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Alaska Tours – Best Excursions, Cruises, and Guided Trips

Intro to Alaska Tours

Alaska is where raw nature still reigns. Glaciers calve into icy fjords. Grizzlies roam along salmon-rich rivers. Denali pierces the clouds. Alaska tours unlock a frontier few travelers can navigate alone — vast, untamed, and gloriously remote.

From wildlife cruises in Kenai Fjords to helicopter glacier landings and dog sledding in Fairbanks, every tour in Alaska is a portal to something epic. With rugged distances and weather to match, local guides provide not just knowledge — but the logistics, safety, and access needed to go deep into the wild.

Whether you’re chasing the aurora borealis, kayaking among icebergs, or immersing in Indigenous culture, there’s a guided Alaska experience ready to awaken your spirit.

Start planning your journey with our Alaska Travel Guide — and unlock the magic only guided tours can offer.

Why Take a Tour in Alaska?

Alaska is five times the size of the UK — with a fraction of the infrastructure. Guided tours simplify a complex landscape:

No guesswork: Skip long-distance driving, permits, or weather hazards.
Expert guides: Track wildlife, navigate tides, and explain Indigenous history.
Small-group ready: Ideal for seniors, families, and solo travelers seeking safe, rich experiences.
Inclusive access: Many tours include park fees, hotel transfers, meals, and gear.
Seasonal wonders: Think whale migration in summer, northern lights in winter.

A tour lets you feel Alaska, not just see it.

Top Tours in Alaska by Popularity

Anchorage & Girdwood

Turnagain Arm Wildlife & Glacier Tour

Style: Scenic drive + wildlife spotting
Duration: 6–8 hours
Includes: Hotel pickup, Portage Glacier cruise, Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
Local tip: Look out for beluga whales near Bird Point during summer.

Girdwood Glacier Helicopter Adventure

Style: Aerial + hiking
Duration: 90 minutes
Includes: Roundtrip helicopter ride, glacier landing, crampons
Best for: Photographers and first-timers seeking an unforgettable view.

Denali National Park

Denali Backcountry Safari

Style: Wildlife and tundra trekking
Duration: Full-day
Includes: Bus tour, meals, guided hike
Local tip: Book early — this one sells out months in advance in peak season.

Flightseeing Over Denali

Style: Scenic flight
Duration: 1.5–2 hours
Includes: Window seat, narration, optional glacier landing
Best for: Those short on time or seeking a once-in-a-lifetime view.

Seward & Kenai Fjords

Kenai Fjords Wildlife Cruise

Style: Marine wildlife tour
Duration: 6 hours
Includes: Lunch, naturalist guide, onboard narration
Highlights: Humpback whales, puffins, tidewater glaciers
Tip: May to July is peak for wildlife.

Editor’s Picks: Recommended Alaska Experiences

Dog Sledding in Fairbanks (Winter Only)

Ride behind a team of Alaskan huskies through frozen forests. Some tours offer kennel visits and puppy time.

Matanuska Glacier Hike (Year-Round)

With full gear and crampon instruction, trek across a living glacier with crevasses and ice caves.

Arctic Circle Northern Lights Tour

Departing from Fairbanks, cross the invisible line into the Arctic while chasing auroras under the clearest skies.

Totem Traditions of Ketchikan

Dive into Haida and Tlingit culture with walking tours that explore totem poles, carving demonstrations, and native heritage centers.

Prince William Sound Kayaking Expedition

For the bold: a 3-day wilderness paddle among icebergs, with campfires on remote shores and seals swimming beside your kayak.

Let Alaska Inspire Your Next Trip

Taste traditional salmon bakes and native Alaskan dishes on immersive food and culture tours in Alaska.
Trek icefields, spot grizzlies, and raft glacial rivers on epic Alaska nature and adventure tours.
Cruise with ease from Anchorage to Denali using convenient multi-day guided Alaska itineraries.
Create memories that last forever — your bucket-list Alaska tour awaits among mountains, moose, and midnight sun.

Book immersive Alaska tours and discover unforgettable things to do in Alaska — from glacier treks and wildlife cruises to northern lights safaris and cultural heritage walks. We may earn a commission if you book through our links — at no extra cost to you.

Must-See Nearby Adventures from Base Cities

Anchorage

Whittier Glacier Cruise – 5-hour roundtrip, hotel pickup
Alaska Railroad Day Trip to Denali – Scenic dome train
Brewery & Bites Tour – Anchorage’s craft scene
Bike Coastal Trail Tour – Good for families and beginners

Fairbanks

Northern Lights Viewing Lodge – Warm base with guides
Chena Hot Springs + Ice Museum – Relaxation meets quirky
Gold Panning & Historic Dredge Tour – Hands-on fun for kids
Dog Mushing Experience – Small-group, English-speaking mushers

Juneau

Mendenhall Glacier Trek – Moderate hiking, all gear provided
Whale Watching Safari – 3-hour catamaran cruise
Mount Roberts Tram + Cultural Center – Views + Indigenous arts
Alaskan Brewery Hop – Local pours, shuttle included

Most Loved Attractions & Activities

Kenai Fjords Cruise – Reviewed as “life-changing” for wildlife lovers.
Denali Bus Tour – Known for unmatched chances to see “The Big Five.”
Mendenhall Glacier + Nugget Falls Trail – Great for families and short hikes.
Chena Hot Springs – Loved for aurora-viewing in warmth and style.

Local Secrets You’ll Love in Alaska

Wrangell-St. Elias by Bush Plane – The U.S.’s largest national park, rarely crowded.
Kodiak Bear Tours – Off-grid trips for serious wildlife fans.
Copper River Fishing Trips – Remote, fly-in lodges with elite salmon runs.
Barrow Native Experiences – Insight into Iñupiat Arctic life.

Savor the Local Cuisine

Don’t miss: King crab legs in Juneau, halibut tacos in Seward, and reindeer sausage in Anchorage.
Top food markets: Anchorage Saturday Market (summer), Sitka Farmers Market
Experiences to book: Salmon fishing with cookout, Anchorage food walk, Tlingit cooking classes
Festivals: Kodiak Crab Festival (May), Tanana Valley State Fair (Aug)

Sample Alaska Itineraries

3-Day Glacier Getaway (Anchorage & Seward)

Day 1 – Anchorage to Seward: Begin with a short Anchorage city tour, visiting Earthquake Park and the Anchorage Museum before driving the scenic Seward Highway along Turnagain Arm. The journey itself is a highlight, with mountain vistas and possible beluga sightings.
Day 2 – Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise: Spend the day on the water, where calving glaciers and abundant marine life—whales, puffins, and sea lions—bring Alaska’s wilderness to life. End with a fresh-caught seafood dinner at a harbor-side restaurant.
Day 3 – Exit Glacier Hike & Return: Lace up for a guided hike to Exit Glacier, one of the most accessible glaciers in Alaska. Afterward, return to Anchorage, pausing for viewpoints and local roadhouses along the way.

5-Day Northern Lights Explorer (Fairbanks)

Day 1 – Arrival in Fairbanks: Get settled in Alaska’s interior hub and orient yourself with a short evening walk or local brewery stop. Fairbanks serves as the perfect base for aurora viewing.
Day 2 – Dog Sledding & Ice Museum: Meet huskies on a thrilling sled ride, followed by a visit to the Aurora Ice Museum to admire sculpted ice artistry under glowing lights.
Day 3 – Arctic Circle Aurora Tour: Journey north on a guided excursion that crosses into the Arctic Circle. With minimal light pollution, your chances of seeing the northern lights are at their best.
Day 4 – Chena Hot Springs Day Trip: Soak in steaming natural springs surrounded by snow, a local favorite winter ritual. Evening aurora viewing adds magic to the experience.
Day 5 – University of Alaska Museum & Departure: Explore the Museum of the North for exhibits on Indigenous cultures, wildlife, and Alaska’s gold rush. Wrap up your trip before heading home.

7-Day Grand Adventure (Anchorage to Fairbanks)

Day 1–2 – Anchorage & Talkeetna: Begin in Anchorage, then travel north to Talkeetna for quirky charm and optional flightseeing tours over Denali. The town’s historic core offers a taste of frontier life.
Day 3–5 – Denali National Park: Spend three days exploring Denali’s vast wilderness. Guided bus or rail tours reveal moose, grizzly bears, and caribou, while hikes along the park’s trails immerse you in tundra landscapes.
Day 6–7 – Fairbanks & Beyond: Conclude with a rail or road journey to Fairbanks. Balance cultural stops with aurora hunting and perhaps a riverboat tour on the Chena.

10-Day Coastal & Interior Combo (Cruise + Rail)

Day 1–3 – Juneau & Sitka: Begin with Alaska’s capital and Sitka’s mix of Russian heritage and Tlingit culture. Kayak among fjords and spot bald eagles soaring overhead.
Day 4–5 – Kenai Peninsula: Continue to the Kenai for fishing, fjord cruises, and dramatic mountain backdrops. Guided tours offer glacier landings or wildlife boat trips.
Day 6–8 – Denali National Park: Travel inland by train or coach to spend multiple days exploring Denali. Ranger-led hikes and wildlife safaris help reveal the park’s raw beauty.
Day 9–10 – Fairbanks & Interior: Wrap up in Fairbanks, with a day trip to Chena Hot Springs and late-night aurora viewing. End with cultural highlights like the University Museum or Pioneer Park before departure.

Ideal Seasons to Explore

Spring (April–May)

Best for: Birding in wetlands, shoulder-season deals
Tours: Glacier hikes, early bear sightings
Avoid: Some remote lodges still closed

Summer (June–August)

Peak season: Wildlife cruises, Denali access, 20+ hours of daylight
Top tours: Whale watching, Arctic bush flights, salmon fishing
Book early: Tours sell out 3–6 months ahead

Fall (September–October)

Best for: Aurora, fewer crowds, autumn colors
Top picks: Fairbanks northern lights, self-drive with guided day tours
Tip: Some regions close early — check dates

Winter (November–March)

Highlight: Northern lights, snow sports, dog sledding
Unique tours: Ice fishing, reindeer farms, Arctic Circle adventures
Note: Limited daylight, extreme cold — pack accordingly

What to Know Before You Reserve

Reserve early: Summer and aurora tours fill fast, especially Denali and glacier trips
Pack smart: Layers, waterproof boots, and quick-dry gear are essential
Group size: Many Alaska tours max out at 6–12 people — ideal for personal attention
Read reviews carefully: Guides make or break the tour experience
Cancellation policies: Weather-related delays are common; flexibility matters
Time zone matters: Alaska has its own — double-check pickup times when flying in

Accessibility & Special Considerations

Accessible operators: Many glacier and aurora tours in Anchorage and Fairbanks offer wheelchair access — request in advance
Senior-friendly options: Dome rail tours, wildlife cruises, and cultural walks
Family tours: Alaska Zoo tours, river rafting with safety gear, reindeer encounters
Language help: Tours often available in Spanish, Japanese, German, and French
Low-impact trips: Tram rides, scenic drives, and riverboat tours for limited mobility
Self-guided formats: Downloadable walking tours in Anchorage, museum guides with audio and large print

Moving Around Made Simple

Airports:
• Anchorage (ANC), main hub for Southcentral
• Fairbanks (FAI), gateway to Arctic tours
• Juneau (JNU), cruise arrivals and Southeast gateway
Local transit passes:
Anchorage People Mover, Juneau Capital Transit (no statewide card)
Ride-hailing: Uber/Lyft in Anchorage, limited elsewhere
Rail:
Alaska Railroad connects Anchorage, Talkeetna, Denali, and Fairbanks
Driving:
U.S. side of the road; no IDP needed for U.S./Canada licenses
Remote roads may require AWD
Car rentals: Available at airports and major hubs — book far ahead for summer
Typical transport costs:
• Intercity train (Anchorage–Denali): $150–$250
• Guided day tours: $100–$300
• Bush flights: $400+
• Glacier cruises: $100–$180
Avoid: Unlicensed taxis and scammy aurora “guaranteed” tours with no refund policy

Stay Close to the Action

Anchorage – First-Timer Base

Best for city access, day tours, glacier cruises, and rail routes.
Neighborhood: Midtown and Downtown
Tip: Many tours offer free pickup from major hotels

Seward – Coastal Nature

Staging ground for fjord cruises, Exit Glacier hikes, and marine wildlife.
Best for: Summer travelers, photographers
Access: By train, cruise ship, or road trip

Fairbanks – Aurora & Arctic Gateway

Northern hub for winter adventures and Arctic experiences.
Best for: Northern lights seekers and cold-season travelers

Talkeetna – Adventure Crossroads

Charming town with Denali views, flightseeing, and river tours.
Best for: Romantic getaways or active couples

Plan Smarter, Travel Better

Download Maps.me or Gaia GPS for offline navigation in national parks
Use AllTrails to check trail difficulty before booking guided hikes
Save and compare tours using shared Google Sheets from Viator or GetYourGuide
Check our embedded YouTube Reels for visuals of Denali flights and glacier treks
View photo galleries on our Alaska Travel Hub for gear prep and packing ideas

Nearby States or Provinces

Yukon (Canada): Adventure lodges, Carcross dunes, and lakeside Indigenous culture — easy road trip from Alaska.
British Columbia (Canada): Ferry-access cities, rich seafood culture, and temperate forests to contrast Alaska’s tundra.
Washington (USA): Cruise departures, national parks, and volcano treks — makes an ideal twin-destination route.
Northwest Territories (Canada): Remote aurora tours and Arctic adventure base for serious explorers.

Looking for more? Explore our full set of travel guides to plan your trip.

Yukon Untamed Wilderness and Northern Lights | Washington Scenic Landscapes and Urban Adventures | British Columbia Coastal Beauty and Mountain Trails | Northwest Territories Arctic Expeditions and Indigenous Culture

More Things to do in Alaska

It’s Time to Experience Alaska

Let Alaska’s glacial giants, vivid wildlife, and soul-stirring silence redefine your sense of awe. Browse more tours ideas, real reviews, and expert tips — and discover a wild you’ve never known.