Wildlife and Glaciers with a walk in the Rainforest
Overview
Available languages
4 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
If getting an up-close look at Alaska’s iconic animals in a natural sanctuary setting is high on your list, this tour is an absolute must. Built around a one-hour visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, it offers one of the best ways to see Alaska’s wildlife safely and comfortably in a half-day adventure.
Enjoy a spectacular drive from Anchorage along the legendary Turnagain Arm, where mountain and ocean views set the tone. At the Conservation Center, explore spacious habitats home to brown bears, wolves, moose, musk ox, caribou, and the massive Woodland Bison.
The journey continues into beautiful Portage Valley, featuring braided rivers, lush forest, and towering peaks. Look up to spot hanging glaciers clinging to the mountainsides, a true highlight and photo favorite.
Wildlife, glaciers, and classic Alaska scenery—all in one tour. Shop, compare, and choose the experience that delivers the most value and memories
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Weather in Alaska can change rapidly, so please dress accordingly
Not recommended for Infants or Passengers who cannot walk for 40 minutes on their own.
What To Expect
Chugach State Park
Beluga Point: Popular photo stop with panoramic views of Turnagain Arm, with possible opportunities to see Dall sheep and Beluga whales. Timing is everything hopefully you will see both!
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
View Alaska's most famous animals up close in a natural setting. During this visit, you'll get great pictures of real live bears, moose, musk-ox, caribou, bison, and more! The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC) is a sanctuary dedicated to preserving Alaska’s wildlife through conservation, research, education and quality animal care. AWCC has provided care for hundreds of displaced animals because visitors like you have made critical contributions in the form of admission fees, donations, memberships, and gift shop purchases.
Options
Wildlife Tour
Wildlife Tour
What‘s Included
Wildlife Conservation Center Entry Fee
Professional guide
Pick up at 509 W 3rd Ave. Directly across from the downtown Hilton Hotel
Gratuities
Lunch
Snacks
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
735 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great Half Day Tour with Melissa!
Kimberly W,Jun 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Melissa was an amazing tour guide! She was so kind, patient and knowledgeable. We loved seeing the sights and hearing the lore of each landmark as well as learning historical facts about Alaska.
amazing day
Richard E,Jun 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00amazing day perfect weather Gary was a brilliant guide very goid knowledge well organised took photos for you if needed and would recommenf
Lovely afternoon tour with Gary
C2495XPjenniferg,May 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Gary provided an excellent tour of the Turnagain Arm and Wildlife Center. He was accommodating of the needs of our group and exceptionally knowledgeable about Alaska in general and visited sites in particular. A lovely way to spend an afternoon.
Well worth the time and...
Jonathan F,May 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Well worth the time and really gives you a great perspective. Our guide Melissa a native Alaskan from Nome really was amazing.
An excursion in mid May
K E,May 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00This excursion occurred on a cold rainy day, so we weren’t able to take full advantage of the wildlife conservation visit as expected. Further, there seemed to be no itinerary or back up plan regarding what activities could be substituted in the event of bad weather. While amiable enough, the driver & tour guide team (which would be switched out for a different individual driver/tour guide & vehicle) were not well organized. The were no call outs of the sites that we were passing. The individual driver/tour guide was better, providing context to what we were seeing. Later, he pointed out a nesting eagle and pulled the van over for us to see/photograph it. Overall, this excursion was underwhelming, the most disappointing of any Viator trip I’ve ever experienced.
Disappointing!
Bobbi G,May 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00Our tour was completely disorganized. They combined several tours together and people were shuffled between different buses. We had to keep asking about what was happening next and we didn't even do the complete tour; instead, they did other irrelevant stops just to fill the minimal time. Such a disappointment!
Disappointing
bobbig928,May 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00Tour was unorganized; combined multiple tours together and people were shuffled between different buses. We didn’t even do the entire tour, substitution stops were done to fill gaps. Disappointing!
Beautiful tour of Turnagain Arm!
Y1746KRblakeh,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had a great experience seeing Alaskan wildlife and beautiful views of the landscape.
10/10 tour wit rezy
Andrea C,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00dude idek where to even start, lowkey came rlly early because I wanted to walk around downtown for a bit which was cool and sat down in a cute little cafe shop and got a banana bread from a cool girl named Chloe(also who let me use her charger for my dying phone THANK UU). Met my tour guide (Rezy), I’m socially an awkward person but they made me feel rlly comfortable and made me laugh as well(felt like talking to a friend rather than a stranger I js met). Some of the travel areas were closed or not a lot of animals were out (due to weather?idk)but tbh I had a rlly good time js talking abt jokes and what makes Alaska different. And Rezy rlly educated me on glaciers and other stuff I had no clue abt 🤣. 2nd day on my trip out in Alaska and made my week js going on this tour guide:) 10/10 would do it again. If u love sightseeing and having a good conversation with someone, highly recommend 👍
Great way to spend the...
Emil S,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great way to spend the afternoon in Anchorage if you wanna get out of the city. Melissa was absolutely fantastic!
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Operated by Alaska's Finest Tours & Cruises