Inside Passage

A scenic waterway through Southeast Alaska connecting towns like Ketchikan, Juneau, and Sitka, best experienced by cruise ship or ferry. It winds through temperate rainforest, past Native villages, and offers glimpses of Alaska's maritime heritage and natural beauty.

Things to do

• Glacier Bay National Park Cruise — Experience tidewater glaciers calving icebergs into pristine fjords on a day cruise from Juneau to one of Alaska's most dramatic landscapes.
• Totem Pole Viewing in Ketchikan — Visit Saxman Totem Park or Totem Bight State Historical Park to see authentic Tlingit and Haida totem poles carved by indigenous artisans.
• Misty Fjords National Monument — Take a floatplane or boat tour from Ketchikan to see dramatic granite cliffs, waterfalls, and wildlife in Southeast Alaska's most striking fjord system.
• Alaska State Museum in Juneau — Explore Native Alaskan art, Russian colonial artifacts, and natural history exhibits that tell the Inside Passage's rich multicultural heritage.
• Wildlife Viewing Boat Tour — Spot humpback whales, sea otters, black bears, and bald eagles on guided excursions through the Inside Passage's protected waters.
• Sheldon Jackson Museum in Sitka — View one of the finest collections of Native Alaskan and Russian artifacts in a historic octagonal building overlooking Sitka Sound.
• Rainforest Canopy Walk — Walk suspended bridges through old-growth temperate rainforest near Ketchikan to experience the ecosystem at multiple levels.

Food to try

• Fresh Alaskan Salmon — Savor wild-caught halibut, sockeye, or king salmon prepared simply grilled or smoked at local restaurants and fish markets throughout the Inside Passage.
• Dungeness Crab — Enjoy fresh local crab in restaurants, often served as crab cakes, in chowders, or cracked fresh with melted butter at dockside seafood shacks.
• Native Tlingit Berry Desserts — Try traditional berry preparations like soapberry mousse or wild berry pies made with local salmonberry, huckleberry, and blueberries.
• Chilkat Blanket Salmon Bake — Experience traditional cedar-plank salmon prepared over open fire, reflecting Native Alaskan cooking methods, often served at cultural experiences in Juneau or Sitka.
• Seafood Chowder — Sample creamy halibut, clam, or mixed seafood chowders featuring local catches at waterfront restaurants in Ketchikan, Juneau, and Sitka.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Native Sovereignty — The Inside Passage is traditional territory of Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples; visit cultural centers and purchase authentic crafts directly from Native artists rather than mass-produced souvenirs.
• Ferry Travel is a Lifestyle — The Alaska Marine Highway ferry is not just transportation but a social hub where locals gather; expect to meet residents and experience authentic small-town Alaska during multi-hour voyages.
• Wildlife Etiquette Matters — Maintain respectful distances from bears, whales, and eagles (typically 100+ yards); follow all guide instructions on excursions to protect both wildlife and yourself in this shared habitat.
• Plan for Weather and Limited Services — Southeast Alaska experiences frequent rain and fog that can delay ferries; book accommodations and activities in advance, and carry appropriate rain gear as closures can strand visitors in small towns.