Anchorage Tours &
Things to Do
Discover the best Anchorage tours and things to do in the gateway to Alaska: cruise past calving glaciers and marine wildlife on Kenai Fjords and Prince William Sound, hike the blue ice of the Matanuska Glacier, journey to mighty Denali, meet a team of sled dogs, chase the northern lights, and ride the scenic railroad through the wilderness. Compare top-rated experiences and plan the perfect trip.
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Explore Anchorage by interest
Whatever brings you to Anchorage — world-class museums, the river, or a long lunch — start with the experiences travellers love most.
Top attractions in Anchorage
The landmarks that define the city — and the tickets and tours that get you in, often skipping the line.
Kenai Fjords
Glacier cruise.
Matanuska Glacier
Blue ice hike.
Denali
Highest peak.
Bear Viewing
Wild bears.
Sled Dogs
Husky teams.
Northern Lights
Aurora sky.
Whale Watching
Marine wildlife.
Coastal Trail
City & mountains.
Seward awayKenai Fjords
Glacier cruise.
2 hr awayMatanuska Glacier
Blue ice hike.
North awayDenali
Highest peak.
Portage awayWildlife Center
Alaska animals.
Nearby awayDog Sledding
Husky teams.
Whittier awayPrince William Sound
Glacier cruise.
Know before you go
Short, straight answers to the questions every Anchorage visitor asks before booking.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Long days and warm weather — best for glaciers and wildlife.
Shoulder (May, Sep)
Fewer crowds, autumn colour and good value.
For the aurora
September to April for the northern lights.
Winter (Nov–Mar)
Cold and dark, with dog sledding and aurora.
For cruises
Summer for Kenai Fjords and marine wildlife.
Best overall
Summer for tours, winter for the aurora.
One day
A glacier trip and the wildlife center.
Two days
Add a Kenai Fjords cruise.
Three days
Add a Denali trip.
For cruises
Kenai Fjords and Prince William Sound.
For glaciers
Matanuska and Portage glacier hikes.
With kids
Wildlife center, sled dogs and the train.
Tours & transfers
Tours include transport to glaciers and fjords.
Alaska Railroad
The scenic train runs to Seward and Denali.
By car
A car reaches glaciers, trails and viewpoints.
On foot
The downtown and coastal trail are walkable.
Where to stay
Stay downtown, near the coastal trail.
US dollar
The US uses the dollar; cards are widely accepted.
Kenai Fjords cruise
Book a glacier and wildlife cruise from Seward.
Glacier hike
Hike the blue ice of Matanuska Glacier.
Denali trip
Plan ahead for the journey to Denali.
Dog sledding
Try a summer cart run or glacier sled ride.
Chase the aurora
In winter, take a northern lights tour.
Ride the train
Book the scenic Alaska Railroad in summer.
Kenai Fjords cruises
Summer cruises sell out — book ahead.
Denali trips
Multi-day Denali tours fill up — reserve early.
Glacier hikes
Guided ice hikes have limited spots — book ahead.
Dog sledding
Glacier sledding tours sell out — reserve early.
Railroad
Scenic train seats fill up in summer — book ahead.
Summer peak
June to August is busiest — book everything ahead.
Kenai Fjords cruise
Around $160–260 for a full-day glacier cruise.
Glacier hike
About $120–200 for a Matanuska Glacier hike.
Denali trip
Roughly $180–350 for a Denali tour.
Dog sledding
Around $110–500 for a sledding tour (glacier costs more).
Northern lights
About $80–150 for an aurora tour.
How to save
Choose group tours and combo packages.
Anchorage through the seasons
What's best, how busy it gets, and one booking tip for each time of year.
- Best for
- Glaciers & cruises.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Peak.
- Best for
- Value & colour.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Good.
- Best for
- Northern lights.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Dark skies.
- Best for
- Dog sledding.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Cold.