Things to do in

Anchorage

Board one of the largest catamarans in the region and spend a day filled with wildlife, glaciers, mountains, and more. See whales and glaciers in Resurrection Bay and learn the history of the region from a National park Ranger. The cruise begins by searching for wildlife in the protected waters of Resurrection Bay. Whales, sea otters, and puffins are often sighted within minutes of leaving the harbor. A National Park Ranger will provide information on the area's wildlife, glaciers, fjords, and history. Stop at one tidewater glacier that has frequent calving events, where giant chunks of glacial ice break off and crash into the water. A full bar is available for those wanting to enjoy an Alaskan Amber or glacier margarita. Savor a deli-style lunch on board while you cruise.

Experience the local wildlife in Resurrection Bay on this fully narrated tour. Rather than following a set route, your crew will steer you to the wildlife most often seen through Resurrection Bay. Watch as sea otters carry their pups on their bellies. Marvel at the speed of the Dall's porpoise as they surf the vessel's wake. Be awed by the size and majesty of orcas, humpbacks, and other incredible whale species. This adventures is perfect for families, those with limited time, or guests worried about seasickness.

Step aboard a stable, high-speed catamaran for a full day exploring Kenai Fjords National Park. Start your cruise in Resurrection Bay where you'll will learn about the park, the surrounding area and wildlife from an experienced captain. Allow your captain to take you to the best wildlife viewing areas for the opportunity to see stunning marine life including whales, otters, seals and thousands of seabirds. Head out into the Gulf of Alaska past Bear Glacier, the largest glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park. Take advantage of getting up close with 2 active tidewater glaciers, Aialik Glacier and Holgate Glacier as your cruise stops nearby. Watch for calving, where giant chunks of glacier ice break off and crash into the water. Experienced deckhands will secure a chunk of glacier ice to make the most amazing cocktails and glacier margaritas.

Check-in at a unique Alaskan log office before hopping on a single-engine, high-wing aircraft to begin your fantastic scenic flight. Enjoy a 1 hour and 15-minute flight winding in and around the Alaska Range's major peaks—Hunter, Foraker and Denali. Follow the massive glacier highways from above while listening to fascinating expert narration from your pilot. Witness Kahiltna Glacier, the longest in Denali National Park, stretching 45 miles with stunning ridges of earth and ice. This tour is perfect for those who want to soak in traditional Denali views while adding additional views from the south and west. The extra time in the air also allows for greater flexibility in finding the best views of the day. Upgrade your tour to include a glacier landing during your flight. Experience the exhilaration of standing among the majestic peaks of the Alaska Range. Play in the snow, take photos or just take it all in. Glacier landings add 30 minutes to the total tour duration.

Learn about the rich history and natural beauty of Alaska's largest city and ride the trolley to 5+ stops throughout downtown Anchorage. Travel comfortably and take in some of the city's most exciting landmarks such as the Lake Hood small airplane airport. During the tour you will visit iconic locations such as Ship Creek, Earthquake Park, and Point Wornzoff. At each stop you will get the chance to hop-off for a few minutes, take pictures and ask questions to your knowledgeable, passionate, expert local guides.

Enjoy a fully narrated tour of historic Anchorage from the comfort of an enclosed, heated trolley with panoramic windows. Travel a 15-mile circuit through Alaska's largest city, while a lively and informative Alaskan guide shares the history of the city, their family stories, and more. Departing from the corner of 4th and F Street, the tour includes many highlights, such as the Mysterious Earthquake Park, and Westchester Lagoon, where waterfowl abound, and moose and small mammals forage. See the Alaska Railroad, and float planes departing from Lake Hood and Lake Spenard. Enjoy breathtaking views of mountain ranges, wildlife sightings, and historic neighborhoods In addition, get a coupon book serving more than 20 restaurants, gift shops, tours, and attractions in downtown Anchorage.

This full-day tour of the Turnagain Arm combines a drive along the scenic Seward Highway, a cruise to Portage Glacier, a visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center and a drive high into the Chugach Mountains. Start with a scenic drive along the Seward Highway down the Turnagain Arm of Cook Inlet, one of the most beautiful places on earth. You will stop in the most picturesque places for photo opportunities and to look out for Dall sheep and Beluga whales. Drive to Portage Glacier for a 1-hour boat trip on board the MV Ptarmigan. The vessel was built especially for the lake and the ride, even in inclement weather, is smooth. A National Park Service Ranger will come on board to explain the local eco-systems and glaciology. Hear how the mountains were pushed up from Oregon! On the way down the valley, pause to watch the salmon run in season. The salmon spawn in clear water in the same place they were born in order to start their life cycle all over again. They come back from the ocean after 4 to 6 years depending on the species. When the salmon are at their highest numbers, Beluga whale chase. Depending on the whim of the whales, you might see them from late July through mid-August. Next you will visit the remarkable Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. In summer, baby musk ox, bison, caribou, and moose will warm the heart of the toughest of men. You will have the opportunity to watch and hear the stories of endangered wood bison, Alaskan brown bear, black bear, moose, caribou/reindeer, lynx, an eagle, great horned owl, and even a porcupine. On your way back enjoy a side trip high into the Chugach Mountains through local neighborhoods for incredible panoramic views of four mountain ranges including Mt. McKinley (weather permitting), Cook Inlet and the city. Learn about local life high above Anchorage on what locals call "the hillside". Lunch will be at a local lodge after the Portage Glacier Cruise (not included in price).  Your expert Alaskan guide will be on hand at all times to describe the phenomenal nature and ecological systems.

Experience the beauty and awe of the Matanuska Glacier on a full-day trip from Anchorage. Drive the Glenn Highway up the Matanuska Valley along the Matanuska River. The glacier is 100 miles (161 kilometers) from Anchorage, so there are vast open vistas to enjoy along the way when the weather is clear. Check in at the Glacier Park office and take advantage of the indoor restrooms before heading up to the trailhead. Drive up to the trailhead, where the initial view of the glacier is breathtaking. Collect your safety equipment - ice spikes/crampons for your shoes year-round plus helmets in the summer. Then head out with an experienced glacier guide. In winter (late November through April) you will load onto sleds and enjoy a slow, safe snow machine ride out to the magnificent blue ice. In summer (May through early November) experience a longer, more strenuous hike. After you leave the glacier, the lunch spot is seconds away. Glacier burgers, salmon salads and sandwiches hot chocolate, and other comfort foods are on the menu. Relax and take a nap or chat on the way back to Anchorage. This tour is a full eight-plus hours and operates snow or shine. If the weather in Anchorage is poor, the area near the glacier is often better. Other tours may say they'll deliver an experience of a lifetime, but this one truly does.

Enjoy an admission ticket that will grant you access to over 200-acres of animal enclosures and stunning nature. Take a self-tour of the scenic 1.5-mile loop, accessible by foot, by bike, or by car, while learning about the resident wildlife via interpretive signs at each animal habitat. Support the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, which is a non-profit sanctuary dedicated to preserving Alaska’s wildlife through conservation, education, research, and quality animal care. The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC) is located in Portage Valley and is surrounded by the breathtaking Chugach Mountain Range and Turnagain Arm Inlet. Venture through the AWCC’s 1.5 mile loop which is the perfect adventure for the winter months. Experience unique ways to explore the Center while enjoying the wildlife in the winter include gliding on your cross country skis, riding your fat bike, or utilizing AWCC’s complimentary kick-sled rentals. Relax on board your own vehicle with a picturesque 1.5 mile loop drive around the sanctuary. See orphaned and injured animals taken in by the AWCC that have now been given a forever home.

Enjoy a 6-hour sightseeing tour departing from Anchorage and a scenic drive south along the edge of the Turnagain Arm on the Seward Parkway. This road is considered to be America’s most beautiful and scenic road, crossing mountain passes and majestic valleys. Along the way, you may spot moose, caribou, eagles, and other wildlife. There are sure to be some fantastic photo opportunities. Arrive at Portage Glacier to learn how living glaciers continue to carve the landscape and shape life in Chugach National Forest. Although Portage Glacier is no longer visible from the Visitor Center, due to its retreat, the face of the glacier is still partially in Portage Lake. Find out why Portage Glacier is one of Alaska's most popular attractions. Cruise across Portage Lake on the MV Ptarmigan and stand just 300 yards from a relic of the Ice Age. Watch for fractures of ice breaking off the glacier and crashing into the water below. Afterwards, head to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, a rehabilitation center for injured and orphaned wildlife. Here, you will safely be able to get close, observe and photograph some of Alaska's largest land animals, including moose, bison, elk, deer, caribou, bears muskox, wolves, small mammals, and birds of prey. During spring and summer, you can also witness the rehabilitation of orphaned baby animals of various species. After an informative visit through the Conservation Center with the largest of Alaska's wild animals, your tour will continue on towards Anchorage. Lunch can be purchased from one of the food vendors at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. Later, you will ascend the Chugach Mountains for amazing and panoramic views of the Turnagain Arm and beyond.