Sailing the Inside Passage

Carved by colossal glaciers eons ago, Alaska’s Inside Passage is undeniably one of the most breathtaking locations on Earth, showcasing spectacular views of lush forests, towering peaks, tumbling waterfalls, and awe-inspiring wildlife, including whales, sea lions, bears, and bald eagles.

While you journey through the Inside Passage, extending from Puget Sound, Washington, to the Gulf of Alaska, the landscapes are ever-changing. The path encompasses nearly 1,000 small islands and meanders by tranquil coastlines that transition into towering, forested mountains, shimmering rivers, and breathtaking glaciers.

Upon arriving at port cities—such as the British-influenced Victoria, BC in Canada, along with Skagway, Ketchikan, and Juneau—you’ll have the chance to delve into the stunning sights further inland. Must-see attractions include remote glaciers like the expansive Mendenhall Glacier, botanical gardens, national parks, historic totem poles, and countless natural marvels, all nestled within vibrant cities brimming with shopping and entertainment.

Indigenous peoples, including the Haida, Tlingit, and Tsimshian, first inhabited this stunning area hundreds of years ago, often utilizing it as a summer fishing camp. However, they were not the only early inhabitants; by 1741, Russian explorers led by Vitus Bering had also discovered the Inside Passage.

Russian settlers constructed and navigated ships, engaged in farming, fishing, logging, mining, whaling, and running sawmills, but their primary interest lay in the fur trade. Russian hunters quickly recognized that the diverse wildlife in the region yielded valuable furs, which they could barter with Chinese merchants for silk, spices, and tea. Between 1743 and 1799, over 100 Russian fur-hunting expeditions ventured into Alaskan waters, returning with 187,000 pelts valued at more than $6 million—a significant amount for that era. Initially, they employed Natives as skilled hunters and guides, but soon the Russians began to enslave the indigenous populations, particularly the Aleuts. Ultimately, the Natives rose up against their oppressive treatment and regained their freedom.

Today, throughout the Inside Passage, you can find numerous examples of Russian heritage. The early Russian settlers left behind magnificent cathedrals, such as St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral in Sitka, along with historic sawmills, canneries, and other structures from that time.

Indigenous communities have a significant presence in the Inside Passage, greatly shaping the culture of a region many still consider home. They have also preserved the art of creating stunning totem poles, boasting some of the largest and oldest collections of totems in the world at Potlatch Totem Park in Ketchikan and Sitka National Historic Park.