Traveling On The Alaska Marine Highway
The Alaska Marine Highway is an essential part of traveling in Southeast Alaska. Sometimes it is the only option, we use it every year to go hunting in the interior. We take the Inter-Island Ferry from Hollis to Ketchikan and then get on the state ferry from Ketchikan to Haines. Then the driving begins! It is over 700 miles of driving to get to our favorite places.
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As much as we love visiting Sitka we try to avoid the sailing itinerary that includes that stop as it adds about 12 hours of ferry travel. So our stops are usually Wrangell, Petersburg and Juneau. In 2024, the run was made once a week and usually leaves Ketchikan on Sunday or Monday, and takes about 24 hours to arrive in Haines.
At each stop we are allowed to disembark with the dog for a beach break and hop back on. The ferry is a great system and we look forward to the travel every year. For up to date schedules and more info check out the Alaska Marine Highway website.
Known affectionately by locals as ‘The Blue Canoe,’ the state ferries are very comfortable, rarely crowded and feel like a little cruise. There are cafeterias on each boat where you can order just about any kind of food. If you do not want to sleep on a floor in a lounge you can pay for a stateroom, some even have their own bathroom and shower.
Traveling on the Alaska Marine Highway is a great way to see Southeast Alaska! We hope that you are able to do the same someday. If there is a destination in Southeast that you want to visit and have any questions please send us an email!
