Anchorage is home to some of Alaska’s best day tours, including glacier kayaking, bear viewing, and scenic train journeys. As Alaska’s largest city, Anchorage is conveniently located in the southcentral region of the state, so it’s easy to access planes, boats, and tour operators (like us!) to help visitors confidently enjoy the activities they’ve planned. Here are the best Alaska summer adventures you can do from Anchorage.
Our team is an all-local, professional, and trusted group who live the exact experiences most visitors come to Alaska to witness. We’ve hiked the trails, paddled the waterways, and trekked the glaciers, so choosing Greatland Adventures means guests receive our stamp of approval from a resident’s perspective. We know it can be tough to choose among the wide range of fun things to do during Anchorage’s busy summer months, so let us offer our top tour recommendations for those looking to capture a snapshot of Alaska adventuring.
Private Anchorage Sightseeing Tour is a fully private tour that travels to several unique destinations in 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. The tour also includes a drive along the shores of Lake Hood, the busiest seaplane base in the world, to watch bush pilots maneuver to and from their landing slips. From there, transit the Seward Highway along famous Turnagain Arm to Beluga Point to take in majestic views of the mountains while searching for Dall sheep, black bears, and bald eagles along the cliffs, and beluga whales in the silty water of the Arm. Looking for a broad understanding of Anchorage’s rich history and culture? Don’t miss this experience that is suitable for the whole family.
Our newest adventure, the Spencer Glacier Iceberg Kayaking trip, combines the scenic beauty of Turnagain Arm with an up-close and personal kayaking experience among the icebergs of Spencer Glacier. Enjoy photo stops along Turnagain Arm in our comfortable van before boarding the historic Alaska Railroad’s Glacier Discovery train to Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop, a truly magical journey deep into the Chugach Mountain range. Upon arrival, you’ll kayak with an expert Alaska guide around the icy waters of Spencer Lake. This adventure includes round-trip transportation from Anchorage.
Matanuska Glacier is always beautiful! The stunning Matanuska Glacier is located two hours northeast of Anchorage, and is Alaska’s most accessible glacier. A wildly popular destination for visitors, guests will join our experienced local guides on a trek across the amazing blue ice of this massive glacier, explaining the history and science behind this beautiful area. Limited to those age 8 or older (but we can accommodate youngsters on a private tour; just ask!). This adventure includes round-trip transportation from Anchorage.
For many visitors, a trip to Alaska wouldn’t be complete without a bear-viewing adventure. Our fly-out Katmai bear viewing trip takes guests to Katmai National Park’s Brooks Falls, where three bear viewing platforms connected by elevated boardwalks allow for close, unobstructed, and extraordinary bear viewing. While the Katmai bear viewing at Brooks Falls is self-guided, Katmai National Park Rangers provide an initial briefing upon arrival and are available throughout the park for questions.
Every Alaska experience is unique, so know that whichever tour you choose, it will be amazing. That said, many visitors have certain places and activities to check off their Alaska bucket list, and we’re committed to assisting wherever we can. Just contact our office team with any questions or visit our website for a full description of all tours.
We highly recommend booking a private tour, as the itinerary can be adapted to fit your style and level of activity. Just about all Greatland Adventures tours are available as private experiences, but these must be reserved in advance.
Greatland prides itself on offering a wide range of tours to fit a more frugal traveler, and we’re happy to recommend some options. The Anchorage Sightseeing tour and Matanuska Glacier tours are great options for those looking for quintessential Alaska adventures without a budget-busting experience.
The Spencer Glacier Iceberg Kayaking trip combines all the “bests” of Alaska: glaciers, Alaska Railroad trains, kayaking, and the opportunity to spot wildlife, all in one awesome day. The Katmai National Park experience provides a once-in-a-lifetime chance to watch brown bears fishing for salmon in one of the most rugged places on Earth.
No matter which Greatland Adventures tour you book, know that our experienced, all-local guides and office staff are here to help make your day (or more) enjoyable ones!
Spencer Glacier Iceberg Kayaking
Kayak among the icebergs of Spencer Glacier. Enjoy an incredible opportunity for up-close photos of floating glacial ice! Includes round-trip transportation from Anchorage.
Explore the amazing blue glacier ice of Matanuska Glacier. We generally spend two hours and walk three miles on the ice. Includes round-trip transportation from Anchorage.
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!
