Top Anchorage Outdoor Activities

Escape the cruise crowds and experience authentic Alaska in one incredible day. On this small-group tour, you’ll journey from Anchorage—in luxury—to witness Byron Glacier's majesty with an easy, guided walk along the river. Then, you’ll get guaranteed wildlife encounters with bears, moose, and wolves at the Conservation Center. Local guides, hotel pickup, and thoughtful touches make this adventure effortless (and effortlessly unforgettable).

Experience the top attractions of Anchorage through the eyes of a local on this private guided tour. Soak up spectacular views of Anchorage from Earthquake Park and watch pilots expertly land their floatplanes on Lake Hood. At Beluga Point, watch for whales and eagles. Check out Potter’s Marsh and a wildlife refuge, and enjoy more panoramas from Flattop Mountain.

No need to bundle up in the snow to experience dog sledding—on this private tour, you’ll zip through the Alaskan forest on a two-person dog sled, exploring private trails the pups use for their Iditarod training. Afterward, interact with the champion dogs, ask questions, enjoy a complimentary snack, take in the view of Denali, and learn all about this timeless Alaskan tradition. (It’s the official Alaska state sport!)

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.

Go on an outdoor adventure in Alaska with this small-group helicopter tour with a glacier landing. Take off on a scenic flight and admire views of the Knik River on the way to the Knik Glacier. In the summer, land right on the glacier beside a sparkling melt pool and explore the nearby area with your pilot who serves as your guide. In the winter, land in front of the glacier beside its towering ice walls.

Increase your chances of seeing the northern lights by joining this small-group northern lights tour from Anchorage over the summer. Follow your guide, using resources such as weather tracking tools, Kp index, and local knowledge, and travel around in comfort in a private vehicle in search of the northern lights.

Nature lovers can spend the day exploring the Matanuska Glacier on a hiking tour that traverses the glacier’s picturesque terrain. Along the way, your guide teaches you about the dynamic glacial features including seracs, moulons, and crevasses. While it is easy to get views of the glacier on your own, a guided hike on the glacier itself provides a completely different perspective of the otherworldly landscape.

A stroll along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is a great Anchorage outdoors activity, but you can cover much more ground on a bicycle. This small-group guided bicycle tour begins at Kincaid Park and shows you the beauty of the Cook Inlet, with views of Denali and, possibly, moose along the way.

Fishing in Alaska should be a relaxing experience so get away from the crowds with this shared tour from Anchorage. Travel in comfort, past mountains and rivers, to a serene river setting, looking out for wildlife along the way. Upon arrival, whether you have experience or not, your guide will ensure that you get on the fish.

Discover the beautiful scenery of Alaska's North Anchorage area during this helicopter and dogsled tour. Soar over the Chugach Range and Knik Glacier in a helicopter as you make your way to the snow-covered Cataract Glacier. Here, a team of sled dogs is waiting to transport you across the snow for a true Alaskan experience. Keep an eye out for native animals such as moose and mountain goats throughout the aerial portion of the tour.

See the Chugach Range from the air as your helicopter flight takes you over snow capped mountain peaks and braided river valleys to land on over 300 feet of glacial ice thousands of years old! Experience majestic blue pools, stunning, swirling moulins, deep crevasses and dramatic ice formations that continue to fascinate and attract the explorer in all of us when you step foot and trek around the surface of the Knik Glacier. The mighty Knik, one of the largest glaciers left in Southcentral Alaska, is 26 miles in length and 6 miles across at its toe and is just one of several glaciers in the ancient river valley. In addition to spotting wildlife from the air (moose, dall sheep, spawning salmon, and bears), you’ll have an eagle’s eye view of towering waterfalls, glacial iceberg-filled lakes, and the untouched wilderness of the Alaska backcountry. Enjoy a once in a lifetime Glacier Plunge in the summer months at no additional cost! Approx. 40 mins flight time w/ 45 mins on glacier.

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.

Some of Alaska's most beautiful landscapes lie right on Anchorage's doorstep, but many visitors miss out due to transportation concerns. This guided tour departs from downtown Anchorage and takes you to Chugach State Park for a walk in nature. You'll see Barbara Falls, cross South Fork Eagle River and learn about plants and animals along the way.

Nowhere is more fun to play in the snow than in Alaska. With this guided tour, you’ll hop on a fat bike—wider tires make traveling through snow easy—hitting the 150-mile network of multi-use trails just outside Anchorage. Zooming (or meandering!) through the forest, you’ll get an adrenaline rush, time in nature, and fresh appreciation for winter in Alaska. Hotel pickup is included for added convenience.

If you don't have the time or the expertise required to go on a glacier expedition on foot, a helicopter tour is a great way to see the glaciers surrounding Anchorage. This tour takes you over spectacular scenery and makes three landings where you can get out and explore with your guide. You also have the possibility of seeing mountain goats, Dall sheep, moose, and, in the summer months, bears and wolves. Note: in winter, the helicopter lands next to the glacier.

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.

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.

The Anchorage area has countless sights to see—many that tourists don’t know about. Turn exploring the city and its surroundings into a day of mystery adventure with this tour, where a local guide will take you from hidden glacier views to wild waterfalls and more. You’ll simply need to be dressed for exploration, and you’re in for a guaranteed day of beauty and surprise.

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.

Don’t let Alaska’s best scenery pass you by from your car window. On this small-group tour, follow your guide on an e-bike, traveling the ultra-scenic Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, one of the most beautiful coastal trails in the nation. Taking it easy on your pedal-assisted cruiser, nab views of Cook Inlet, the Alaska Mountains, downtown Anchorage, and so much more—including all the wildlife Alaska is known for.

Enjoy the opportunity that not many people get - to walk on ancient ice. This experience starts with a helicopter flight over the Chugach Mountains, one of the most heavily glaciated regions in North America. State-of-the-art aircraft with large windows guarantee excellent sightseeing from the air. Then, land and walk around on a glacier.

Increase your chances of viewing the magical aurora borealis on this guided tour in Anchorage. Enjoy expert photo instruction, portraits under the northern lights, and warm drinks while learning about the science behind the aurora. With snacks, hotel pickup, and forecasting services included, this unforgettable experience lets you witness nature’s most stunning light show.

A thrilling ATV ride awaits you in Eklutna, where the stunning Alaskan landscapes come alive. This four-hour adventure begins at Eklutna Lake, taking you through a scenic 28-mile trail surrounded by majestic mountains and lush forests. Guided by an experienced leader, you’ll splash through water and navigate exciting terrain while keeping an eye out for local wildlife and breathtaking views of glaciers. The tour includes safety gear and a brief snack, making it accessible for all skill levels. Capture unforgettable moments as you immerse yourself in the true essence of Alaska's wild side.