Whittier

Why Visit Whittier With EWT Tours?

Whittier might be the strangest town in Alaska. Almost the entire population (roughly 200 people) lives in a single 14-story former military building called Begich Towers — earning the town its unofficial nickname “The Town Under One Roof.” The whole place exists because of its deep-water port, its location at the head of Prince William Sound, and the 2.5-mile Whittier Tunnel that’s the only road in or out.

For most travelers, Whittier isn’t a destination — it’s a transition point. EWT Tours’ Alaska cruisetour embarks here after the Direct-to-the-Wilderness rail journey from Denali. The transition itself is part of the experience: you step off Princess’s exclusive train and onto the Island Princess in a single afternoon.

What’s worth noting if you have a few hours: Whittier is the gateway to Prince William Sound, one of the most spectacular fjord systems in North America. The 26-glacier cruise that operates from here is one of the most concentrated glacier-viewing experiences anywhere — College Fjord alone has 16 named glaciers in a single inlet.

For EWT Tours travelers, embark day in Whittier means: arrive by train, board ship, depart for College Fjord by evening. The town stays brief, the wilderness experience starts immediately.