Inside Passage, Alaska, Travel Guide

I was wearing a pair of headphones that were too big to block out the noise from the turbine engine as I stared out the tiny windows on my 10-passenger floatplane. The massive 1,500-square mile Juneau Icefield appeared. I squinted at the huge glaciers that had electric blue crevasses. I will never forget this Alaskan Inside Passage adventure.

The Inside Passage is a popular destination for travelers who are interested in outdoor adventures, wildlife, charming coastal communities, and Indigenous cultures. Located in southeastern Alaska, about 80 percent of the area is in the Tongass National Forest—the largest national forest in the United States. This vast terrain is home to not only glaciers but also picturesque waterfalls, temperate rainforest, picturesque fjords and an abundance wildlife. Be on the lookout for bald eagles, bears and mountain goats.

You can enjoy a variety of outdoor sports, such as boating, kayaking, hiking and fishing. Tlingit Haida Eyak Tsimshian Alaskan natives live in the region, which is rich in Indigenous history and culture. The colorful totem poles of the Alaskan Native people and their intricately woven wicker baskets can be found all over the area. coastal towns.

Most people arrive on a cruise ship. This allows them to cover a large distance in a short time. This curated guide will help you plan your visit to the Inside Passage.

Best Hotels & Resorts

Four Points Sheraton, Juneau

The hotel is conveniently located in the historic downtown of Juneau, Alaska’s capital. Four Points by Sheraton Juneau This hotel features comfortable rooms with ocean view and convenient amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi access, a fitness facility, and a convenience store on site.

The Sitka Hotel

Sitka Harbor, Crescent Bay and other attractions are all within walking distance. The Sitka Hotel The hotel offers both water and mountain views. You can also walk to the downtown shops and restaurants. You can choose to dine in one of the nearby restaurants or prepare a meal for yourself using the kitchenette, which includes a stove, microwave and mini-fridge.

Talon Lodge & Spa

This is a great place to arrive by boat. Alaskan lodge The fishing and outdoor adventure opportunities are unparalleled. After a hike in the mountains or a day spent on the water, you can relax on a sandy beach. The Tongass National Forest offers a beautiful backdrop for the Inside Passage.

Salmon Falls Fishing Resort

Enjoy a guided fishing trip at this all-inclusive resort Ketchikan is not far away. After catching your catch, you can relax on the patio by the fireplace, enjoy live music or play yardgames. End the day with a fresh Alaskan dinner at the Timbers Restaurant & Lounge.

Historic Skagway Inn

This inn is run by the host innkeepers. bed-and-breakfast Olivia’s bistro offers farm-totable and sea to table meals and excellent service. You can ask for their advice on hiking the Chilkoot Trail. You can even borrow their bear spray.

What to Do in Best Things to See

Glacier Point Wilderness Safari

The view of Davidson Glacier, after a ferry ride, a bus trip, a short walk, and a paddle over a lake and river, is well worth the effort. It’s remote Alaska at its best. The six-hour excursion from Skagway allows travelers to experience the wilderness and wildlife firsthand—by water and land.

Skagway White Pass Railroad Summit Excursion

Board a vintage train Enjoy the breathtaking views as you travel to the summit of White Pass, 2,865 feet high. The route takes three hours round-trip and passes waterfalls, glaciers and historic sites along the Klondike Trail of 1898. There are also multiday train tours Alaska has a wide range of opportunities for you to get involved.

Saxman Native Village

Discover the history and culture of the Tlingit Indigenous peoples at this native village Ketchikan is not far. The traditional song and dancing in the Clan House was powerful and enlightening. Meet Indigenous artists at the Carving House, and discover what totem poles mean in Totem park.

Skagway Dogsledding Tour

Watch the beautiful outdoors with a wheeled dogsled Pull by trained huskies. A one-mile walk through the forest offers ample opportunities to capture the beauty of the backcountry. The mushers will let you cuddle adorable husky puppies.

Explore the five-glacier seaplanes

This 40-minute seaplane excursion The video offers a bird’s-eye-view of five epic glaciers, including the Norris Glacier, East and West Twin Glaciers and Taku Glacier. The pilot’s narration was very descriptive. It is only from above that you can truly appreciate the size of the Juneau Icefield.

Best Restaurants

Tracy’s King Crab Shack is located in Juneau

The following is a list of the most popular ways to contact us iconic restaurantJuneau is home to two restaurants that specialize in Alaskan king crab. Shack 2’s open-air waterfront dining was fantastic. They serve large crab legs in buckets. There’s also Alaskan golden king king crabs, red king king crabs, Dungeness and snow crabs on the menu.

Beak Restaurant

This is a freebie restaurant in Sitka, chef Renée—a 2023 James Beard best chef semifinalist—cooks locally sourced dishes with a focus on high-quality seafood and sustainability practices. The service will make you feel like you’re dining in the home of a close friend, and the warm, welcoming atmosphere will make it seem as if you are at someone’s house.

Hump Island Oyster Company

Sit down at the bar for some oysters harvested in the purest ocean waters on earth. Just north of Ketchikan guests can tour Hump Island Oyster Company Learn about the company’s commitment to ethical and sustainable farming.

Timberline Bar & Grill

When visiting Juneau I love to hop on the Goldbelt Tram Enjoy a rustic lunch in the rustic Timberline Bar & Grill. You can enjoy salads or burgers as you take in the panoramic view of Juneau. After your meal, hike the 4.5-mile Mount Roberts Trail down to burn off some calories.

Red Onion Saloon

Enjoy this dining experience historic saloon Skagway was once a bustling town with saloons and dance halls. After a quick tour of the museum, you can fill up on pizza and beer.

When is the best time to visit?

You can also find out more about the following: best time to visit AlaskaInside Passage is dependent on your type of vacation and what you would like to do. As do many other travelers, I like to travel during the summer months (mid June through mid August). If you plan to visit in August, be sure to pack a raincoat as this is one of wettest months. Summer also brings the longest daylight (typically 18 hours) and is a great time to spot bears due to salmon breeding. You can catch the northern lights from mid-August to mid-April. Winter is less expensive, less crowded but also darker and colder.

How to get there

Around 1,68 million tourists arrived in Alaska on cruise ships in 2024. It was the most popular means of reaching the 49th state. Fly into Juneau International Airport or Ketchikan to access the Inside Passage. Alaska Airlines recently acquired Alaska Airlines. merged with Hawaiian AirlinesThe flight takes about 2.5 hours. If you are not in a rush, you can take an Alaska Marine Highway System The ferry ride from Bellingham to Ketchikan (AMHS), however, takes 38 hours. The 1,700-mile Alaska-Canada Highway can be driven in the same amount of time.

Visit Places

Juneau

Juneau’s capital is rich with history and Indigenous culture. There are also plenty of outdoor activities, shopping, dining, and other attractions. I enjoy starting my trip with a scenic GoldbeltTram ride up Mount Roberts and then visiting the Museum of the North. Juneau-Douglas City Museum The following are some examples of how to use Alaska State Museum. Time permitting, include a short hike at Mendenhall Glacier.

Ketchikan

Enjoy a stroll along the colorful and historic Creek Street I love to explore Ketchikan. Check out the souvenir shops for caribou and Indigenous wood carvings as well as gold nugget jewellery. Great Alaskan Lumberjack ShowLearn about Indigenous art and tradition at the Totem Heritage Center.

Sitka

Tlingits are the original inhabitants of the area, but Russian culture is also evident. Russian Bishop’s House The following are some examples of how to get started: St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral. Sitka Music Festival brings in world-class music for chambers every year, usually held in the month of June. Outdoor activities such as hiking, whale-watching, and fishing are also available.

Skagway

Skagway’s rich history is reflected in its many activities and attractions. Hop on the train Visit the White Pass scenic drive website for more information. Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, pan for goldBrowse through the gold rush cemeteriesYou can also grab a tasty meal at the Red Onion Saloon.

Get Around

Most visitors to Alaska’s Inside Passage explore the area by small or large cruise ships, as there are few roads that connect the small towns and small islands. When you’re on your own, you may be able to get from town-to-town on ferries and seaplanes. In town, you can walk to most places.

By Water The AMHS is composed of 15 ferry ports In the Inside Passage it is easy to navigate, inexpensive, and scenic. However, it does not move very quickly. Cabins with bunk beds, full bathrooms and other amenities are available for long-term travelers. Water taxis are another way to get around the area, including places like Ketchikan and Wrangell, as well as Gustavus.

Air: While seaplanes are not the most affordable option, they can be a quick and convenient way to travel from one place to another in areas where roads do not exist. The views are also breathtaking.