The 8 Best National Park Tours in Anchorage
Anchorage’s proximity to some of Alaska’s most stunning national parks makes it a perfect base for exploring wild glaciers, abundant wildlife, and rugged landscapes. Unlike other destinations, Anchorage offers a variety of guided tours that cater to different interests—whether you want a full-day wildlife cruise, a quick glacier stop, or an immersive multi-day experience. These tours are designed to take the hassle out of logistics, giving you more time to enjoy Alaska’s natural beauty with knowledgeable guides and expert insights.
If you’re wondering which tour to choose, this guide will walk you through the best options, highlighting what makes each unique and who it’s best suited for. From whale-watching cruises to wildlife photography trips, you’ll find something to match your style and schedule. Remember, many tours fill up early in peak season, so booking ahead is strongly recommended.
1. From Seward: Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise with Lunch
At number 1, this 7.5-hour cruise combines wildlife viewing with glacier encounters in Kenai Fjords. Departing from Seward, you’ll board a stable, high-speed catamaran that’s perfectly suited for spotting marine life and glaciers. The tour includes two active tidewater glacier stops, where calving icebergs create dramatic scenes—and you might even witness a calving event yourself.
This tour is renowned for the rich wildlife sightings—orca, humpback whales, sea otters, and sea lions are common. The captain and crew share extensive knowledge about the area, making it a great choice for those wanting an educational experience. Guests consistently praise the crew’s friendliness and the possibility of enjoying a bar and delicious Bloody Marys onboard.
What sets this tour apart is the combination of glacier exploration and wildlife encounters in a single trip, perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive day on the water. The price of $272 per person reflects its all-in-one nature, making it excellent value for such a full experience.
Bottom line: If you want a well-rounded day with close-up glacier views and wildlife, this cruise offers a memorable adventure. Be prepared for a full day of exploration that’s suitable for all ages.
2. From Anchorage: Wilderness, Wildlife, & Glacier Experience
Number 2 on our list is a 6-hour guided wilderness trip that condenses some of Alaska’s best scenery into a manageable day. Starting from Anchorage, this tour takes you into the Chugach National Forest, including a visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. There, you can see bears, wolves, and bison in naturalistic habitats.
This tour shines for its ease of access and educational focus. You’ll learn about local flora and fauna from a knowledgeable guide, who also points out hidden gems along the route. The tour includes a photography lesson, so even if you’re just using a smartphone, you can improve your shots of mountains, glaciers, and wildlife.
Guests rave about the variety of animals seen—moose, mountain goats, and even wolves—and the opportunity to see glaciers and pristine lakes. The price of $242 per person makes it a very good value considering the mix of wildlife, scenery, and expert guidance.
Bottom line: This tour suits travelers who want a half-day outdoor experience that combines wildlife, scenic views, and a relaxed pace. It’s especially good for those who want to learn more about Alaska’s natural environment without a full day commitment.
3. Exquisite Wildlife & Wilderness Photo Tour Anchorage -Whittier
Number 3 is an 8-hour small-group photo tour designed for those eager to improve their photography skills while exploring Alaska’s landscapes. Starting from Anchorage, you’ll travel to Whittier and Girdwood, visiting iconic sites like Virgin Creek Falls and the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on photography. The guide, Scott, is not only knowledgeable about the area’s wildlife and landscapes but also skilled at teaching how to capture them. You’ll learn techniques for photographing animals, waterfalls, glaciers, and scenic vistas, making it perfect for amateurs and semi-pros alike.
Guests consistently praise Scott’s storytelling and instruction, with many mentioning how their photos improved significantly. The tour includes round-trip transportation and visits to the best spots for wildlife and landscape shots. Costing around $200, it offers fantastic value for anyone wanting both a scenic day and photo skills.
Bottom line: If photography is your priority and you want to learn how to best capture Alaska’s beauty, this tour combines practical lessons with unforgettable scenery.
4. Anchorage: Kenai Fjords & Denali National Park 5 Day 4 Night Tour
Number 4 offers an in-depth multi-day experience that takes you through some of Alaska’s top parks. This 5-day tour includes a cruise through Kenai Fjords, with opportunities to see whales and tidewater glaciers, combined with a visit to Denali National Park to spot bears, wolves, and moose.
What sets this tour apart is its comprehensive itinerary and flexibility—guests can choose activities based on their interests, such as glacier hiking or river fishing. The tour begins with a scenic drive from Anchorage, including a stop at the historic Crow Creek Gold Mine and the Alyeska Ski Resort for panoramic views.
The experience is ideal for travelers who want an immersive Alaskan adventure, combining both ocean and mountain wilderness. Priced at $2,299 per person, it offers great value considering the number of destinations and included activities, especially for those wanting a guided, all-inclusive trip.
Bottom line: If you have several days and want a curated tour covering glaciers, whales, and wildlife, this is one of the best options, particularly for travelers who prefer an organized, multi-activity trip.
5. Ultimate Alaskan Adventure: Ocean Wildlife to Interior Wilderness
Number 5 is the most extensive tour, spanning 9 days with a maximum of 12 travelers. It combines visits to Lake Clark National Park, Kenai Fjords, and Denali, providing a full-spectrum experience of Alaska’s varied environments.
Starting in Anchorage, this tour guarantees brown bear sightings at Lake Clark, alongside whale watching and glacier cruising in Kenai Fjords. The highlight is the balance of interior and coastal wilderness, with opportunities for kayaking and wildlife viewing throughout the trip.
What makes it special is its personalized approach—small group size and flexible activity options. At $7,599 per person, it’s an investment, but one that offers a truly comprehensive exploration of remote Alaska without sacrificing comfort or expert guidance.
Guests love the diversity of ecosystems encountered and the chance to see Alaska’s “Big 5” along with eagles, moose, and dall sheep. It’s best suited for travelers ready to commit to a longer, more immersive journey.
Bottom line: This is the ultimate choice for travelers seeking a deep dive into Alaska’s wildest places, with a personal touch and a broad scope.
6. Wilderness, Wildlife, Glacier Experience from Anchorage
Number 6 features a 6-hour trip that covers a lot—wildlife at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, glacier views, and scenic stops like Beluga Point. This tour is notable for its value—at only $199.99, it packs in a lot.
The tour’s highlight is the Portage Glacier cruise (available June to August as an optional upgrade), giving you close encounters with ice formations embedded in the mountains. Plus, you’ll learn about Alaska’s flora and fauna from your guide, who also offers free photography lessons at key stops.
Guests consistently mention how well-organized and informative the trip is, praising guides like Cerisa and Grace for their enthusiasm and knowledge. The tour’s pace suits older travelers or those with limited time, but still wanting a rich experience.
Bottom line: If your priority is seeing glaciers and wildlife without a long day, this tour offers impressive value and a variety of scenic and educational highlights.
7. Alaska 9 Day Ocean Wildlife to Interior Wilderness Adventure
Number 7 is an extensive 9-day journey for those eager to see Alaska’s wildlife and scenery in depth. It includes Lake Clark’s brown bears, whale watching in Kenai Fjords, and the “Big 5” in Denali.
Starting right from Anchorage, the tour offers personalized guided experiences with a maximum of 12 travelers. The itinerary balances ocean excursions with mountain wilderness, including kayaking, wildlife sightings, and visits to historic towns.
At $7,599, this tour is a significant investment but provides a comprehensive, all-in-one Alaskan adventure. It’s perfect for travelers who want to maximize wildlife encounters and scenic diversity in a well-organized, small-group setting.
Guests appreciate the variety and depth of this experience, especially the chance to see both coastal and interior ecosystems. It’s suited for those who want an immersive, multi-sense exploration of Alaska’s wilderness.
Bottom line: For serious wildlife enthusiasts and adventure travelers, this is a premium, all-encompassing option.
8. Anchorage: Kenai Fjords & Denali National Park 5 Day Tour
Number 8 offers a 5-day itinerary similar to the multi-day above but with a slightly different focus. It includes whale watching, glacier viewing, and a visit to Denali, with options like gold panning and wildlife viewing.
This tour emphasizes combining ocean and interior experiences while providing flexible activities based on your interests. It is ideal for travelers who want a balanced, shorter trip that still covers major highlights.
For $2,299 per person, it provides good value for travelers who prefer a guided experience with the chance to see marine mammals, wolves, and bears in their natural habitats, along with scenic vistas. The tour is suitable for those who want a structured but varied itinerary.
Bottom line: If you’re looking for a shorter, cost-effective way to see both Kenai Fjords and Denali, this tour offers a solid balance of wildlife, glaciers, and mountain scenery.
How to Choose the Best National Park Tour in Anchorage
When selecting your tour, consider your budget, available time, and specific interests. For instance, if wildlife photography excites you, the Exquisite Wildlife & Wilderness Photo Tour is ideal. For a comprehensive, multi-day experience, the 5-day Kenai Fjords and Denali tour offers an in-depth exploration.
If your focus is on seeing whales and glaciers in a day, the Kenai Fjords cruise provides excellent value. For those seeking a quick scenic escape with wildlife, the Wilderness, Wildlife, Glacier Experience is a top choice.
Finally, for travelers with time and interest in a broad, immersive adventure, the 9-day wildlife tour delivers unmatched variety and depth.
Final Thoughts
Anchorage offers a remarkable variety of national park tours, from half-day excursions to multi-day adventures that cover glaciers, wildlife, and mountain vistas. For those seeking a cost-effective day trip, cruises and scenic tours provide excellent value. If you prefer a deeper, more personalized experience, the multi-day tours are well worth the investment—especially for wildlife enthusiasts or those wanting a comprehensive look at Alaska’s diverse ecosystems.
Whatever your choice, booking early is essential, particularly during peak summer months. Take your time to match the tour to your interests, and you’ll return home with stories and photos that will last a lifetime. Alaska’s wild beauty is waiting—now all that’s left is to get here and pick your perfect adventure!