Top Anchorage Nature and Wildlife Tours - page 2

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.

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.

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.

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!)

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.

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.

Alaska's largest glacier accessible by car is located just outside Anchorage, so don't miss the chance to visit during your stay. You'll head to Matanuska Glacier Park to explore this natural wonder with provided ice cleats and a guide.

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.

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.

Experience the breathtaking landscape of the Turnagain Arm on a half-day tour with an informative guide. Ride along the scenic Seward Parkway to the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge and Beluga Point, stopping for photo ops and wildlife observation. Visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, a large nature preserve where injured animals are rehabilitated. Continue to the town of Girdwood, then travel up into the Chugach Mountains for another great vantage point on the Turnagain Arm. Includes round-trip transportation 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.

Explore the wilderness outside Anchorage with a local guide who knows where to spot wildlife and gain the best views throughout the year. Enter the Chugach National Forest to search for moose, bear, and other native wildlife. You’ll also visit Glacier Valley, home to several “hanging” glaciers and a lake of pure glacier water.

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.

Travel the Seward Highway without the hassle of renting a car and driving and experience the thrilling Turnagain Arm. Highlights of this small-group tour include Beluga Point for panoramic views and wildlife sightings, Portage Valley with a glacier stop, Turnagain Art Gallery featuring intricate chainsaw carvings, and Potter Marsh, a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

Join us for an easygoing nature walk with breathtaking views, right in the heart of Alaska's Chugach State Park, at the Eagle River Nature Center. Experience the real Alaska without the strenuous work to get there.

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.

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.

Alaskans have been snowshoeing for millennia—try the sport when you’re here, and you’ll be a part of tradition. Your naturalist guide will meet you in Chugach State Park, showing you just how easy and rewarding snowshoeing can be. With unbelievable views of Cook Inlet, Anchorage Bowl, and likely wildlife sightings along the way, you’ll float above the snow in the park’s Glen Alps, a snowshoe lover in the making.

Set out on a nocturnal adventure in search of the elusive northern lights with this photography-focused tour departing from Anchorage. Get picked up at your hotel and go in search of the aurora borealis with a small group. Learn new photography skills and try your hand at capturing the dazzling light show of the northern lights with your camera.

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.

If you've never been on a hike during the winter, you need to give it a shot. Winter hiking is a blast, and it's great for the mind and body during long periods of dark & cold. This tour holds plenty of opportunity for photos, and a comprehensive variety of the natural elements found in the boreal forests of Alaska, as well as a stop at a local waterfall. Sound like your style? • Hike along Chugach State Park's Eagle River and see ice-covered Barbara Falls! • Perfect for solo travelers and couples. • Enjoy breathtaking views of towering vistas. Amazing landscapes await your camera! • Learn about Alaska's glaciated valleys and boreal forests from an experienced gude. • Opportunity for wildlife sightings, including moose, hare, voles, and porcupine! Join us on a classic Alaskan adventure today!

Discover the beauty of Alaska on this 3.5-hour scenic trip from Anchorage to Girdwood. Capture stunning views at Beluga Point, where the majestic Cook Inlet meets the mountains, and stop by Indian Valley Meats to explore unique Alaskan specialties. Once in Girdwood, enjoy leisure time to soak in the charm of this mountain town before returning. This tour offers a relaxed atmosphere with insights from a knowledgeable local host with 24 years of Alaskan experience. - Scenic 3.5-hour trip from Anchorage to Girdwood - Photograph the breathtaking views at Beluga Point - Visit Indian Valley Meats for distinctive Alaskan delicacies - Explore the charming mountain town of Girdwood at your own pace

Learn about Anchorage’s history while cruising around town in a bus outfitted to look like a vintage trolley. Gain unique into the local history and culture of Alaska's most populous city from guides with generational ties to the region. You may even get to spot moose crossing the road and seaplanes descending on Lake Hood and Lake Spenard.

Get a bird’s-eye view of the majestic Alaskan mountains, glaciers, and waters on a helicopter tour before landing on the glacier to give you a chance to explore the remote ice-covered world. A must-see for photographers and nature lovers, this corner of Alaska is one of the most glaciated places in North America and the expansiveness of the ice can only be appreciated from an aerial view.