Inside Passage Cruising

Inside Passage cruising refers to voyages along the sheltered coastal waterways that run from Washington State through British Columbia to Southeast Alaska. More than two million people cruise the region each year, most on round-trip itineraries from Vancouver or Seattle.[1]

The route

The Inside Passage runs from Olympia, Washington, northwest to Haines and Skagway at the head of Lynn Canal. The Alaska portion extends about 500 miles north to south and 100 miles east to west, with roughly 1,000 islands and thousands of coves and bays.[1]

Cruising

Most major cruise lines offer round-trip itineraries from Vancouver or Seattle, while smaller expedition cruises focus more on wildlife. Cruising was cancelled in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. About 36,000 recreational boats use portions of the route.[1]

Navigation and wildlife

Weather is often uncertain, tides are large and currents can be fast, and safe anchorages are infrequent. Wildlife viewing ranges from birding to whale watching and bear viewing, with designated bear-viewing sites at Anan Creek near Wrangell and Pack Creek on Admiralty Island near Juneau. Alaska Marine Highway ferries also use the passage.[1]

FAQs

Where does the Inside Passage run? From Washington State through British Columbia to Southeast Alaska.

Where do Alaska cruises depart from? Mostly Vancouver or Seattle.

Where can you see bears on the Inside Passage? At Anan Creek near Wrangell and Pack Creek near Juneau.

Sources

1. Wikipedia: Inside Passage

Editorially reviewed by Specialty Digest Editorial TeamLast reviewed November 12, 2026Researched and drafted with AI assistanceReport an issue