11 Tours in Anchorage to Build a Day Around

1.Wilderness, Wildlife, Glacier Experience from Anchorage

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,004 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $199Our pick

From Anchorage, follow Turnagain Arm to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, Chugach viewpoints, Beluga Point, and seasonal glacier trails. Guides such as Holly, Hunter, Patrick, and Aaron add local history and phone photography tips. In summer, you can upgrade to the Ptarmigan Glacier Cruise for a closer look at Portage Glacier.

“An amazing time spent with family while in Anchorage. We loved our travel guide Patrick. While admiring nature and the animals around Anchorage we learned so much. Learning about the history was fascinating, as this was our first time in Alaska. We are cherishing this trip and the fantastic memories. Thank you Patrick for making it so memorable.”

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2.Anchorage Trolley Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,607 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $25Best value

Ride an open-sided trolley through Anchorage with a local guide, passing the Captain Cook Monument, historic townsite, Alaska Railroad, Lake Hood, Lake Spenard, and Earthquake Park. Guides such as Cyrus, Jarred, Jason, and Thomas bring local stories and humor. The tour costs $25, runs about an hour, and includes a coupon book.

“Quick tour of Anchorage with knowledgeable tour guide. Loved that he was a long term resident and could give us antedotes of his own experience. He also has a beautiful voice!”

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3.Anchorage Trolley’s Deluxe City Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,382 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $50

Spend about 90 minutes touring Anchorage from a red trolley with guides such as Prince, Ace, Ty, and Jared. Expect local history, Earthquake Park, Lake Hood seaplanes, Point Woronzof views, designated photo stops, and a chance to spot moose. The air-conditioned ride returns to downtown.

“The travel guide was very informational. Was very nolageble about this city. Highly recommend taking the tour”

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4.Anchorage City Tour w/ Taste of Wild Smoked Salmon & Reindeer Sausage

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 826 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $69

Spend about 3.5 hours seeing Anchorage with a local guide such as Donna, Melissa, Gary, or Ina. Visit Ship Creek, Earthquake Park, Lake Hood, Point Woronzof, the Ulu Factory, and Alaska Wild Berry Products. Tastings include smoked salmon, reindeer sausage, and other Alaskan specialties. The group is capped at 14.

“It was a great time, best tour we ever had Melisa was incredible couldn’t have gotten a better guide”

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5.Wildlife and Glaciers with a walk in the Rainforest

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 719 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $149

Travel from downtown Anchorage along Turnagain Arm with a guide such as Melissa, Gary, Jim, or Matt. Stop at Beluga Point, visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, view Portage Valley glaciers, and take a short rainforest walk. The small group holds up to 14 people, with round-trip transport and admission included.

“It was a wonderful tour. Well done. Lots to see. Matthew was a terrific guide. I would take this tour again”

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6.Glacier Hike on Matanuska Glacier – Best Vacation Value

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 463 reviews · 7 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $325

Travel from Anchorage to Matanuska Glacier for about two hours on the ice, using supplied traction gear and expert guidance. Guides such as Holly, Hunter, Patrick, and Grace share Alaska stories, point out glacier features, and often take photos. The hike includes blue ice, crevasses, narrow passages, and possible ice slides.

“Great day for a very interesting experience. Not difficult at all. The guides were very professional and helpful. At no time did I feel unsafe. Jason and Aaron were the best!”

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7.Dog Sledding Adventure in Willow, Alaska

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 398 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $175

Meet a family-run kennel in Willow, help harness Iditarod sled dogs, and ride private snowy trails with an experienced musher such as Dane. Expect Denali views, a safety briefing, loaner parkas, hot drinks, snacks, and time to pet the dogs afterward. Groups are capped at four.

“My wife and I had the most incredible dog sledding adventure, and it ended up being one of the highlights of our trip. From start to finish, everything was well organized, safe, and genuinely exciting. The dogs were clearly well cared for and loved to run, and their energy and enthusiasm made the whole experience even more special. They were fun and friendly, and we even got to spend time playing with them, which made the experience feel really personal. Watching the team take off and feeling the sled glide over the snow was something we will never forget. It was peaceful, beautiful, and thrilling all at the same time.…”

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8.Matanuska Glacier Hike Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 396 reviews · 10 hours (approx.) · from $329

Ride from Anchorage along the Glenn Highway to Matanuska Glacier, then spend about two hours on the ice with a trained glacier guide. You’ll use ice spikes and a helmet in summer, learn about glacier science and Alaska, and stop for lunch at a lodge with glacier views. Guides may include Lori, Tony, Billy, Alyssa, or Jason.

“Our day tour today was absolutely fantastic! Kim, our driver, was incredibly warm-hearted and proactive—always ensuring we were comfortable and safe throughout the journey. And Sophia, our guide, was simply wonderful—so passionate, knowledgeable, and full of positive energy that made the whole experience truly engaging and memorable. The glacier views were breathtakingly beautiful—a sight we’ll cherish for a long time. We can only imagine how amazing it would be in the summer, so we’re already looking forward to coming back next year! Thank you for such an incredible experience!!”

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9.Portage Glacier Cruise and Wildlife Explorer Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 378 reviews · 5 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $239

Leave Anchorage at 1 p.m. for a half-day trip along Turnagain Arm. Cruise within a few hundred feet of Portage Glacier with a Park Service Ranger, then visit Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to see bears, bison, musk ox, lynx, and more. Guides including Matt, Gary, and Jack add local stories and practical help.

“This was a great tour with a lot of local information. The scenery was great and our guide Matt made it interesting and fun. Loved our visit to the Conservation Center and the Glacier tour was awesome. Would definitely recommend.”

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10.Grand Knik Helicopter Tour – 2 hours 3 landings – ANCHORAGE AREA

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 374 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $761

From Alaska Glacier Lodge near Palmer, you’ll fly up the Knik River Valley for about two hours and make three landings near the glacier. A pilot-guide such as Sam, Wyatt, Cody, or Brian may point out wildlife, ice formations, and Lake George. The winter route lands beside the ice rather than on top.

“Absolutely worth it! Turner, our pilot, made us feel safe and our 3 landings were unbelievable. We especially loved the cascade glacier. He found us a mountain goat, bear and a moose, too.”

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11.Alaska Railroad Anchorage to Seward Round-Trip Same Day Return

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 371 reviews · 14 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $226

Take the Alaska Railroad from Anchorage to Seward and back in one long, scenic day. You get reserved seating, onboard narration, large windows, open vestibules, and time to explore Seward on your own. Food is available for purchase, and optional Seward or Kenai Fjords trips must be booked separately.

“This was an incredible experience. All of the staff on the train were so friendly and the train ride itself was so amazing.”

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