Things to do in

Portage Glacier

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 Alaska’s spectacular nature and wildlife on a guided full-day trip from Anchorage. You'll take a scenic drive to iconic viewing points, glimpse glaciers up close on a cruise of Portage Lake, and see animals in their natural habitats at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. Start your day tour with pick-up from your hotel in a comfortable passenger van. You'll be taken on one of Alaska’s most breathtaking drives down Seward Highway and Turnagain Arm, with sightseeing stops at Beluga Point and Bird Point. Next, arrive in the Portage Valley, where you'll stop at Explorer Glacier, Middle Glacier, and Byron Glacier. Board the MV Ptarmigan boat for an hour-long cruise on Portage Lake. Marvel at glaciers up close, including Portage Glacier, and admire the majestic mountainous landscape. Take the chance for an optional lunch stop after the cruise, before heading to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. You'll be guided through the 200-acre facility to see Alaska’s land mammals in their natural habitats. Look out for bears, moose, wolves, elk, deer, eagles, and many other animals. Finally, you'll drive back to Anchorage with one last stop to see Falls Creek, before being dropped off at your desired destination.

Unforgettable Glacier Cruise! Take an unforgettable glacier cruise right up to the face of a glacier, just 50 miles south of Anchorage. Motor to within 300 feet of the mammoth wall of ice called Portage Glacier. Listen for the unmistakable rumbling of a calving glacier, waiting for the movement when a huge block of ice crashes into the lake. You will enjoy a one-hour stroll on your own at the 140-acre Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. Jaws drop in awe-even while viewing Alaska’s wildlife up close and personal. AWCC’s mission is to provide refuge for orphaned, injured and ill animals-those that can’t survive in the wild. We make every effort to time this tour so that all customers will enjoy the bear feeding! Turnagain Arm is a “Must See destination” via The Turnagain Arm Shuttle.