Whittier, Alaska

Whittier is nestled at the base of mountains that line Passage Canal - one of the deepwater fjords of Prince William Sound, many with tidewater glaciers that calve before your eyes. The surrounding peaks are snowcapped much of the year and a glacier hangs above the town to the west. Just across Passage Canal from Whittier is the Kittiwake Rookery, largest of its kind in the world. Fishing is a favorite pastime with salmon and halibut derbies every summer. Whittier is also a berry picker's paradise with blueberries and salmonberries growing in abundance at the edge of town. Whittier's economy is comprised mainly of shipping and port related jobs, fishing and tourism.

Whittier History:
This area originally was part of the portage route for the Chugach Indians of Prince William Sound traveling to fish the Turnagain Arm. Later the Russians and Americans exploring the region also used this passage. It was used by prospecting miners during the gold rush as it was the quickest passage from the Sound to the Cook Inlet and Interior regions. The city itself is a historical area, established by the U.S. Army during World War II. The Federal railroad to Portage was completed in 1943 and became the primary debarkation point for cargo, troops, and dependents of the Alaska Command.

In 1948 the military began construction of the first of two buildings for their military personnel as the Port of Whittier was then recognized as an ice-free, deepwater port strategically located to Anchorage and Interior Alaska. This remained active until 1960 at which time the total population was 1200.

The City of Whittier was incorporated in 1969. Today, less than 300 people reside in the town supporting the Alaska State Ferry, the Alaska Railroad, freight barge, commercial fishing, the Small Boat Harbor, recreation and tourism with an annual visiting population of over 700,000.

Location:
Situated at the head of the Passage Canal on the western edge of Prince William Sound, the community of Whittier is approximately 60 miles southeast of Anchorage.
Access:
By vehicle via the Seward Highway and Whittier Tunnel; Alaska Railroad from Anchorage; Alaska Marine Highway ferry from Valdez and Cordova.
Accomodations:
3 hotels/motels; 2 bed and breakfasts; 9 restaurants/cafes/snackbars.