It’s a big deal to plan a trip to Alaska, with so many decisions that need to be made. What time of year will you visit? How many days should you stay? Should you rent a car?
Alaska is a huge state, and many first-time visitors become overwhelmed with the options. Everything from deciding which regions to see to lodging and transportation choices requires a lot of research.
When it comes to deciding which activities to pick, skip the stress and choose Greatland Adventures for one or more exceptional Alaska experiences. Whether you’re traveling during the summer months or visiting in the winter, our team is committed to providing every guest with an unforgettable adventure amidst some of Alaska’s most beautiful landscapes.
We’ve written previously about the spectacular Matanuska Glacier, the closest road-accessible glacier in Southcentral Alaska, and a wonderful way to understand the geology of these rivers of ice. It’s no wonder so many visitors want to set foot on the glacier under the careful guidance of our local, experienced team, who provide everything necessary for a safe glacier experience.
A summertime visit to Matanuska Glacier means warmer temperatures and a dramatic contrast between the glacier’s icy appearance and the surrounding environment of lush forests and vibrant wildflowers. The daylong tour will start with a scenic drive along the Glenn Highway from Anchorage, with magnificent views of the Chugach and Talkeetna mountain ranges. Your guide will provide opportunities for photo stops and share the interesting history and geology of this stunning area.
For those wanting to experience a glacier up close, but without the chill of winter, this is the most accessible means. It’s still important to dress in warm layers, however, since the glacier’s katabatic winds blow off the glacier, dropping temperatures even on a sunny day.
Learn more about visiting Matanuska Glacier in the summer here.
Boldly going into Alaska’s coldest season means experiencing some of the most dramatic views of Matanuska Glacier and the surrounding mountain ranges in Alaska’s Southcentral region. From towering ice formations to blue ice caves, winter at the glacier brings opportunities to truly immerse yourself in the geology of glacial ice and its ever-changing structure.
Like the summer tour, winter trips are all-day affairs and include trekking upon the ice with specially designed ice cleats that affix over your boots for easy traction. Upon arrival at the Matanuska Glacier, a guide will assist you in donning both ice cleats and a helmet and provide safety instructions before heading out on the glacier’s icy surface to begin explorations.
Generally, tours cover up to three miles of terrain and involve walking on uneven ground, stepping up and over obstacles, and navigating small streams. Your guide will explain in detail the origins of these rivers of ice and point out ice formations that dominate the landscape.
Worried about warm gear? Don’t worry, we explain everything you need to know in this blog post. In general, warm, non-cotton layers and warm boots, a hat, and mittens are must-haves for a winter glacier adventure.
Learn more about winter glacier tours here.
Don’t visit Alaska during the winter months without taking a night to chase the beautiful aurora borealis, or northern lights. The phenomenon of the aurora borealis is one Earth’s most amazing natural wonders, and the Greatland Adventures team are experts at helping you view and photograph these spectacular swirling lights in and around the greater Anchorage area.
Our team uses innovative technology to forecast aurora viewing conditions. Each night’s tour location is chosen to maximize your chances to view the lights, with tour locations chosen based on weather forecasts, aurora strength, and driving distance from Anchorage. Our team of experts will get you to the most strategic location possible to witness the northern lights.
Aurora season typically runs from late August to late April, with all-night adventures departing between 8 and 11 p.m., depending on weather and aurora forecast conditions. Chasing northern lights is an all-night experience, so expect to be up until the wee morning hours (for this reason, the minimum age for aurora guests, unless booking a private tour, is 13), and dress for extremely cold temperatures and hours of standing around, looking into the heavens.
Learn more about northern lights tours in Anchorage here.
Combine the stunning outdoors with Alaska’s state sport of dog mushing in this fun winter experience!
Taking in the beauty of Alaska by dog sled is a unique adventure few will ever experience. You will be mesmerized by the quietness as these amazing canine athletes effortlessly glide your sled through spruce forests, toward open vistas, and across frozen lakes.
Your tour begins in a spacious visitor center with an informative and entertaining video presentation before donning the necessary gear to stay warm and comfortable during the ride. After greeting each canine team member, you will step onto the sled with an experienced guide and head out into a winter wonderland, traveling six miles upon authentic Iditarod training trails. After your ride, spend a bit more time petting and taking photos with your four-legged Alaskan husky ambassadors.
Learn more about our dogsledding adventures here.
This fully private Anchorage sightseeing tour travels to several unique sites within the boundaries of Alaska’s largest city. Visit Earthquake Park and Point Woronzof to see remnants of the 1964 earthquake and ogle at the stunning skyline of Anchorage set in the middle of the Chugach mountains and scenic Cook Inlet. Guests also have the chance to travel up to scenic Glen Alps, where a sweeping view of the ‘Anchorage Bowl’, Cook Inlet, and on a clear day, Denali, North America’s highest peak.
This three-hour adventure offers guests new to Anchorage a perfect opportunity to learn more about the city, while also offering a family, friend, or work group to remain all together. Suitable for up to 12 people, this tour is a great way to kick off an Alaska vacation.
Learn more about the Anchorage sightseeing tour here.
Every Greatland Adventures tour includes transportation to and from hotels, so travelers without a car can relax, sit back, and enjoy a ride in our clean, comfortable vans.
We can’t wait to welcome you to our home!
Anchorage Northern Lights Tour
Journey to view and photograph the Aurora Borealis in the greater Anchorage area.
Private Anchorage Sightseeing Tour
Get a perfect introduction to the greater Anchorage area on this 3-hour tour. Stops include Earthquake Park, Lake Hood Seaplane Base, Beluga Point, Potter's Marsh, and Flattop Mountain.
Turnagain Arm Glacier & Wildlife Tour
Travel the scenic Seward Highway along Turnagain Arm to Portage Valley. Take a scenic tram to the top of a mountain, cruise an iceberg dotted lake to view a glacier, and view Alaska's iconic animals up close. The choice is yours!
