To read more on the best things to do in Alaska here. We go into detail on some of the best cities along the Inside Passage to travel.
If you are interested in traveling to Alaska, one of the best things to do is to go on an Alaskan Cruise. This way you can experience the incredible adventure that Alaska brings. From whale watching, bears, fishing, glacier calving and more. Read more about our Alaska small ship cruises here.
The best time to travel to Alaska depends on what you are wanting to do. The best time to cruise to Alaska is between May and August.
The lowest rainfall in Alaska is during the months of May and June. If you are wanting to visit Alaska to see whales, it's best to go on a cruise during June and July after the whales have made their migration.
However if you want to see bears in Alaska, the best time to travel to Alaska is during the month of May.
Petersburg, Alaska had its’ beginnings in the 1890’s when Norwegian pioneers settled there. It is a picturesque small town that still makes its living from the sea and still proudly embraces its Norwegian heritage today.
Modern day Petersburg has a population of just over 3,000 people and the town has grown into one of the largest fishing communities in Alaska. Halibut, salmon, herring and crab are all fished for today, much like they were when this prosperous community was founded. Petersburg has remained an authentic and peaceful small town, largely due to the fact that the big cruise ships can’t enter its narrow harbor.
The town is unspoiled by throngs of tourists and tacky gift shops; instead you will find family owned grocery and hardware stores and a bustling fish market.
Petersburg is located in South East Alaska on Mitkov Island, which is divided from the much larger Kupreanof Island by a channel called the Wrangell Narrows. Mitkov Island sits in the heart of Alaska’s Inside Passage with Frederick Sound being the other main body of water to surround it.
By Air
Alaska Airlines
0800-252-7522, www.alaskaair.com
Provides a twice daily jet service from Seattle, WA and Anchorage, AK with several stops in between.
L.A.B. Flying Service provides service between Petersburg, Juneau, and nearby Kake on Kupreanof Island with single and dual-engine aircraft.
By Sea
The Alaska Marine Highway System
0800-642-0066, www.dot.state.ak.us/amhs
serves Petersburg with several ferries. The main departure points heading north to Petersburg are Bellingham, WA and Prince Rupert, BC, Canada, which connects with the British Columbia Ferry System. From the north, the ferry system is accessible from the Alcan Highway at Skagway (via Whitehorse, Yukon Territory) or at Haines (via Haines Junction, Yukon Territory).
By Land (but still requiring a ferry ride):
There is no road access to Petersburg. However if you wish to take you car to Petersburg you can catch the Alaska Marine Highway system (see above) at a road accessed port town.