Anchorage: Glaciers, Wildlife & Portage Glacier Cruise Day Trip

Summary

Portage Glacier cruise, wildlife center bears and Chugach mountain views

You’ll ride from Anchorage through wild mountain passes, see rescued bears and moose at Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, cruise right up to Portage Glacier’s face, and catch sweeping views from high above town. Expect real Alaskan stories from your guide and moments that stick with you long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the slap of cold air when we opened the van door near Chugach State Park — you could smell spruce and something sharp, almost metallic. Our guide, Dave (he’s lived here forever), pointed out where the clouds broke over Cook Inlet. He handed out paper cups of water — “Alaska’s finest,” he joked — while we tried to spot Dall sheep on the ridge. I think someone actually saw one, but honestly I was just squinting at all that wild space. It’s bigger than it looks in photos. Way bigger.

We rolled down Turnagain Arm with that low sun flickering off the mudflats. At the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, it was quiet except for ravens and this deep musk smell from the wood bison pen. There’s a wolf there who watched us like he knew every secret in the valley. The bears were just slumped against logs, looking bored — until one got up and scratched his back on a tree, which made everyone laugh. Dave told us about each animal like they were old neighbors; he even knew their quirks.

Lunch at Portage Glacier Lodge was simple — hot soup and sandwiches (I went for reindeer sausage because when else?). Afterward, we walked a little behind the lodge to see blue ice floating on Portage Lake before boarding the boat. The glacier is so close you can hear it creak if you’re quiet enough. I didn’t expect to feel so small next to all that ancient blue ice. On the way back, everyone was quieter in the van — maybe just tired or maybe trying to hold onto that cold air feeling a bit longer.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Glaciers and wildlife tour from Anchorage

• Hotel pickup in Anchorage
• Visit Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
• See bears, moose, caribou, and more
• Drive to Portage Valley
• One-hour Portage Glacier cruise
• Lunch at Portage Glacier lodge
• Hike nature trail by Portage Lake
• View Anchorage from Glen Alps overlook
• Hotel drop-off in Anchorage

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Anchorage to Portage Glacier?

The tour lasts about 8 hours including all stops and transfers.

Is hotel pickup included for this Anchorage glacier tour?

Yes, free hotel pickup and drop-off are included in Anchorage.

Do we get to see wildlife on this day trip?

Yes, you visit Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to see animals like bears, moose, caribou, bison, lynx and more.

What kind of boat is used for the Portage Glacier cruise?

A comfortable sightseeing boat takes you on a one-hour cruise across calm Portage Lake right up to the glacier face.

Is lunch provided on this Anchorage day tour?

You stop at Portage Glacier Lodge for lunch; food is available for purchase but not included in the tour price.

Are snacks or drinks included during the trip?

Filtered water and snacks are provided in the van throughout the day.

Can children join this glacier & wildlife tour?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult; infants require pre-approval and proper car seats provided by parents.

Is there much walking involved at Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center?

You can choose to walk around or view animals from inside the Sprinter van if preferred.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Anchorage, entry fees for all attractions including Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center and Portage Glacier cruise, filtered water refills or recyclable paper cups onboard, snacks during transit, live narration from an experienced local guide, plus transport by comfortable Sprinter van before returning you back to your hotel in Anchorage.