From Anchorage: Valley of Glaciers & Wildlife Center Tour

Explore the breathtaking beauty of Alaska’s wilderness on the "From Anchorage: Valley of Glaciers & Wildlife Center Tour." This 7-hour adventure takes travelers along the scenic Seward Highway, offering captivating stops and a cruise for unforgettable glacier views. Visitors will also have the chance to observe native wildlife at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. With knowledgeable guides and small group settings, this tour promises an immersive experience in nature. Discover why this tour has become a must-do for those seeking to explore the wonders of Alaska.

Key Points

• 7-hour tour departing from Anchorage, priced from $249 per person, with scenic drives, glacier sightseeing, a Portage Lake cruise, and a visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.
• Includes transportation, tour guide, entry tickets, bottled water, and snacks for a comprehensive Alaskan adventure.
• Offers stunning views of glaciers, such as Explorer, Middle, and Byron, and opportunities to observe native wildlife like bears, moose, and wolves.
• Provides a one-hour cruise on Portage Lake for closer views of Portage Glacier, a key highlight of the tour.
• Suitable for small groups of up to 10 participants, with cancellations up to 24 hours in advance qualifying for a full refund.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Valley of Glaciers & Wildlife Center Tour departs from Anchorage and is priced from $249.00 per person.

The tour lasts 7 hours and is limited to small groups of 10. Cancellations up to 24 hours in advance qualify for a full refund, and a reserve now, pay later option is available.

The guided trip includes scenic drives, sightseeing stops, a cruise on Portage Lake, and a visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.

Explore scenic drives, sightseeing stops, a Portage Lake cruise, and the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center on this guided trip.

Transportation, entry tickets, bottled water, and snacks are all included.

The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, and pets aren’t allowed.

Itinerary and Experience

The guided full-day trip includes a scenic drive along the Seward Highway and Turnagain Arm.

Sightseeing stops at Beluga Point and Bird Point offer stunning views. In Portage Valley, guests will witness Explorer Glacier, Middle Glacier, and Byron Glacier.

A one-hour cruise on Portage Lake aboard the MV Ptarmigan provides a closer look at Portage Glacier. After the cruise, an optional lunch stop is available.

The tour culminates with a visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, where guests can observe bears, moose, wolves, and other native wildlife.

Inclusions

The tour includes a knowledgeable guide, with hotel pickup and drop-off, and transportation between the attractions.

A knowledgeable guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, and transportation between attractions are all included in this comprehensive tour.

Entry tickets to Portage Glacier and the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center are also provided. Bottled water and snacks are included, ensuring travelers stay hydrated and energized throughout the day.

The tour covers a scenic drive along the Seward Highway and Turnagain Arm, with stops at Beluga Point and Bird Point.

The highlight is the one-hour cruise on Portage Lake to view the Portage Glacier. Travelers can opt for a post-cruise lunch stop before exploring the wildlife center.

Important Information

Although the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, participants should come prepared with comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a camera, sunscreen, and weather-appropriate clothing.

Pets aren’t allowed, except for assistance dogs. The activity runs only in good weather, and cancellations will offer rescheduling or a full refund.

Participants should keep in mind:

1. Bring comfortable shoes for walking and hiking.

2. Pack sunglasses to shield your eyes from the glare.

3. Bring a camera to capture the breathtaking scenery.

4. Apply sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun.

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Customer Reviews and Feedback

Customers have overwhelmingly praised the Valley of Glaciers & Wildlife Center Tour, with an impressive overall rating of 4.9 out of 5 based on 22 reviews.

Travelers highlight the knowledgeable guides who provide an engaging experience, as well as the breathtaking views of glaciers and diverse wildlife.

Reviewers emphasize the tour’s highlight of the one-hour cruise on Portage Lake to view the Portage Glacier.

Scenic Drive Along Seward Highway and Turnagain Arm

As the tour departs Anchorage, the scenic drive along the Seward Highway and Turnagain Arm offers breathtaking views of the rugged Alaskan landscape.

The highlights of this portion of the journey include:

1. Panoramic vistas of the Chugach Mountains, whose jagged peaks rise dramatically against the sky.

2. Glimpses of the Cook Inlet and Turnagain Arm, where the tide rushes in and out with impressive force.

3. Sightings of wildlife, such as bald eagles soaring overhead or Dall sheep clinging to the cliffs.

4. Photo stops at Beluga Point and Bird Point, providing opportunities to capture the stunning scenery.

Exploring Portage Valley and Its Glaciers

After the scenic drive along the Seward Highway and Turnagain Arm, the tour heads into Portage Valley to explore its remarkable glaciers.

Guests visit the massive Explorer Glacier, the towering Middle Glacier, and the stunning Byron Glacier.

Guests explore the massive Explorer Glacier, the towering Middle Glacier, and the stunning Byron Glacier.

The tour then boards the MV Ptarmigan for a one-hour cruise on Portage Lake, providing up-close views of the impressive Portage Glacier.

Guests can opt for a post-cruise lunch before continuing on to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to see bears, moose, wolves, and other native Alaskan wildlife.

Throughout the exploration, knowledgeable guides share insights and fascinating details about the area’s natural wonders.

Discovering Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

Following the scenic cruise on Portage Lake, the tour arrives at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, a renowned sanctuary dedicated to the rehabilitation and protection of Alaskan wildlife.

Visitors can observe:

1. Majestic bears foraging in their expansive enclosures, offering a rare glimpse into their natural behaviors.

2. Towering moose, the largest members of the deer family, leisurely grazing or resting.

3. Wolves, the iconic apex predators, pacing in their spacious habitats.

4. Other native species, including bison, wood bison, and caribou, thriving in their carefully curated environments.

The tour provides an intimate encounter with Alaska’s diverse wildlife, fostering a deeper appreciation for conservation efforts.

Ask Away

Is There a Vegetarian/Vegan Meal Option Available?

The tour doesn’t specify if it offers vegetarian or vegan meal options. Guests should inquire about dietary accommodations when booking the tour if they have any dietary restrictions or preferences.

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

Yes, travelers can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes bottled water and snacks, but guests are welcome to pack their own meals and beverages if they prefer.

Are There Any Discounts for Children or Seniors?

The tour offers no discounts for children or seniors. Pricing is a flat rate of $249 per person, regardless of age. Guests can bring their own food and drinks, but they’re also provided bottled water and snacks during the tour.

How Strenuous Is the Walking Involved During the Tour?

The tour involves moderate walking, with some uneven terrain. Visitors should be comfortable walking for up to 2 hours during the day. There are opportunities to rest at various stops along the way.

What Happens in Case of Inclement Weather During the Tour?

In the event of inclement weather, the tour is cancelled and participants are offered the option to reschedule or receive a full refund. The activity only runs in good weather conditions to ensure the safety and enjoyment of guests.

Final Words

This tour offers a remarkable opportunity to take in Alaska’s natural splendor. From the breathtaking views along the Seward Highway to the up-close encounters with native wildlife, the experience promises to be both awe-inspiring and unforgettable. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking a memorable adventure, this tour is a must-do for anyone visiting the Valley of Glaciers.

You can check availability for your dates here: