Tours/Anchorage/PRISTINE - Wilderness, Wildlife, Glacier Experience in Anchorage
PRISTINE - Wilderness, Wildlife, Glacier Experience in Anchorage
4.9(3,364)Anchorage6 hours
VIATOR4.8(993)TRIPADVISOR4.9(2,371)
+47 photos
At a glance
Duration
6 hours
Price from
$220 / person
Location
Anchorage, United States
Rating
4.9 / 5 · 3,364 reviews
Languages
EN, EN
Group
Small group, up to 170
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Confirmation
Instant
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Operator
PicTours Alaska, Inc.
Meeting point
NO HOTEL PICK UP DURING SPRING-FALL.Hotel pick-up December and January only, Major hotels in mid/downtown.We Meet at 10 minutes before Departure at Dena'ina Convention Center, 600 W 7th Avenue--Downtown Anchorage.
Description
Experience the Big Outdoors and Portage Glacier Cruise!
See the amazing beauty that surrounds Anchorage.
This special tour does not follow any set route. Nor does it follow a time table.
Use your time wisely by going into the wilderness to see wildlife and view glaciers. Summer only: an option, on a 80 ft. cruise ship. (available 11am departure only thru OCT 5th.
We follow the sun, the wind and our hearts to navigate your vacation towards the most scenic locations capable for the day of your tour.
The Wilderness Wildlife Glacier Experience includes entrance into the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. During summer you'll have an option to include a glacier cruise on the mv Ptarmigan.
Learn about our rich history and see the Ring of Glaciers. This award winning tour can not be replicated by any other service or shuttle.
The Wilderness Wildlife Glacier Experience offers highly trained Guides who's sole purpose is making your vacation memories last a lifetime.
Schedule & prices
Runs
Every day
Start times
11:00 AM
Next available
Mon, Oct 5
Adult (ages 13+)
$220
Child (ages 3–12)
$176
Infant (ages 0–2)
Free
Prices change with the date; the lowest is shown.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 4.
Tour Options
With 1hr Glacier Cruise 6 hours
Summer Only Glacier Cruise: Experience Portage Glacier up close on the MSS Ptarmigan. A one hour excursion on the 80-foot ship.
Duration: 6 hours: Departs at 11am. Dena'ina Convention Center. 700 W 7th Ave. We meet 10 minutes before departure.
1 Hour Glacier Confirmation: 1 Hour Glacier Cruise Confirmation will be sent by tour Operator, PicTours Alaska, Inc. shortly after this message.
Wilderness Wildlife Glaciers 6 hours
Photography Lessons -- FREE
Duration: 6 hours: 11 am departure. This is the deluxe version to experience the wilderness that surrounds Alaska. Doesn’t include Glacier Boat
Wilderness Wildlife Glacier: WEEKDAY & WEEKEND: Sightseeing tour outside the city limits of Anchorage. hour day tour into the wilderness, see wildlife, view glaciers and walk on Alaskan Alpine Meadows.
Itinerary
Pass by
Anchorage City Tour as we exit into the wilderness/
Alaska Railroad
Pass by
With a rich historic footprint in Anchorage the rail system is viewable during our tour
Flattop Mountain
Pass by
Above 3000 feet, a notable mountain peak viewable throughout Anchorage
Beluga Point
15 min
Scenic Viewpoint to Beluga whale watch
Free photography lessons offered.
Byron Glacier Trail
Admission included15 min
Seasonal Self-Guided walk to the foot of Byron Glacier.
Typically, later May to mid Sept.
Chugach State Park
10 min
Bird Point and selective Viewpoints to photograph soaring eagles, mountain goats, whales or walk upon alpine meadows.
Free photography lessons offered.
Potter Marsh Bird Sanctuary
Pass by
See amazing flying wildlife as well as the marsh areas that are home to moose, salmon and other migrating wildlife.
Bird Creek
Pass by
See the scenic valley views. Look for seasonal bears and eagles.
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
Admission included60 min
Guided Tour within conservation park to see brown bear, wolves and bison.
Photography lessons offered.
Portage Glacier
Admission not included60 min
Available only during summer, from June to August, optional-Upgrade. Glacier Cruise to be upclose to Portage Glacier. See up close the face of Portage Glacier on the Ptarmigan Cruise ship. See up to 14 glaciers embedded within rugged mountains of the Chugach National Forest, that form the Ring of Glaciers. This Cruise, can be upgraded for an additional fee this is not included in the regular tour cost. The Portage Glacier cruise is in conjunction with the U.S. Dept of Agriculture and hosted by a U.S. Park Ranger. This boat ride is NOT included in Wilderness Wildlife Glacier Experience basic tour. The regular tour, without cruise ship upgrade, still views glaciers within Glacier Valley.
Free Photography Lessons offered.
Pass by
Walk on America's most northern rain forest
15 min
See the scenic glacial ponds of Explorer Glacier. When seasonally available we walk on the Blue Ice Trail.
Chugach National Forest
Admission included50 min
Ring of Glaciers. A wonder of glaciers that surround a lake filled with pure glacial run off. As we return to Anchorage, live entertainment is offered.
What's included
Included
Bottled water
Driver/guide and scout
Confirmation by PicTours Alaska with all Add-On Selected will be emailed to valid purchase
Entertainment
Live commentary on board
Stop to Purchase Food-Meal
Not included
Ptarmigan ship - price will be excluded from ticket if not specifically selected while booking.
Glacier Cruise ship upgrade may be added directly from PicTours Alaska's website. May-Sep Only
Meals are not included. A stop will be provided to purchase meals.
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
4.9
3,364 reviews
5
3,140
4
141
3
49
2
16
1
18
How it compares in Anchorage
The most-reviewed of 192 tours in Anchorage
Starting price $220 is 16% above the typical $189 for tours of similar length in Anchorage
Excurgo comparison of 192 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Glacier Cruise Upgrade Available Summer months Only
Participant Waiver & Release of Liability and Terms & Conditions. By purchasing ticket(s) and/or by participating on a tour, by PicTours Alaska, Inc. you affirm that you and tour attendees accompanying you fully understand and agree to the following Participant Waiver & Release of Liability and Terms & Conditions. I acknowledge, attest, agree and represent that I, and those accompanying me, fully understand and accept, without limitation, sole responsibility for all of the risks associated with my participation while on the tour, including injury and death whether through my own actions or those of other participants, tour guides, pedestrians, automobiles, public transportation, acts of nature or any other external parties. This further includes approval for complimentary photography for your use and possible demonstration of excursion experience in promotions or presentations.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does this tour take?
PRISTINE - Wilderness, Wildlife, Glacier Experience in Anchorage lasts about 6 hours. The itinerary has 13 stops.
How much does this tour cost?
Prices start at $220 per person for this Anchorage experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There are 2 booking options, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does this tour run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, starting at 11:00 AM.
How much does this tour cost for children?
Children aged 3–12 pay from $176, adults from $220. Infants go free.
Can I cancel this tour for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is NO HOTEL PICK UP DURING SPRING-FALL. Hotel pick-up December and January only, Major hotels in mid/downtown. We Meet at 10 minutes before Departure at Dena'ina Convention Center, 600 W 7th Avenue--Downtown Anchorage. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is this tour offered in?
The experience is available in EN, EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 170 participants.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is this tour worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.9 out of 5 across 3,364 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by PicTours Alaska, Inc..
Reviews(3,364)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
G
Genna_H
September 27, 2026 · via Viator
Unsafe Driving, do not recommend
While the scenery was beautiful, our driver with PicTours Alaska Tours tailgated other drivers, and looked up some things on his phone while driving, despite telling us there'd been some terrible traffic accidents on the highway between Anchorage and Girdwood. We learned more about the driver's travels to other countries, than he told us about Alaska and the local area. While I recommend going on a wildlife tour, I do not recommend this one with PicTours Alaska. I am sure this driver & guide has led some great tours, he may have been ready for the season to end, he didn't seem to be having a good day.
Operator response
We thank you for sharing your thoughts about this excursion.
At times we have found visitors to be less than satisfied due to our far North West Pacific weather. Our area is surrounded by and possess an abundance of wildlife and geological wonders such as glaciers.
Unfortunately we cannot guarantee all sightings will be viewed since conditions varies by season, ocean tides, safety, third party groups and powerful Alaska weather conditions that can be mild-to-harsh year round.
Again, thank you for sharing your experience.
Please consider the writers bias when reading this review. We read all reviews and strive towards adjusting to meet our world-class ranking.
4
41nishants
September 25, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Must do tour
James is an exceptional guide with great knowledge and experience. We had a great time totally recommend it.
D
DogFriendly90
September 23, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Great trip for your first day in Anchorage
A great experience - highly recommend. Our Guide, Maria was knowledgeable and pleasant. We toured the Turnagain Arm, The Wildlife Sanctuary and saw salmon spawning in a creek. A very pleasant trip. My only suggestion for future travelers is to pack your own lunches if possible. The place that the tour stops for lunch is quite nice and the food is quite good but it was a little too expensive for our budget.
9
925sueb
September 22, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Anchorage amazing adventure!!
Our cruise ship stopped in Anchorage and our visit was greatly enhanced by your wonderful tour! Our guide Aaron was so knowledgeable and added humor to his presentation that made our time together lots of fun! His enthusiasm conveyed his love of the area and made us love it too!!!
L
Leigh_I
September 22, 2026 · via Viator
Great tour to take if this is your first time to Alaska
Fog is likely and will obstruct views of the glaciers . That was a big disappointment that I was not aware of until our guide told us when we arrived for our tour.
B
B9240BWtraceyb
September 22, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Great Tour!
Sean was a great guide! Very informative and very attentive to the group. We had a great time!
O
olgachandler
September 22, 2026 · via Viator
Great Tour
The best thing about this tour was the guide, Patrick. He is very knowledgeable about the area and the history of Alaska and the places that we visited were both on the schedule and little places that he knew about as a local, which added a great dimension to the trip. The bad side of this was Viator, which has atrocious customer service.
T
Theresa_J
September 21, 2026 · via Viator
Do it!! It's worth the time and money!
Take the window seat!
Bald eagles everywhere!
The views are gorgeous!
the guide, is a photographer, takes photos, you can return with more then selfies!
My guide loves his State, his job and is a wealth of info! Great job Aron!
B
babysitterso
September 20, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Unsafe Driving, I’d Pass on this Tour
While the scenery is beautiful, our PicTours Alaska guide was tailgating other drivers, and took out his phone while driving, although he mentioned to us there’d been a number of terrible accidents on the highway we were on. We had several other tours during the week with other companies and guides that were different. I would not recommend this tour to others.
Operator response
We thank you for sharing your thoughts about this excursion.
At times we have found visitors to be less than satisfied due to our far North West Pacific weather. Our area is surrounded by and possess an abundance of wildlife and geological wonders such as glaciers.
Unfortunately we cannot guarantee all sightings will be viewed since conditions varies by season, ocean tides, safety, third party groups and powerful Alaska weather conditions that can be mild-to-harsh year round.
Again, thank you for sharing your experience.
Please consider the writers bias when reading this review. We read all reviews and strive towards adjusting to meet our world-class ranking.
S
sandyhY9761EB
September 20, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
BUCKET LIST EXPERIENCE
BUCKET LIST STUFF! The Portage Glacier Cruise was a lifetime with Calving
Aaron was the best tour guide to spend the day with at the 6 hour wildlife experience
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Tour
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PRISTINE - Wilderness, Wildlife, Glacier Experience in Anchorage
