Tours

Glacier & Wildlife Discovery Tour

Adult $259, Child $199 | 7 Hour Tour | OUR MOST POPULAR DAY TOUR!

4.9 (644 reviews)

by Planet Earth Adventures

7 hours (approximately)

1-11 people

Anchorage, Alaska

About This Experience

Embark on a breathtaking day tour from Anchorage to Portage Glacier, where you'll cruise across Portage Lake for stunning glacier views. Experience the scenic Seward Parkway, wildlife sightings at Beluga Point, and visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to learn about rehabilitated animals. Capture unforgettable memories amidst Alaska's natural beauty.

Highlights

Experience the Highlights of the Turnagain Arm.

See stunning scenery along the scenic Seward Highway.

Photo Opportunities along the way with stops at Beluga Point and Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge.

Visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.

Enjoy a 1 hour Cruise on Portage Lake to view Portage Glacier.

Enjoy Wide-Open Panoramic vistas high above the Chugach

What's Included

Anchorage Pick-up and Drop-off

English Speaking Local Alaskan Guide

Spanish Speaking Local Alaskan Guide (when available)

Professional photographer guide (when available)

Light snacks and water

Admission to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

1 hour Portage Glacier Cruise

Interpretive/sightseeing/photography stops along the way

Not Included

Tips for the guide (not expected but appreciated)

Lunch

What to Bring

Warm Layered ClothingHat & Gloves *(could be windy & chilly at the glacier)*Rain GearSunglassesCameraBinocularsComfortable walking shoesNOTE: *This activity goes rain or shine*

Meeting Point

Egan Convention Center located at 555 W. 5th Avenue

Itinerary

After a morning pickup in Anchorage, soak in the scenery as you head towards the Portage Glacier.

Along the way, stop at the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge, Beluga Point and Bird Point for photo ops of the Turnagain Arm, a narrow waterway that is part of the Cook Inlet and Gulf of Alaska. Keep an eye out for native wildlife such as moose and eagles that live in the Chugach National Forest.

Continue to the Portage Glacier boat dock. The glacier is no longer visible from the visitor center due to its retreat, however your cruise across Portage Lake takes you within 300 yards (100 meters) of the glacier, where you can snap photos and watch for ice crashing into the water.

Once you have seen the glacier, we will drive to the nearby Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, a large nature reserve situated at the entrance to Portage Valley. The center rehabilitates injured and orphaned wild animals, including some of Alaska's largest land animals such as elk, moose, deer, caribou, bison, bears, musk ox and birds of prey. Learn about these amazing creatures.

Check-in Details

Please arrive at the Egan Convention Center at least 30 minutes prior to the tour departure time. If you are driving a vehicle to the pick up location, there is Public Parking available one block away by the Anchorage Mall. Pay Parking is located at the corner of 6th Avenue & E Street (495 W. Sixth Avenue)

Good to Know

Age requirement: 6 - 99 years

Frequently Asked Questions

How Calm are the waters of Portage Lake? Will I get sea sick?

Portage lake is generally very calm so there is little risk. Overall, unless you get seasick at the slightest movement, we think you will be fine.

What is AWCC?

AWCC is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to preserving Alaska’s wildlife through conservation, education, research, and quality animal care.

How did the animals get here? Will they be released back into the wild?

The majority of our animals have a permanent home at the AWCC. Animals come to us for a variety of reasons. Some animals are abandoned at a young age and others are injured in the wild. Because of this, they often lack the skills needed to survive in the wild and are also reliant on humans for their care. Our Wood Bison Re-Introduction Project was a unique case. AWCC worked directly with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the Department of Fish & Game to conduct the re-introduction of these animals back into their native ranges in Alaska.

Are wheelchairs available?

AWCC & Planet Earth Adventures does not provide a wheel chair or walker for guests, however we will drive & make 2 stops around the 1.5 mile loop through the 200 acre sanctuary.

What is AWCC’s walking situation?

Visitors can walk to the enclosures to see the animals. AWCC is an outside facility; all animals are outside in their fenced-in enclosures.

Can I feed or pet the animals?

Visitors are prohibited from petting or feeding any animals at AWCC.

Is there food for purchase at AWCC?

Yes, the Be Wild Gift Shop offers hot beverages and grab-n-go snacks year-round. In the summer months, Forget-Me-Not Foods food truck is on site and serving hot/cold beverages, grab-n-go snacks, and lunch items. See our Dining Options page for more information.

Is photography and filming permitted?

Photography is permitted only for personal use. All film, video and still photography produced on the grounds of the AWCC for commercial purposes requires a written agreement with AWCC and a fee paid based on service desired. All film, video and photography taken within AWCC and used for commercial purposes without authorization is subject to legal action. AWCC prohibits the flight and usage of drones above our property. If you are interested in commercial filming or photography, please email events@alaskawildlife.org.

About the Operator

Planet Earth Adventures Anchorage, Alaska

4.9 (644)

4.9 (644 reviews)

Operated by Planet Earth Adventures

Duration: 7 hours (approximately)

Group size: 1-11

Location: Anchorage, Alaska

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