OVERVIEW

Marvel at the natural beauty in the Portage Valley, where you will visit an open-air wildlife sanctuary that rehabilitates injured and orphaned animals. Although you will travel through manmade structures such as the 2.6-mile Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel – the longest dual-use vehicle and railroad tunnel in North America – this adventure focuses more on the preservation of the natural world. After 1 hours narrated scenic ride from Whittier, arrive at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, you will take a quick orientation drive through the center. Then enjoy a up-close look at some of the iconic Alaskan animals that inhabit the surrounding forests and fields. You can expect to see large creatures such as reindeer, brown bear and moose, as well as smaller mammals that may include bald eagles, porcupines and Canadian lynx. The sanctuary provides a permanent home for all the animals except for the wood bison. Once thought to be extinct, these massive land animals are being reintroduced into their native habitat thanks to a massive conservation project.

HIGHLIGHTS

• See injured and orphaned wildlife being cared for at a conservation center.
• Pass through some of Alaska’s most gorgeous scenery, including the Portage Valley.
• Drive through North America’s longest combined vehicle and railway tunnel.
• End the tour in Anchorage at the Hospitality Center.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Marvel at the natural beauty in the Portage Valley, where you will visit an open-air wildlife sanctuary that rehabilitates injured and orphaned animals. Although you will travel through manmade structures such as the 2.6-mile Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel – the longest dual-use vehicle and railroad tunnel in North America – this adventure focuses more on the preservation of the natural world. After one hours narrated scenic ride from Whittier, arrive at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, where you will take a quick orientation drive through the center. Then enjoy a up-close look at some of the iconic Alaskan animals that inhabit the surrounding forests and fields. You can expect to see large creatures such as reindeer, brown bear and moose, as well as smaller mammals that may include bald eagles, porcupines and Canadian lynx. The sanctuary provides a permanent home for all the animals except for the wood bison. Once thought to be extinct, these massive land animals are being reintroduced into their native habitat thanks to a massive conservation project.

HIGHLIGHTS

• See injured and orphaned wildlife being cared for at a conservation center.
• Pass through some of Alaska’s most gorgeous scenery, including the Portage Valley.
• Drive through North America’s longest combined vehicle and railway tunnel.
• End the tour at the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Settle in for a spectacularly scenic cruise across the iceberg-dotted waters of Portage Lake, where you will pause at an ancient 10-story glacier that terminates at the water’s edge. To reach the lake, you will drive through the 2.6-mile Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, an engineering marvel that is the longest dual-use vehicle and railroad tunnel in North America. Soon after boarding the M/V Ptarmigan, a fully-enclosed and heated 80-foot vessel built on site, you will begin cruising across the typically placid waters. Whether looking through the large viewing windows or enjoying the fresh air out on the top deck, you can’t help but be taken by the natural beauty. The onboard narrator will share fascinating insights into the surrounding Chugach National Forest and the Portage Valley. Still nothing compares to seeing towering Portage Glacier up close. You may even be lucky enough to watch a huge chunk calve off with a startling loud crack.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise Portage Lake, a glacially fed body of water that is spectacularly beautiful.
• Behold the natural wonders from the comfort of an enclosed, heated 80-foot boat.
• Pass floating icebergs that have broken off – or calved – from Portage Glacier.
• Enjoy a close-up look at the glacier and hold a piece of it, if conditions permit.
• Drive through a long tunnel to reach the lake and along Turnagain Arm on the way to the airport.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Experience an exclusive two-hour guided adventure that give you more time to explore Whittier, a hidden gem blending breathtaking nature, fascinating history, and local charm. Visit the stunning Whittier Falls, followed by a drive past the iconic Begich Towers, a Cold War relic now housing the entire town. Discover the tower's unique transformation from military barracks to condos. Explore the Prince William Sound Museum, offering a rich collection of World War II-era military and aviation artifacts, or go next door to the Anchor Inn to enjoy a beverage. Continue to the Buckner Building, another captivating remnant of Whittier’s military past, and enjoy stunning views at the Lu Young Park and Billings Glacier Overlook. Wrap up your tour with free time at Whittier's charming waterfront, where you can shop for gifts, dine locally, or simply relax with spectacular views.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Admire the natural beauty on the outskirts of town at Whittier Falls and Billings Glacier Overlook.
• Pass by the 14-story condominium building where almost all the residents live.
• Learn about the history and development of Whittier in the city’s sole museum.
• Spend free time shopping along the Whittier waterfront district.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Enjoy an enlightening drive in and around Whittier and come away with a remarkably in-depth understanding of this city at the head of the Passage Canal. As you might expect, natural beauty surrounds Whittier and experience it with a quick stop at Whittier Falls. Yet, the city is surprisingly unconventional because nearly the entire population of 250 or so lives in Begich Towers, a 14-story former military barracks built during the Cold War. While passing the colorful towers, you will hear more about its odd history and conversion into condominiums. More fascinating sights await you at the Prince William Sound Museum, whose exhibits feature military, aviation and railway memorabilia that tell the story of Whittier with an emphasis on World War II. The black-and-white wartime photographs are especially compelling. A bit of free time follows around the Whittier waterfront. Spend some time shopping for local goods, sipping a coffee, or simply soaking in the views of the waterfront.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Admire the natural beauty on the outskirts of town at Whittier Falls.
• Pass by the 14-story condominium building where almost all the local residents live.
• Learn about the history and development of Whittier in the city’s sole museum.
• Spend free time shopping along the Whittier waterfront district.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.