Things to do in Alaska
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Anchorage: Wildlife Center & Turnagain Arm Winter TourYou drive the Seward Highway south from Anchorage along Turnagain Arm, stop at Beluga Point for inlet views, spend time walking the 140-acre Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to see moose, bears, bison and musk oxen in winter light, then continue to Portage Valley to view five glaciers. The tour includes all fees, and the guide handles the route and timing so you're just watching the landscape change.Is it for me?Book this if you want to see Alaskan wildlife and the Turnagain Arm's glaciers and mountains in one outing without arranging your own transport or paying separate entry fees—the fixed itinerary and included costs let you focus on the scenery and animals.
Ketchikan: Wildlife & Totem Heritage Small Group Van TourYou’ll ride with a local guide through Ketchikan’s lush island scenery, watch for wildlife at Herring Cove (maybe even spot a bear or eagle), see centuries-old totem poles at the heritage center, and pass through Saxman Native Village where tradition feels alive. Expect unexpected quiet moments—and maybe leave with more questions than answers.
Icy Strait Point: River Fishing & Bear Watching Day TripYou’ll travel from Icy Strait Point through Hoonah’s Tlingit village to remote rivers on Chichagof Island for guided fishing and bear watching. Feel the hush of old forests, try your hand at spin or fly fishing with all gear provided, and maybe spot brown bears along the way. The wildness lingers long after you leave.
Ketchikan: Private '67 VW Van Tour with Beach & WaterfallYou’ll ride in a classic ‘67 VW van through Ketchikan’s winding roads with a local guide who knows every shortcut and story. Expect salty air at Rotary Beach, wildlife spotting at Herring Cove (if luck’s on your side), and rainforest mist by a hidden waterfall—all with flexible stops tailored to your pace.
Sitka Sound: Marine Wildlife Boat Tour with Local CaptainYou’ll cruise Sitka Sound with a lifelong local captain spotting whales and sea otters while sipping hot coffee in a cozy heated cabin. Expect laughter over snacks as eagles soar above and puffins dart past. It’s not just wildlife—you’ll get stories of real life in Sitka from people who live it every day.
Sitka: Electric Bike Rental with Trail Maps & On-Call SupportYou’ll set out from Sitka’s cruise terminal with an electric bike, local trail map, helmet, and friendly advice from staff who know every shortcut. Pedal through cedar-scented air at your own pace—no rush—stopping wherever catches your eye. With on-call support if needed, you’re free to chase views or bakery smells until you’re ready to roll back in.
Anchorage: Alaska Native Heritage Center Ticket & Village WalkYou’ll walk Anchorage’s Alaska Native Heritage Center with local guides who share real stories—not just facts—and see traditional dwellings by Lake Tiulana. Watch live dancing and games, then browse genuine native art in Ch’k’iqadi Gallery. It’s more than exhibits; you’ll feel part of something living.
Ketchikan Salmon & Halibut Fishing: Private 5-Hour CharterA private 5-hour salmon and halibut fishing charter in Ketchikan includes pickup and drop-off from downtown cruise ship ports, all fishing tackle and bait, whale watching and wildlife viewing along the scenic coastline. No fishing experience is required, and the boat stays in protected waters suitable for all ages and fitness levels. A fishing license is available as an add-on at checkout.Is it for me?Book this private charter if your cruise docks in Ketchikan and you want a dedicated boat for your group rather than sharing with other anglers—pickup and drop-off sync with your ship schedule.
Ketchikan: Private Van Tour Downtown, Totem Bight & Creek StreetYou’ll ride in a comfy private van through Ketchikan with a local guide who knows every story behind those crooked boardwalks and towering totems. Watch salmon leap on Creek Street, spot eagles or maybe even bears at Herring Cove, and explore Indigenous history at Totem Bight State Park and the Discovery Center. It’s relaxed, personal—and you’ll leave with more than just photos.
Private Taxi Tour Sitka: Local Gems & Hidden StopsA private taxi tour of Sitka puts you and up to five others in a comfortable minivan with a knowledgeable English-speaking driver who takes you to the Fortress of the Bear, St. Michael's Orthodox Cathedral, Sheldon Jackson Museum, Sitka Sound Science Center, Alaska Raptor Center, and a local lookout point. The tour runs 2 to 4 hours depending on which option you book, and you can customize the stops and timing to fit your schedule. Pickup is included; infants and small children can travel in a pram or stroller.Is it for me?Book the 2-hour option if you're docked for a short port call and want to hit the main sights without rushing; the 3-hour or 4-hour versions give you time to linger at the museums and the raptor center or explore neighborhoods a driver knows.
Whittier to Anchorage: Wildlife, Brewery & Lake Hood TourYou’ll travel from Whittier to Anchorage with stops that feel personal: see rescued wildlife up close at the conservation center, eat lunch at a local brewery surrounded by mountains, try fresh chocolate straight from the source, and watch seaplanes skim across Lake Hood—all with a local guide who knows every bend in the road.
Fairbanks Dog Sledding: Husky Sled Ride & Training RunYou meet the dogs and a musher at the kennel, learn how sled dog racing works, then ride 2 miles through snow fields and possibly a frozen river with a trained team. The kennel provides extra winter gear if you need it, and the experience is built around the dogs' actual training schedule, not a tourist loop. Book this if you want to see how dog sledding actually happens in Alaska without arranging your own transport or timing.Is it for me?Book this if you want to ride with working sled dogs on their actual training route rather than a tourist circuit, and you're comfortable sitting in a moving sled in cold weather. The kennel's location near the airport makes it easy to fit into a Fairbanks visit without arranging separate transport.
Ketchikan Rainforest Canoe & Nature Walk TourYou paddle a traditional Alaska Native canoe across a mountain lake in the Tongass National Forest while your guide points out wildlife and forest ecology, then walk the rainforest to see carnivorous plants and learn about the area's natural history. Transportation, snacks, and a professional guide are included, and you're back at the cruise port within 3.5 hours.Is it for me?Book this if you're docked in Ketchikan and want to paddle and explore the rainforest without arranging your own transport or guide — the fixed 3.5-hour schedule is built around cruise ship timing, so you're back at the port with time to spare.
Juneau brewery tour with glacier views and three tastingsA guided brewery and sightseeing tour in Juneau that visits three distinct breweries—Alaskan Brewing Company, Forbidden Peak Brewing, and either Harbor Mountain or Devil's Club—with one signature tasting flight at each stop. The tour includes scenic stops at Mendenhall Glacier's Nugget Falls viewpoint and Juneau's iconic waterfront whale statue, plus kelp salsa from Barnacle Foods. Small groups only, with a live English-speaking guide.Is it for me?Choose this if you want a guided brewery crawl across three different neighborhoods—you'll taste at each stop and hear the stories behind Juneau's beer scene, plus scenic glacier and waterfront views along the way.
Skagway Waterfall Tour: Small-group bus with Reid Falls hikeA three-hour guided bus tour of Skagway's waterfall destinations in a small air-conditioned vehicle, with a local guide providing history and commentary at each stop. The itinerary includes Pitchfork Falls, Bridal Veil Falls (where you can place your hands under the water), International Falls, the Welcome to Alaska Sign, and a moderate half-mile hike through the Gold Rush Cemetery's temperate rain forest to Reid Falls on unpaved, uneven surfaces.Is it for me?This is a shared tour on a set schedule, so you move with the group and the guide sets the pace at each stop. Choose it if you want the waterfalls and the rain forest without arranging your own transport or researching which falls are worth the drive—the guide handles the route and the timing, and you show up ready to walk.
Sitka Whale Watching Tour: Small Group & Marine WildlifeYou’ll set out from Sitka with a local captain for two hours of whale watching around Baranof Island—spotting humpbacks, sea lions, maybe even playful otters. With live commentary and space for just six guests, you’ll have time to soak in those wild Alaskan moments that stick with you long after you’re back on shore.
Ketchikan: Private Group Tour with Totem Parks & Wildlife StopsYou’ll pile into a van with your group in Ketchikan and shape your own day—totem parks rich with stories, Creek Street’s quirky charm, salmon ladders alive with fish (in season), and maybe even wildlife sightings if luck’s on your side. Expect laughter, local tales from your guide, and moments that stick long after the rain dries.
Sitka whale watching tour: Humpbacks, orcas & wildlifeA whale watching tour in Sitka aboard the Goleta, a working fishing boat, takes you through Sitka Sound and past Baranof and Kruzof Islands to spot humpback whales, orcas, sea otters, sea lions, bald eagles, puffins and brown bears. The guide is a commercial fisherman and surfer who personalizes each tour to the day's weather and your goals, keeping the group to six guests. Wildlife sightings depend on season and conditions, with no guarantee of specific animals.Is it for me?Book this if you're staying downtown or arriving by cruise ship—the boat departs from Crescent Harbor within walking distance, so you can spend a morning on the water without needing a car.
Sitka Sightseeing Tour: Totem Poles & Brown BearsA 2-hour guided tour of Sitka by 10-passenger van with a local guide, covering Fortress of the Bear, Sitka National Historical Park's totem poles, Japonski Island, and surrounding landmarks. The small-group format keeps the van under 10 people, and the guide shares expertise on local wildlife and cultural sites. All tours depart from Harrigan Centennial Hall downtown and operate in all weather.Is it for me?Book this if you're arriving by cruise ship or staying in Sitka and want a guided route through the main sights in two hours—the van stays under 10 people and moves at one pace, so there's no planning or navigating on your own.
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center & Girdwood Brewery Day TripYou’ll ride along Alaska’s dramatic Turnagain Arm, spot wildlife with a local guide who knows every bend, get close to rescued animals at the conservation center, then relax over lunch and craft beer tasting in Girdwood’s easygoing brewery scene. This is for anyone who wants real glimpses of Alaska—quiet moments included.
