Whittier private tours

Tucked quietly between the mountains and the sea, Whittier seems almost like a secret waiting to be unearthed. This little town, with its subtle charm, offers an understated elegance. Meander through streets dotted with unique shops and inviting cafes. Whittier tours, guided by a local, allow you to uncover its distinct personality, from lush parks to striking coastal vistas. A walking tour through the historic district reveals tales hidden in every corner. Indulge in a food and wine tour, where local flavours speak volumes about the region. Your guide will navigate you around the crowds, ensuring you experience Whittier with the...

Tucked quietly between the mountains and the sea, Whittier seems almost like a secret waiting to be unearthed. This little town, with its subtle charm, offers an understated elegance. Meander through streets dotted with unique shops and inviting cafes. Whittier tours, guided by a local, allow you to uncover its distinct personality, from lush parks to striking coastal vistas. A walking tour through the historic district reveals tales hidden in every corner. Indulge in a food and wine tour, where local flavours speak volumes about the region. Your guide will navigate you around the crowds, ensuring you experience Whittier with the insight of a true insider. Here, each moment is an opportunity to connect with a place that feels as familiar as it is captivating. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Whittier.

Explore Whittier your way

At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Whittier tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Whittier for every interest, including:

- Nature and Wildlife tours: Cruise by small boat to Blackstone Bay to watch tidewater glaciers calve and spot sea otters, bald eagles, and kittiwakes, or paddle a guided kayak in Passage Canal when conditions allow.

- History tours: Visit the Prince William Sound Museum for World War II and Cold War exhibits, see the massive Buckner Building from a safe distance, and hear how the town came to live in Begich Towers—plus the story behind the one-lane rail tunnel.

- Layover tours: Time the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel openings, then choose a short Portage Pass hike for glacier views or a 3–5 hour glacier-and-wildlife cruise before returning to your ship or shuttle right on time.

The town is compact and walkable, but access is limited by the tunnel and there’s no real public transit—your guide can arrange private transportation or a chauffeured van, including transfers to and from Anchorage.

This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Whittier inside and out.

Walking tours & neighbourhoods

Day trip ideas from Whittier

From Whittier, step through the tunnel or out into Prince William Sound for day trips that tap into tidewater glaciers, calm coves, and short alpine trails, with your tour focused on scenery, wildlife, and time outside.

Blackstone Bay by small boat: travel past icebergs to active tidewater glaciers, listen for cracking ice, and watch for sea otters, harbour seals, and seabirds; it’s a strong pick if you want big views without long hikes.

Kayaking in protected coves: paddle Shotgun Cove or a quiet shoreline near town, weave through brash ice when conditions allow, and keep an eye out for eagles and jellyfish below clear water; this suits you if you prefer steady movement and close-up time on the water.

Portage Valley and Byron Glacier: after the Anton Anderson Tunnel, follow flat trails to blue ice views, stop at salmon-viewing platforms in late summer, and picnic by lakes with steep mountains all around; it’s ideal for easy walking and quick photo stops.

Girdwood forest trails: continue along Turnagain Arm for mossy paths and short hikes like Virgin Creek Falls, then explore small cafés and craft spots in a mountain town; choose this if you want a mix of light hiking and a low-key food stop. These day trips deliver classic Alaska scenes with tours that stay flexible to weather and daylight.

A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Whittier most travellers miss.