Top Alaska Historical Tours

Discover Skagway’s rich Gold Rush history and stunning natural beauty on this comprehensive 2.5 to 3 hour scenic tour, led by a locally owned, owner-operated company and a year-round resident guide. Travel through town and beyond with someone who lives and works here, sharing the stories, history, and local insight that bring this place to life. This tour is perfect for first-time visitors and cruise passengers with limited time, ensuring you experience the best of Skagway while still having time to explore on your own. Tour Highlights Duration: Approximately 2.5 to 3 hours with light walking Locally owned, owner-operated tour led by a year-round resident Small group size for a more personal, well-managed experience Scenic stops include the Gold Rush Cemetery, Reid Falls, Pitchfork Falls, Klondike Highway, and scenic overlooks Photo stop at the iconic “Welcome to Alaska” sign Convenient meeting location near the cruise docks at Centennial Statue Park

Learn more about Fairbanks’ intriguing culture and history on a small-group sightseeing tour. Browse the exhibits at the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitor Center and the Museum of the North, where you find contemporary art, natural history, and an intriguing sound room. See the Alyeska Pipeline from the viewing point and pay a visit to Santa Claus at the North Pole. Note that the itinerary may change seasonally.

You’ll explore Fairbanks in a way that’s personal, flexible, and heartfelt, laughs, stories, and real connections included. This isn’t a rushed checklist of stops, it’s a chance to experience the city’s true spirit with a local guide who loves sharing it. From meeting Santa and his reindeer to snapping selfies at the Alaska Pipeline, browsing local art and culture, fueling up with local fudge and coffee, and diving into history at the Museum of the North you’ll see why Fairbanks is called the Golden Heart City. We’ll finish with a stop at the Great Alaska Bowl Company, where handmade craftsmanship meets the perfect souvenir. This is the Heart of Fairbanks tour where reindeer and culture meet coffee and laughs bundled with Alaskan Charm. Embrace the unknown, let your bucket list be your compass and I’ll be your guide.

Experience up-close views of glaciers and wildlife of Kenai Fjords National Park on this cruise. Enjoy 100 miles (round-trip) of jaw-dropping scenery as the captain and crew explain the surrounding geology and wildlife. Sail past the majestic Holgate Glacier and witness chunks of glaciers break off and crash into the water. Get your camera out near Chiswell Islands, home to thousands of nesting seabirds. In addition to the sights, enjoy a complimentary brunch or deli lunch.

Hop aboard a red trolley in downtown Anchorage during this deluxe city tour, focused on local culture and history. See top landmarks including Earthquake Park, Lake Hood Harbor, and the Alaska Railroad Depot. Get off the trolley at designated photo stops and ask your guide questions to learn more. Watch seaplanes land on Lake Hood and keep an eye out for wildlife like moose during the tour.

Kennecott, Alaska is a ghost town frozen in time. When the Kennecott Copper Corporation abruptly abandoned the town in 1938, they left behind their equipment, buildings, and personal belongings; yet, their stories of discovery, perseverance, and ingenuity live on! St. Elias Alpine Guides holds the exclusive concession with the National Park Service, and access to the 14-story Concentration Mill is only possible through this tour. Come see what it was like to live and work in this remote wilderness as you tour the town site with one of our knowledgeable guides. Listen to tales of lucky fortunes, tenacious frontiersmen, and tragic endings. Gain exclusive access to explore inside the 14-story mill building and several other historic buildings when you join our tour! Our 2-hour historic Mill Town Tour is a must-do for anyone visiting Kennecott, Alaska!

Alaska's dramatic glaciers are best experienced up close, and this full-day tour takes you right to them. Heading out from Juneau on a purpose-built expedition vessel, explore the Tracy Arm Wilderness Area from a vantage point on the water—a perspective many travelers miss. Snap photos of pristine scenery and experience the area's natural wonders from the comfort of the boat during this 8.5-hour adventure.

Your three-hour cruise will take you into the heart of Alaska and introduce you to a family who has made the rivers of Alaska a way of life for five generations. You will see a bush floatplane takeoff alongside the boat, visit the home and kennels of the late four-time Iditarod winner Susan Butcher and see her champion sled dogs in action. Be immersed into the ancient Athabascan Indian culture when our Alaskan Native Guides take you on a personalized tour of the Chena Indian Village. The Binkley family invites you to experience a slice of Alaskan life!

Come join us on a 2.5 hour experience of Sitka's highlights, history and breathtaking views! One of Sitka's highlights that we'll take you to is the Fortress of the Bear. A non-profit bear rescue sanctuary for orphaned bear cubs. You will have the opportuntity to see five Coastal Brown Bear and three Black Bear! Another highlight included in the tour is Sitka National Historical Park. This stop dives into Sitka's Russian and Alaskan Native history depicted from the totem poles. The guide takes you to see multiple totem poles while sharing some of Sitka's history along the way. This is a great stop for photos of Sitka's forest, history and shore line view of our rocky beaches. This is a mild walking stop on the tour. Gentle reminder that we are not ADA accessible. Our last stop is on Japonski Island, a small island that connects to our main island by bridge. Japonski Island has our WW2 history, Rocky Gutierrez airport, Coast Guard Air Station/boat station and scenic photo stops.

Immerse yourself in the Alaskan wilderness on a cruise through the Kenai Fjords National Park from Seward. Aboard a warm and spacious vessel, cruise past alpine and tidewater glaciers among the fjords and try your luck spotting wildlife like whales, sea lions, and birds. Enjoy a delicious lunch onboard and visit the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge for great views of seabird rookeries.

Get acquainted with Ketchikan on a tour on a state-of-the-art amphibious vehicle that goes on land and water. This excursion combines a vehicle and boat tour to reveal the city from two perspectives. Take a tour of Ketchikan's rustic streets before splashing into the harbor for a different perspective of "Alaska's First City." Stop often to marvel at the beauty of it all, including the many gorgeous totem poles.

Discover the best of Ketchikan on this full-day tour, featuring stunning wildlife and cultural highlights. Visit the salmon-filled Ketchikan Creek, explore Rotary Beach for sea creatures and potential whale sightings, and spot seals, eagles, and bears at Herring Cove. Conclude with a visit to Saxman Native Village to admire one of Alaska's largest totem pole collections and learn about indigenous traditions.

Avoid the hassle of renting a car during your time in Sitka and take a private taxi tour of the area. Customize your itinerary and visit the places that interest you the most or let your driver suggest some off-the-beaten-path locations. Choose to visit the Fortress of the Bear, Totem Park, Baranof Castle, the raptor center, and much more.

Join one of the fun-loving madams on a 2 hour guided walking tour of Skagway’s historic streets and back alleys. Where women of the evening brushed shoulders with gold hungry men. Stories of Klondike Kate, Cad Wilson and Diamond Lil depict the adventurous, lusty, and sometimes tragic lives of hundreds of women who stampeded north. Your tour will visit several cribs and districts, culminating with a stop at the restored Brothel Museum, located above the Saloon. Here, join a champagne toast and explore the halls and bedrooms of this celebrated brothel, observing original relics and images of the ladies who worked there. And you might even catch a glimpse of the resident ghost, Lydia! Notes: - 2 hour guided walking tour through Skagway’s historic streets - Visit the renowned Brothel Museum and enjoy a champagne toast - Recommended for ages 14 and up; minors must be with an adult - Climb 25 steps to reach the museum on the second floor

Experience the thrill of Alaska’s gold mining history at Gold Dredge 8! Start with an up-close look at the Trans-Alaska Pipeline and discover the story behind its construction and operation. Then, climb aboard a replica of the Tanana Valley Railroad and enjoy entertaining stories from the conductor about the thousands of prospectors who flocked to the gold fields during the gold rush. Your scenic train ride delivers you straight to Gold Camp, where you can explore the dredge and try your hand at gold panning—with gold guaranteed! Enjoy complimentary coffee and freshly baked cookies in the gift shop, and immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and stories of Alaska’s gold rush before returning to the station.

See the best of Anchorage's highlights in one efficient morning or afternoon tour. Learn more about the city's culture, history, and wildlife, without missing the surrounding viewpoints and scenic photo ops. Your guide knows all the best places to visit and all the most interesting things to see, leading your small-group on a concise route around the local area. Keep your eyes peeled for moose and other native wildlife species.

Explore the wild beauty of Canada’s Yukon Territory on a scenic half-day minibus shore excursion from Skagway port, which saves you the stress of driving along unfamiliar roads yourself. Travel the historic Klondike Highway, admiring rugged mountains, cascading waterfalls, as someone else focuses on the road, and snap photos of the dramatic Tormented Valley. Ascend to the White Pass summit and watch for wildlife. Don’t forget to bring a valid passport for this cross-border adventure.

Venture into the heart of Alaska on this captivating 3-hour round-trip journey from Skagway, traversing the majestic Klondike Highway. Cross the iconic White Pass and snap a photo at the Welcome to Alaska sign while immersing yourself in the rich history of the Klondike Gold Rush. Your local guide will bring to life the stories of the stampeders who once pursued gold and reveal the charm of historic Skagway, adorned with its preserved wooden storefronts. The tour also includes breathtaking views along Dyea Road, where coastal vistas meet tranquil forested valleys, and offers opportunities for wildlife sightings. - Scenic drive along the legendary Klondike Highway - Cross the White Pass and stop at the Alaska/Yukon border sign - Explore historic Skagway and learn about its gold rush past - Opportunity for wildlife sightings including eagles and bears

While in port, explore Skagway's local highlights and the White Pass Summit during this mini-bus sightseeing shore excursion. Travel along the Klondike highway with sweeping views of coastal rainforest cloaked mountains and rugged mountain valleys. Stops include waterfalls and a classic photo at the ‘Welcome to Alaska’ sign. Breathe in crisp mountain air near the Summit and sweeping dramatic views at Tormented Valley.

Calling all independently-minded travelers for a DIY Jeep tour into the Yukon. This tour, which includes a full-day Jeep rental and a narrated mile-by-mile audio guide, is a great way to venture along the Klondike Highway into the Yukon Territory. Pick up your Jeep at your convenience and travel at your own pace to Emerald Lake and back.

Discover the rich history and culture of Fairbanks on this informative city tour. Visit the Morris Thompson Cultural Center and the Museum of the North to gain insight into the region's heritage. Enjoy scenic views at the Pipeline Viewpoint, and don't miss a stop at the whimsical Santa Claus House where you can find unique souvenirs and snacks. This tour offers a perfect blend of education and enjoyment for all ages, making it ideal for families and history enthusiasts alike. - Explore the Morris Thompson Cultural Center and Museum of the North - Enjoy scenic views from the Pipeline Viewpoint and learn the history of it - Visit the famous Santa Claus House for souvenirs and snacks - Perfect for families and those interested in local history

Experience Alaska’s wildlife and landscapes without planning a complex route from Anchorage on your own. This group tour combines glacier views, mountain scenery, wildlife encounters, and historic stops into one well-rounded day through Chugach National Forest and beyond. Along the way, your guide shares local insight and photography tips to help you get more out of the experience and your photos.

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.