Exploring Alaska :: Whittier, AK

As unique as Whittier, Alaska is, it is also uniquely beautiful. From an entire city under one roof to a stunning natural setting, this Alaskan town is definitely worth a visit. Join us today as we drive South from Anchorage, explore McHugh Creek, Turnagain Arm, and the rest of the drive to Whittier.
Thanks for watching #LeggLife! We would love to have you follow along with our journey by subscribing to our channel! We are vloggers who live in Anchorage, Alaska and love travel, adventure, Disney, marriage, and living life to the max!
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Adam & Sherri Legg
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Anchorage, AK 99522
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[@simplyblessed3219]

You are the cutest couple. Wonderful to have each other to explore life with. Good bless.

[@LeggLife]

Thank you!

[@mark91345]

Makes me love Whitter all the more!

[@jeannecassady7077]

Thank you for sharing this. I just finished the book "Memories in the Drift" by Melissa Payne which took place in Whittier. I got very curious about the town and researched Whittier. You showed me exactly like the book described it!

[@petemichael4512]

I was born and raised in Idaho. When I was drafted into the US Army in '65 and after basic and advanced training I was stationed at Fort Richardson outside of Anchorage. I arrived just a year after the "earthquake' and the obvious signs of it were still very evident. Because i was in the Army Band we ended up going to a lot of places in Alaska for parades, celebrations and other events. I performed with the Anchorage Community Chorus and sang with the Symphony and participated in The Alaska Festival of Music in 1966. I fell in love with the place. I typed in Whittier after the publicity of a recent TikTok submission. I really enjoyed your video and wish I could have been with you for the fish and chips. Thanks

[@LeggLife]

Thanks so much for sharing a piece of your story with us! We really enjoyed reading it!

[@ColinBloodworth]

That tunnel is nuts. Hope you're not claustrophobic!I loved this video, for real. I love seeing places through YT that I'd otherwise not see. I need that fish in my mouth.

[@LeggLife]

The guestroom is ready and waiting :)

[@josephmayieka8270]

Oooh my God! You guys are awesome.

[@MaryamsJoyfulLifeBlog]

Thank you for sharing!

[@DrinaDayz]

Thats cool to go around and explore, those views are amazing. Thanks for showing us around, very cool

[@LeggLife]

Drina Dayz you’re welcome :) thanks for joining us!

[@SilvaFamilyTravels]

I love love love your “explore Alaska” vlogs!!!! You are so lucky to live in such a beautiful place!

[@LeggLife]

We're hoping to have several of these types of videos this summer! :)

[@perryunderdahl1468]

Fun to see Alaska , thanks for the tour. Very nice !

[@camibeth8132]

When I lived in Girdwood in the mid-80s I took a solo trip on the train to Whittier when it was only accessible by train, plane or boat, to hike up on a glacier just outside of the town, later, when I had told people what I done they told me that the area where I was hiking was known for lots of grizzly bears I have no idea but at one point during the hike through some blueberry bushes the hair on the back of my neck stood up, and I smelled a strong stinky smell...! 😬

[@rocnana8981]

Thanks for taking us along! Awesome to see this part of Alaska with you.

[@LeggLife]

You're welcome, thanks for joining us!

[@ElementaryExplorers]

I can’t wait to get to visit Alaska!!!! So beautiful!

[@LeggLife]

Yes, we think Alaska should be on everyone's "must visit" list!

[@pezliz]

My TV keeps playing your vlogs for me, and I’m not complaining! What a lovely escape, my own Alaskan vacation! Thank you for sharing your beautiful state!

[@soond]

breathtaking!

[@janreynolds3794]

Loved this vlog!! We were in Alaska last summer and I must say, it reeled us in!! Pictures do it no justice; is a place one must experience in person to really grasps it’s beauty!! My husband and I plan to return to Alaska next May of 2019, in celebration of our 40th anniversary....already counting down the days!!

[@LeggLife]

Alaska has a unique way of getting into your heart and pulling you in :)

[@Satvik_Insaan]

Counted days? Done?

[@LinseyFred]

Gorgeous! Thanks for sharing!

[@LeggLife]

You're welcome! Thanks for coming along :)

[@Neverinthekitchen]

WOW just WOW that drive sooo breath taking!

[@LeggLife]

Yes, we never get tired of doing that drive! Just spectacular!

[@kashikaadhikari1734]

I've been through the tunnel! I believe it was part of one of my excursions for my trip to Alaska! I really enjoyed my time there, and the tunnel was unbelievable! Thank you for taking us there! :)

[@shawa2938]

Omg so cool I need to go

[@davidthaler7018]

Few interesting things to point out: Note the traffic waiting to enter the tunnel FROM Whittier. Also, the tunnel closes at night so if you’re not back in time, you’re sleeping in your car, and in winter, that could be dangerous. True most residents live in that one building, but the building also includes services such as a grocery store, a medical clinic, a cafe, a post office, a police station, and a church. Underground tunnels connect the building to the public school and an indoor playground (yes indoor…hello….grizzly bears). That might seem strange, but when temps drop, snow falls, and winds kick up, who’s gonna wanna venture outside? The town has polar winters and summers-no sunshine during winter months, and full days of sunshine in summer months.

[@aquariusfriar]

How does one inquire about living in this unique building?

[@rachaelkluba2443]

This was an amazing video!!! That tunnel ... so cool but scary at the same time. Thank you for sharing!!!

[@LeggLife]

You're welcome, thanks for watching!

[@risaleinurdiyari13]

Bu fantastik şehri tanıttığınız için çok teşekkür ederim. Muhakkak bir gün ailemle gelmek istiyorum. Türkiyeden selamlar.

[@gellerthollosy]

Just today about this town and watched your video. Fantastic. Congratulations from Hungary

[@eabbott13]

That tunnel is scary! But I do love seafood... thanks for sharing.

[@warponealaska]

That view at the beginning 🤩 Hard to believe it’s real, so beautiful, can’t wait to see it in person!

[@LeggLife]

Yes, it's even more amazing to see in person!

[@serdarakdurak5332]

thank you so interesting to live in such a place

[@LeggLife]

We absolutely love getting to call Alaska "home"!

[@deborahwood7089]

I don't mind tunnels, they're kinda fun, but I get if you're claustrophobic. That would mess you up! BTW, I love the idea of a whole town in a single building. You'd have no excuse to not go to work or school, LOL.

[@jillrandazzo147]

Wow! Thanks for posting this. Alaska is definitely on my bucket list! I could just sit and stare at that gorgeous scenery. I love the mountains. I live in Florida and as you know it's so flat here. So thanks again for posting this. I hope to see more of that beautiful state!

[@LeggLife]

We definitely encourage everyone to visit Alaska! Videos and photos don't do the size and magnitude of Alaska justice at all. It's one of those places you just have to see to believe!

[@Nationalist1896]

wonderful video.. it felt like we were there with you... cheers from Sydney Aus.

[@gibsuprooted2734]

Great video

[@Amanda-rr4su]

Gorgeous views!!! Loved this video!

[@LeggLife]

Thank you for watching :)

[@lindavestal8139]

Excellent video! Thank you, I will put this restaurant on my must do list.

[@LeggLife]

Yes, we highly recommend it!

[@ForceOfVader]

Was just there in early April, absolutely loved it! Rode out the the Portage Glacier and it was incredible. Highly recommend it if you're visiting AK!

[@LeggLife]

We totally agree! :)

[@carlosmontes3451]

Dammmm I miss this place .. !!! Did some killer finishing here

[@flapamingo]

I know exactly where you were at the beginning! When we came for our Alaskan cruise, we drove from Seward to Anchorage and I remember looking to the right and seeing the walkway going up the hill. So cool that I can picture right where you were!

[@LeggLife]

That is very cool! Yup, that's where we were :)

[@alysonsyme2165]

that was awesome, such a beautiful area. The glacier looks really spectacular. I would have loved to have had that seafood dish it looked soooo yummy

[@LeggLife]

It was definitely yummy! :)

[@Broknex]

There are places I drive by many times each year and never have the time to stop. I need to spend some time on my next trip to Anchorage and enjoy the sights! Wonderful video, my friends! Love it!

[@LeggLife]

Broknex Thank you! There are just so many areas to explore, it’s hard to hit them all.

[@karengoodman9178]

Hey great video ...we are pretending to be on vacation in Alaska for the next two weeks ..We are on our way to Whittier and found your vlog. So nice to meet you guys on route from Anchorage to Whittier ..we will be getting on our virtual ferry soon but must get some of those chips first .....

[@randbinak]

You’ve inspired me to go! Food destinations are the best.

[@LeggLife]

Yay! Let me know how you like it once you go!

[@shesinapod7023]

Here from TikTok

[@mr.willie9578]

Yw Sherrie and Adam

[@PolishMafia928]

Fun video guys! Looks like an awesome restaurant! Great review!! Thanks for taking us along!. 👍🏼

[@LeggLife]

You're welcome! Thanks for coming along :)

[@alaskafromscratch4279]

Ohh we've never been to Varly's Swiftwater Seafood, we'll make sure to check it out next time we're in whittier! Thanks for another awesome vlog!!!

[@LeggLife]

Alaska from Scratch we definitely recommend lunch or dinner at Swiftwater!

[@amandacarroll9611]

Wow! Alaska is so beautiful! I hope one day to do a Disney Alaskan cruise! That would be amazing!

[@LeggLife]

You absolutely should! :)

[@elainekarl4162]

Thank you guys. We are visiting with Princess, where can we get great fresh fish, minus batter/fried etc? Very informative 👏🏻👏🏻👍👍

[@LeggLife]

Pretty much any place that sells seafood will sell it grilled or fried. Very easy to find grilled seafood here!

[@mr.willie9578]

We have good seafood in the south too n great vlog Sherrie n Adam

[@LeggLife]

Willie Deval Parker thanks!

[@andrewlyke2529]

Great video. I would love to go there and check it out.

[@rchiariello]

Thanks for sharing with us! I work at a veteran's hospital and there are a few abandoned buildings on the campus that were built during the Civil War. One is being restored for veteran housing, but they are super creepy!

[@LeggLife]

Yes, old buildings like that just have a real creepiness factor, that's for sure!

[@gwinfamily]

That's it! I'm applying for my nursing license in Alaska! Lol I would love to work with that view in the background!

[@LeggLife]

HaHa! We certainly LOVE living here and never get tired of those views!

[@Our80sLife]

Very cool! Thanks for taking us along in your little road trip to Whittier. It’s a neat place, and that food looked delicious! The tunnel through the mountain is certainly unique. We’ve been through a few of those but not a one-way tunnel like that, eek! That abandoned building though... super creepy 😬

[@LeggLife]

I've seen that building in several of my nightmares :)

[@samharrill5470]

Hey dudes! We are in Alaska for a wedding, we found your video online and decided to do Whittier. Just checked the video again laying in the bed at the Inn, looking to see the name of the restaurant you guys mentioned. We got to the tunnel at 1045pm, we flew into Anchorage and came straight here, but the flight we originally had was canceled so we drove far to still fly and get here. We ended up sleeping at a scenic overlook and came to the Inn to shower and nap in a few before eating your restaurant recommendation. Also, got a video of a big moose as we were coming towards the tunnel. Really appreciated your video and glad we chose to do what you guys recommended. Though the luck has been bad, Alaska has just been a new level of beauty. much love and cheers from Whittier. We live in Myrtle Beach, SC if you ever need advice traveling there 😂😂

[@esheier]

Great video - we are spending a few days at Alyeska this summer and I was trying to decide whether to spend a half day in Whittier. Looks like you sold me!

[@LeggLife]

It’s such a quirky fun little town! Make sure and visit Swiftwater Cafe for lunch :)

[@TwoHeartsOneRoof]

OMG that mountain tunnel is crazy!! What an awesome thing, thanks for showing it to us! That abandoned building is totally a horror movie set! Do the film industry use it?

[@roberttennant3577]

As a long time Alaskan and tour driver to Seward, Whittier, Denali, and many other cities, the Swiftwater Cafe is a great hidden gem! The Panko fried rockfish is the best in my opinion!

[@LeggLife]

Swiftwater is one of our favorites!! We love it so much and visit it every summer

[@swalker6974]

Thank you for this lovely tour! I wonder, even in summer should we pack warm for a day or two in this area?

[@LeggLife]

Good question! We always encourage people to pack in layers when visiting Alaska. Summers could be hot and in the 80's or 90's, or it could be cold and raining with temps in the 50's. So, layers help you combat that! We encourage t-shirts, long sleeve t-shirts, a hoodie, a light rain jacket, etc. That way you can add or remove layers depending on the weather you experience.

[@davidgalloway6052]

Great Video! Well be visiting late in the season, staying in Portage. Wanted to visit your food destination. Wondered when they shut down for winter? Checked the website but no luck. Thanks again.

[@krystalandaarontaketheworl498]

Take me THERE 😍

[@LeggLife]

Done! :)

[@Tippi08]

We’ll have to eat at that place in Whittier next time we’re in town! 🙌🏾 I miss those snow capped mountains ❤️

[@LeggLife]

Yes, you guys should definitely check that restaurant out! Great food in a great setting!

[@Grannywen2213]

Enjoyed your vlog!! Whittier looks really beautiful...but what fascinates me is that most of the residents live in one building!!! Lol! If you go there again, it would be cool if you could go inside the building and talk to some of the residents...Does everyone get along?? Thanks!!

[@26snoopy82]

I went to Whittier Alaska in 2015 my brother and I did not explore it because we where waiting for a fairy boat to go to Valdez. We stopped and ate breakfast at Donut Depo. They had good cinnamon rolls. I want to come back to this town one day.

[@LeggLife]

We try and visit Whittier at least once or twice a year. Always a fun little town.

[@26snoopy82]

LeggLife I just found a website that has great ideas for making a model train layout of Whittier. I want to make one because I like the water front, the mountains, the harbor and town, and there is a cool tunnel everything I want in a model train set.

[@GB-um4pw]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@tayaaron1921]

Man... I will visit that cafe oneday

[@LeggLife]

It really is one of our favorite places! So delicious.

[@johngoode7274]

Great vlog just love you two. Ps you need to try British fish and chip

[@LeggLife]

We definitely want to try British fish & chips!

[@donnarichards1152]

I have been watching your vlogs, and I love them. We will be on a cruise to Alaska on July 8-16. we will be in Whittier. Do you have any suggestions on what to see or do there?

[@dowblab]

That building is straight out of a black mirror episode

[@bjdeese8042]

I don’t think I could go through that tunnel! 😂😂😂

[@swalker6974]

I was thinking that too. After a minute it would be an anxiety trip the whole way out 🤣

[@3dplanet100]

Wow, that town is unique. I think there's no other town in the world with under 300 inhabitants that have a 15-story high-rise. And almost everybody lives there. That's so unique! Btw, that soup in 9:44 is getting me hungry😅

[@LeggLife]

Right? Such a unique town! We always have fun when we visit there!

[@revliszallirog4967]

In Europe we have hundreds of mountain tunnels. I never knew this was something special

[@AngieMiddleton]

Some interesting facts about the road you were on with the views of PWS. That road is Shotgun Cove Road and they are continually trying to get funding to build the road completely out to Shotgun Cove. Which is amazing by the way. Right now the road dead ends and there is a hiking trail you can take out to the cove. On the shores of the cove is the carcass of the Ferry Leschi which was thrown ashore in 1978 after a storm. You can get out to the cove by one of the tour boats. The Phillips Cruises Glacier Quest cruise actually goes there. Highly recommend it if you have never taken it.

[@LeggLife]

Ooooh, that's amazing! We've never done that but it's definitely on our list now!

[@lisamarie2770]

OH MY!!! Beautiful scenery!!! Thank you for sharing !!! Have you ever heard of Oatman,Az? 😉

[@LeggLife]

I don't think we have heard of Oatman, AZ.

[@lisamarie2770]

LeggLife look it up if you get a chance. I live about 20 miles from it. Super neat Old mining town.

[@carablake4368]

We are honeymooning in Alaska next summer and we cannot wait! Have y’all ever done a things to do from a locals perspective video? Or even just must-sees for around Anchorage and Girdwood?

[@LeggLife]

Hmm, actually I don't think we have ever done a video like that. Great idea, we can totally add that to our list! Thank you :)

[@KButler1169]

That tunnel gave me such anxiety! Yikes! Thanks for sharing your adventure with us!

[@LeggLife]

Yes, whenever we have someone with us who gets anxious over the cruise we just have them close their eyes, focus on the music were listening to, and relax for the trip through the mountain :)

[@vwiggins1847]

10:00 GD that look's good!!!!

[@Witchy_Vibes]

Me and my daughter are Californians infact our whole life but we have been thinking about moving to Alaska Anchorage can you make a video about stores food people living jobs etc ..... FYI we love your channel we found it because we been planning a Disney Cruise which we r going in September then started watching all your videos! Thank you for sharing so much information

[@LeggLife]

Alaska certainly is a wonderful place to call home! We did a video last year about living in Alaska, you can check it out here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n2SkmKhrlp2ioLs

[@shaunwatts3650]

Hey folks! I love this video. I am from Alabama. Have you guys always lived in Alaska? I am so fascinated with Alaska. I have subscribed. Thank you.

[@LeggLife]

I (adam) was born in Connecticut but moved to Alaska when I was still very young. Sherri is from Indiana.

[@shadowman0428]

Thanks for the video, definitely interesting. Does swiftwater seafood also have Fresh Salmon? Along with other non seafood item for people who don't eat fish?

[@Jesusisking7515]

My husband and I love your videos! Our dream has always been to move to Alaska. We are a couple in our mid 20s with a daughter. What are some tips and advice for moving to Alaska? Keep up the awesome videos.

[@LeggLife]

Hi! Have you guys seen this video we made about living in Alaska? Check it out first and then let us know what other questions you may have: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n2SkmKhrlp2ioLs

[@Harold710]

The first water view is Turnagain Arm not Cook Inlet. Turnagain Arm flows in and out of Cook Inlet. I've seen people surfing the bore tides.

[@awkwardBOB]

Those mountains. That tunnel... my wife would either need to be drugged or she'd have a panic attack all the way through. She hates regular tunnels... 2 1/2 miles? wow.

[@LeggLife]

Whenever we take people who are claustrophobic through the tunnel we just have them close their eyes for 6 minutes :)

[@urofseron]

Ugh, your wife sounds awful.

[@awkwardBOB]

@@urofseron happy Easter

[@MohammadTalaatRidha]

THank you for the Video. Does the swiftwater cafe serve King crab

[@LeggLife]

Hmm, I'm not sure if they do. I don't think so. However, we heard that it sold to new owners and we haven't been yet this year since the new owners took over, so we don't know if the food is as good or if the menu has changed.

[@bunnilopez817]

Yummy!!!

[@LeggLife]

Bunni Lopez yummy, indeed!! :)

[@annettedenny8103]

We will be staying in Whittier in June but are looking forward to some crab legs during our stay. Can you recommend a great place in Anchorage or close by?

[@mikevrabel5349]

Nice vid! Turnagain Arm though, not Cook Inlet.

[@roamsweethome4895]

Hello guys from Kenai! It’d be great if you did a cover of Kenai like this. Most tourists avoid us and head to Homer. Also, what editing program do you use and where can I get it? I’m new to video posting and would like something better than my Windows Moviemaker.

[@am2345M.]

Wow, such a beautiful state. Thanks for taking us along... makes the 100°+ scorching dry weather down here in Texas that much hotter, thanks. 😒 Hmmm. Maybe I should take up real estate, renovate that horror of a building and double up Whittier's population. 🤔

[@LeggLife]

100+ degrees?!! Woo, that's hot! I think it was about 70 degrees on this day here in Alaska

[@am2345M.]

LeggLife - Yup tied the highest temp about a week ago of 102 for this time of year that's hot. 70° that's nice.

[@managram]

i want to live in alaska

[@YRDX]

If I was to have a week holiday in alaska, would you guys be down for us to meet up? I'm from England but would love to meet you guys and visit Wittier and eat there too.

[@pamelawigandt9226]

You did not mention the Alaska Railroad using the tunnel. The train has priority using the tunnel.

[@cashonly6117]

I see this video is 2 years old, but was wondering if you knew why Varleys Swiftwater Cafe was shut down indefinitely??? Covid??? Such a shame.

[@caroleness2323]

Are their any condos for sale at this time or in a year or so and what is the asimg price?

[@LittleJohn_73]

9:33 Billie and I ate at that table against the map yesterday

[@LeggLife]

Very cool!!

[@memenana8820]

come to utah and we will take ya all to yellowstone and parts only locals see😀, great food and in the tetons is a ranch they do a play and serve old time dinners its great good steaks , chicken corn coffee and deserts and rolls , shows dinner for 12-18 bucks while looking at the Teton😀 its fun. there's rafting down the fiver you see buffalo and bears and tons of stuff but fun trip, Jackson holes awesome you all should come , your fun , gun rights in city center lots to do see, as like I said Utah's parks close by too!

[@LeggLife]

We were in Utah for the first time last year and we will be there again this September for a KZbin creator event in Provo! It's a beautiful state :)

[@memenana8820]

my husband works right near Provo how funny, but still wanna move home " alaska" . Utah's been95- to 105 lately way to hot already😝😝. but in September it should start cooling down to alaska summer temps hahaha, people are pretty nice though, but you all should try go to what we call jelly stone!😀

[@deborahwood7089]

BTW, I'll take a big plate of the fried fish and chips, please. I'm allergic to shellfish. More for you guys!:)

[@ssx47]

why you are not going to the building

[@BLESSEDLYMADEBYFRANCES]

Does the train still goes through the tunnel?

[@LeggLife]

Yup, it sure does! When the train is coming they stop traffic on both sides of the tunnel until it's totally through.

[@cliffordhoward6922]

What happens if you are in the tunnel and a train comes?

[@LeggLife]

The tunnel has set times that it’s open each direction and that it’s open for the train. So, there won’t be a time when the train comes while you’re in there :)

[@arkitekto323]

Whittier Alaska have connection to Whittier California?

[@meirejaneoficial]

BRASIL

[@Pinkkermit17]

I don’t find the building people live in odd, its no different then any bigger apartment building in a city. Why build and waste the money when that building is sitting there.