Frederick Sound is one of the busiest ports of call along the Inside Passage. Of all the cruise ports in Alaska, it has a well-earned reputation for being the best place to see humpback whales. Roughly 500 of the graceful creatures pass through Frederick Sound each year, using the area as a feeding ground and giving visitors an opportunity for a once-in-a-lifetime encounter.

Cruise ships dock in the town of Petersburg. While the shallow waters can't accommodate large cruise ships, Frederick Sound is popular with smaller ships and buzzes with activity all summer long.

Contact

Petersburg Chamber of Commerce
+1 (907) 772-4636
www.petersburg.org
visitorinfo@petersburg.org

Transport

Taxis are available, and there are limited shuttle services in the summer. Rental cars are available from either of the hotels in Petersburg.

Attractions

It's the whale-watching that brings cruise ships to Frederick Sound, but keen-eyed visitors will spot other wildlife including killer whales, dolphins, sea lions, harbour seals, black and brown bears, Sitka deer, wolves and numerous species of bird. There are plenty of active pursuits available, including hiking, sea kayaking, bicycling and camping.

Restaurants

Coastal Cold Storage - takeaway restaurant with good fried fish and chips and breakfast sandwiches

Tina's Kitchen - salmon and halibut burgers in a casual environment

Papa Bear's Pizza - friendly restaurant serving pizza, chicken wings, and burgers

Best Dish

fresh halibut

Shopping

Shopping opportunities in Frederick Sound are not abundant, however there are some small bookshops and art galleries in town where you can find handmade items as well as tacky tourist memorabilia.

Best Buy

vacuum-packed smoked salmon

Excursions

Explore the LeConte Glacier and spot humpback whales on a sea kayak tour

Go bird-watching in the Blind Slough or at Eagle Roost Park

Enjoy the panoramic views from the Petersburg High School boardwalk

Soak up some local history at the Clausen Memorial Museum

Have a picnic and explore the tide pools on Sandy Beach