Because Petersburg is located on an island, it is accessible only by air or water. A major airline, the Alaska Marine Highway System (ferry), and regional or local charter aircraft and boat operators provide transportation to and from the island.

By Air:
Alaska Airlines (800-252-7522) provides twice-daily jet service, originating in Seattle, Washington, and Anchorage, Alaska, with several stops in-between. See route map of all Alaska Airline Destinations. L.A.B. Flying Service provides service between Petersburg, Juneau, and nearby Kake on Kupreanof Island with single- and dual-engine aircraft. Several smaller charter aircraft services flying fixed-wing float and wheeled aircraft provide access to and from Petersburg, to outlying areas, and to Forest Service cabins.

By Water:
The Alaska Marine Highway System (800-642-0066) serves Petersburg with several ferries. The main departure points heading north to Petersburg are Bellingham, Washington, and Prince Rupert, British Columbia, 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). Ferries stop at several Southeast Alaska cities enroute. Petersburg is located well outside the sea lanes traversed by large cruise ships. However, several smaller cruise lines make Petersburg a port of call, including Alaska Sightseeing Tours/Cruise West (800-426-7702). These ships range from yacht size to over 200-feet and carry up to 200 passengers.

In the spring and fall, Petersburg's Tides Inn and the Alaska Marine Highway host the Elderhostel Southeast Alaska explorations trips.

By Land (but still requiring a ferry ride):
For those driving south from the Yukon and Interior Alaska, the ferry system is accessible from the Alcan Highway at Whitehorse through the Skagway and Haines Alaska terminals.

For those traveling west on the Trans-Canada Yellowhead Highway 16 through western Canada, the Alaska Marine Highway and Petersburg are accessible from Prince Rupert, Canada. Canadian VIA Rail, Greyhound Bus Lines,and also BC Ferries to Vancouver Island and Canada’s Inside Passage, join with the Alaska Marine Highway system in Prince Rupert. You may have to wait a few days for the next ferry. Take time to check the schedules.

For those traveling through the Pacific Northwest and California, the southern terminus of the Alaska Marine Highway is in Bellingham, Washington. Bellingham is 70 miles south of Vancouver, BC, Canada. Amtrak, Greyhound Bus and the Interstate Highway system all lead to the Alaska ferry terminal in Bellingham.

Reservation Assistance:
Viking Travel (800-327-2571) specializes in trip planning to and within Alaska. They are a contract agent for the Alaska Marine Highway System and can provide updated information on ferry schedules. They also serve as a booking agent for Alaska Airlines, cruise lines, and adventure tours and sport fishing charters around Petersburg.

Petersburg is slightly off the beaten path, but we think you'll find it well worth the effort to get here!

Then, of course, there is always the Valhalla...