Passage Canal facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Passage Canal |
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Passage Canal
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 Passage Canal
Location in Alaska
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| Location | Kenai Peninsula, Alaska |
| Coordinates | 60°48′47″N 148°32′46″W / 60.813°N 148.546°W |
| Primary inflows | Whittier Creek, Learnard Creek, Cove Creek, Billings Creek, Seth River |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 11 mi (18 km) |
| Max. width | 2 mi (3.2 km) |
| Average depth | 1,128 ft (344 m) |
| Max. depth | 1,290 ft (390 m) |
| Frozen | Never |
| Islands | None |
| Sections/sub-basins | Shotgun Cove, Emerald Bay, Squirrel Cove, Poe Bay, Logging Camp Bay |
| Settlements | Whittier |
Passage Canal is a beautiful bay located in Alaska, a large state in the United States. It's part of a bigger area called Prince William Sound. This special bay is known for its stunning views and as a helpful pathway to many exciting places nearby.
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Passage Canal: Alaska's Gateway Bay
Passage Canal is a long, narrow bay found on the eastern side of the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska. It stretches about 11 mi (18 km) long and 2 mi (3.2 km) wide. This bay is often called the "gateway" to Prince William Sound. This is because many people use it to start their adventures.
Why is it a Gateway?
People often begin their trips into the wider Prince William Sound from Passage Canal. You can find many water taxis here, ready to take you across the water. It's also a popular spot for:
- Kayaking tours, where you can paddle through calm waters.
- Anglers, who love to fish in its deep waters.
- Recreational boaters, who enjoy exploring the area.
From Passage Canal, visitors can easily reach nearby state marine parks and special federal cabins. These places offer amazing opportunities to see Alaska's natural beauty.
Whittier: The Town on the Bay
The only town located right on Passage Canal is Whittier. This small community sits near the very end of the bay. Whittier has a unique history because of its location.
A Secret Military Port
The town of Whittier was first created during World War II. The United States military needed a secret, deep-water port. Passage Canal was the perfect spot for this. Its deep waters allowed large ships to dock safely. The surrounding mountains also helped to hide the port from enemies. This made Whittier an important place for military operations during the war.
