Top Anchorage Nature and Wildlife 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.

Get out of the city and discover the stunning scenery that surrounds Anchorage. This small-group tour takes you south along the Seward Highway to soak up ocean and mountain views on the way to Alyeska Ski Area where an an aerial tram takes you 2,300 feet (700 meters) above sea level. Afterward, visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to learn how sanctuary cares for the Last Frontier’s injured and orphaned animals and see resident wildlife including grizzly bear, moose, caribou, and musk ox.

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.

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.

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.

Just an hour’s scenic drive from Anchorage along the breathtaking Seward Highway, Portage Glacier offers an unforgettable Alaskan adventure. Board the M/V Ptarmigan, a custom-built sightseeing vessel designed for optimal glacier viewing, including a heated cabin with expansive windows and an open-air top deck. During the one-hour cruise, you’ll glide across the waters of Portage Lake, journeying past cascading waterfalls and steep mountain cliffs. Get up close to the towering wall of Portage Glacier, and with a bit of luck, witness the thrilling sight (and sound!) of calving ice. A U.S. Forest Service ranger provides expert narration, sharing fascinating insights into the area's history, geology, and wildlife. This budget-friendly and family-friendly tour operates daily from mid-May to mid-September, with five departures to fit your schedule. This is the perfect stop to experience one of the state's most iconic glaciers. Please note: Transportation to/from Anchorage NOT INCLUDED

Six hours, one unforgettable road. This small-group tour (14 guests max) trades the big motorcoach for a comfortable Mercedes Sprinter and a born-and-raised Alaskan guide who's been driving Turnagain Arm his whole life. Heading south from Anchorage, the Seward Highway squeezes between the Chugach Mountains and the sea. We pull off at Beluga Point to glass the water for beluga whales and the cliffs for Dall sheep and bald eagles. Then it's on to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, where rescued bears, moose, bison, caribou, and muskox live in big natural enclosures — your best shot at photographing all of Alaska's icons in one afternoon. Lunch happens like a local: Girdwood Brewing Company, in a mountain ski town, with rotating Alaska food trucks. We finish in Portage Valley with views of Explorer and Byron Glaciers and a short walk through mossy rainforest before heading home. Small van, real Alaskan, flexible stops when wildlife appears. Come see the Alaska between the postcards.

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.

See the Portage Glacier on a small-group tour from Anchorage. Follow the scenic Seward Parkway through the breathtaking landscape of the Turnagain Arm waterway, stopping at Beluga Point and the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge to look for wildlife. Take a cruise on Portage Lake to observe the Portage Glacier up close, then check out wild animals that are being rehabilitated at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. Stop for provided light snacks and water in the town of Girdwood near Mt. Alyeska and take in the Chugach Mountains.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Go on an outdoor adventure in Alaska with this small-group helicopter tour with glacier landing. Take off on a scenic flight and admire views of the Knik River on the way to the Knik Glacier. Land directly on or near the glacier (depending on the season) and set out on a guided glacier or ice formation hike before the return flight. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as moose, bears, and mountain goats.

• Learn about Anchorage's rich history of dog mushing. • Run on the trail system of the Tozier Track, legendary race venue. • Your dogsled ride is guided by a third-generation musher Robert Redington. His family has been involved in sled dog racing in downtown Anchorage since the 1950s, carrying on a proud tradition in the sport. His grandfather is Joe Redington Sr. who is known as the "Father of the Iditarod". • Experience real Alaskan summer dryland mushing without leaving Anchorage.

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.

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.

Step into the heart of the Alaskan wilderness this summer on our tour to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. With stunning views of the Turnagain Arm, known for its mesmerizing tidal bore and breathtaking landscapes, you'll be awestruck by the natural beauty of this land. The journey from Anchorage is made easy and comfortable, as we'll take care of the driving so you can sit back and soak in the scenery. At the Conservation Center, you'll be up close and personal with Alaska's indigenous wildlife, getting to know the fascinating creatures that call this place home. Your guide will bring the history and legends of the area to life, making the experience even more enriching. Whether you're a solo adventurer (this tour has no guest minimum and will run with just one passenger, book direct and save!) or traveling with a group, this boutique tour is sure to delight! So come join us and let Alaska's stunning landscapes and fascinating wildlife leave you breathless!

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.

This tour is ideal for you if you appreciate the convenience of a guided tour, but prefer to do your own thing. You'll get picked up in Anchorage and taken to Turnagain Arm for a tour, with a stop at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center and Alyeska where you can explore at your own pace by taking an aerial tram ride or following one of the many scenic hiking trails in the area.

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.

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!)

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.