Whittier
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Whittier

Whittier, Alaska

The Town Under One Roof

About this city

Also known as: The Town Under One Roof

Whittier is a highly unconventional gateway port town tightly sandwiched between dramatic alpine mountains and the waters of Passage Canal in Prince William Sound. Created dynamically during World War II as a secret military port and petroleum terminal for the U.S. Army, the town is uniquely famous because almost its entire population lives inside a single 14-story building called Begich Towers. Accessible by land only via a historic 2.5-mile single-lane tunnel shared dynamically between trains and automobiles.

Location & Administrative

County
Chugach Census Area
Time Zone
AKST
State Code
AK

Transportation & Accessibility

Nearest Airports
ANC
Rail Systems
Alaska Railroad
Train Stations
Whittier Depot
Getting Around
Car RequiredWalkableFerry

Weather & Timing

Best Months
MayJunJulAugSep
Average Temperature
Peak Season
Cruise SeasonWildlife Viewing Season
Off Season
Rainy Season

Economics & Local Vibe

Population
City proper 272
Sales Tax
5%
Key Industries
Port Operations and Marine TransportationCruise Infrastructure and Day Tourism

Practical Tourism Metadata

Suggested stay: 1 day

Take a day cruise into Prince William Sound to see '26 Glaciers', walk through the historic, multi-functional Begich Towers, and sea-kayak along the calm waters of Passage Canal.

Must-See