Whittier is a one-of-a-kind town tucked into the base of the Chugach Mountains at the head of Passage Canal. Originally built by the U.S. military during World War II as a secretive port, this small city has evolved into a major gateway to Prince William Sound. Nearly all 270 year-round residents live in a single building—Begich Towers—earning Whittier its nickname: the town under one roof.

Despite its tiny population, Whittier welcomes more than 700,000 visitors each summer thanks to its deep-water port, access to tidewater glaciers, and close proximity to Anchorage. The town is accessible only by boat, rail, or a 2.5-mile one-lane tunnel carved through the mountains—the longest combined rail and vehicle tunnel in North America.

In summer, Whittier comes alive with glacier cruises, sea kayaking, fishing charters, and hiking trails. In winter, it settles into a peaceful, snow-covered quiet, protected by steep peaks and rich in small-town character. The surrounding wilderness and marine access make Whittier an unforgettable stop for those exploring Southcentral Alaska.

Did you know?

• Population: ~272 (2020 Census)

• Incorporated: 1969

• Region: Southcentral Alaska, Prince William Sound

• Known For: Begich Towers, Anton Anderson Tunnel, cruise port access

• Climate: Subpolar oceanic—one of the wettest cities in the U.S.