Anchorage: Glacier & Wildlife Discovery Tour (7-hours)

Exploring the natural wonders of Alaska has never been easier. The Anchorage: Glacier & Wildlife Discovery Tour offers a captivating 7-hour adventure, guiding visitors through the breathtaking landscapes of Turnagain Arm. From a scenic drive to a glacier cruise and wildlife observation, this excursion promises an unforgettable experience. With a knowledgeable local guide and included snacks, travelers can enjoy the raw beauty of this Alaskan wonderland. What awaits beyond this introduction, however, is a journey that will leave a lasting impression.

Key Points

• A 7-hour excursion from Anchorage, exploring Turnagain Arm’s scenic drive and offering opportunities to spot wildlife like moose, caribou, and eagles.
• Highlights include a visit to Portage Glacier with a 1-hour cruise, and a stop at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to observe Alaskan species.
• Guided by a professional local Alaskan guide, available in English and Spanish, with Anchorage pickup and drop-off, and admission to the Conservation Center.
• Provision of bottled water and light snacks, with an optional lunch available for purchase.
• Overall rating of 4.9 out of 5 based on 9 reviews, praised for knowledgeable guides, excellent customer service, and seamless organization.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Anchorage: Glacier & Wildlife Discovery Tour is a 7-hour excursion that takes travelers on a scenic drive along Turnagain Arm, noted as America’s most beautiful road.

Priced from €237.17 per person, the tour operates from May 15 to September 15 and offers the opportunity to spot wildlife like moose, caribou, and eagles.

Highlights include a visit to Portage Glacier, where guests can take a 1-hour cruise on Portage Lake, and the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, a 200-acre facility dedicated to rehabilitating injured and orphaned wildlife.

The tour is led by a professional local Alaskan guide and includes amenities like Anchorage pickup/drop-off and bottled water.

Itinerary Highlights

Departing from Anchorage, the tour takes travelers along the Seward Parkway, renowned as America’s most beautiful road.

The scenic drive offers opportunities to spot local wildlife like moose, caribou, and eagles. The highlight is a visit to Portage Glacier, where guests board a 1-hour cruise on Portage Lake for up-close views of the glacier.

The tour also includes a stop at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, a 200-acre facility dedicated to rehabilitating injured and orphaned wildlife.

Visitors can observe various Alaskan species, including moose, bears, and wolves, in their natural habitats.

Tour Features

A professional local Alaskan guide, available in English and Spanish, leads this guided experience.

The tour includes several amenities, such as:

• Anchorage pickup and drop-off

• Admission to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

• Bottled water and light snacks

• Optional lunch available for purchase

The tour also provides panoramic views, as participants ascend the Chugach Mountains for stunning vistas, including potential glimpses of Denali on clear days.

With a focus on safety and accessibility, the tour is stroller-friendly and suitable for guests who can navigate short distances on uneven ground.

Important Information

Guests meet at the 5th Avenue (Egan Convention Center) and must arrive by 8:45 AM to begin the tour.

Comfortable shoes, warm clothing, sunglasses, and rain gear are recommended. Cash is useful for optional lunch purchases.

The tour is stroller accessible, but guests should be prepared to walk short distances on uneven ground. The tour provider accommodates guests with mobility needs, but advance notice is required.

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Customer Feedback

The Glacier & Wildlife Discovery Tour has received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with an overall rating of 4.9 out of 5 based on 9 reviews.

The Glacier & Wildlife Discovery Tour boasts an impressive 4.9 out of 5 rating from 9 overwhelmingly positive reviews.

Guests consistently praise the knowledgeable Alaskan guides, who enhance the overall experience through excellent customer service.

Key highlights cited by reviewers include:

1. Insightful commentary and expertise that brought the tour’s sights and experiences to life.

2. Seamless organization and efficient logistics, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable day.

3. The opportunity to observe a diverse array of Alaskan wildlife in their natural habitats.

Scenic Drive

Departing from Anchorage, the tour takes guests along the scenic Seward Parkway, widely regarded as one of America’s most beautiful roads.

Hugging the shoreline of Turnagain Arm, the drive offers stunning vistas of the Chugach Mountains and the glacially-fed waters. Guests can spot wildlife like moose, caribou, and bald eagles along the route.

The parkway’s dramatic landscapes and abundant wildlife make for an unforgettable journey to the Portage Glacier. This scenic drive sets the stage for the tour’s glacier and wildlife highlights, immersing participants in Alaska’s natural wonders right from the start.

Wildlife Observation

As the tour traverses the scenic Seward Parkway, guests can spot an abundance of Alaskan wildlife along the route.

The diverse ecosystem supports a variety of species, including:

1. Majestic moose, the largest member of the deer family, grazing in the lush meadows.

2. Solitary caribou, their distinctive antlers silhouetted against the dramatic mountain backdrop.

3. Bald eagles, their impressive wingspans soaring high above the road, searching for their next meal.

With the guide’s keen eye and expert knowledge, guests are sure to have an unforgettable wildlife encounter during this captivating tour.

Portage Glacier and Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

After witnessing the diverse wildlife along the scenic drive, the tour proceeds to explore two premier natural destinations.

First, visitors take a 1-hour cruise on Portage Lake to view the immense Portage Glacier up close. This allows them to appreciate the sheer size and power of the glacier.

Next, the group visits the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, a 200-acre facility dedicated to rehabilitating injured and orphaned Alaskan wildlife. Guests observe various species like moose, bears, and wolves in their natural habitats, gaining a deeper understanding of Alaska’s remarkable ecosystems.

Ask Away

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Yes, guests are welcome to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes bottled water and light snacks, but guests may prefer to bring additional items to enjoy during the day.

Do I Need to Pay for the Optional Lunch?

The optional lunch is available for purchase on the tour. Guests do not need to bring their own food and drinks, as the tour provides bottled water and light snacks as part of the amenities.

Can I Purchase Souvenirs at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center?

Yes, visitors can purchase souvenirs at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. The facility has a gift shop where guests can find a variety of Alaska-themed merchandise and gifts related to the wildlife they’ve observed during their visit.

Is the Tour Suitable for People With Mobility Issues?

The tour is accessible for people with mobility issues, with stroller access provided. However, guests should be able to walk short distances on uneven ground during parts of the experience.

Can I Extend My Stay in Anchorage After the Tour?

Yes, travelers can extend their stay in Anchorage after the tour. The tour provider does not restrict the duration of your visit, so you’re free to explore the city further on your own schedule.

Final Words

The Anchorage: Glacier & Wildlife Discovery Tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the stunning natural beauty of Alaska. Guests will enjoy a scenic drive, a cruise on Portage Lake, and a visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, all while spotting native wildlife in their natural habitats. With knowledgeable local guides and provided snacks, this 7-hour excursion is an unforgettable adventure not to be missed.

You can check availability for your dates here: