Wildlife and Glaciers with a walk in the Rainforest

4.7 (755 Viator reviews) 4 hrs 30 min Anchorage area

Brown Bears
Portage Lake
Turnagain Arm
Your ride
Wildlife and Glaciers with a walk in the Rainforest, photo 5

Photos: Viator · 7 more on Viator

About this activity

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

Itinerary

  1. Chugach State Park · 10 min

    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!

  2. Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center · 60 min

    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.

  3. Portage Glacier · 30 min

    Portage Valley: You will see Explorer Glacier, Middle Glacier, Byron Glacier and Take a Walk through a Rainforest. Next grab a snack or meal to enjoy on your ride back to Anchorage at Portage Day Lodge. In the winter season this portion of the tour may be substituted with alternative viewing experiences due to possible unsafe weather conditions. Your guide will let you know.

What's included

  • Wildlife Conservation Center Entry Fee
  • Professional guide
  • Pick up at 509 W 3rd Ave. Directly across from the downtown Hilton Hotel

Not included

  • Gratuities
  • Lunch
  • Snacks

Meeting point

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Please check in at our new location: 509 W. 3rd Ave, directly across from the Hilton Hotel. Parking is available across the street. Check in at the concierge desk, then wait in our garden or indoor lobby. Please arrive 20 mins before departure. Look for the gray van with a bear!

End point: Please check in at our new location: 509 W. 3rd Ave, directly across from the Hilton Hotel. Parking is available across the street. Check in at the concierge desk, then wait in our garden or indoor lobby. Please arrive 20 mins before departure. Look for the gray van with a bear!

Good to know

  • 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.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

4.7/5

755 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor

  • 5 star640
  • 4 star49
  • 3 star27
  • 2 star16
  • 1 star23

Read the reviews on Viator

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Distances are straight-line from the activity's center of Anchorage (Viator lists this tour under Anchorage; it has no meeting-point coordinates).