Inside Passage, Alaska

The Inside Passage of the Alaska Panhandle and coastal British Columbia is a coastal route for oceangoing vessels along a series of passages between the mainland and the coastal islands. Cities along the passage include Ketchikan, Thorne Bay, Petersburg, Juneau, Hoonah, Skagway and Yakutat.

The scenery along the Inside Passage offers pristine water, snow capped mountains, deep fjords and forested islands. With its mild, maritime climate, this area is prime habitat for bald eagles, sea lions, porpoise and whales. Much of the southern panhandle is part of the Tongass National Forest, a 16.8 million acre rainforest. Glacier Bay National park has 16 active tidewater glaciers and Misty Fiords National Monument near Ketchikan has 3,000-foot cliffs rising directly from pristine ocean channels.

The picturesque coastal communities are rich in history. Russian influence is well preserved in churches and other historical structures. The Gold Rush era comes to life throughout the Inside Passage and offers fascinating opportunities to learn and explore the past. The Native cultures of Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian Indians dominate this area. Ancient totem poles are abundant in many communities and the art of totem carving is preserved along with traditional dance and music.

Things to See & Do

* Misty Fiords National Monument
* Glacier Bay National park
* Tongass National Forest
* Sitka National Historical Park

General information

Cruise Season - May - September
Currency - United States Dollar (USD)
Language - English
Land Area - 91,008.18 km2
Electricity - 2 perpendicular flat pins USA style or with a round pin below
Time - GMT minus 9 hours
International Country Telephone Code - 1

Port Location - There are located at cities along the Inside Passage.

Travel Links - Juneau is a main port for the Alaska Marine Highway, Alaska's ferry system. The ferry runs regularly throughout Southeast Alaska with regular stops in Ketchikan, Petersburg, Wrangel, Sitka, Haines, and Skagway.

Visitors can access Juneau from Seattle or Anchorage with Alaska Airlines. Alaska Airlines also has regularly scheduled flights to Ketchikan, Sitka, Wrangell, and Petersburg- with summer service to Gustavus.