Top Anchorage Tours: Sightseeing & Cruises – Your Guide
Anchorage, Alaska is a really cool spot where you can get a taste of the great outdoors mixed with city comforts. So, it’s almost a given that finding the perfect tour or cruise can make or break your whole trip. The goal here isn’t just to see Alaska, that is, it’s to truly feel it – that raw, untamed beauty. These carefully selected tours offer a deep look into what makes Anchorage special.
1. Prince William Sound Glacier Cruise
A trip through Prince William Sound might be just what you need, as it’s an experience that gets you up close with some incredible glaciers. You’ll very likely glide through waters where tidewater glaciers calve into the sea, which can be a truly awe-inspiring sight. Keep an eye out for playful sea otters, seals lounging on ice floes, and maybe even a breaching whale or two, because these waters teem with life.
Many cruises include a knowledgeable guide who shares stories about the area’s history, the wildlife, and the science behind these icy giants. A common stop, too it’s almost like a tradition, is the small town of Whittier, your gateway to the Sound, which adds another layer to the adventure.
This cruise seems more appropriate, actually, for those who want a mix of stunning scenery and amazing wildlife sightings, all from the snug comfort of a tour boat. Read our full review: Prince William Sound Glacier Cruise Full Review and Details
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2. Anchorage City Tour with Earthquake Park
Want to get the lay of the land? Well, the Anchorage City Tour, featuring Earthquake Park, might be up your alley. This tour typically offers a good overview of Anchorage, and too it’s a great starting point to get familiar with key landmarks, and local history.
Earthquake Park, which is sometimes the most poignant stop, showcases the power of nature. In 1964 a big earthquake dramatically altered the landscape here, as you will soon see, the park serves as a memorial and a place to understand the region’s geological forces. In addition to the park, these tours often visit other attractions too, it’s almost certain that you’ll hit the Anchorage Museum and the Alaska Native Heritage Center.
This tour seems suitable for someone who wants to quickly get familiar with Anchorage, it’s points of interest and its story. Read our full review: Anchorage City Tour with Earthquake Park Full Review and Details
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3. Portage Glacier Cruise and Wildlife Exploration
Looking to combine glacier viewing with a bit of wildlife spotting? Then a Portage Glacier cruise and wildlife exploration could really do the trick. This excursion brings you to Portage Glacier, which, though smaller now, is still really impressive. You can often get fairly close to the glacier on a one-hour cruise across Portage Lake, which offers great photo opportunities, it is almost a certainty.
What makes this tour a bit unique is that many options include a visit to the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center, where you can learn about glaciers, and sometimes a stop at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, which is a sanctuary for injured and orphaned animals. Spotting bears, moose, and caribou is frequently possible.
If you like seeing glaciers and wildlife without venturing too far from Anchorage, this trip tends to be an appealing choice. Read our full review: Portage Glacier Cruise and Wildlife Exploration Full Review and Details
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4. Knik Glacier Adventure Tour
For the adventurous at heart, a Knik Glacier adventure tour is worth a look. These tours frequently involve a unique way to see the glacier, which can include options like a helicopter ride or an ATV adventure. Imagine flying over a massive ice structure or driving through the rugged terrain to get a closer look!
Knik Glacier is one of the larger glaciers near Anchorage, and so it provides a truly impressive backdrop for some amazing photos. Tours commonly mix adrenaline with education, offering details about the glacier’s history and its impact on the landscape.
This is basically perfect for the thrill-seeker who wants to add some action to their glacier viewing. Read our full review: Knik Glacier Adventure Tour Full Review and Details
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5. Chugach State Park Hiking Tour
If you’re itching to stretch your legs, then a guided hiking tour in Chugach State Park might just do the trick. This park, located near Anchorage, provides some spectacular trails for all skill levels. You will very soon experience stunning views, alpine meadows, and possibly even wildlife sightings as you walk through this immense wilderness.
Guided tours usually offer insight into the local flora and fauna, as well as tips for safely enjoying the backcountry. Depending on the trail, you might even come across waterfalls, lakes, or panoramic vistas that make the hike totally worth it.
If getting out into nature and experiencing Alaska on foot appeals to you, then you can almost be certain that this is a great choice. Read our full review: Chugach State Park Hiking Tour Full Review and Details
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