Anchorage offers some of the most accessible and diverse National Park Tours in Alaska. Its strategic location provides easy access to Kenai Fjords, Denali, and the surrounding wilderness, making it an ideal base for exploring iconic landscapes and abundant wildlife. Whether you’re after a relaxing cruise, a rugged hike, or a multi-day immersion into Alaska’s wilderness, Anchorage has a tour to match your interests. For instance, the From Seward: Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise with Lunch lets you experience glaciers and marine mammals, while the Wilderness, Wildlife, & Glacier Experience showcases the Chugach National Forest’s pristine beauty. These tours highlight the region’s extraordinary natural diversity and are approachable for all levels of adventurers.
From half-day wildlife safaris to comprehensive five-day tours, Anchorage’s offerings are designed to fit different schedules and budgets. Many tours include opportunities to see sea lions, orcas, bald eagles, and even glaciers calving—a true spectacle. For example, the Wilderness and Wine Tasting out of Anchorage combines scenic drives with wildlife spotting and a relaxed wine tasting. No matter what your interest or fitness level, these tours make it possible to enjoy Alaska’s rugged landscapes without sacrificing comfort or insight.
1. From Seward: Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise with Lunch
At number 1 on our list, this 7.5-hour cruise offers a fantastic way to see Kenai Fjords’ dramatic glaciers and abundant wildlife. The tour departs from Seward, a charming coastal town with deep maritime roots. You’ll explore mountain-framed fjords on a high-speed catamaran that’s stable enough to handle Alaska’s sometimes-choppy waters. What sets this tour apart is the chance to see two tidewater glaciers up close, with stops that might even produce a calving event—a thunderous splash that’s unforgettable. As you glide past sea lion colonies, seabird rookeries, and pods of orcas and humpbacks, your captain shares expert commentary on the park’s ecology.
The tour’s reputation for excellent wildlife viewing (rated 4.9/5 from 265 reviews) makes it a popular choice. Travelers love the opportunity to spot sea otters, whales, and sea lions, often in the same trip. Plus, the included lunch adds value to this full-day adventure. The cost is $272 per person, reflecting its high-quality vessels and expert guides. Best suited for curious nature lovers who want a comprehensive, comfortable day on the water.
Bottom line: This cruise balances wildlife, glaciers, and scenic beauty, making it ideal if you want a hassle-free, all-in-one experience with knowledgeable guides.
2. From Anchorage: Wilderness, Wildlife, & Glacier Experience
For around $242, the From Anchorage Wilderness, Wildlife, & Glacier Experience offers a well-rounded day exploring the Chugach National Forest and nearby wildlife parks. Spanning about 6 hours, this tour takes you into some of the best-kept secrets of Alaska’s interior with minimal driving hassle. Your knowledgeable guide shares insights about local plants and animals while leading you through scenic spots like the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center and exclusive areas in the forest.
A key highlight is the chance to see brown bears, moose, and wolves close up, along with learning about their natural habitats. The tour also includes a photo lesson, perfect for capturing the stunning scenery. The trip’s reviews (4.8/5 from 82 reviews) point out how smoothly it runs and how informative the guides are, making it ideal for travelers interested in wildlife and nature photography. Since it doesn’t involve strenuous activity, it’s suited for most fitness levels.
Bottom line: This tour offers a balanced mix of wildlife viewing and scenic stops, perfect if you want to learn and see without heavy physical exertion.
3. Wilderness and Wine Tasting out of Anchorage
While it might seem like an unusual combo, the Wilderness and Wine Tasting tour earns top marks for its unique blend of scenery and relaxation. For $199, this 6-hour trip along the Turnagain Arm takes you through stunning landscapes, with chances to spot Dall sheep, Beluga whales, and other wildlife. The highlight is visiting the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, where you can get close to bears, moose, and other native animals.
One of the tour’s standout features is the photo opportunity at Beluga Point, a perfect spot for capturing the Northern Lights or wildlife. The trip concludes with a wine tasting in Anchorage, offering a laid-back way to unwind and enjoy local flavors. This tour is perfect for travelers who want a mix of outdoor adventure and leisurely comfort, especially if you’re interested in photography or trying Alaskan wines. At $199 per person, it delivers a lot of value for a shorter, varied experience.
Bottom line: Ideal if you enjoy wildlife, scenic drives, and a relaxed atmosphere with a touch of local wine culture.
4. Anchorage: Kenai Fjords & Denali National Park 5 Day 4 Night Tour
This 5-day tour offers a comprehensive deep dive into Alaska’s iconic landscapes, starting with tidewater glaciers and wildlife in Kenai Fjords. The tour combines wildlife viewing, glacier experiences, and visits to Denali National Park, where you might spot bears, wolves, and moose. It’s priced at $2,299 per person, reflecting its extensive itinerary and expert guides.
The journey begins with a visit to the Alaska Pioneer Mine and a ride up the tram at Alyeska Ski Resort, offering panoramic views. Over the next days, travelers explore Seward, Girdwood, and Denali, with options to customize activities like glacier hiking or river fishing. Reviews highlight how well-organized and immersive this trip is, providing a true taste of Alaska’s wilderness. It’s perfect for travelers seeking a luxury, multi-day adventure with flexible activity choices.
Bottom line: Best suited for serious nature enthusiasts who want a thorough, multi-day experience with expert-guided wildlife and glacier encounters.
5. Wilderness, Wildlife, Glacier Experience from Anchorage
High on our list for value and popularity, this 6-hour tour from Anchorage is a crowd favorite, with over 2,600 reviews praising its thoroughness. It covers Wildlife Conservation Center, the Ring of Glaciers, and optionally a Portage Glacier cruise in summer. The $199.99 price includes multiple stops designed to maximize wildlife and scenery viewing, including bears, wolves, salmon migration, and glacier views.
The guide’s storytelling makes the experience engaging, and the optional glacier cruise adds a memorable up-close look at Portage Glacier. Reviewers love the photography lessons and the relaxed pace, especially the chance to see bears and Beluga whales. It’s perfect for visitors who want a full, informative day with lots of wildlife encounters without strenuous activity.
Bottom line: A comprehensive tour that balances wildlife, glaciers, and scenic stops, suitable for those who want a rich, full-day experience.
6. Alaska 9 Day Ocean Wildlife to Interior Wilderness Adventure
For travelers with more time, this 9-day tour offers an in-depth exploration of Lake Clark, Kenai Fjords, and Denali. It combines ocean wildlife viewing—whales, sea lions—and interior wildlife like bears and caribou. It’s a private, customizable journey, perfect for those eager to enjoy Alaska’s diverse ecosystems. The tour is highly rated (5/5), with a focus on personalized experiences.
Highlights include whale watching, glacier kayaking, and wildlife spotting with knowledgeable guides. This trip is ideal for serious adventurers or wildlife enthusiasts who want to avoid crowds and see Alaska’s top spots at their own pace. It’s priced accordingly, reflecting its exclusivity and length.
Bottom line: Perfect if you want an all-encompassing, flexible Alaska wildlife adventure with ample opportunities for close encounters.
7. Alaska: Kenai Fjords & Denali National Park 5 Day Adventure
Another comprehensive option, this 5-day tour combines scenic glacier views and wildlife encounters in Kenai Fjords and Denali. It features stops like the Byron Glacier in Chugach National Forest and focuses on wildlife viewing and glacier exploration. Priced at $2,599 per person, it emphasizes personalized activities and in-depth exploration.
Guests rave about the breathtaking scenery and the ability to choose activities, making it adaptable to individual interests. Whether it’s a glacier hike or wildlife photography, this tour caters to adventure-seeking travelers who want variety and depth in their trip.
Bottom line: An excellent choice for those seeking a multi-day, customizable Alaska experience with a focus on glaciers and wildlife.
$2,599 per person
8. Sunset Wilderness Wildlife and Glacier Experience
This 6-hour excursion emphasizes the beauty of Alaska’s rainforests and alpine meadows. It includes stops at Portage Glacier, wildlife reserves, and scenic viewpoints like Beluga Point. Although it has no reviews yet, its focus on glacial lakes, waterfalls, and natural reserves makes it appealing for nature lovers.
Travelers can expect a flexible, guided experience with options for unguided hikes and wildlife viewing. It’s priced at $239.99, making it a mid-range option for those wanting a scenic, less rushed day in the wilderness.
Bottom line: Suitable for travelers wanting a relaxed, scenic experience with chances to see moose, salmon, and waterfalls.
$239.99 per person
How to Choose the Right Alaska National Park Tour
When selecting the best tour, consider your budget, time constraints, and specific interests. For wildlife lovers and photographers, tours like Wilderness & Wildlife from Anchorage (see here) offer immersive encounters. If you want a multi-day, in-depth experience, the 5-day Kenai Fjords & Denali Tour (see here) is perfect. For those on a budget or short on time, the Wilderness, Wildlife, & Glacier Experience (see here) provides excellent value.
Think about your fitness level—some tours involve boat rides or walking, while others are more relaxed. Booking early is advisable, especially for multi-day or popular wildlife cruises, to ensure availability and the best prices.
Anchorage’s location makes it an ideal hub for exploring Alaska’s spectacular parks and wildlife. From relaxing scenic drives to adrenaline-pumping glacier hikes, the tours listed above provide a range of options for every traveler. Whether you prefer a peaceful wildlife viewing cruise or a comprehensive multi-day adventure, you’ll find plenty to inspire your Alaska trip. Consider what fits your interests and schedule, then book early to secure your spot in these unforgettable wilderness experiences.