Portage Glacier Tours and Tickets

Q: How much does it cost to visit Portage Glacier in 2026?

There is no entrance fee to visit Portage Glacier if you walk the Portage Pass Trail to see it up close or admire views of it from across Portage Lake. Tours that combine transportation from Anchorage, a cruise, and other attractions cost from US$235, while self-guided audio driving tours begin around US$40.

Q: How long is Portage Glacier?

The exact length of the Portage Glacier is difficult to measure (as the glacier fluctuates in size), but it is estimated to be around 6 miles (10 kilometers) long and is 10 stories high. Its impressive scale and proximity to Anchorage make it one of Alaska’s top tourist attractions.

Q: Can you touch the Portage Glacier?

That depends. While it’s impossible to walk on the glacier itself, this active glacier regularly “calves” chunks of ice into Portage Lake. If you head to the nearby Begich, Boggs Visitor Center, rangers regularly share samples of that ice for visitors to touch (and even taste).

Q: Can I walk on Portage Glacier?

Generally, no. The only official trail close to Portage Glacier is the 2-mile (3-kilometer) Portage Pass Trail, which offers excellent views but doesn’t lead up to the glacier itself. While some intrepid hikers cross Lake Portage when it freezes in the winter to reach the glacier, that’s risky and not recommended.

Q: Is Portage Glacier melting?

Yes and no. Portage Glacier has fluctuated throughout the years, advancing and retreating in different phases. Over the last century, the glacier has retreated significantly, revealing Portage Lake and disappearing from view from the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center, although its current position hasn’t changed significantly since 1999.

Q: Can you drive to Portage Glacier from Anchorage?

Yes, you can drive up to the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center. The journey takes roughly one hour via AK-1 S and is considered one of the most scenic drives in the U.S. However, if you wish to see the glacier itself, you’ll need to embark on a boat trip or hike.

Q: What are the best attractions in Anchorage other than Portage Glacier?

There are tons of fun things to do when you're done visiting Portage Glacier. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in Anchorage:<ul><li><a href="/Anchorage-attractions/Alaska-Wildlife-Conservation-Center/d4152-a14054" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center</a></li><li><a href="/Anchorage-attractions/Matanuska-Glacier/d4152-a14055" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Matanuska Glacier</a></li><li><a href="/Anchorage-attractions/Lake-Hood/d4152-a22951" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Lake Hood</a></li><li><a href="/Anchorage-attractions/Denali/d4152-a14056" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Denali</a></li><li><a href="/Anchorage-attractions/Cook-Inlet/d4152-a14061" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Cook Inlet</a></li></ul>View Viator's guide to <a href="/Anchorage/d4152" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">all the best attractions in Anchorage</a>.

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Portage Glacier Cruise Experience 1 hr drive from Anchorage

Just an hour’s scenic drive from Anchorage along the breathtaking Seward Highway, Portage Glacier offers an unforgettable Alaskan adventure. Board the M/V Ptarmigan, a custom-built sightseeing vessel designed for optimal glacier viewing, including a heated cabin with expansive windows and an open-air top deck. During the one-hour cruise, you’ll glide across the waters of Portage Lake, journeying past cascading waterfalls and steep mountain cliffs. Get up close to the towering wall of Portage Glacier, and with a bit of luck, witness the thrilling sight (and sound!) of calving ice. A U.S. Forest Service ranger provides expert narration, sharing fascinating insights into the area's history, geology, and wildlife. This budget-friendly and family-friendly tour operates daily from mid-May to mid-September, with five departures to fit your schedule. This is the perfect stop to experience one of the state's most iconic glaciers. Please note: Transportation to/from Anchorage NOT INCLUDED

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Portage Glacier Cruise Experience 1 hr drive from Anchorage

1 hourFree Cancellation

4.8

(29)

from $59

Portage Glacier Express with Van Transfer from Anchorage

Depart downtown Anchorage for a fast and scenic getaway to one of Alaska’s most iconic and accessible glaciers. Travel along the breathtaking Turnagain Arm and into Portage Valley, surrounded by towering peaks, hanging glaciers, and lush temperate rainforest. Upon arriving at Portage Lake, board the MV Ptarmigan for an unforgettable one-hour cruise across iceberg-dotted waters to the towering face of Portage Glacier. While conditions on the lake can vary, the journey offers unparalleled views of the glacier and surrounding landscape. Throughout the cruise, onboard deckhand staff provide engaging narration about the area’s glacial history, wildlife, and natural features. With round-trip transportation included and a total duration of just 3.5 hours, the Portage Glacier Express delivers a high-impact Alaska experience perfect for guests with limited time or anyone wanting a quick, immersive adventure from Anchorage.

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Portage Glacier Express with Van Transfer from Anchorage

3 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

5.0

(3)

from $123

Wildlife Conservation Center & Portage Valley Glaciers

4 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.8

(151)

from $119

Glaciers and Wildlife: Super Scenic Day Tour from Anchorage

Be awed by supersized glaciers and the hardy wildlife of the tundra on this full-day tour through the rugged Alaskan wilderness. Departing from Anchorage, drive along a scenic byway to the Turnagain Arm of the Cook Inlet, framed by the dramatic Chugach and Kenai mountain ranges. Cruise on the lake that laps against the ancient blue ice of Portage Glacier, stop for lunch at a cozy lodge, and get an up-close look at Alaskan wildlife such as caribou, musk ox, and lynk at a conservation center.

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Glaciers and Wildlife: Super Scenic Day Tour from Anchorage

8 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(305)

from $235

Likely to Sell Out

Wildlife and Glaciers with a walk in the Rainforest

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.

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Wildlife and Glaciers with a walk in the Rainforest

4 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.7

(741)

from $149

Summer - Wilderness, Wildlife, Glacier Experience from Anchorage

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.

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Summer - Wilderness, Wildlife, Glacier Experience from Anchorage

6 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(3,203)

from $200

Portage Glacier Cruise and Wildlife Explorer Tour

5 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.8

(395)

from $239

Whittier to Anchorage Cruise Transfer & Wildlife Tour

Experience the best of Alaska’s wildlife and natural treasures in a day during this curated tour from your cruise port in Whittier. Highlights include stopping at a wildlife conservation center, home to hundreds of species, and a hike to Byron Glacier. Side step the long bus lines at the cruise port and instead ride in comfort and style as you wind around scenic valleys and coastal roads.

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Whittier to Anchorage Cruise Transfer & Wildlife Tour

6 hoursFree Cancellation

4.8

(38)

from $197

See the Portage Glacier on a small-group tour from Anchorage. Follow the scenic Seward Parkway through the breathtaking landscape of the Turnagain Arm waterway, stopping at Beluga Point and the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge to look for wildlife. Take a cruise on Portage Lake to observe the Portage Glacier up close, then check out wild animals that are being rehabilitated at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. Stop for provided light snacks and water in the town of Girdwood near Mt. Alyeska and take in the Chugach Mountains.

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Glacier & Wildlife Discovery Tour

6 to 7 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(158)

from $249

Self-Guided Seward Hwy Audio Drive: Anchorage to Seward

Drive along the Anchorage to Seward Scenic Drive, where glaciers meet the sea and wildlife thrives in Kenai Fjords National Park. This route is renowned for its stunning landscapes, from majestic mountains to pristine coastlines. Along the way, explore the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, home to bears, moose, and more. The drive also takes you through the serene Portage Valley and alongside the Resurrection River, offering some of the best views of Alaska’s untouched wilderness. Purchase one tour per car, not per person! After booking, check your email/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, & enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want. This is not an entrance ticket to attractions along the route. Check opening hours before your visit.

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Self-Guided Seward Hwy Audio Drive: Anchorage to Seward

2 to 3 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(2)

from $20

Per group

Special Offer

Anchorage Self-Guided Tour: Discover Glaciers & Alaska's Frontier

Discover the raw, untamed beauty of Alaska on this self-guided tour through Anchorage and the Kenai Peninsula. From the urban trails of Alaska's largest city to the towering blue ice of Exit Glacier, this tour takes you through some of North America's most spectacular wilderness. Begin in downtown Anchorage, where moose wander through city parks, then drive south along the stunning Seward Highway as it hugs the dramatic coastline of Turnagain Arm. Watch for beluga whales in the silty waters below and Dall sheep on the rocky cliffs above. Continue to the Kenai Peninsula, where ancient glaciers calve into turquoise lakes. Visit historic gold mining sites, walk among rescued wildlife at a conservation center, and stand at the edge of a glacier that has been retreating for centuries. Whether you seek adventure, wildlife encounters, or the peace of vast Alaskan landscapes, this tour delivers an authentic experience of the Last Frontier at your own pace.

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Anchorage Self-Guided Tour: Discover Glaciers & Alaska's Frontier

8 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

from

Likely to Sell Out

Turnagain Arm, Wildlife Center & Glaciers: Small-Group Tour

Six hours, one unforgettable road. This small-group tour (14 guests max) trades the big motorcoach for a comfortable Mercedes Sprinter and a born-and-raised Alaskan guide who's been driving Turnagain Arm his whole life. Heading south from Anchorage, the Seward Highway squeezes between the Chugach Mountains and the sea. We pull off at Beluga Point to glass the water for beluga whales and the cliffs for Dall sheep and bald eagles. Then it's on to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, where rescued bears, moose, bison, caribou, and muskox live in big natural enclosures — your best shot at photographing all of Alaska's icons in one afternoon. Lunch happens like a local: Girdwood Brewing Company, in a mountain ski town, with rotating Alaska food trucks. We finish in Portage Valley with views of Explorer and Byron Glaciers and a short walk through mossy rainforest before heading home. Small van, real Alaskan, flexible stops when wildlife appears. Come see the Alaska between the postcards.

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Turnagain Arm, Wildlife Center & Glaciers: Small-Group Tour

6 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(321)

from $130

NEW: Turnagain Arm: Glacier Cruise, Wildlife Center & Aerial Tram

The Turnagain Arm Full-Day Tour is an easy-going journey along one of the world's most scenic highways. It’s designed for those who prefer breathtaking scenery and wildlife encounters over long, steep mountain hikes. This trip offers many scenic photo opportunities, so bring a camera and get ready to capture some of Alaska’s must-do experiences, all in one day The three stops include 1) Portage Glacier Cruise! 2) Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center! 3) Alyeska Aerial Tram Come join us for an unforgettable full-day tour down the Turnagain Arm.

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NEW: Turnagain Arm: Glacier Cruise, Wildlife Center & Aerial Tram

8 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(3)

from $389

Self Guided Driving Audio Tour: Anchorage to Seward

Download GuideAlong’s self-guided driving audio tour of the Seward Highway as you drive between Anchorage and Seward. Visit Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, ride the Alyeska Aerial Tram (Girdwood), stop at Tern Lake and Summit Lake, and walk to Exit Glacier near Kenai Fjords National Park. Along the way, hear stories of Native cultures, earthquakes, salmon runs, and Turnagain Arm wildlife, and audio plays automatically as you drive. Start anywhere, either direction. Enjoy the freedom to explore offline at your own pace, spending more time at places that interest you and bypassing any that don’t. Stories, tips, and directions play automatically based on your location Travel at your own pace Tour offline using GPS. No cell service or WiFi is needed Suggested itineraries for half, full, or multi-day use No time limits or expiry, and free updates Like having a tour guide along for the drive Purchase one tour per vehicle.

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Self Guided Driving Audio Tour: Anchorage to Seward

2 to 3 hoursFree Cancellation

from $17

Per group

Seward to Anchorage Cruise Transfer & Wildlife Tour

Transform your Seward-Anchorage transfer into yet another unforgettable Alaskan adventure. This intimate VIP tour—via luxury Mercedes Sprinter—showcases Alaska's finest: meet rescued wildlife at the Conservation Center, explore the majestic Byron Glacier, and spot Dall sheep at Beluga Point. Enjoy personalized guidance, optional lunch in Girdwood, and flexible drop-off, all while traveling in executive comfort.

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Seward to Anchorage Cruise Transfer & Wildlife Tour

7 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(169)

from $227

Anchorage to Seward Cruise Transfer & Wildlife Tour

6 hoursFree Cancellation

4.8

(64)

from $227

Alaska Road Trip: Anchorage, Seward, Homer & Denali Audio Tour

Hit the road with the Alaska Self-Guided Bundle, including tours for Anchorage, Seward, Homer, and Denali. Cruise the Seward Highway for glacier views, coastal wildlife, and big mountain scenery, then follow the Sterling Highway through turquoise lakes and Kenai Peninsula towns to Homer. From Anchorage, head north on the Parks Highway via Eagle River, the Mat-Su Valley, and Talkeetna to Denali State Park and Denali National Park. Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together! After booking, you can check your email before downloading the Tour Guide App by Action, entering your unique password, and accessing your tour. The preceding steps require good internet/Wi-Fi access. Simply follow the audio instructions and the route from there. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want. This is not an entrance ticket to attractions along the route. Check opening hours before your visit.

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Alaska Road Trip: Anchorage, Seward, Homer & Denali Audio Tour

8 to 10 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(1)

from $40

Per group

Likely to Sell Out

Summer Northern Lights Sightseeing Tour

2 hours 59 minutesFree Cancellation

4.1

(22)

from $175

Alaska Wildlife Visit and Glacier Cruise Adventure

7 to 8 hours

5.0

(16)

from $259

Likely to Sell Out

Stunning Turnagain Arm Tour: "A Must See Destination"

4 hoursFree Cancellation

4.5

(75)

from $79

Turnagain Arm and Portage Valley Private Tour

8 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(9)

from $1,288

Per group

Bears & Beers Tasting Tour out of Anchorage

Explore Alaska's stunning wildlife and natural beauty on this immersive tour. Visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to see bears and other native animals, then journey through the scenic Portage Glacier area with high hanging glaciers , perfect for capturing breathtaking photos and, during certain seasons, witnessing the salmon spawn. Afterward, relax in Girdwood with a local brewery tour and tasting at the base of Alyeska Ski Resort. At the brewery they have some great food trucks. Seasonal highlights may include spotting Beluga whales or the captivating Bore Tide. - Wildlife viewing at Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center - Scenic drive through Portage Glacier with photo stops - Brewery tour and tasting included (staff permitting)must have an ID for alcohol. - Snacks and water provided in the van, with hotel pick-up in Anchorage

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Bears & Beers Tasting Tour out of Anchorage

6 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(6)

from $239

Likely to Sell Out

Wildlife Conservation Center and Portage Glacier Lake Viewing

This is an amazing way to be guaranteed to see many of Alaska's most sought after wildlife in a safe and animal friendly park! The bears are adorable, but trust me, seeing a bear in the wild can be a pretty intimidating. Much of Alaska's wildlife you will never see and even the moose, which are super common, visitors can go days or even weeks without seeing one and sometimes you'll see a few in any given day but visiting Alaska's Wildlife Conservation Center guarantees you'll see these animals and so many more! Licensed by Alaska's Transportation Department, this is for 3 - 10 people because of the way the Viator commissions and Park fees work, if you are just one or two people you can still book the tour but I need to charge for 3 - 10 people to make it feasible, if that makes sense.

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Wildlife Conservation Center and Portage Glacier Lake Viewing

3 to 4 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(7)

from $575

Refined Alaskan Escape: Private, Custom Journey with Local Expert

from $1,599

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What are people saying about Portage Glacier

Portage Glacier Cruise and Wildlife Explorer Tour

Jeanine_S, Jun 2026

Behold the Beauty of Alaska!

Our excursion was an absolutely wonderful experience. Our guide, Brad, was very knowledgable of the history and sites and his stories about Alaska made the trip all that more memorable. The beautiful expanse of the Alaskan mountain ranges and the Turn Again Arm were breathtaking to see. The Portage Glacier was a wonder to behold. I would highly recommend this adventure for anyone visiting Anchorage, Alaska.

Glacier & Wildlife Discovery Tour

ANNA_M, Jul 2026

Excellent experience...

Excellent experience from start to finish! The glacier tour was well organized, breathtaking, and truly unforgettable. The guides were friendly, knowledgeable, and made the entire trip enjoyable while ensuring everyone’s safety. The scenery was absolutely stunning, and every moment felt worth it. I highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for an amazing glacier adventure!

Glacier & Wildlife Discovery Tour

Maria_A, Jul 2026

Very exciting

Fun!!! Make sure to keep your eyes peeled when on the roads. The tour guide was so much fun and was super helpful and showed us everything and answered all our questions

Portage Glacier Cruise and Wildlife Explorer Tour

Betty_S, Jul 2026

Portage Glacier and wildlife park.

Nice ride out of anchorage, great scenery, loved the boat tour. Driver was on time, polite, and knowledgeable!

Turnagain Arm and Portage Valley Private Tour

Christopher_H, Aug 2023

Great personalized tour!

Other than a hiccup with the dining at the top of the tram not being available, we had a great day on Turnagain Arm. Dawn was a wonderful guide--offered good information along the way but also was sensitive to our need for "quiet time" as we were tired from two weeks of traveling in Alaska. Good balance overall, and a gorgeous day to see Portage Glacier!

Portage Glacier

5.0

(5,135)

Anchorage

Know before you go

Portage Glacier is a must-see for any first-time visitor to Anchorage.
Be sure to dress in layers; it can get chilly out on the water.
Tours to the Portage Glacier typically include a one-hour cruise.
Most tours include round-trip transportation from Anchorage.

Portage Glacier Tours and Tickets

25 results

What are people saying about Portage Glacier

Portage Glacier

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