Imagine visiting Alaska during the summer in a time before cruise ships arrived. The days were filled with fishermen going about their business, getting ready for the next opening. Locals meandered down the street on their way to the local coffee shop.
There was a peacefulness that was unbroken by the hordes of crowds that now descend on many coastal communities from May through September.
But did you know that a few of these communities still exist? Either by choice or environmental constraints, they see a fraction of the tourist traffic of nearby towns. Visitors to these towns can enjoy the peace and quiet that one expects during a trip to the last frontier.
One such place, located in Southeast Alaska along the panhandle, is the historic fishing town of Petersburg.
Petersburg, Alaska
Petersburg is a small fishing town of around 3,000 people with a rich Norwegian heritage. This is evident by the numerous Norwegian flags hung throughout the town and the Sons of Norway Hall, outside which stands a replica Viking sailing ship.
The town was originally formed due to its proximity to the nearby LeConte Glacier, which provided fishermen with nearly limitless ice to pack their catch.
Today, fishing is still the dominant industry in town. Although it does see a decent number of tourists in the summer, these visitors tend to spread out and blend into the community and area fishing lodges rather than clog up the streets like you’ll see in nearby cities like Sitka, Ketchikan, or Juneau.
What to do in Petersburg
Days in this picturesque Alaskan town can be spent just lounging with a hot cup of coffee and an oceanfront view or heading outside to take in the sights that the surrounding mountains, oceans, and glaciers have to offer.
Fishing
Petersburg is considered one of the fishing capitals of the world for its abundance of incredible fishing opportunities.
Local fishing charters know just where to go to get you on the fish, whether it is for bottom fish like halibut or rockfish or going after runs of coho or king salmon.
You can even fish right in town as there are stories of 100+ pound halibut being seen right off the docks near the fish cleaning stations.
Visit a glacier
Just across Frederick Sound from Petersburg sits the southernmost tidewater glacier in the Northern Hemisphere, LeConte Glacier. Nestled within towering cliffs, it is a sight to behold and produces the thousands of icebergs that can occasionally be seen resting on Petersburg’s shorelines.
One of the most thrilling ways to experience the glacier is by a helicopter tour, which can take you onto the upper reaches of this massive ice field.
Mayfest Celebration
Each year, Petersburg honors its Norwegian roots with the annual Mayfest celebration. Lasting a full weekend in mid-May, the town descends onto main street for a weekend of revelry and fun. Events like the herring toss and Scandinavian-style show always draw huge crowds.
Keep an eye out for the groups of Vikings who can be seen terrorizing bystanders and living up to their reputations in the town’s bars each night.
Whale Watching
Nearby Frederick Sound is home to one of the largest populations of humpback whales in the world during the summer months. These whales come to Alaska to feed on plankton, which thrive in the waters.
Whale-watching tours can take you up close (although not too close!) to watch as these majestic creatures breach, dive, and bubble feed.
Another aquatic treat is the pods of Orca, which can often be seen traversing the Wrangell Narrows, a narrow strip of water that separates Mitkof Island and Petersburg from nearby Kupreanof Island.
Hiking
If you’re lucky enough to get a break in the weather (it rains A LOT in Petersburg, in case you didn’t know), there are numerous hiking trails on the island and on neighboring islands that will take you to incredible viewpoints.
Raven’s Roost Trail is a popular local option that travels a little over 4 miles and takes you up 1,700 feet in elevation. At the top, you’ll find a cabin that can be rented for the night and incredible 360-degree views of the town, waters, and coast range that separates Alaska from Canada.
Where to Stay in Petersburg
Petersburg may be small, but it isn’t so small that it doesn’t have a few modern amenities that cater to visitors. There are two hotels located downtown, the Tides Inn and the Scandia House. Both of these hotels offer accommodations that will put you right in the heart of the town.
There are also numerous vacation rental homes scattered throughout the island as well as fishing lodges that will keep you out on the water and filling the freezer during your visit.
