Top Anchorage Full-day Tours

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.

Immerse yourself in Alaska's stunning wilderness and wildlife on this group tour from Anchorage. Explore wildlife at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center and Chugash National Forest, admire glacier views, stop at a historic mining town, and more, with an optional glacier cruise in the summer. Along the way, learn more about the area and learn how to take better photos.

Busy travelers with only one day to spare can see the best of the Alaskan wilderness on a tour that combines a scenic train ride, river float, glacial lake paddle, and a visit to a wildlife conservation center. From taking photos with icebergs to seeing bears at the wildlife center, the mix of activities fulfills visitors’ Alaskan adventure dreams.

We make it easy to see it all in one day! Relax on the coach as the driver guide narrates while you enjoy the beauty of Turnagain Arm. In Whittier, the Glacier Quest Cruise cruises from the quaint seaside town to glacier-filled Blackstone Bay, a dramatic deep-water fjord where two tidewater glaciers and several alpine glaciers await. Keep an eye out for sea otters, Steller sea lions, bears, mountain goats, whales, and more! You will see several glaciers, including Tebenkof Glacier, named for Mikhail Demitrievich Tebenkof, an outstanding surveyor whose maps were the first charts of Alaska’s waters published in 1852. Northland Glacier rests majestically, clinging to the edge of the towering mountain. Blackstone and Beloit are tidewater glaciers that have carved a steep pathway to reach Prince William Sound’s saltwater. Cruise up close to these massive glaciers to watch for telltale signs of movement signaled by the distinct “pop” of glacier ice calving. Return to Anchorage by coach.

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.

Experience the natural wonder of Alaska's Matanuska Glacier with our full-day guided tour. Beginning with a convenient pickup from downtown Anchorage, you'll embark on a scenic two-hour journey, driving through landscapes of towering mountains. Along the way, we'll stop at local eateries, offering you the chance to purchase lunch. Upon reaching the glacier, a seasoned guide will equip you with crampons, making glacier navigation safe and manageable. Then, an all-terrain vehicle will transport you to the glacier's base. Here, you'll set off on foot to explore the glacier's icy expanse, discovering fascinating ice formations and gaining insight into the glacier's natural history from your knowledgeable guide. After this unforgettable experience, we'll journey back to Anchorage, ensuring a comfortable drop-off in downtown. This tour is a perfect blend of adventure, education, and scenic beauty, offering an in-depth encounter with one of Alaska's most impressive glaciers.

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.

Let an insider lead the way around Anchorage on this half-day, small-group tour of the city, featuring stops at must-see attractions including Ship Creek and Alaska Wild Berry Products. Gain a deeper understanding of local culture as you learn the history and folklore behind key Anchorage attractions. With both walking and driving components, you get to stretch your legs and rest. Sample reindeer sausage, smoked salmon, and other local treats.

We make it easy to see it all in one day! Relax on the coach as you enjoy the beauty of Turnagain Arm. On the cruise get ready to view one of the largest concentration of glaciers in Alaska. Weather, ice conditions and wildlife activity changes daily and our captains may adjust the route to provide the best cruise experience while keeping your safety and comfort a top priority. We take pride in ensuring that your time with us is an enjoyable memory that becomes a favorite highlight of your Alaska vacation. We operate first-class catamarans. Due to their dual hull design, these powerful high-speed catamarans are extremely stable and able to smoothly navigate through the narrow fjords and passages that lead us to the face of massive glaciers. By operating safely and efficiently, Phillips Cruises & Tours provides a comfortable cruise and our No Seasickness Guarantee assures nervous cruisers the confidence that they will enjoy our cruise without any unpleasant effects.

This exclusive, small-group hike on the Matanuska Glacier is a once-in-a-lifetime experience which will leave you with a greater appreciation for one of nature’s most fascinating phenomena. Discover your inner glaciologist as you traverse across ice fields, hearing the cracking sounds of the glacier moving, and learn about the makings of the glacier in detail from your expert guide. Round off the adventure with local honey and wine tasting.

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.

Matanuska Glacier is a must-visit when in Anchorage. But, without the right vehicle and equipment, it can be tricky to plan for the adventure. Skip the hassles of logistics and gear with this small-group tour that picks you up in the city and transports you to the glacier, where you can embark on a hike of a few miles.

Explore the rugged wilderness around Anchorage, Alaska with the help of your expert guide on this private tour. Sit back and relax as you go straight from your hotel to a short tour of Anchorage then onto the scenic Glenn Highway. Visit a reindeer farm before heading up into the mountains to the stunning Hatcher Pass. Your day includes a stop in Palmer and a scenic nature stroll before returning to your hotel.

Join us for a guided hike on one of Alaska’s most accessible and scenic glaciers. This full-day tour takes you to the terminus of Matanuska Glacier, where you will meet with a knowledgeable guide who will follow you on a memorable experience you won’t forget. Walk across the glacier as your guide teaches you about the many amazing features and natural history. Take spectacular photos along the way with the ice of the glacier as your backdrop.

Download GuideAlong’s self-guided audio tour bundle for Anchorage to Homer and Seward drives across the Kenai Peninsula. Includes Potter Marsh, Girdwood, and the Alyeska Aerial Tram, Beluga Point, Bird Point, Portage Valley, Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, Kenai River at Cooper Landing, Russian River Falls, Ninilchik, and Homer Spit. GPS-triggered stories play automatically with offline access as you reach Summit Lake, Mount Iliamna Viewpoint, Exit Glacier, and Kenai Fjords National Park. 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.

The Knik Glacier off-roading and hiking tour stands out because it combines two adventures in one—an exciting ride through true Alaskan wilderness in a specially modified Jeep, followed by an up-close hike to one of the state’s most dynamic and impressive glaciers. Unlike crowded trails elsewhere, the Knik area is remote, quiet, and constantly changing, with shifting icebergs, bright blue melt pools, and dramatic mountain views that make every visit unique. Guests get the thrill of rugged off-road travel, the beauty of glacier trekking, and unforgettable photo opportunities—all without needing technical skills—creating an authentic, immersive Alaska experience you won’t find on other tours.

Matanuska Glacier Hike Day Tour Alaska’s largest driveable valley glacier – a stunning frozen wonderland of vivid blue ice caves. Full Service & Professional Guidance Dedicated Driver-Guide: Anchorage downtown round-trip transfers, expert Alaska insights, on-road safety and photo spot recommendations for the 7-8hr journey. Certified Glacier Guide: 2-3hr guided hike with full safety briefings, hands-on crampon/ice axe training, and professional gear (helmet, ice axe, crampons) provided. The guide leads you through hidden blue ice wonders, shares glacier science, and caters to every guest’s pace for a safe, immersive adventure. Unforgettable Experiences Walk on 10,000-year-old ice, touch crystal blue glacier texture, taste pure glacial meltwater, and capture postcard-perfect shots at exclusive viewpoints – no personal professional gear needed, just warm, waterproof clothing! A once-in-a-lifetime Alaska glacier adventure, effortless and extraordinary.

Immerse yourself in Alaska's icy beauty—without the hassle of organizing logistics—with this small-group guided hike on Matanuska Glacier. Departing from Anchorage, enjoy the views en route to the glacier where your guide leads you across the frozen expanse, unraveling the glacier's secrets and geological marvels while you marvel at towering ice formations and navigate crevasses.

Step into Alaska’s frozen heart on the Matanuska Glacier Adventure Tour—a full-day journey that’s as breathtaking as it is unforgettable. Travel in comfort in our new Mercedes Sprinter Vans from Anchorage along the scenic Glenn Highway, where every mile reveals towering peaks and sweeping valley views. Stop in the charming town of Palmer before arriving at the crown jewel of the trip—the mighty Matanuska Glacier. Guided by local experts, you’ll walk across ancient ice, explore glittering blue crevasses, and capture once-in-a-lifetime photos. This moderate adventure blends Alaska’s raw beauty with the thrill of exploration, offering a perfect mix of comfort, discovery, and awe. For travelers who want to feel Alaska—not just see it.

Explore Alaska's Matanuska Glacier without the hassle of navigating unfamiliar roads or finding a mandatory guide. This small-group tour from Anchorage includes a guided hike across the surface of the glacier to see its otherworldly formations up close while learning about its history, size, and scope.

Explore Chugach State Park's Eagle River trail system without the risk of getting lost when you hike on a small-group guided tour. Lovers of the outdoors won't want to miss the opportunity to hike through boreal forests and glaciated valleys, to see where salmon spawn, and to spot wildlife like bears, moose, and birds. Meet your guide at a designated spot and enjoy a moderate five-hour hike.

From Anchorage, your day begins with a picturesque drive to the Sauderland Homestead & Alaska Zipline Adventure Park. Upon arrival, guests check in at either the horse barn or the zipline welcome center. The first activity runs from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, followed by a delicious deli lunch served in a spacious clear-top tent with breathtaking 360-degree views of the Chugach and Talkeetna Mountain ranges. After lunch, the second activity takes place from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Throughout the day, specially designed hummers transport guests between tour locations and the lunch site, ensuring a seamless experience. No matter which activities you choose, your visit highlights the heart of a working ranch operation, carefully curated to showcase the incredible natural beauty and authentic Alaskan lifestyle. This expedition is designed to share the spirit of the Sauderland homestead and the surrounding wilderness with every guest.

Dive into an expedition that showcases the vibrant facets of Anchorage, transitioning seamlessly from urban charm to wild wild life viewing. This tour is an authentic Alaskan experience, blending city exploration with intimate wildlife encounters at the Wildlife Conservation Center. Uncover the city's treasures, from the historical resonance at the Ulu Factory to the aeronautical marvels at Lake Hood. As the cityscape fades, the tranquil realms of the Wildlife Conservation Center beckon. Here, come face-to-face with Alaska's iconic wildlife. Witness bears, moose, elk, caribou, wolves, an experience that's as thrilling as it is enlightening. Our exceptional guides, with a deep-seated passion for Alaska's urban and natural wonders, are your companions in this exciting narrative. This isn't merely a tour; it's your gateway to the heart and soul of the Last Frontier.