Top Alaska Cultural Tours

Get to know Alaska’s historic city of Sitka on this small-group shore excursion limited to just 10 people. Aboard a comfortable van, cross the O’Connell Bridge to Japonski Island. See Sheldon Jackson Museum, Alaska Pioneer Home, and St. Michael’s Cathedral, and hear informative commentary on the sites from seasoned guides. Meet the rescued bears of Fortress of the Bear, and take in the marvelous scenery of Sitka National Historical Park.

What sets this experience apart is your focus on small group sizes and a relaxed, unhurried pace. We believe history shouldn't be rushed. By keeping groups small, you get a personalized experience with a guide deeply well-versed in Wrangell’s unique cultural landscape, vibrant natural beauty, and layered history. We don’t just walk you past landmarks; we bring the stories of this island to life. While independent travelers often walk right past the ancient, subtle rock art at Petroglyph Beach, we guide you straight to these thousands-of-years-old treasures, explaining the cultural significance and enduring theories behind them. From the lush rainforest coastline to the dramatic tales of a town that has lived under four flags, we weave together nature and history seamlessly. Your tour concludes with an included admission ticket to the world-class Wrangell Museum, allowing you to transition into exploring its physical artifacts independently and at your own perfect pace.

Explore Skagway without the hassle of planning on a tour with convenient transport from the Skagway cruise port. Your guide, who navigates for you, stops at top landmarks and secluded locations off the beaten path, from Bridal Veil Falls to a Robin Williams film location. Throughout the tour, listen to little–known anecdotes about the area’s history and enjoy plenty of frame–worthy photo opportunities.

Immerse yourself in Anchorage’s culture and natural beauty on this half-day tour. Sample authentic local sausages and seafood, enjoy coffee with an Alaskan pilot, and snap photos of the city’s 25-foot snow lady. Explore the busiest seaplane base in the world and take in panoramic views of Cook Inlet framed by snowy mountains and glacial forests.

Walk from Ketchikan’s downtown docks to historic Creek Street on a self-guided audio tour that plays automatically through a GPS app as you explore. Follow Ketchikan Creek to discover how this waterfront town was shaped by fishing, timber, and Tlingit culture. Along the way, you will pass salmon viewing areas, traditional totem poles, forested paths, and harbor views. Uncover the town's history as a Native fish camp, a multicultural working port, and the Salmon Capital of the World, alongside tales of the historic red-light district. Explore at your own pace—pause to watch the salmon runs or take in the harbor views. The audio resumes whenever you’re ready, so you can move freely without keeping up with a group. This is a self-guided experience (no in-person guide). Download the tour in advance and use it anytime. It works offline and follows your location along the route.

Ketchikan has always drawn people chasing gold, fish, fortune, or a fresh start, and not everyone succeeded. This self-guided audio tour surfaces the scandals and tragedies cruise lines skip, and how Indigenous people, immigrants, and workers pushed back against exploitation. From the Rock statue, you'll pass Harding's 1923 Masonic cornerstone site, the courthouse behind two Supreme Court cases, and the firehouse, now Uncharted Distillery, linked to a fire chief's disguised return to set more fires. The route continues to Creek Street, the red-light district, for the truth about Dolly the Sporting Woman, and the New York Cafe, whose Japanese-American owner survived WWII internment thanks to neighbors, ending at East Street Pier overlooking Pennock Island, Tongass National Forest, and the cruise ships.

Get acquainted with Anchorage without the hassle of planning transportation between its top attractions. This guided sightseeing tour connects key landmarks, scenic viewpoints, and cultural stops while your guide shares the city’s history and local insights. Keep watch for wildlife, including moose, as you explore beyond downtown for a broader look at Alaska’s largest city.

Experience Alaska through the eyes of a local with this Sights of Sitka tour, which stops at three of the area's top destinations. Start at the Fortress of the Bear, a rescue facility where you can see rescued Black and Brown bears. From there, head to the Alaskan Raptor Center to view birds of prey before visiting the Sitka National Historical Park. The park is home to Tlingit and Haida Totem poles, as well as a cultural center where you can learn about Indigenous history.

Discover the winter sightseeing gems of Fairbanks on this 5.5-hour city tour. If you can, snap a shot with Mr. and Mrs. Claus at the Santa Claus home, learn about the engineering feat that is the Trans-Alaska Pipeline and and visit the Morris Thompson Cultural Museum. At the Museum of the North (Mon-Sat) and the Antique Auto Museum (Sundays only), experience the history, culture and craftsmanship of Fairbanks.

Ketchikan is now the home of the most dynamic experience in Alaska combining culture, history, excitement, and cuisine! This tour is in scenic downtown Ketchikan in the Thomas Basin historic district, home to the Salmon Fishing Fleet and Crab Fishing Boats. You will be hosted at the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show Arena and Harbor Haus Pavilion, landmarks of industry, food, and entertainment. Your tour starts at the historic site of the Spruce Mill, once the largest Sitka Spruce Mill in the World and now the home to the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show. This world-famous Lumberjack Show has World Champion athletes in a rowdy, no holds barred competition with twelve events such as chopping, climbing, sawing, axe throwing, and log rolling. Hang on to the edge of your seats for a rowdy good time! Just a few steps away, the Harbor Haus will be your destination to experience the most pristine Dungeness Crab feast. Enjoy an all you can eat Dungeness Crab feast!

Explore Alaska’s largest city while learning about the Dena’ina Athabascan people’s rich cultural heritage. Begin with a downtown tour seeing where Anchorage started along Ship Creek, then visit the Alaska Art Alliance to observe Alaska Native artists practicing traditional carving techniques with ivory, whale bone, and baleen—skills passed down through generations. Continue to the Alaska Native Heritage Center, Alaska’s premier cultural institution, where you’ll explore exhibits, walk among traditional dwellings around Lake Tiulana, and experience live cultural demonstrations including storytelling, traditional dancing, and Native Games. This immersive journey provides authentic insights into both contemporary and traditional Alaska Native cultures. After exploring the Native Heritage Center, you will take the short trip back downtown.

Fairbanks, Alaska is situated right below the Arctic Circle. Embark on a driving tour from the city to explore the area and see how people live in the frozen tundra. Travel along the James Dalton Highway and see the Trans Alaska Pipeline, stop at the Arctic Circle Trading Post, and more. At the endof the day, travel to a remote location for a chance to see the colorful northern lights (not guaranteed).

Punchbowl Glacier is only accessible by helicopter—and combining an aerial approach with a dog sledding session on the snowfield below, plus the chance to drive the sled yourself, is an experience that can't be replicated independently. This tour covers the helicopter flight to the glacier, a sled dog run across the alpine snowfield, and a guide who covers the history of the Iditarod Trail throughout.

Learn more about Indigenous Alaskan culture, past and present, with this small-group tour than you ever could from any old guidebook. See the local wilderness in a whole new light and hear the stories behind the totem poles in the area. Take a scenic tram ride up Mount Roberts, where you find things like a shop and a beer garden to explore, as well as incredible views.

Whale watching and visiting the Mendenhall Glacier are two of the most popular activities around Juneau — they're essential experiences for any local tourist that you won't want to miss. Check them both off your list on this half-day combo tour that includes flexible departure times and round-trip transportation from Mt. Roberts Tramway, making it ideal for a shore excursion or quick trip.

Explore beyond Fairbanks city limits—and enjoy an exciting but relaxing array of activities at the Chena Hot Springs Resort—on this small-group tour. Admire ice sculptures at the Aurora Ice Museum, unwind in the resort’s hot mineral springs, and upgrade to enjoy drinks or a meal on site. If the conditions are right, you can then cap off the experience with a northern lights viewing before returning to your hotel.

Pan for gold near a water wheel and salmon stream in Seward. You’ll learn the art of panning, discover your own Gold Rush experience and keep everything you find! Popular with families with children, this 1-hour experience is offered at various times throughout the day to easily fit your schedule.

Get an insider’s view of Sitka with an insider guide to lead the way on this small-group tour. Listen to engaging commentary on the sites from an informative guide as you head out on the town. Enjoy up-close views of rescued bears at Fortress of the Bear, and take in the scenery at Sitka National Historical Park and admire its towering totem poles.

Explore Alaska’s Arctic on a 16-hour tour from Fairbanks. Travel on the famous Dalton Highway and see the Arctic Circle, Yukon River, Trans-Alaska Pipeline, and miles of rugged Alaskan wilderness. Hear commentary from your guide about the region's history and environment, and receive an official Arctic Circle Adventure Certificate when you cross the Arctic Circle. Perfect for travelers who want to experience this far northern landscape and reach the Arctic Circle, this tour is also a photographer's delight. Includes guide and transportation from central Fairbanks.

The Matanuska Glacier is Alaska's largest glacier accessible by road, and offers the most accessible areas to walk on of any glacier in Alaska. If you don't want to tackle the winter drive yourself, this guided tour can take you there and lead you on a trek across the ice.  Lunch at a local restaurant is included.

Spend three hours exploring the scenic and remote Chichagod Island on this small group tour that showcases life on the tiny island. Learn from your local guide about the Alaskan wilderness and wildlife while you explore this island that's home to the largest concentration of bears on earth. With just 750 residents, you'll feel far off the beaten path on this tour that's perfect for nature lovers.

Embark on an unforgettable private tour of Ketchikan that is customizable to suit your preferences. Uncover the beauty of Alaska's stunning landscapes while traveling in the lap of luxury with a private transportation service that ensures your comfort. Learn about Native Alaskan cultures at Potlatch Totem Park, spot local wildlife such as seals, eagles, and bears at Herring Cove, and get a local perspective on the town while enjoying spectacular views.

The Turnagain Arm in the Gulf of Alaska boasts abundant Alaskan wildlife within easy access of Anchorage. Learn about the local ecosystem from a guide with extensive knowledge of the area as you drive down the peninsula, with opportunities to spot wild animals in their natural environment as you go. Includes a visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center and a drive past the glaciers on Portage Glacier Road.

Alaska's largest glacier accessible by car is located just outside Anchorage, so don't miss the chance to visit during your stay. You'll head to Matanuska Glacier Park to explore this natural wonder with provided ice cleats and a guide.