The Best Things to Do in Anchorage, Alaska | Tours,… | ALASKA.ORG

1. Day Cruise from Whittier, Seward, or Portage

Glaciers, marine wildlife, coastal scenery, rail tour

There are three spots you can board a boat and marvel at glaciers from the water on a day trip from Anchorage. Awe-inspiring tidewater glaciers meet the waters of Prince William Sound, and hanging glaciers nestle in the towering peaks. See it all on an afternoon cruise leaving from the small town of Whittier, just an hour and 15 minute drive south of Anchorage. Seals, sea otters, sea birds, and even whales can be spotted here, too.

If you have a car, leave Anchorage early to give lots of time for stopping to photograph the dramatic scenery of Turnagain Arm and Portage Glacier Road (towering mountains, cliffs, Dall sheep, glaciers, and salmon in mid-July to late-August). You can also visit the Begich Boggs Visitor Center to learn about the glaciers, wildlife, climate, geography and people of the Chugach National Forest and Prince William Sound. Drive through the 2.5-mile Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel to get to Whittier. The one-way tunnel is shared by cars and trains, with specific times for travel in each direction, so check the schedule carefully.

You can also take the morning train from downtown Anchorage. It takes a little longer than driving so you’ll arrive back in Anchorage well after dinner, but you’ll enjoy a meal on the cruise and can buy snacks on the train.

A 2.5 hour drive from Anchorage (or 4 hours by train) puts you in the seaside town of Seward, the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park. Most cruises into the national park are 5 -6 hours, perfect for a day trip. And, they’re timed to work with the train. When you arrive in Seward you’ll be transported to the boat harbor from the rail station and back for your evening return to Anchorage.

If you’re short on time, the 1-hour Portage Glacier Cruise offers the quickest view of a glacier on the water from Anchorage.

Transportation: Car or train (Whittier / Seward)
Activity level: Mild
Weather: Beautiful rain or shine. The blue of the glaciers really pops on overcast days.
Tip: Book cruise in advance