Annette IslandAnnette Island at a Glance
About Annette Island
Annette Island is an island in the Alexander Archipelago of southeast Alaska that hosts the community of Metlakatla and the federally designated Annette Island Reserve.
A single main settlement occupies part of the island, with docks and community facilities serving local residents; the island’s coastline and forested interiors are used for fishing, subsistence activities and small-scale tourism. Cultural visits focus on Tsimshian heritage and community-run attractions.
The island became the site of a Tsimshian settlement established in the late 19th century; it was later designated as an Indian reserve. The community has maintained a distinct local governance and cultural life since that time.
Situated in southeast Alaska’s Alexander Archipelago, the island lies offshore of the Alaskan panhandle and is reached by sea or air from regional centres in that part of the state.
- Reservation status: Home to the Metlakatla community and the Annette Island Reserve, the island contains the only federally recognized Indian reservation in Alaska.
- Access: Access to the island is by ferry or small aircraft from regional ports in southeast Alaska; there is no road connection to the Alaskan mainland.
What to See#
- Metlakatla community settlement: The town of Metlakatla, the main settlement on the island and the administrative and cultural centre of the local Indigenous community.
Best Time to Visit Annette Island
Best visited in summer for access and mild weather; other seasons can be unpredictable and wetter.
Weather & Climate near Annette Island
Annette Island's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -2°C to 18°C. Heavy rainfall (2856 mm/year), wettest in October.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -2° - 3° | -4° | 269 mm | - | - | 4.4 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -1° - 4° | -2° | 230 mm | - | - | 4.3 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 0° - 6° | -1° | 219 mm | - | - | 4.2 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 2° - 9° | 2° | 213 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 5° - 13° | 7° | 170 mm | - | - | 3.8 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 8° - 16° | 12° | 140 mm | - | - | 3.6 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 11° - 17° | 14° | 129 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 11° - 18° | 14° | 186 mm | - | - | 3.1 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 8° - 15° | 11° | 261 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 5° - 10° | 5° | 402 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 1° - 6° | -1° | 329 mm | - | - | 4.2 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -1° - 4° | -3° | 308 mm | - | - | 4.4 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Annette Island
Annette Island is accessible by air to Annette Island Airport (metropolitan air services connect via Ketchikan) and by private boat. Schedule flights in advance and coordinate with local carriers; boat service from nearby ports is seasonal.
Tips for Visiting Annette Island
- Travel by private boat from Metlakatla or Ketchikan - public transport is limited and schedules can be irregular.
- Watch for wildlife along shorelines - seals, eagles and occasional whales can be visible from vantage points.
- Check tribal and federal regulations before landing: parts of the island are within the Annette Island Reserve administered by the Metlakatla Indian Community.