Top Anchorage Nature and Wildlife Tours

Embark on a captivating journey along the Turnagain Arm scenic drive, where opportunities to spot Dall sheep and Beluga whales abound. Capture stunning photographs as you immerse yourself in the beauty of Alaska's landscape. Visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to encounter and learn about remarkable Alaskan wildlife. Continue to Portage Glacier Lake for additional scenic views and potential surprise stops for lunch. Conclude your adventure with a delightful wine tasting experience back in Anchorage before returning to your hotel. - Scenic drive featuring potential wildlife sightings along Turnagain Arm - Visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center for a close encounter with local wildlife - Photo opportunities at Portage Glacier Lake and surprise stops along the route - Tour duration is approximately 5-6 hours, with longer options for wildlife sightings

This daytime winter tour explores the natural beauty of the Anchorage area, providing access to stunning landscapes and wildlife opportunities. This tour is perfect for for sightseers and photographers alike. No photography experience needed! Explore the beauty of winter, from frosty woods to ice falls, snow-covered mountains to coastal sunsets, as you visit 4-5 different locations. Destinations can include Chugach State Park, Turnagain Arm, and the Cook Inlet coast. Departure times vary according to timing of sunset, and throughout the tour, you’ll be offered creative and technical support by your Alaska Photo Treks guide. This winter photo tour is fun for everyone, from casual picture-takers using cell phone cameras to avid photographers with high-end gear, and it’s a great way to see the beauty of winter while developing your photography skills. Book it at the start of your Alaska trip so you can learn tools to help you better document and enjoy the rest of your Alaska vacation!

New in 2023! This full-day tour transverses a glacier feed river as it meanders through a glacier-carved valley. It is not uncommon to see a whole host of wildlife that frequents the river system as we paddle our way through the rivers meandering course. You will find salmon swimming under your paddle craft as they migrate to their spawning grounds. Also, expect to see ducks and eagles fly overhead and maybe even find a moose standing in the water eating a meal. This tour starts by paddling across Jim Lake and then a short overland portage into Jim Creek. Finally, exit on the beach of the Knik River that flows from the Knik Glacier, and while there get some pictures with the glacier in the background. The Knik Glacier is the headwaters of the Knik River and is the largest glacier in Southcentral Alaska. From there we will continue downriver to the mouth of the Knik arm of the Cook Inlet.

Meet the animals of Alaska on a half-day tour from Anchorage. Travel down the gorgeous Seward Parkway along the Turnagain Arm waterway to viewpoints including Bird Point and Beluga Point. Take in the breathtaking scenery, then continue to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. Go inside the sprawling nature preserve for injured animals to view large land animals, such as fox, lynx, grizzly bear, caribou, wood bison and more up close.

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.

Turn your Anchorage trip into a worry-free day of adventure into Alaskan nature with this private half-day tour. Picked up by your personal driver, you’ll head for the famous Turnagain Arm, driving down one of Alaska’s most famous scenic roads. You’ll spot wildlife and glaciers, get views of Chugach State Park, and—since this is your trip—spend your time as you choose.

This is a great daytime or evening tour. If you are looking to explore and experience local history and see some of the sites that are north of Anchorage, Hatchers pass is a great opportunity! Take advantage of the long summer days in Alaska and go out on this excursion in the evening. This is a great sunset drive up 4000 feet in elevation. Along the way there is a good chance of spotting moose, seeing our wildflowers in the summer and there's always the possibility of seeing a black bear! Along the way I will tell you all about the exciting history of Alaska!

Get out and see for yourself how Alaska’s adventures don’t play by the Lower 48’s rules. On this private, guided tour, you’ll head to Chugach State Park—comparable to any national park in the country. Across seven hours of moderate-to-strenuous hiking, you’ll spot alpine lakes, wander along glacial rivers, climb craggy mountainsides, and follow as your guide pinpoints all that’s wild and wonderful in this untamed land.

Explore the snow-covered wilderness of the Glen Alps in Chugach State Park on this private advanced snowshoe tour. Follow your naturalist guide through alpine meadows and hemlock forests, admire views of Anchorage Bowl, Cook Inlet, and glacial valleys, and watch for wildlife. Snowshoes provided, with gaiters, poles, and daypack available by request.

Discover Alaska's stunning landscapes on this scenic tour from Anchorage to Seward. Stop at notable spots like Earthquake Park and Potter Marsh Bird Sanctuary, and enjoy breathtaking views along the National Scenic Seward Highway. Get up close with wildlife at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, then explore Exit Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park before reaching Seward. - Travel along the picturesque National Scenic Seward Highway - Visit Earthquake Park and Potter Marsh Bird Sanctuary - Encounter Alaska’s wildlife at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center - Explore Exit Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park before your Seward drop-off

Explore the musk ox farm in Matanuska Valley on this small group tour from Anchorage. You’ll take a walk on the farm, learning about the history and importance of the animals and qiviut, its fine wool, as you go. You’ll have round-trip transfers from Anchorage, too, some lovely scenery along the way.

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.

Explore Whittier’s highlights with this private tour and transfer package. After pickup at the Whittier Cruise Terminal, see popular sites including Portage Valley, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, Bird Point, Beluga Point, and enjoy a tour of the city of Anchorage. At the end of the day, get dropped off at your hotel or the airport.

Travel along the Turnagain Arm on a round-trip journey from Anchorage to Seward aboard the Coastal Classic Train. Make the most of your chance to admire the rugged coastline, Chugach Mountains, river canyons, glaciers, waterfalls, and backcountry wilderness on one of the Alaska Railroad's most scenic sections. Enjoy free time in Seward before the return ride in the evening.

Follow the story of the Mat-Su Valley from mountain pass to hometown streets on this relaxed heritage day trip. Travel from Anchorage into Hatcher Pass to explore the preserved Independence Mine and hear how mining and early settlement shaped the region. Then return to downtown Palmer to slow down over lunch at Palmer Alehouse, with an included tasting flight (or a non-alcoholic option). With scenic views throughout and time to enjoy each stop, this tour blends history, landscape, and local flavor in one easy day.

Discover the stunning beauty of Alaska from the sky on a thrilling helicopter ride that includes two unforgettable landings. This Glacier Discovery Tour takes you above the breathtaking landscapes of Girdwood Valley and the Chugach backcountry, giving you the chance to explore a giant glacier and a scenic mountain ridge. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife as you soar over majestic mountains and expansive glaciers. Perfect for anyone looking for an easy yet exhilarating experience, this tour promises incredible views and ample photo opportunities. - 1.5-hour duration with two glacier landings for exploration - Easy activity level; suitable for all adventurous travelers - Scenic views of glaciers and wildlife while flying - Year-round availability with expert pilots guiding the adventure

The opportunities for adventure in Alaska are endless, so visitors on tight schedules might have difficulty fitting in everything. You'll paddle around icebergs in Spencer Glacier Lake and enjoy views of hanging glaciers, cascading waterfalls, and more on a train ride through Grandview, the most scenic section of the Alaska Railroad.

See the sites from Anchorage to Whittier with just your family and friends on this private tour that includes a cruise transfer. With your group of up to nine people, soak up spectacular views along Turnagain Arm, Bird Point, the Alyeska Scenic Tramway, and Portage Lake. Throughout the day, keep watch for wildlife sightings of Dall sheep, mountain goats, beluga whales, black bears and moose. You set the itinerary and schedule. This tour is available traveling from Whittier to Anchorage as well. Note: Price is per tour, not per guest. Order "1" adult for all ages and group sizes from 1 to 9 guests.

Alaska is full of amazing wildlife and scenery. Only a small portion of this amazing state can be seen from a road. Alaska however has some amazing waterways that get a traveler away from the road and out into the wild. This lazy river float is for people who have little to no experience kayaking, and or are concerned about a long-distance paddling adventure. As we go with the river flow. We also get to experience the majestic Pioneer Peak from many different angles as we float across its base. So whether you are looking for wildlife or scenery this trip is a great way to experience both.

If you've already seen the sights, try this one-of-a-kind tour from Anchorage or Talkeetna, which is unlike any other. In the company of a skilled forager, you'll spend time hiking, foraging for wild greens, fungi and berries and cooking your freshly-foraged ingredients backcountry style. Enjoy an ancient activity while learning new skills.

Easily as beautiful as any national park, Chugach State Park is a must-see for any Alaskan visitor—and Barbara Falls is one of its crown jewels. In winter, the crowds dissipate and the cascade freezes up, making for an incredible winter-wonderland experience (and spectacular photos). Just minutes away from the trailhead, this experience is suitable for all hikers, children, and anyone who can bundle up and appreciate Alaska’s great outdoors.

The Seward Highway ranks among America’s most breathtaking drives. On this self-guided driving tour, you’ll go beyond landscapes that embody Alaska’s rugged character and natural beauty. You’ll follow a historic route that echoes the pioneering spirit of the Last Frontier, where each mile holds stories of those who carved a path through untamed wilderness. The tour begins at Potter Marsh on the outskirts of Anchorage and ends in downtown Seward, next to Resurrection Bay’s shoreline. Along the way, Jan and Stan, longtime Alaska residents, will bring the highway’s history to life, sharing fascinating tales of this historic route that connects Anchorage to the Kenai Peninsula. You’ll take in breathtaking views of Turnagain Arm while learning about its dramatic bore tides and the endangered beluga whales that navigate these silty waters. Along the Seward Highway, you’ll have the chance to spot dall sheep on the cliffs, the only place in Alaska where they’re regularly seen near sea level.

Avoid the disappointment of returning from your Alaska vacation with sub-par photographs. This photo safari, led by a professional photographer, helps you to improve your photography by providing technical and creative tips and tricks as you explore Anchorage's wild surroundings under the summer sunset.