whittier harbor

Great place to browse around, watch the boat traffic and the harbor activity. Some nice food stops to get what you need. Glaciers and waterfalls are always scenic photo oppoturnities.

I have SCUBA dived in Smitty's cove for over 12 years, and have historically had to warm up between dives in my truck. Several years ago a warm up "shack" was made available to us. I am writing to express my gratitude for the way the harbor department has administrated the access to the shack. Professional, courteous, and helpful are all terms that come to mind. We at "Dive Alaska" want to thank the harbor employees for making it so easy for us! (007) 770-1778

Quaint and cozy, the atmosphere is much more relaxed than the major tourist harbors. Many private fishing boats for charter. The scenery is beautiful. The only ships that arrive are ferry’s belonging to the Alaska Marine Highway.

Highly recommended by Frommer travel guide we decided to make the trip to Whittier. Was supposed to be a nice place with all the touristic souvenir and food shops. Next thing are the glaciers. Sounds good.So off to Whittier.Be aware of the fact you might have to wait 30 minutes if you arrive to late for the tunnel passage. One also has to pay for this single lane tunnel.Driving through it is a kind of adventure. Small, dark, wet and a bit slippery due to the train rails one has to drive on.Coming out of the tunnel the first impression is: well doesn't look too bad. However once out of the car and walking around we can only say: never before were we so disappointed in our travel experiences. What a bummer.Very few people around and the majority is from the cruise ship in the harbour.It is small, just a few souvenir shops around a small place. Speaking to the owners the majority wants to sell and leave the place but no one seems to be willing to buy. Well that tells you something, right?Following Frommer's recommendations we go over to the place where they made their own ice cream and pizza's. Well that's a lie. Ice cream comes from a factory and the home made pizza lying in a small heated glass box looks damn old and to an extend disgusting. So we left the place. And we weren't the only one who made remarks about this store and Whittier in general.Looking at the fjord from the harbour side is okay. However the famous glaciers they write about are almost gone. Nothing spectacular to report. They look more like snow fields high on the mountains.So after 40 minutes we decided to go elsewhere. But again you have to wait till the tunnel is available. We spent almost as much time in the tunnel as in this tiny place.Take some advice: FORGET ABOUT THIS PLACE!!!.

Summer has gone, but you still get pretty clear day & nice view. Businesses were closed already, otherwise you can take the glacier tour for $100+ or take a delicious halibut fish & chips at the Inn at Whittier

The boat harbor spans across the small berg of Whittier and is fun to walk along, view the glaciers and waterfalls in the distance and hangout by the water. It is also interesting to see the fishing and other boats coming and going.There are some cute shops, restaurants, wood carvings, ice cream and and Alaskan artifacts to explore here. Loved the look of the wooden jetties here. Spend some time in this beautiful setting.

Whittier自体は小さな街で、レストランや氷河クルーズ、カヤックツアーなどのオフィスがある場所ですが、その小さな街に千人規模の大きなクルーズ船（シアトル等から）が泊まっているのは圧巻です。