Top Anchorage Full-day Tours

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. Essential gear including Yaktrax, jacket, hat, and mitten is provided for your comfort and safety.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

Traveling from Anchorage to Whittier Cruise Port transforms into an unforgettable adventure filled with stunning landscapes and wildlife. This scenic transfer takes you through Turnagain Arm, where breathtaking glacier views await, along with a visit to Alaska’s renowned wildlife conservation center. Designed for cruise passengers, this tour ensures you experience the best of Southcentral Alaska while heading to your cruise terminal, maximizing your last day on land. - Enjoy a scenic drive from Anchorage to Whittier Cruise Port - Discover the natural beauty of Turnagain Arm and glacier views - Visit Alaska's wildlife conservation center along the way - Specifically designed for cruise passengers to enhance their journey

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.

Download Guide Along’s self-guided audio tour between Anchorage and Denali National Park and discover Alaska’s towering mountains, glaciers, historic communities, and vast wilderness landscapes. Explore Chugach State Park, admire the spectacular Knik Glacier, stop in the Denali gateway town of Talkeetna, and see the colorful spirit houses in Eklutna Village. Along the way, hear fascinating stories about Alaska Native communities, Russian explorers, and gold prospectors play automatically as you travel toward Denali, North America’s tallest mountain. 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 Purchase one tour per vehicle.

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.