Wildlife and Glaciers with a walk in the Rainforest
Recommended by 92% of travelers
Anchorage, USA
- 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Overview
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.
- A must for nature enthusiasts as you learn about the local ecosystem
- Visit endangered species at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
- Round-trip transportation from central Anchorage included
- Receive personalized attention on an intimate small-group tour
What's Included
- Professional guide
- Pick up at 509 W 3rd Ave. Directly across from the downtown Hilton Hotel
- Wildlife Conservation Center Entry Fee
- Gratuities
- Lunch
- Snacks
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- 509 W 3rd Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501, USA
Please check in at our new location: 509 W. 3rd Ave, directly across from the Hilton Hotel. Parking is available across the street. Check in at the concierge desk, then wait in our garden or indoor lobby. Please arrive 20 mins before departure. Look for the gray van with a bear!
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
Meet your guide at 509 W third Ave at your appointed tour departure time. Board a comfortable vehicle for the scenic drive along the tidal flats of the Turnagain Arm, known for its abundant wildlife. Learn about the area from your guide as you look out for sightings of Dall sheep, beluga whales, and more in their natural environment.
Then, tour the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, which provides refuge for animals that cannot survive in the wild. See the various species of wild animals that the center currently provides care for, including wood bison, musk ox, and lynx.
After your visit, travel down Portage Glacier Road to view some of the glaciers in the area, and walk through the Potter Marsh Bird Sanctuary to view even more wildlife.
Return to Anchorage at the end of your tour.
Then, tour the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, which provides refuge for animals that cannot survive in the wild. See the various species of wild animals that the center currently provides care for, including wood bison, musk ox, and lynx.
After your visit, travel down Portage Glacier Road to view some of the glaciers in the area, and walk through the Potter Marsh Bird Sanctuary to view even more wildlife.
Return to Anchorage at the end of your tour.
1
Chugach State Park
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
2
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
1 hour • Admission Ticket Included
3
Portage Glacier
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Weather in Alaska can change rapidly, so please dress accordingly
- Not recommended for Infants or Passengers who cannot walk for 40 minutes on their own.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 14 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Linda_R
The animals in the AWCC were great! We got to see a black bear in a tree and watch him crawl down & play with a ball. Our guide, John, was very informative! We loved seeing the glaciers & the rainforest was unique. Definitely recommend this tour as a wonderful Alaska experience. The Turnagain Arm area is really beautiful.
Reviews
4.7
based on 724 reviews
Grant_R, Mar 2026
The guide was very knowledgeable and drove safely. It was a nice experience and I got to see a lot of different animals.
Terri_L, Feb 2026
The scenery and wildlife viewing was wonderful, and Melissa was a terrific guide! However, the title is a bit misleading. There were no glaciers or rainforest.
Karen_C, Jan 2026
Winter is not the time for this tour. I discovered after the fact that visitors who took the tour in other seasons saw much more than we did. The view at turnagain was beautiful, then it was downhill from there on. It was very windy and cold at the wildlife conservation area. To our tour guide’s credit, she tried desperately to find a bear for us. The bison were too far away to view well and the other animals were mostly hunkered down although the wolves and coyotes were active. We didn’t tour the rain forest, skipped it entirely. Our tour guide’s said that it was too dangerous because moose retreat to the forest when it’s cold. We drove to Portage Road to view glaciers. We only saw one very tiny piece of a glacier. I understand climate change has shown the reduction of glaciers in the area, but why didn’t we try to view the other glaciers listed? I would not take this tour again nor recommend it because of this experience.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. We truly appreciate all feedback, as it helps future guests make informed decisions.
Winter tours in Alaska naturally offer a different experience than summer or fall tours, which is why you will often see mixed reviews for winter wildlife excursions. Wildlife behavior during winter is entirely natural and unpredictable. Moose, wolves, muskox, Dall sheep, eagles, and other animals can be seen year-round, but sightings are never guaranteed. Bears, while typically hibernating, are sometimes visible at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center since they are cared for and fed on a schedule—however, even then, sightings vary.
Many guests choose winter specifically for the breathtaking scenery. Snow-covered mountain ranges, dramatic ice flows, and frozen waterfalls along Turnagain Arm often look like glaciers hanging from rock formations in abundance, creating a landscape that leaves many visitors in awe.
When we pass through Girdwood and continue down Portage Valley Road, you are traveling directly through Alaska’s coastal rainforest, clearly visible through the dense, thick Sitka spruce surrounding you for much of the drive.
Glacier viewing in winter is very different than in warmer months. When looking up along the mountain ridgelines, there are numerous glaciers present; however, most are completely covered in snow during winter and blend into the mountainside. Your driver did a great job locating one visible glacier for you out of many in the area, as winter conditions often make distinguishing them challenging.
Guest safety is always our top priority, especially during colder and windier conditions. When time and conditions allow, we often include a bonus stop at Wildberry Products, home to the largest chocolate waterfall in the world, which many guests enjoy as a fun and unique addition to the day.
Winter tours are not for everyone, and Anchorage offers many seasonal tour options. We encourage guests to choose the experience that best matches their expectations. For those who appreciate winter scenery, fewer crowds, and Alaska in its raw, natural winter state, this season continues to be a favorite.
Thank you again for sharing your feedback.
Sabitha_P, Dec 2025
I never leave a bad review, but our experience today warrants one. Our trip to the Wildlife Conservation Center with walk in the rainforest was miserable. The van was incredibly uncomfortable. It was freezing in the van - all the windows frosted over on the inside where the passengers sat frozen. It never warmed up in the van. In the back of the van, where we sat, it felt as though the was a hole somewhere near the floor that let the freezing cold from outside inside. Our feet were frozen even with foot warmers. We sat with our coats and mittens on and were still cold. It was the most miserable 3 hours we've spent ever. We could not even see anything because the windows were completely frosted over. The guide/driver casually said you just need to wipe the windows when we first said we could not see. It is impossible to see out frosted windows. We were forced to scrape the windows with credit cards and they promptly froze over again.
I strongly recommend that the van gets serviced and I suggest removing at least one row of seats. I am 5' tall and my knees barely fit without hitting the seat in front of me. It was very cramped. You would think that given how cramped we were, the van would warm up just from body heat, but we did not. There had to be air from outside coming in to keep us so cold in such tight quarters.
We did get to see the animals at the Wildlife center, however we never even heard about the rainforest. There was no mention of it at all. No mention of glaciers either. We stopped by the side of the road to take a couple of pictures twice and we got to walk on Portage Lake. That was it. The rest of the time we sat shivering in the bus.
In addition, the guide sat up front and chatted/flirted with one passenger the entire time (even asked for her phone number at the end of the tour). We got minimal information.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Thank you for sharing your feedback. I’m truly sorry to hear about your experience and appreciate the opportunity to address your concerns.
We take comfort and safety seriously, and I understand how uncomfortable it must have been to deal with the cold and fogged-up windows. The van is brand new, and the heater was running at full capacity. With 14 passengers, body heat does contribute, but heat in these vans flows primarily from the top down, which can make extreme cold more noticeable—especially with outside temperatures around -11°F and wind chills near -30°F. In these conditions, interior window fogging and freezing is unfortunately unavoidable due to humidity from breathing in a full van against freezing glass. The driver’s request to wipe the windows was not meant to be forceful, but rather the only practical solution to maintain visibility and safety in true Alaskan winter conditions. This is, while unpleasant, a very common reality here during extreme cold snaps.
Regarding the seating, a row of seats was removed when the van was ordered, and removing an additional row would not have made the van any roomier. While we do our best to maximize comfort, a full van can still feel tight, especially during winter travel when everyone is wearing heavy gear.
We’re also sorry to hear that you felt the tour didn’t meet your expectations. Our goal is to provide a rich experience that includes wildlife, glaciers, and the rainforest. From the time you passed Girdwood, you were traveling through the northernmost rainforest on the North American continent, including the Portage Lake area you mentioned. The guide also made numerous stops along the way, and we hope you were able to take in the breathtaking beauty of Turnagain Arm. On a clear, sunny day—much like the one you were fortunate to enjoy—the mountains stand out in all their glory, and the ice flow moving through the inlet with the tide is truly mesmerizing, a powerful reminder of how incredible and dynamic nature is in this region.
As for the driver, he did not ask for a phone number. He shared his Venmo only after a guest asked how to tip, which many guests chose to do, understanding that the extreme weather conditions were well beyond the driver’s control.
While we regret that this tour did not meet your expectations, we truly appreciate your feedback. Traveling in Alaska during extreme winter conditions can be challenging, and we strive to be as transparent as possible about what to expect when visiting during this time of year. Thank you again for sharing your experience.
Tami_B, Dec 2025
The heater in the van did not work. The windows were frozen on the inside and we could not see anything. We were miserable the entire trip. The driver did not tell us anything. This was the absolutely worse Viator tour I have ever experienced.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Thank you for sharing your feedback. I’m truly sorry to hear about your experience and appreciate the opportunity to address your concerns.
We take comfort and safety seriously, and I understand how uncomfortable it must have been to deal with the cold and fogged-up windows. The van is brand new, and the heater was running at full capacity. With 14 passengers, body heat does contribute, but heat in these vans flows primarily from the top down, which can make extreme cold more noticeable—especially with outside temperatures around -11°F and wind chills near -30°F. In these conditions, interior window fogging and freezing is unfortunately unavoidable due to humidity from breathing in a full van against freezing glass. The driver’s request to wipe the windows was not meant to be forceful, but rather the only practical solution to maintain visibility and safety in true Alaskan winter conditions. This is, while unpleasant, a very common reality here during extreme cold snaps.
Regarding the seating, a row of seats was removed when the van was ordered, and removing an additional row would not have made the van any roomier. While we do our best to maximize comfort, a full van can still feel tight, especially during winter travel when everyone is wearing heavy gear.
We’re also sorry to hear that you felt the tour didn’t meet your expectations. Our goal is to provide a rich experience that includes wildlife, glaciers, and the rainforest. From the time you passed Girdwood, you were traveling through the northernmost rainforest on the North American continent, including the Portage Lake area you mentioned. The guide also made numerous stops along the way, and we hope you were able to take in the breathtaking beauty of Turnagain Arm. On a clear, sunny day—much like the one you were fortunate to enjoy—the mountains stand out in all their glory, and the ice flow moving through the inlet with the tide is truly mesmerizing, a powerful reminder of how incredible and dynamic nature is in this region.
As for the driver, he did not ask for a phone number. He shared his Venmo only after a guest asked how to tip, which many guests chose to do, understanding that the extreme weather conditions were well beyond the driver’s control.
While we regret that this tour did not meet your expectations, we truly appreciate your feedback. Traveling in Alaska during extreme winter conditions can be challenging, and we strive to be as transparent as possible about what to expect when visiting during this time of year. Thank you again for sharing your experience.
Jimena_C, Dec 2025
Did this tour with my friends this winter (December) and had a blast. Melissa was our guide and was very friendly and informative during the tour. The conservation was incredible and we saw so many animals out and about in the snow. We made 4 stops with fantastic views (great pics) and got back around sunset. The overall experience was great and gave us something to do with the limited sunlight in winter.
Peggy_D, Nov 2025
Perfect! The tour girl was very nice! Amazing views, wonderful moments! Alaska is a great place to visit!
Nirjal_A, Nov 2025
Subject: Request for Refund and Compensation – Wildlife Conservation Center Tour, Nov 4, 2025
This feels like a clear case of misrepresentation. We purchased tickets for a package specifically to visit the Wildlife Conservation Center in Anchorage, Alaska on November 4th, 2025. However, upon arrival, we were informed that the center is closed on Tuesdays and were instead redirected to a zoo. Seriously? Did we pay $119 per person just to visit a zoo?
There were two separate groups on that day, and we could visibly see the frustration on everyone’s faces. To be clear, we have no complaints about our driver and guide, Malaysia—she was courteous and handled the situation with professionalism and grace.
If the company acknowledges this scheduling oversight, the responsible course of action would be to refund the relevant portion of the package and offer compensation for the inconvenience.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Response from Management
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We sincerely appreciate your acknowledgment of Mellissa’s professionalism and are glad she provided excellent service during your tour.
Regarding your request for a refund, no refund is authorized. When the unexpected situation occurred, Mellissa immediately contacted the office, and the Wildlife Conservation Center’s Tuesday closure was communicated to all guests. An alternative venue—the Alaska Zoo—was offered. Guests were informed that the zoo features a wider variety of wildlife, including a polar bear and marine animals, allowing for a more diverse experience. In addition, the Christmas Zoo Lights were on display, offering a unique and festive bonus not available at the Wildlife Conservation Center. You agreed to this change, and the tour proceeded to the agreed-upon location with extra stops added that are not normally included to help make up for the inconvenience.
Once a guest accepts an updated itinerary and participates in the tour, a refund is not warranted. The appropriate time to decline the change or request a refund is at the moment the change is presented—not after the service has been fully provided.
It is also important to clarify that no dissatisfaction was expressed at the end of the tour. Guests, including your party, tipped Mellissa generously—more than our typical tours—which indicated to both the driver and management that everyone was satisfied. Management contacted Mellissa after the tour, and she confirmed that no concerns were brought to her attention. If you were unhappy, that would have been the appropriate time to speak privately with your driver or reach out to management directly so we could address the situation immediately.
Furthermore, no direct refund request was made to management. Posting a review is not considered a formal refund request. Had you contacted us, we would have been glad to discuss the matter with you and provide clarification.
Finally, the cost difference does not support a refund. The entrance fee for the Zoo is $7.00 more per person than the Wildlife Conservation Center. By choosing the zoo option—which carries the higher entrance cost—you received greater value rather than less, and therefore no refund is warranted.
We understand that unexpected schedule adjustments can be disappointing, and we strive to communicate all changes clearly and offer respectful alternatives. We appreciate your understanding and thank you again for recognizing the professionalism of your guide.
Patrice_H, Oct 2025
It was great to see the wildlife at the conservation center. The walk through the rain forest was short and easy. It was difficult to see the glacier across Portage lake because of the rain and clouds. On a Sunday it would be amazing. Melissa our guide was excellent, she shared a lot about how she and her family hunt, fish and prepare for the winter. I learned a lot.
DrRahul_g, Sep 2025
It was a great experience specially out guide and bus driver AMA was a great lovable character and she did give us great information regarding the glacier / the waterfall trail / along with whales
But what was amazing was that she was always smiling and answering any questions we asked
The whale watching was a great experience we had forgotten out binoculars at ship but the boat had a few binoculars so that made our day
We got what we expected
So it was a great experience
Diane_B, Sep 2025
It was a wonderful tour. Well done. Lots to see. Matthew was a terrific guide. I would take this tour again
Isabel_T, Sep 2025
It was absolutely magnificent. Our tour guide, Melissa, went above and beyond sharing much of her Native culture. I’d do it again in a heartbeat!
Karen_T, Sep 2025
It was thoroughly enjoyable, mainly due to our guide, Melissa. Being a native Alaskan, she was extremely knowledgeable about the state and everything in it. She made the tour fun and informative!
Renee_J, Sep 2025
Our tour guide Melissa was amazing, her stories and asking sure we got the best experience possible made this tour even better than we thought possible.
Maura_U, Aug 2025
Our Guido Matt was very knowledgeable and friendly. Not only did he share facts about many different places, he also shared personal facts making the experience more personal.
Tiffany_R, Aug 2025
All stops were great
Even with crappy weather
Guide was knowledgeable and was able to answer questions
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Thank you for sharing your experience with us! We’re so glad you enjoyed the stops and found your guide knowledgeable. We’re sorry the weather wasn’t on our side that day—Alaska can be unpredictable, and sometimes the clouds keep us from that 5-star experience. Hopefully, you’ll join us again on a sunnier day so we can earn that last star from you!
Julia_D, Aug 2025
Scenery was really good, however tour driver missed the boat on pointing out any water falls which would have been nice. We also went out of our way to pick up two customers who did not come to the meeting point. He seemed to have little knowledge of what animals were at the conservancy. Think he needs to be better informed plus we were not happy with his driving. Plus the “walk in the rainforest” was a very short little trail. Not much to see there and chances of seeing a beluga whale were really next to none.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We’d like to clarify a few points about the tour. The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center provides maps for guests to follow along, and our driver handed these out and pointed out sights throughout the park. The experience is designed to be self-guided, with clearly marked educational signs to teach and inform guests about the animals you are viewing.
The walk through the rainforest is intended to be a spiritual, scenic experience rather than a traditional educational trail. Many guests comment on the stunning moss, greenery, and views, including at the viewing platform where you can see at least five hanging glaciers, Portage Lake below, and numerous waterfalls.
Our driver went out of the way to pick up two guests who did not make it to the meeting point, ensuring they could still participate. We appreciate your feedback regarding knowledge of the animals and the drive itself, and we will continue working to improve both.
We also want to note that wildlife sightings like beluga whales are rare and cannot be guaranteed. Overall, the tour is designed to combine education, scenic views, and a personal, in-your-own-pace experience that highlights Alaska’s unique natural beauty.
Vanessa_C, Aug 2025
It was easy and you could relax and learn about Alaskas changing landscape. What was great was he planned out bathroom stops without us asking for it.
Evelyn_l, Aug 2025
It was wonderful tour. Enjoyed very much and I recommend for everyone. Well worth the time and money. We would definitely do it again.
Portia_C, Jul 2025
Gorgeous views and lovely visit to see the animals at the conservation centre. Our favourite was the black bear who was playing and twiddling a large stick like a baton. He was so happy! 😊
Christopher_N, Jul 2025
This was a great trip. Melissa our guide stopped a number of times to see things, such as dall sheep up on a ridge, a moose. We went to a wildlife conservation center, saw bears, reindeer, elk. Very informative, would recommend it highly.
Tanuja_P, Jul 2025
Our guide Abe was wonderful and very patient . We thoroughly enjoyed the tour and definitely recommend it
MaryBeth_M, Jul 2025
This was an excellent tour! Gary was very knowledgeable and made the entire experience wonderful! I highly recommend.
Cathie_W, Jul 2025
Gary did a great job!! Very interesting tour. Scenery was beautiful. We had a great time. Recommend!
ViatorTours, Jun 2025
As all nature related tours a lot depends on luck and the whims of nature. Our guide, Melissa was friendly and knowledgable enough but seemed a little lacking in time management skills. She left us- all the tour members, waiting at an unnecessary break stop for +/-15 minutes while she was getting coffee (sic). As a result she shorted us at the glacier stops. To her credit she gave us ample time to photograph the Dall Sheep a tour participant saw while drivig past the Beluga point. Also, too much time was spent at the Wildlife recues facility (that may be my bias). In summary, this was the worst Tour , of the many we took during our trip.
Helen_J, Jun 2025
Great tour- our guide was fantastic and really knowledgeable about the area! Highly recommend for anyone who wants to see the area without having to drive yourself.
CHILLCHASER, Jun 2025
Gary was a great tour guide. I had been on an 11-day Alaska bus tour, so I thought I had heard a lot of information on the state. Gary proved me wrong. Also, he was very generous in allowing us to take photos at various stops, and acted as a photographer with many participants.
Rena_C, Jun 2025
What an amazing tour! Our guide was extremely knowledgeable, friendly and helpful throughout the tour. Highly recommend this tour to anyone who loves nature and animals!!!
Robyn_H, Jun 2025
Our tour guide, Gary, was fantastic. Wonderful story teller and very informative about the area. Highly recommend if you want a light activity full of beautiful scenery.
Shawn_M, Jun 2025
Jim is as a great tour director… he was very entertaining, fun and knowledgeable. Would definitely recommend this tour! We had many stops and everyone was amazing.
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