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 full-day trip from Anchorage. Take one of Alaska’s most breathtaking drives down Seward Highway and Turnagain Arm, before getting a guided tour of the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. Start your day tour with pick-up from your hotel in a comfortable passenger van. You'll be driven to your first stop, Potters Marsh Bird Sanctuary, a scenic area where you can marvel at amazing bird life, along with moose and other wildlife. After that, stop by the Beluga Point viewing platform to spot Beluga Whales and other marine life in Turnagain Arm, as well as taking in the breathtaking mountain views. Next, you'll visit Bird Point to stretch your legs and get a beautiful view of the Turnagain Arm, and see where the tidal bore occurs. Head to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to take a tour of the 200-acre facility. See Alaska’s land mammals in their natural habitats, including bears, moose, wolves, elk, deer, eagles, and much more. Take the drive back to Anchorage with one last stop at Falls Creek, before being dropped off at your desired destination.

Head off on a sightseeing drive from Anchorage. Hear about the local area as you ride in comfort to Chugach State Park and the Palmer Hayflats Wildlife Refuge Area. Go on a guided nature walk to local lookouts and lakes, and take in great views of the surrounding area. Start your tour from downtown Anchorage. Head to the first stop as your knowledgeable tour guide brings to life the history, flora and fauna, and famous local legends of the area. Discover incredible locations within Chugach State Park and the Palmer Hayflats Wildlife Refuge Area such as Glen Alps Overlook, Eagle River Nature Center, and Eklutna Lake. Head south down the Turnagain Arm and conquer part of Falls Creeks Trail, or go north to take a leisurely stroll around Reflections Lake and explore the beauty hidden just outside Anchorage. Top it all off with an adventure to secret glacier views or unexpected trails to cascading waterfalls. Whatever the location or activity, Alaska will not disappoint. Your guide will customize the tour to the interests and desired activity level of the entire group.

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.

Day 1 Relax with pickup from your guide at your hotel before you begin your adventure. Depart Anchorage and head south to the Crow Creek Gold Mine to experience Alaska’s rich pioneer mining history. Pan for gold and walk the historic mining area before heading to the Alyeska Resort. Go up the tram and take in 360-degree views of snowcapped peaks and the scenic Turnagain Arm waterway awaits. Take a chance to shop in downtown Girdwood after lunch in the quaint town, then depart for Seward where you'll stay for the night. Your guide will interpret the history and landscape while stopping along the way at scenic turnouts. Day 2 After breakfast, enjoy your day in Seward, Alaska, and choose from the following activities (to be paid out-of-pocket): – Glacier helicopter tours to see sled dogs – Kenai Fjords ocean tour (guide-suggested, with Fox Island Dinner) – Sea kayaking – Glacier hiking – Ocean fishing day trip – River fishing – Guided day hikes – Ice climbing Day 3 Travel from Seward to Denali Eat a full breakfast, pack up, and say goodbye to the ocean and hello to the Alaska interior. Depart for the moderate hike to the Exit Glacier, just minutes from Seward. Then, head to the Bear Creek Weir (seasonally dependent) to see salmon running in the creek up close. Stop with your guide at scenic overlooks for pictures. See the Hurricane Gulch Bridge overlook and the Denali Viewpoint South. Take bathroom breaks and pictures before arriving in the small town of Healy to settle in for tomorrow's activities. Day 4 After breakfast, enjoy a day of activities in the Denali National Park area. Take the opportunity to spend the day on one of the many activities listed below before tucking in at the Denali Totem Inn (or similar). The activities below are to be paid out-of-pocket: – Denali National Park bus tour – Glacier flights into Denali – ATV adventures – Horseback rides – Jeep excursions – Nenana river rafting – Fly-fishing day trips – Wilderness sightseeing safari – River jet boat tour – Guided hiking Day 5 Leave Denali National Park en route for Anchorage after breakfast and one last experience: Visit the historical dog mushing team of Denali National Park. These dogs are still used for supplying the backcountry of the park in the winter. Depart for Anchorage to complete your 5-day tour after the sled dog presentation. Guests who would like to ride the train to Anchorage may do so from Denali or Talkeetna.