Day Trips from Anchorage to Alaska

Combine a sightseeing tour and a glacier cruise into one full-day itinerary with this excursion from Anchorage. Climb aboard a comfortable coach for a narrated journey along Turnagain Arm Drive. Continue the tour on a catamaran for a smooth, scenic cruise that navigates through narrow fjords and right up to the face of massive glaciers. Admire views of Prince William Sound during the tour.

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.

Set out on a nocturnal adventure to see the Northern Lights with this photography-focused tour departing from Anchorage. Get picked up at your hotel and go in search of Aurora Borealis, or the Northern Lights, with a small-group tour. Learn new photography skills and try your hand at capturing the dazzling light show of the Northern Lights with your camera.

You don't have to travel far from the city to see abundant Alaskan wildlife. On this tour to Turnagain Arm, you'll earn about the local ecosystem while looking out for wild animals in their natural environment. A visit to the animals at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center and a cruise to Portage Glacier are also included.

Prince William Sound is one of Alaska’s most beautiful areas to see the state’s massive, icy glaciers, but the best way to see them is by boat. Skip renting a boat yourself and travel safely on the sound during this Prince William Sound Glacier Cruise. Spend an afternoon with others as you take in views of the glaciers and Alaskan wildlife, too.

For a stress-free, see-it-all day, look no further than this small-group tour. Picked up from your Anchorage hotel, you’ll go for a scenic drive down the famous Turnagain Arm, stop at Explorer and Middle glaciers, cruise on Portage Lake, and finally explore the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, where you’ll see lynx, wolves, reindeer, and more. You’ll get whisked back to Anchorage down the Seward Highway for one last adventure.

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.

Experience the breathtaking landscape of the Turnagain Arm on a half-day tour with an informative guide. Ride along the scenic Seward Parkway to the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge and Beluga Point, stopping for photo ops and wildlife observation. Visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, a large nature preserve where injured animals are rehabilitated. Continue to the town of Girdwood, then travel up into the Chugach Mountains for another great vantage point on the Turnagain Arm. Includes round-trip transportation from Anchorage.

The Matanuska Glacier is Alaska's largest glacier accessible by road, and offers the most accessible areas to walk on of any glacier in Alaska. If you don't want to tackle the winter drive yourself, this guided tour can take you there and lead you on a trek across the ice.  Lunch at a local restaurant is included.

Alaska's largest glacier accessible by car is located just outside Anchorage, so don't miss the chance to visit during your stay. You'll head to Matanuska Glacier Park to explore this natural wonder with provided ice cleats and a guide.

Explore the natural beauty of the Turnagain Arm, Portage Valley and city of Anchorage on a customized full-day private tour with an informative guide. Ride a tram to the top of Mt Alyeska, explore the town of Girdwood, and gaze at the Portage Glacier during a cruise on Portage Lake. View Alaska's majestic wildlife during stops at scenic viewpoints and a visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. Then discover the best spots for restaurants and cultural attractions in Anchorage on a comprehensive city tour.

Walk on an Alaskan glacier on this day trip from Anchorage to the Matanuska Glacier. With an instructional guide and provided mountaineering equipment (crampons and a pole), you'll 'walk on water' as you hike across the ice. Check out physical features such as seracs, crevasses, and ice formations, and enjoy a view of an ice fall.

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.

Matanuska Glacier is a must-visit when in Anchorage. But, without the right vehicle and equipment, it can be tricky to plan for the adventure. Skip the hassles of logistics and gear with this small-group tour that picks you up in the city and transports you to the glacier, where you can embark on a hike of a few miles.

The opportunities for adventure in Alaska are endless, so visitors on tight schedules might have difficulty fitting in everything. You'll paddle around icebergs in Spencer Glacier Lake and enjoy views of hanging glaciers, cascading waterfalls, and more on a train ride through Grandview, the most scenic section of the Alaska Railroad.

Get out and see for yourself how Alaska’s adventures don’t play by the Lower 48’s rules. On this private, guided tour, you’ll head to Chugach State Park—comparable to any national park in the country. Across seven hours of moderate-to-strenuous hiking, you’ll spot alpine lakes, wander along glacial rivers, climb craggy mountainsides, and follow as your guide pinpoints all that’s wild and wonderful in this untamed land.

Explore Chugach State Park's Eagle River trail system without the risk of getting lost when you hike on a small-group guided tour. Lovers of the outdoors won't want to miss the opportunity to hike through boreal forests and glaciated valleys, to see where salmon spawn, and to spot wildlife like bears, moose, and birds. Meet your guide at a designated spot and enjoy a moderate five-hour hike.

Discover the beauty of Alaska's wilderness during this half-day hiking tour in Chugach State Park. Meet your guide for a small-group hike to see Alaska's alpine forests and tundra. Learn about the local ecosystem from a naturalist guide and keep an eye out for local wildlife including bear, sheep, marmot, and birds. Experience of the thrill of 360-degree views of Cook Inlet and the Chugach Mountains.

If you've never been on a hike during the winter, you need to give it a shot. Winter hiking is a blast, and it's great for the mind and body during long periods of dark & cold. This tour holds plenty of opportunity for photos, and a comprehensive variety of the natural elements found in the boreal forests of Alaska, as well as a stop at a local waterfall. Sound like your style? • Hike along Chugach State Park's Eagle River and see ice-covered Barbara Falls! • Perfect for solo travelers and couples. • Enjoy breathtaking views of towering vistas. Amazing landscapes await your camera! • Learn about Alaska's glaciated valleys and boreal forests from an experienced gude. • Opportunity for wildlife sightings, including moose, hare, voles, and porcupine! • Provisions include a prepacked snack, courtesy of Kat’s Epic Trail Bites. We'll provide micro-spikes for icy terrain. Join us on a classic Alaskan adventure today!

See the sites from Anchorage to Whittier with just your family and friends on this private tour that includes a cruise transfer. With your group of up to nine people, soak up spectacular views along Turnagain Arm, Bird Point, the Alyeska Scenic Tramway, and Portage Lake. Throughout the day, keep watch for wildlife sightings of Dall sheep, mountain goats, beluga whales, black bears and moose. You set the itinerary and schedule. This tour is available traveling from Whittier to Anchorage as well. Note: Price is per tour, not per guest. Order "1" adult for all ages and group sizes from 1 to 9 guests.

If you're a first-time visitor, or short on time, this small-group tour offers a comprehensive introduction to Anchorage and its modern culture. You'll make brief stops at sites including the Alaska Railroad Depot and Earthquake Park on your way to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (admission is included) and the Portage Glacier.

Discover the beauty of Alaska as you travel from Anchorage to Seward with just your family and friends on this private tour that includes a cruise transfer. With your group of up to nine people, admire the breathtaking scenery along Seward Highway, designated an All American Road. You set the schedule and itinerary, which may include Turnagain Arm, Bird Point, the Alyeska Scenic Tramway and Seward SeaLife Center. Throughout the day, keep watch for wildlife sightings. This tour is available for a transfer from Seward to Anchorage as well. Note: Price is per tour, not per guest. Order "1" adult for all ages and group sizes from 1 to 9 guests.

Experience the natural wonder of Alaska's Matanuska Glacier with our full-day guided tour. Beginning with a convenient pickup from downtown Anchorage, you'll embark on a scenic two-hour journey, driving through landscapes of towering mountains. Along the way, we'll stop at local eateries, offering you the chance to purchase lunch. Upon reaching the glacier, a seasoned guide will equip you with crampons, making glacier navigation safe and manageable. Then, an all-terrain vehicle will transport you to the glacier's base. Here, you'll set off on foot to explore the glacier's icy expanse, discovering fascinating ice formations and gaining insight into the glacier's natural history from your knowledgeable guide. After this unforgettable experience, we'll journey back to Anchorage, ensuring a comfortable drop-off in downtown. This tour is a perfect blend of adventure, education, and scenic beauty, offering an in-depth encounter with one of Alaska's most impressive glaciers.