Alaska's port cities have seen increasing attention over the years due to the growing number of Alaskan cruises. With more people discovering all there is to do and see at these ports during shore excursions, the cities have become a tourist destination all by themselves. These ports act as a gateway into the diverse Alaska landscape and the numerous activities that are available on the coast.
Identification
As the largest state in the U.S., Alaska boasts a lot of territory. Surrounded by water on three sides, Alaska is home to more than 50 port cities. Starting with the Port of Metlakatla at the southernmost part of the Alaska Panhandle, port cities continue to appear along the Alaska coast moving north, with the northernmost port being Red Dog Harbor in the northeastern part of the state.
Cruises
Alaska cruises make use of many of the port cities on the Alaska coast. Larger cruise ships stop at southeastern ports like Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway, which are the most popular. Smaller ships will sometimes visit other ports, including Homer, Kodiak, Metlakatla and Sitka. Other ports of call include Whittier, Seward and even Anchorage.
Accessibility
Alaskan ports are not always easily accessible. Some port cities such as Sitka are located on an island and are only accessible by water or air. Other cities, such as the Port of Haines, can be tucked away behind a matrix of waterways and require additional maneuvering. Shore excursions can allow cruise passengers to explore ports that might not be accessible directly from the cruise ship.
Activities
Cruise passengers, visitors and even residents enjoy many of the same activities in Alaska's port cities. Exploring the natural landscape can be done by air through a "flightseeing" trip on a helicopter, by water using a boat or kayak or by land through hiking, biking and taking guided tours. Alaska also features some of the best fishing in the United States. With both saltwater and freshwater fishing options available, anglers of all ages and experience levels can enjoy fishing at Alaska's port cities.
Sights
The port cities along the Inside Passage, including Sitka, Ketchikan and Skagway feature a lot of native art from totem poles to native art galleries. Alaska is home to a large number of bald eagles, which are especially visible at the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near the port city of Haines. Mt. McKinley, the highest peak in North America, is not too far from the port city of Anchorage. The Prince William Sound Glaciers are another popular site and can be accessed through the port cities of Whittier, Valdez or Cordova.
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