Prince William Sound

Prince William Sound is a massive, protected waterway in the Gulf of Alaska, world-renowned for having the densest concentration of tidewater glaciers on the planet. Surrounded by the rugged Chugach Mountains, it offers some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in Alaska.

The Sound is primarily accessed through three unique coastal communities, each offering a different gateway into the wilderness:

Whittier: The most common entry point for day-trippers from Anchorage. It is accessible via the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, a unique 2.5-mile single-lane tunnel shared by cars and trains. Whittier is the primary hub for glacier cruises and sea kayaking.

Valdez: Located on the eastern side of the Sound at the end of the Richardson Highway. It is famous for its towering mountains, the Columbia Glacier (one of the largest in Alaska), and its significance as the terminus of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline.

Cordova: A remote, authentic fishing village that is not connected to the state road system. You can only reach it by plane or via the Alaska Marine Highway ferry. It is a premier destination for those seeking solitude, world-class bird watching, and copper river salmon.

Top Things to Do

Glacier & Wildlife Cruises: This is the most popular way to see the Sound. High-speed catamarans depart daily from Whittier and Valdez, taking visitors to massive calving glaciers like Meares or Blackstone. These cruises are excellent for spotting sea otters, harbor seals, and humpback whales in calm, protected waters.
Sea Kayaking: For a more intimate experience, you can paddle through ice-choked fjords. Guided day trips or multi-day camping expeditions allow you to get much closer to the water’s surface and reach remote coves inaccessible to larger vessels.
Hiking: The region offers spectacular terrain, from the Horsetail Falls Trail in Whittier to the strenuous Mineral Creek Trail in Valdez, which leads to abandoned gold mines and alpine waterfalls.
Fishing: The Sound is a world-class fishery for halibut, lingcod, and all five species of Pacific salmon. Many visitors charter boats out of Valdez or Whittier for full-day excursions.

Wildlife Viewing Seasons

Marine Life: Humpback and Orca whales are most active from June through August. Sea otters and harbor seals are year-round residents and are frequently seen lounging on floating ice pans near glaciers.
Bears: Black and brown bears are often spotted along the shorelines in late July and August as they congregate to feed during the salmon runs.
Birds: More than 200,000 seabirds, including puffins and kittiwakes, nest in the Sound during the summer.

Practical Logistics

Best Time to Visit: The primary season is mid-May to mid-September. Most glacier cruises and tourism services only operate during this window when the weather is most stable and daylight is nearly 20 hours long.
Weather: Expect rain and mist. Even in summer, temperatures near the glaciers can be significantly colder due to “glacial winds.” Always dress in synthetic or wool layers and bring a high-quality waterproof jacket.
Getting There: From Anchorage, you can reach Whittier by a 1.5-hour drive or a scenic 2.5-hour ride on the Alaska Railroad. Reaching Valdez requires a 5–6 hour drive from Anchorage through Thompson Pass.