Turnagain Arm to Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center shuttle

Beluga whales drift past while you drive to see bears, moose and wolves up close.

The Turnagain Arm Shuttle is a guided drive from Anchorage to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, combining a scenic route along one of Alaska's most dramatic highways with a one-hour visit to a 200-acre sanctuary for orphaned and injured wildlife. The shuttle departs on a fixed schedule from the gift shop and returns the same way, making it a direct option for travelers without a car. Dall sheep and Beluga whales are visible from the road; the center itself holds bears, moose, bison, wolves and other native species in enclosures designed to replicate their natural habitats.

Step-by-step itinerary

Scenic shuttle and wildlife visit

• Board Turnagain Arm Shuttle
• Drive along Turnagain Arm highway
• Stop at Beluga Point
• Arrive at Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
• Explore wildlife center for one hour
• Return shuttle to Anchorage

The Experience

The drive along Turnagain Arm is the opening act. Mountain peaks rise on one side, Cook Inlet's water spreads on the other, and the Chugach State Park frames the whole route. A stop at Beluga Point gives you a chance to watch for whales in the inlet—they're not guaranteed, but the road itself is built for this kind of looking. The shuttle moves at the pace of the drive, not a sprint, so the landscape has time to register.

Once you reach the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, you have one hour to walk the grounds at your own pace. The center holds bears, moose, bison, wolves and other Alaskan species in large enclosures designed to mirror their natural habitats. These are animals that can't survive in the wild—orphaned, injured or ill—and the sanctuary's mission is to care for them while letting visitors see them up close. You're not following a guide through the grounds; you set your own route and timing.

The shuttle departs from the gift shop on a fixed schedule, so arrival and departure times are locked in. That means you know exactly when to be ready and when you'll be back in Anchorage. No waiting for stragglers, no flexibility on the clock—the trade-off is that the day holds together without negotiation. The driver will tell you the departure time when you board; write it down.

What’s included

• Admission to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.
• round-trip shuttle ride along Turnagain Arm with a scenic stop at Beluga Point.
• one-hour self-guided visit to the wildlife grounds.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Alaska's Finest Tours & Cruises

Is this one for you?Book this if you're staying in Anchorage without a car—the shuttle runs on a fixed schedule from the gift shop and includes a scenic drive along Turnagain Arm, giving you wildlife viewing plus landscape time in one outing.

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Top questions

What wildlife can I actually see on the drive to the center?

Dall sheep appear regularly along Turnagain Arm, and Beluga whales drift through Cook Inlet—though whale sightings depend on the season and timing. The shuttle stops at Beluga Point to give you a chance to look.

How much time do I spend at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center itself?

You have one hour to walk the grounds at your own pace once you arrive. The center spans 200+ acres, so you'll choose which animals to visit and how long to spend at each enclosure.

Do I need to arrange my own transportation to meet the shuttle?

The shuttle departs from the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center gift shop, so you'll need to get there first. Public transportation options are available near Anchorage if you don't have a car.

What's included in the price?

Admission to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is included; the shuttle ride and the scenic drive along Turnagain Arm are part of the package. Meals and souvenirs are not included.

Is this tour physically demanding?

The shuttle involves sitting during the drive and walking at your own pace through the center grounds. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. It's not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health; moderate fitness is advised.