Alaska’s Inside Passage

Original, hand-drawn story map and accompanying gifts of Alaska's Inside Passage by renowned Illustrator and Xplorer Maps Co-Founder, Chris Robitaille.

Shaped by the staggering force of massive glaciers millions of years ago, Alaska’s Inside Passage is one of the most pristine places on Earth.

Alaska’s Inside Passage is a region of pristine water, snow-capped mountains, deep fjords and forested islands that extend approximately 500 miles (800 km) from north to south and 100 miles (160 km) from east to west and encompass more than 1,000 islands, 15,000 miles (24,000 km) of shoreline and thousands of coves and bays. Its mountains are carpeted with majestic western hemlock and giant Sitka spruce forests.

Shaped by the staggering force of massive glaciers millions of years ago, Alaska’s Inside Passage is home to Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian Indians whose history and culture is reflected in many small coastal communities throughout the region. It’s also prime habitat for bald eagles, sea lions, porpoises, whales and many other mammals that attract visitors from around the world; most of whom experience this amazing landscape on cruise ships, ferries, water taxis, sea kayaks and float planes.