Cook Inlet Attractions & Things to do

Start your tour with a pick up from your hotel location with one of Alaska's top rated guides. First experience one of Alaska’s most breathtaking drives down the Seward Hwy and Turnagain Arm with a few sightseeing stops at Beluga Point and Bird Point. We will then arrive in the Portage Valley making stops at Explorer Glacier, Middle Glacier and boarding the M/V Ptarmigan for an hour long cruise on Portage Lake viewing multiple surrounding glaciers and majestic landscapes with the main focus on Portage Glacier. We will make an optional lunch stop after the cruise and before heading to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. Once we arrive at the Wildlife Center you will be guided through the 200 acre facility where you're guaranteed to see Alaska’s land mammals in their natural habitats and much more! We will then take the drive back and make one last stop at Falls Creek before your drop off at your desired destination in Anchorage.
Duration: 8 hours.

This tour is a great way to experience some amazing sights of Alaska, wildlife, glaciers, and a rainforest within a half day. Your guide will pick you up from downtown Anchorage and drive along Turnagain Arm, which boasts abundant scenic views and Alaskan wildlife within easy access to the city of Anchorage. Along the way, you will learn many interesting facts about this area’s history, animals, and ecosystem from your experienced guide.
You will visit the Wildlife Conservation Center, located at the end of Turnagain Arm and surrounded by mountain peaks. You will have the chance to explore on your own and visit the many animals in the center, including brown bears, wolfs, caribou, moose, and the endangered Woodland Bison.
After the Wildlife Center, you will have the opportunity to see the majestic Portage Valley, a few miles drive from the Wildlife Center. Here you will enjoy several amazing viewpoints of glaciers, lakes, rivers, and a unique rainforest.

Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes.

Embark on a scenic journey along the Turnagain Arm. View breathtaking Scenery, keeping a lookout for Beluga whales, Dall Sheep, Bald Eagles, and the occasional bear! Learn about the local ecosystem and local wildlife from your experienced tour guide, as they drive along the inlet. You will arrive at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to visit and learn about the many local wildlife that have been rescued. Lastly, enjoy a scenic drive through Portage Valley and view these beautiful glaciers and Salmon streams.

Enjoy round-trip transportation from Anchorage. Learn about local wildlife and ecosystems. Visit Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, to see and learn about local Alaskan wildlife. Drive-thru parts Portage Valley. A walk in the rainforest.


Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes.

Small groups discover glaciers and wildlife on one one of the most intriguing road trips you will ever experience. A local expert will narrate on your 8 hour day tour from Anchorage, Alaska.

Free hotel pickup and drop-off included

100% Satisfaction Guarantee

Turnagain Arm tour from Anchorage

Portage Glacier one-hour cruise on a calm lake

Lunch stop at a rustic Alaskan lodge

Wide variety of Alaskan Wildlife at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center including bears, moose, caribou, wood bison, musk ox, lynx, wolf, etc.

Scenic views from 2000 feet above Anchorage, AK of the Cook Inlet and surrounding mountains

Photo stops

Hotel pick-up and Drop-off included

Free water and snacks in the van
Duration: 8 hours.

Step into the heart of the Alaskan wilderness this summer on our tour to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. With stunning views of the Turnagain Arm, a body of water known for its mesmerizing tidal bore and breathtaking landscapes, you'll be awestruck by the natural beauty of this land. The journey from Anchorage is made easy and comfortable, as we'll take care of the driving so you can sit back and soak in the scenery.

At the Conservation Center, you'll be up close and personal with Alaska's indigenous wildlife, getting to know the fascinating creatures that call this place home. Your knowledgeable guide will bring the history and legends of the area to life, making the experience even more enriching. Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or a curious traveler, this tour is sure to captivate and inspire you. So come join us and let Alaska's stunning landscapes and fascinating wildlife leave you breathless.
Duration: 4 hours.

Travel north of Anchorage through the MatSu Valley with great scenery to the mushing capital of the world and go for a sled dog ride! In Willow, AK, you’ll experience a real Iditarod musher’s home kennel and learn all about the amazing and friendly canine athletes. Then go for an exhilarating overland sled dog ride powered by a team of authentic Alaska Huskies! Learn all about the sport of mushing, the world famous 1000 mile Iditarod Sled Dog Race and its history, while getting to pet some friendly fluffy Alaska huskies; you’ll go for a dog-powered ride in a specially designed 2-person cart with your own personal musher. This 5+ hour (depending on group size) adventure will be one you won’t forget. Approximately 1.5 hour drive each way with 1.5 hours at the kennel. (Wheeled carts are used in the summer and sleds are used in the winter when there is sufficient snow on the ground.)
Duration: 5 hours.

This is the perfect tour for those with limited time in Alaska. Experience magnificent Portage Glacier on this full-day tour from Anchorage, as well as famous Seward Highway, America's most scenic road. Hugging the edge of Turnagain Arm, stop at lookouts like Beluga Point to try to spot all sheep then, continue on to see even more wildlife at the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge (seasonal). Take a 1-hour cruise on Portage Lake to see Portage Glacier calving, and see where wildlife is rehabilitated at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. Later, head high up on the Chugach Mountains for amazing panoramic views of the Anchorage bowl and beyond (weather permitting) This is a 6-hr tour (approx.)

Activity Level: EASY

Guests should be able to walk short distances on uneven ground. Trails surfaces vary from paved to uneven natural terrain. Tour participants must be able to walk a short distance and be able to get in/out of the tour vehicle with minimal assistance.
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The most scenic tour. Travel south along the Seward Highway named one of the most scenic byways in North America taking in ocean & mountain views. Ride an aerial tram (included) up Mount Alyeska 2300 feet above sea level and enjoy panoramic vistas. Lunch/food is on your own at the Bore Tide Deli & Bar at the top. At sea level, your admission is included to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center; learn about how this non-profit wildlife sanctuary cares for The Last Frontier’s injured and orphaned animals. See the amazing recovered wildlife like Grizzly Bear, Moose, Caribou, Musk Ox, and much more! Return to Anchorage after this photographic experience lasting approximately 5.5 to 6 hours.
Duration: 6 hours.

A local guide will take you on a leisurely bike ride along beautiful Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, beginning at Kincaid Park. Experience the beauty of the Cook Inlet, watch for moose and learn about the history and events that shaped Anchorage!
Duration: 3 hours.

This is the longest-running northern lights photo tour in the Anchorage area. We pick you up at your Anchorage accommodations and take you on a nocturnal adventure to witness the beauty of the Alaskan night sky. It's a great option for any travelers to Alaska during August to late April. This tour accommodates serious photographers to sightseers.

We conduct a daily update that includes both the aurora borealis and weather forecast. The tour runs based on that forecast, but runs only if the forecast indicates a chance of seeing the aurora. Because both weather and the aurora borealis are natural phenomena, we cannot guarantee seeing the northern lights.

This tour increases your chance of aurora viewing success by allowing you to reserve as many nights as you like [space available] and only finalizing payment 48 hours in advance under the Reserve Now & Pay Later system. If you do not see the northern lights during your tour, you get a free make-up tour.
Duration: 6 hours.

Northern Light spotting is an art and PicTours Alaska has the most successful viewing rate. Enjoy an evening road trip where we strategically find locations to view the aurora light show.
Duration: 2 hours 59 minutes.

A picturesque drive along the Turnagain Arm of the Cook Inlet will offer you breathtaking views while en route to one of the best attractions in southcentral Alaska - the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center! We will guide you through this wildlife sanctuary while sharing about the injured and orphaned wild animals in their care; you’ll also have some free time to walk around on your own. This trip is approximately one hour each way to the wildlife center with approximately 1.5-2 hours at the center itself, totaling a 4-hour educational tour with spectacular scenery the whole way!
Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes.

Experiencing the Matanuska Glacier at sunrise is truly magical. As dawn breaks, the first light bathes the glacier in a soft, golden glow, highlighting the intricate patterns and deep blue hues of the ice. The surrounding Chugach and Talkeetna mountain ranges are illuminated, their peaks glowing warmly against the morning sky. The serene atmosphere, combined with the pristine beauty of the glacier and its surroundings, offers a tranquil and awe-inspiring start to the day.
Duration: 8 hours.

Witness the Matanuska Glacier at sunset, as golden light illuminates the ice, creating a magical scene.


Duration: 8 hours.

This tour offers moderate levels of fitness and relaxation with a beautiful hike followed by an afternoon at Alyeska Nordic Spa! Looking for something different? This tour might be for you! We'll start off with a 3 mile hike through the Chugach mountain range which makes up the 300 mile backdrop to Anchorage and is known as the Alaska's playground! This hike offers amazing views with the possibility of wildlife encounters! The Chugach is home to 100s of moose, black bears and brown bears! Follow this hike with a drive down the Turnagain Arm of Cook Inlet where we keep an eye out for beluga whales and bald eagles. Conclude your tour with the rejuvenating benefits of hydrotherapy and unwind amidst the jaw-dropping scenery of the Chugach Mountains for 4 hours at Alyeska Nordic Spa. Immerse yourself in the Nordic tradition of hot and cold hydrotherapy cycles with saunas, steam rooms, hot pools, cold plunges, and relaxation space, designed to revitalize both body and mind.

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Exclusive VIP Alaska Tour

Embark on a unique experience to see the stunning landscapes of Alaska, curated for a group of up to five people. Immerse in the breathtaking natural beauty and wildlife of this majestic state.

Experience Alaska's raw beauty on a scenic drive along Turnagain Arm and Chugach National Forest. Enjoy: Breathtaking coastal views, unique flora and fauna, marvel ice formations of ancient, blue-hued glaciers, Expert insights and unbeatable photo ops.

The AWCC is a haven home for some of these incredible animals, Including: bears, moose, bison, wolf and more. Your private VIP access ensures a more intimate and exclusive experience, allowing you to truly appreciate the conservation efforts to protect these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

Enjoy a unique Alaskan culinary experience. With an opportunity to savor reindeer, buffalo or elk hotdog prepared with farmed meats. This meal option is not included in the price of the tour.
Duration: .

All the charm of the Winter Wonderland that is Alaska, without the hassle of driving yourself! This tour is guaranteed to delight people of all ages, as you take in the history of the area, encounter our indigenous wildlife at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, and marvel at the beauty of The Last Frontier on a glorious sunset drive!
The Turnagain Arm is a must-see any time of year, but it holds a different charm in the winter that is guaranteed to dazzle!
We meet all travelers at the Dena'ina Center for pick-up, but will drop off at any Anchorage hotel as the tour ends after dark. If your hotel is not listed, please get in touch with us to arrange your drop-off location.

This is a great opportunity for solo travelers as we are committed to providing excellent experiences and do not have a minimum number of participants for this tour. The only reason we may cancel is due to unsafe weather conditions.
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Get a rare view of Alaska’s beauty on a 30-minute trip into the heart of glacier country. You'll see vast ice-fields and glaciers as you glide past the jagged peaks of the Chugach mountains. Keep your camera ready for a chance to spot wildlife traversing the steep cliffs.
Duration: 30 minutes.

Capture the magic of the Midnight Sun in summer or mid-day twilight in winter! Photograph stunning Alaska landscapes with technical and creative support provided by local, professional photographer guides who know where to be and when. This tour is designed to accommodate picture takers, but non-photographer guests are welcome to join in and enjoy the views. Natural history and historical narratives are provided along the way. Departure is based on sunset to capitalize on the best light of the day. The tour begins three hours before sunset and concludes one hour after sunset. A flexible itinerary allows for spontaneous stops to photograph wildlife en route and to highlight seasonal changes.
Duration: 4 hours.

Explore Chugach State Park by foot on this private hiking tour led by a naturalist guide. Leave Anchorage and travel through the Chugach foothills to the country's third-largest state park for a day of hiking and wildlife viewing. Soak up unrivaled mountain vistas, spot wildlife such as moose and eagles, and learn about the rich geology, ecology and history of the park from your guide.
Duration: 7 hours.