TUCKED BETWEEN COASTAL RAINFOREST AND GLACIER-CARVED FJORDS,
Chugach Glacier Gateway offers a quiet, unforgettable introduction to Southcentral Alaska.
Just an hour drive from Anchorage, this is where timeless landscapes meet stories of wartime resilience and enduring Native tradition. It’s a place where the land feels wild, the history runs deep, and every visit leaves a lasting impression. Whether you’re beginning or ending your Alaska journey—welcome.
Our Culture
A Story of Stewardship and Strength
Layered and enduring, our traditions trace back thousands of years to the Chugach and Sugpiaq peoples who have long called this land home. In the 18th century, Russian explorers entered the Chugach region, bringing trade, disruption, and new cultural dynamics that would reshape Indigenous life. Centuries later, Whittier’s role as a military port during World War II added a new chapter of resilience and transformation. This rare blend of Indigenous heritage, exploration, and wartime history gives the culture here a depth and character unlike anywhere else.
Our Community
A Small Town with a Big History
Chugach Glacier Gateway reflects a dual heritage shaped by two powerful legacies: the Chugach people who stewarded this region for more than 10,000 years, and the impact of World War II, which transformed this remote coastline into a strategic port. These intersecting histories define a destination that is both sacred and storied.
At the heart of this place is Whittier, a community of just over 200 residents, nearly all of whom live in a single building. Life here is close-knit, resilient, and defined by the land. It’s a home, a heritage, and a reminder that some of the most extraordinary places are the hardest to reach.
Our Excursion
Explore Beyond the Dock
From tidewater glacier cruises to wildlife encounters, every adventure here begins where the land still feels untouched. Whether you’re arriving or departing, the experiences at Chugach Glacier Gateway reveal the raw, rugged beauty of Whittier and beyond.
