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Petersburg , also known as Alaska's "Little Norway", was founded in the 1890s by Norwegian
fishermen. The location was selected because of its protected harbor and close proximity to
the rich fishing waters in and around Frederick Sound. The town is named after Peter Buschmann,
a Norwegian immigrant who arrived in the late 1890s and built a cannery, a sawmill and a dock
all by the turn of the century. The cannery has operated continuously for over a hundred
years. In its early years, the town was primarily settled by
immigrants from Scandinavia. Petersburg continues to be one of Alaska's important fishing communities.
Visitors to the Petersburg area can view many different types of wildlife including brown
and black bears, moose, deer, mountain goats, eagles, waterfowl, and shore birds. Whale
watching is at its best in the icy waters off Petersburg. Approximately humpback 500 whales
enter Frederick Sound during the summer months. They feed on abundant runs of herring
and krill (shrimp-like crustaceans), which thrive in these waters. This makes Frederick Sound
one of the best places in the world for observing the feeding habits of humpback whales.
Also frequently seen are sea lions, harbor seals, porpoise, and Orcas. The region is home
to two major and several minor sea lion haul outs. Harbor seals are frequently seen
both in the water and on rocky inlets throughout the sound.
Many visitors opt for a day boat excursion across Frederick Sound to get an up-close look at
the breathtaking LeConte Glacier, the southern most tidewater glacier in the Northern hemisphere.
Population: 3,824
Location: Southeast Alaska, on the Northern tip of Mitkof Island at the southern reaches of Frederick Sound.
Access: Scheduled jet service is available to Juneau and Anchorage with connecting service to Seattle.
The state ferry system makes regular stops and local air taxi service is also available. There
is no outside road access.
For Hotels in Petersburg - Click Here
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