Whittier, the gateway to beautiful Prince William Sound, is only 62 miles from Anchorage. It is accessible at Portage via the Alaska Railroad which takes you through two historical tunnels built during World War II by the US Army corps of Engineers. A new road that follows the railway road bed  opened in the spring of 2000 which allowed road access for the first time.

Surrounded by three magnificent glaciers Whittier is an ice-free port and is the site of many outdoor activities which include kayaking, scuba diving, boating, fishing, and photography.Temperatures are moderate, ranging from 75 degrees in summer to 0 degrees in winter, snowfall is 260 inches annually.

Services include hotels, restaurants, picnic and camping areas, a 327 slip small boat harbor, 1100 ft. gravel airstrip, volunteer fire and emergency services, police, library, weather station, public school, post office, rural Alaska TV network, and a fully equipped medical clinic.

Information/Emergency

Visitor Information Center 907-472-2379.

Emergency only 911; police 472-2340; medical clinic 472-2303.

Transportation/Tours

26 Glacier Cruise. see incredible marine wildlife and come face to face with magnificent tidewater glaciers all in one day. The 26 Glacier Cruise follows a 135 mile route through College and Harriman Fjords onboard the Klondike Express, the most luxurious high-speed catamaran in Alaska. Departures are daily from the Port of Whittier; just 60 miles southeast of Anchorage. The 26 Glacier Cruise is one of the premier cruises in Alaska and should not be missed. 907-276-8023, 1-800-544-0529

Chugach Adventure Guides. Join us for unique and exciting excursions on the rivers of Alaska! Just minutes from Girdwood, you can hop on the Alaska Railroad and join us for canoe and rafting excursions at the foot of the amazing Spencer Glacier or take an eye popping float down the Portage River with a great salmon bake included! Call us for details at 907-783-4354

Alaska Railroad. The Alaska Railroad began offering a shuttle service between Portage and Whittier in the mid-1960s. This service allowed vehicles to drive onto flat cars to be transported between the two centers. The Glacier Discovery Train operated by The Alaska Railroad departs Anchorage at 10 am and arrives Whittier at 12:20 pm, in time for one of the day cruises to see the glaciers and wildlife of Prince William Sound.

Major Marine Tours cruise the calm, protected waters of Prince William Sound with a Chugach Forest Ranger. This is a relaxing 5-hour cruise to some of the world’s most spectacular tidewater glaciers. Every cruise features a freshly prepared all-you-can-eat salmon and prime rib meal and reserved table seating for every guest inside the heated cabin. Call for reservationsto ensure seating. 800-764-7300

Prince William Sound Cruises & Tours offers a variety of tours into Prince William Sound from Whittier, designed to fit the needs of any traveler. Explore the beauty, wildlife and glaciers of Prince William Sound. Cruise amidst the wildlife of one of the planets most beautiful areas. Call toll-free 877 777-2805 for reservations

Alaska Marine Highway System 800-642-0066