A regular series introducing the professional guides who help make Greatland Adventures a success
An avid traveler, cyclist (and YouTuber about cycling), blogger, photographer, and new father, Greatland Adventures guide Stephen B. considers each and every day with the company to be a unique experience. Born and raised on the East Coast, Stephen has lived full-time in Alaska since 2017 and is still in awe at the grandeur he sees on tour and while exploring the state with his wife and baby daughter.
“Alaska still impresses me,” he said. “I grew up in Pennsylvania, and while I appreciate the beauty of the East Coast, it just doesn’t have the grandeur of Alaska’s landscape. These mountains are soaring, the glacial valleys are vast, and the wilderness is great.”
Experienced in all aspects of guiding before he settled in Alaska, Stephen still feels a thrill each time he climbs aboard a Greatland van and prepares to show off his home state.
He adds, “I love the fact that every day tour guiding is an adventure, and I love showing our guests Alaska because no day is ever the same. I also enjoy explaining what makes this place special and what it’s like to live here. It’s satisfying to meet travelers who really want to know more about the place they’re visiting, to experience Alaska on the ground, rather than just looking at it from the window of a tour bus.”
It’s a common refrain that says people should do what they love and a job won’t feel as such, and Stephen believes this wholeheartedly; living, working, and playing within the colorful tapestry of Alaska environments and activities.
“I know my job is work, but most days I am enjoying it as much as my guests are, whether that’s walking on Matanuska Glacier, hanging out with the porcupines at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, or enjoying a scenic viewpoint of the Alaska Range,” he says.
Of course, although it’s fun, tour guiding is still a challenge. Stephen is adamant that for guests, their trip should be “smooth and seamless.” But behind the scenes, “There was a lot of work, preparation, and experience that went into making that positive travel experience, “ Stephen reflects.
His vast knowledge of tour operations based on his experience as a travel blogger and trip leader also gives him perspective on the people who lead trips of any length.
“A guide can make or break the trip of a lifetime, and I think the guides at Greatland Adventures are excellent. I think every guide is fun, interesting, and dedicated to sharing the best of Alaska.”
Stephen continues, “I also have a lot of respect for our founder, Steve Busby. He has prioritized the high quality of our guest’s travel experiences while also taking care of his employees. I always feel supported by Steve and our office staff.”
“Travel and tour guiding is not about perfection, but about meeting travelers expectations and giving them the opportunity to have the best experiences possible. I love facilitating those once-in-a-lifetime experiences.”
Stephen Facts:
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.
Private Turnagain Arm Summer 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, view Alaska's iconic animals up close, or hike the many trails. The choice is yours!
Seward to Anchorage Cruise Transfer/Tour
Combine this amazing, full-day tour with a Kenai Fjords Cruise and Tour. Experience the best parts of the Seward Highway, scenic Turnagain Arm, and Anchorage with a local guide.
