
• Fewer crowds
• Some tours begin (mid-May) or end (mid-September) their season

Cruise schedules are reduced, and services are less consistent.

Winter (October–April): Very Limited

• Tours are not operating
• Limited services in town
• Tunnel remains open, but conditions can be challenging

Whittier is not a typical winter destination unless you are passing through or have specific plans.

What to Know

Whittier is one of the wetter places in Alaska. Even in summer, expect rain and bring waterproof layers. Weather can change quickly, especially on the water.

How Many Hours / Days in Whittier

Whittier is a place you visit for a few hours, not for multiple days.

• 2–4 hours → enough to walk around the harbor and see the main highlights
• 1 day → ideal if you add a glacier cruise or combine it with nearby stops
• Overnight → only makes sense if you have an early cruise or want a more relaxed schedule

Most travelers visit Whittier as a day trip from Anchorage, and that’s usually all you need.

Where to Stay in Whittier

Whittier has very limited accommodation options, and most travelers don’t stay overnight.

There are only a few places to stay, including small hotels and apartments, many located near the harbor. Availability is limited, especially in summer.

There is also limited RV camping available, mainly small, basic sites near the harbor.

Most travelers stay in Anchorage and visit Whittier as a day trip:

• wider range of hotels and prices
• more restaurants and services
• no need to worry about limited availability in Whittier.

For more details, take a look at our Where to Stay in Whittier, Alaska? Hotels and Camping guide.

Getting to Whittier

Getting to Whittier is part of the experience, and this Whittier travel guide covers the main options and what to expect.

• Driving from Anchorage

Driving from Anchorage is the most common way to reach Whittier. Distance: about 60 miles. Travel time: around 1.5 hours. You must pass through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, which operates on a fixed one-way schedule. Timing your arrival is essential.

• Train from Anchorage

Whittier is also connected to Anchorage by the Alaska Railroad. The Glacier Discovery Train is a good option if you don’t want to drive or prefer a more relaxed journey, but is less flexible than driving.

• By Ferry

Whittier is also connected by ferry through the Alaska Marine Highway System, with routes across Prince William Sound, including connections to Valdez, making it a scenic alternative to driving.

• Cruise Ships

Whittier is one of the main cruise ports in Alaska. Many cruises start or end here. It’s often combined with land tours to Anchorage or Denali.

Where to Eat in Whittier

Whittier has a very small food scene, and options are limited compared to other Alaska towns. Most restaurants are located near the harbor, and hours often depend on the season. This Whittier travel guide highlights a few reliable places to know before you go.

• Swiftwater Seafood Cafe – one of the best-known spots in town, serving fresh seafood, chowder, and casual meals with harbor views
• The Inn at Whittier Restaurant – convenient option for breakfast and dinner, especially if you’re staying overnight
• Varly’s Swiftwater Cafe – small, casual place with seafood and quick bites near the harbor
• Whittier Oceanfront Cafe – simple dining option focused on basic meals with great fish tacos, and seafood chowder.

Most restaurants operate fully from May through September. Outside of summer, options are very limited, and some places may be closed.

Practical Tips for Visiting Whittier

If you’re planning a trip to Whittier, a few details can make your visit much smoother.

• Check the tunnel schedule in advance
  The Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel operates on a fixed one-way schedule. Missing your slot can mean a long wait.
• Plan around your main activity
  If you’re taking a glacier cruise, build your day around it. If not, a few hours is usually enough to explore.
• Expect rain and changing weather
  Whittier is one of the wettest places in Alaska. Bring waterproof layers, even in summer.
• Arrive early in peak season
  Lines can form at the tunnel, especially in summer and on cruise days.
• Book tours ahead of time
  Glacier cruises and activities often sell out in July and August.
• Combine with nearby stops
  Portage Glacier and Portage Pass Trail are easy additions to your visit.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Whittier

Whittier is not a place you visit for a long list of attractions. It’s a short, focused stop that works best when you plan it around one key experience.

For most travelers, that means a day trip from Anchorage, a glacier cruise, or a cruise port stop. The town itself is small, but the setting and access to Prince William Sound make it worth the visit.

We hope this Whittier travel guide gives you all the tools you need to plan a smooth and memorable visit.

If you’re planning a broader trip, take a look at our Alaska destinations guide to see how Whittier fits into your itinerary.

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