The Prince of Wales Island is full of exciting adventures waiting to be explored! Why limit yourself to just one? Expand your options by perusing the Island Visitor Guide provided by the Chamber of Commerce. It’s the perfect way to discover all the island has to offer!
Coffman Cove
Distance from Ferry Terminal: 74 mi
Tlingit: Tatxánk
Coffman Cove is a beautiful place to visit and is easily accessible via floatplane, boat, or highway on the Eastern side of Prince of Wales. Whether you prefer to travel by air, water, or land, this charming town has something for everyone to enjoy. With stunning natural scenery, friendly locals, and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from, Coffman Cove is the perfect destination for a relaxing and memorable vacation. Coffman Cove has a rich history that dates back to the 1950s when it was first established as a logging camp. Over the years, the community has undergone a significant transformation, after the closure of the pulp mill in Ketchikan in the 90s. Today, Coffman Cove is known for its thriving commercial and recreational fishing industry, which has helped to reinvent the town and provide new opportunities for its residents. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there’s always something exciting to discover in this charming and picturesque town.
We are always looking for photos to post of our communities, email [email protected] your photo of Coffman Cove to be featured on our website.
Craig
Distance from Ferry Terminal: 29.8 mi
Tlingit: Sháan Séet
The City of Craig recently celebrated its Centennial in 2022. It’s no surprise that Craig is the most populated town on POW, as it’s a bustling center for retail, service, transportation, fish processing, and commercial services. There are so many outdoor and indoor adventures to be had in Craig! With easy access to the ocean, you can indulge in fishing or simply observe the wildlife. If you’re in the mood for a swim or a workout, the community swimming pool and gym are great options. For those who love to explore, the parks are a must-see. And if you’re into hiking, don’t miss the Sunnahae Trail or the Grave Yard Island Trail. Craig really has it all!
We are always looking for photos to post of our communities, email [email protected] your photo of Craig to be featured on our website.
Edna Bay
Distance from Ferry Terminal: 51.6 mi
We are always looking for photos to post of our communities, email [email protected] your photo of Edna Bay to be featured on our website.
Hollis
Distance from Ferry Terminal: 1 mi
Hollis serves as the Home Port of the Inter-Island Ferry Authority and is where operations are centered. The Hollis floatplane dock is conveniently located next door to the IFA terminal, making it easy to travel by sea or air. Originally a mining town and later a logging camp, Hollis was settled in 1980 through land sales. Today, it is a thriving non-profit community with an elected community council.
The town hosts a library, Volunteer Fire Department, EMS services, and a pre-K through 12th-grade school. For those who love the outdoors, Hollis is home to the Harris River Picnic Area, which offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and waterways. With so much to offer, it’s no wonder Hollis is such a beloved community on POW.
We are always looking for photos to post of our communities, email [email protected] your photo of Hollis to be featured on our website.
Hydaburg
Distance from Ferry Terminal: 51.6 mi
Haida: Higdáa G̱ándlaay
Hydaburg, located on the Southwest coast of the island, is a city that can be conveniently accessed by floatplane, boat, or highway. The Hydaburg highway is dotted with stops for Forest Service trails, picnic areas, and endless adventures. One of the must-visit adventures is the One Duck Trail! In the 1700s, a group of Haida people migrated to POW from Haida Gwaii, settling first in Kasaan and eventually spreading to other settlements. By 1911, all of these villages had centralized in what is now Hydaburg. The community is deeply rooted in tribal values and relies on historical and cultural relationships to the land and sea. Hydaburg is home to one of many totem parks that can be visited, showcasing the cultural significance of the area.
We are always looking for photos to post of our communities, email [email protected] your photo of Hydaburg to be featured on our website.
Kasaan
Distance from Ferry Terminal: 67.3 mi (by highway) 8.7 nautical miles
Tlingit: Kasa’aan
Haida: Gasa’áan
If you find yourself on the Eastern side of the island, you won’t want to miss visiting Kasaan. This modern-day village is located just 7 miles away from the original Haida settlement on POW. One of the highlights of Kasaan is the Chief Son-i-Hat Whale House, which is the only remaining traditional Haida longhouse in the entire United States. It’s definitely worth a visit! Additionally, the Totem Historic District is another must-see spot in Kasaan. As you explore these sacred sites, please remember to be respectful of the Haida culture and traditions. The Organized Village of Kasaan (OVK) offers guided tours and lodging, so be sure to schedule your visit in advance. And while you’re in Kasaan, don’t forget to stop by the Totem Trail Cafe for a delicious cup of coffee and a bite to eat.
We are always looking for photos to post of our communities, email [email protected] your photo of Kasaan to be featured on our website.
Klawock
Distance from Ferry Terminal: 23.2 mi
Tlingit: Lawáak
The island’s “center” is located in Klawock, where paved scenic byways intersect. Explorers can head south to Craig, east to Hollis, or north to communities on the Northern end of the Island. It’s worth noting that the largest employee-owned sawmill and the only airport runway on POW can be found here. Klawock has a rich history, being the site of the first salmon cannery in Alaska, opened in 1878 by a San Francisco firm.
The town is also a significant center of Tlingit culture, with Totem Pole Park housing 21 replicas of poles that once stood in Tuxekan, where the Heenya Kwaan people’s winter village was. Visitors to POW can witness the raising of new totem poles, which are large celebrations on the island. The heritage center is also a great place to visit with carvers and watch them at work.
Fishing enthusiasts of all levels will be pleased with the variety of options available on POW. Rivers, lakes, and seas provide ample opportunities for both novice and experienced anglers, whether they choose to be guided or go it alone. And with a range of lodging and accommodation choices, there’s something for everyone in Klawock.
We are always looking for photos to post of our communities, email [email protected] your photo of Klawock to be featured on our website.
Naukati
Distance from Ferry Terminal: 66 mi
Tlingit: Nàakig̱èey
In 2017, the road to the harbor in Naukati was finally paved, opening up new opportunities for visitors to this quaint former logging town. One of the highlights of the area is the Naukati Bay Shellfish Nursery, which is nestled peacefully in the bay near the float dock and boat launch. This nursery is ready to provide oyster spat to oyster farms in the area, taking advantage of the growing oyster production industry in Naukati. It’s a great time to visit and explore all that this charming town has to offer!
We are always looking for photos to post of our communities, email [email protected] your photo of Naukati to be featured on our website.
Thorne Bay
Distance from Ferry Terminal: 56.6 mi
Thorne Bay first appeared on the US Census as Tolstoi Bay, an unincorporated settlement with only 17 residents. Fast forward to 1970, and Thorne Bay resurfaced as an unincorporated village with 443 residents. Today, it’s home to 476 residents, according to the 2020 Census.
If you’re ever in Thorne Bay, make sure to check out “The Claw” at the welcome sign. This massive log-handling grapple is the world’s largest and is a nod to the town’s former status as the largest logging camp during the 60s. It makes for a unique photo opportunity that you won’t find anywhere else.
Thorne Bay is also a great jumping-off point to explore some of the most popular US Forest Service Recreation Areas on the island, such as Eagles Nest Campground, Balls Lake, and Sand Beach.
We are always looking for photos to post of our communities, email [email protected] your photo of Thorne Bay to be featured on our website.
Whale Pass
Distance from Ferry Terminal: 85.9 mi
If you’re looking for adventure, Whale Pass is the place to be. You won’t find many places farther north on POW. There are plenty of recreational sites to explore in this town, but one that stands out is El Capitan Cave. It’s the deepest vertical shaft in the U.S. and is open for summertime tours through the U.S. Forest Service. Whale Pass is also known for its frequent sightings of Orcas and Humpback whales. It’s hard to imagine a more picturesque location. Interestingly, until the early 1980s, this town was not connected to the island’s road system.
We are always looking for photos to post of our communities, email [email protected] your photo of Whale Pass to be featured on our website.
NOT LOCATED ON PRINCE OF WALES
Ketchikan
Tlingit: Kichx̱áan
If you’re planning a trip to Alaska, chances are that Ketchikan will be your first taste of this beautiful state. Whether you’re passing through on your way to Anchorage, cruising through the Inside Passage, or heading to POW, Ketchikan is known as Alaska’s First City. The town was established in 1885, but the Tlingit people had been using the area as a summer fish camp long before that. Ketchikan’s economy is diverse and thriving, with fishing industries, canneries, tourism, government, and forestry all playing important roles in the area. However, back in the early 1900s, Ketchikan was infamous for its “Red Light District” on Creek Street. Today, you can visit Dolly’s House and learn about the history of this unique street built on stilts.
We are always looking for photos to post of our communities, email [email protected] your photo of Ketchikan to be featured on our website.
Metlakatla
Regularly serviced by AMHS, IFA fills in whenever necessary to serve the community.
Tlingit: Tàakw.àani
Tsimshian: Maxłakxaała
If you’re interested in exploring the Tsimshian way of life, Metlakatla is a great place to visit. Located 20 miles south of Ketchikan on Annette Island, it’s the only Indian Reserve in Alaska. Met’s economy relies on fishing, service, tourism, and forest products, so there’s plenty to see and do. Most visitors go to Metlakatla aboard a guided tour that departs from Ketchikan, which is an excursion for cruise ship passengers. If you’re planning on staying over 24 hours, be sure to apply for a visitor permit. In addition to the community arts center, totem poles, and traditional longhouse, there are plenty of other sights and activities to enjoy in Metlakatla. Whether you’re interested in culture, history, or outdoor adventure, you’re sure to find something that suits your interests.
We are always looking for photos to post of our communities, email [email protected] your photo of Metlakatla to be featured on our website.
If there are any errors present on this page, either of community information or the misspelling of any Tlingit or Haida town names please do not hesitate to let us know.