Whittier to Anchorage: Wildlife, Tram & Turnagain Arm

Whittier's tunnel, a wildlife sanctuary, mountain views, and coastal scenery in one half-day

This half-day tour departs from Whittier Cruise Ship Terminal and travels to Anchorage with stops at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, Alyeska Aerial Tram, and scenic viewpoints along Turnagain Arm. The route includes passage through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, a 2.5-mile one-lane tunnel carved through the mountain and the longest combined vehicle-and-rail tunnel in North America. A live guide in English or Spanish leads groups of up to 10 travelers. Pickup from the cruise terminal and drop-off at Anchorage hotels or the airport are included. Entrance fees to the wildlife center and tram are paid separately at each stop.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel15m · entry included
2. Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center1h 30m · entry included
3. Mount Alyeska1h 30m · entry included

Whittier to Anchorage with wildlife stops

• Tour Whittier cruise-ship town
• Travel through Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel
• Visit Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
• Ride Alyeska Aerial Tram in Girdwood
• Drive along Turnagain Arm with photo stops
• Arrive in Anchorage with local highlights

The experience

The tour begins in Whittier itself, where you'll see the historic Begich Towers building and the small harbor that defines this remote cruise-ship town. A quick stop at Wildcatch Café gives you a chance to grab coffee or a snack before heading toward the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel. That tunnel is the real landmark here: a 2.5-mile passage carved straight through the mountain on a timed schedule, and the guide explains its engineering and role connecting Whittier to the rest of Alaska as you pass through.

The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is a 200-acre sanctuary where you'll see brown and black bears, moose, musk ox, bison, wolves, and porcupines in spacious natural habitats. The guide leads you through the highlights, then gives you time to walk the boardwalks and viewing areas on your own. From there, you head to Girdwood and ride the Alyeska Aerial Tram up the mountainside, soaring over forests to panoramic views of glaciers and Turnagain Arm. The tram admission is included, and you have time to walk around the viewing platforms and explore the shops and cafés at the resort.

The drive along Turnagain Arm is one of Alaska's most scenic stretches, with sweeping mountain views, tidal flats, and the chance to spot Dall sheep or beluga whales in season. The guide makes brief photo stops at viewpoints like Beluga Point or Bird Point depending on conditions. The journey ends in Anchorage with flexible drop-off to your hotel, airport, or Airbnb. The guide can also point out local highlights like Earthquake Park, Lake Hood (the world's busiest seaplane base), and downtown Anchorage on the way in, and offer restaurant recommendations.

What’s included

• Pickup from Whittier Cruise Ship Terminal and drop-off at Anchorage hotels or airport.
• entrance to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.
• Alyeska Aerial Tram ride.
• bottled water and snacks.
• live guide in English or Spanish.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to1d before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.You can choose from 5 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 80

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by Kelley Thompson

Is this one for you?Groups stay under 10 travelers, so you travel with a small group rather than a large coach. The fixed 4- to 5-hour schedule fits inside a cruise day, making this route work for passengers with limited time between ship departure and arrival in port.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

1 verified traveler review

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What is the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel and why is it part of this tour?

The Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel is a 2.5-mile one-lane tunnel carved through the mountain and the longest combined vehicle-and-rail tunnel in North America. It operates on a timed schedule and is the only road connection between Whittier and the rest of Alaska, so passage through it is a necessary and memorable part of the journey from the cruise terminal to Anchorage.

Can I see wildlife on this tour, and what animals might I encounter?

Yes, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is a dedicated stop where you can see brown and black bears, moose, musk ox, bison, wolves, porcupines, and other native Alaskan animals in spacious natural habitats. The guide leads you through the highlights, then you have time to explore the boardwalks and viewing areas at your own pace.

What does the Alyeska Aerial Tram ride include, and how much time do I have there?

The Alyeska Aerial Tram takes you up the mountainside over lush forests to panoramic views of glaciers and Turnagain Arm. Tram admission is included, and you have time to walk around the viewing platforms, take photos, and explore the shops and cafés at the Alyeska Resort before continuing toward Anchorage.

Where will I be dropped off in Anchorage, and can I choose my destination?

Drop-off is flexible and can be arranged at any Anchorage hotel, Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, or your Airbnb. The guide can also point out local highlights like Earthquake Park and Lake Hood on the way into the city and offer restaurant recommendations.

How long is this tour, and what is included in the price?

The tour runs approximately 4 to 5 hours and includes pickup from Whittier Cruise Ship Terminal, entrance to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, the Alyeska Aerial Tram ride, bottled water, and drop-off at your Anchorage destination. Entrance fees to the wildlife center and tram are paid separately at each stop.