Whittier to Anchorage Transfer Tour

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

• 1
  Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel

  Luxury without limits: follow our hand-selected route or craft a day wholly unique to your vision. Every stop, every pause, and every view unfolds on your terms, creating an experience as individual as you are. Often called the Whittier Tunnel, connects Portage Valley to the coastal town of Whittier. Completed in 1943 during World War II, the tunnel was originally built to serve the U.S. Army. Stretching 2.5 miles through solid rock beneath Maynard Mountain, it remains the longest highway tunnel in North America that accommodates both rail and road traffic. Its dual-purpose design highlights the ingenuity of its builders, who combined military necessity with the rugged demands of Alaska’s landscape. Today, the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel stands as a vital gateway for both residents and travelers seeking Alaska’s coastal beauty. It operates on a timed one-way schedule, alternating vehicle and rail traffic while offering a thrilling glimpse of Alaska’s pioneering spirit.

  15 minutes • Admission ticket included
• 2
  Portage Glacier

  Portage Glacier offers a breathtaking glimpse of Alaska’s dynamic glacial wilderness. This massive, blue-tinged river of ice stretches over 14 miles long, carved by millennia of movement through rugged mountains. Visitors can view the glacier from the Portage Glacier Visitor Center, where large windows and informative exhibits provide insight into glaciology, local wildlife, and the area’s natural history. On a clear day, the icy face of Portage Glacier towers dramatically over Portage Lake, with icebergs floating serenely on the water. Beyond the visitor center, there are hiking trails, kayak tours, and boat cruises that bring you closer to the glacier’s awe-inspiring scale and power.

  15 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 3
  Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

  Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is a heartfelt sanctuary dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and providing lifelong care to Alaska’s injured and orphaned wildlife. Visitors have the unique opportunity to get up close with iconic Alaskan animals such as bears, moose, bison, mountain goats, and wolves, all living in large, natural enclosures that mimic their wild habitats. AWCC is a place of education and conservation, where expert staff share stories about each animal’s rescue journey and ongoing efforts to protect Alaska’s fragile ecosystems.

  1 hour • Admission ticket included
• 4
  Girdwood

  Girdwood is a charming mountain town known for its world-class skiing, welcoming community, and gourmet dining—all just a scenic 40-minute drive from Anchorage. Originally a gold mining camp, Girdwood has blossomed into a year-round destination where visitors can soak in natural hot springs, explore hiking trails, or indulge in locally sourced cuisine at cozy restaurants and cafes.

  1 hour • Admission ticket free
• 5
  Byron Glacier Trail

  Byron Glacier is reached by a beautiful hiking trail that winds through lush spruce forests and rugged terrain, leading visitors closer to the glacier’s stunning blue ice formations nestled among towering peaks. This peaceful trail offers the perfect blend of adventure and tranquility, making it an ideal escape from busier tourist spots. Along the way, you may hear the distant rumble of ice calving or flowing water, enhancing the sense of connection with Alaska’s wild spirit.

  1 hour • Admission ticket free
• Potter Marsh Bird Sanctuary (Pass by)

  Potter Marsh is one of Anchorage’s most accessible and rewarding wildlife viewing areas. Stretching along the southern end of the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge, this peaceful wetland is a haven for birds, moose, and serene natural beauty. A winding wooden boardwalk extends out over the marsh, allowing guests to walk gently above the water and grasses. From here, you might spot trumpeter swans, arctic terns, bald eagles, and dozens of migratory bird species, especially during spring and summer. Look closely into the water below—you may see spawning salmon, darting trout, or even a shy muskrat gliding past.

  Admission ticket free
• Lake Hood Harbor (Pass by)

  Lake Hood, a shimmering hub of adventure and aviation history. What might look like a peaceful lake is actually the busiest seaplane base on Earth, with up to 500 takeoffs and landings per day during the summer months. This is where Alaskans take to the skies—not just for fun, but for life. With over 80% of Alaska’s communities unreachable by road, planes are a lifeline. From bush pilots flying supplies to remote villages, to scenic tour operators and backcountry adventurers, Lake Hood is the heartbeat of Alaska’s aviation culture.

  Admission ticket free
• 6
  Earthquake Park

  This quiet, forested area marks the site of one of the most devastating natural disasters in U.S. history: the 1964 Good Friday Earthquake. Measuring 9.2 on the Richter scale, it remains the strongest earthquake ever recorded in North America and the second strongest in the world. Here, the earth quite literally gave way. A once-thriving Anchorage neighborhood slid into the Cook Inlet when the ground dropped more than 30 feet in seconds. Today, you can still see the contours of the land where it buckled and shifted—a haunting, beautiful landscape shaped by seismic force.

  15 minutes • Admission ticket free
• Anchorage (Pass by)

  Anchorage began in 1914 as a humble railroad construction camp and has since grown into Alaska’s largest and most dynamic city. Nestled between the Chugach Mountains and Cook Inlet, downtown is filled with historic buildings, vibrant murals, and striking vistas that capture the essence of Alaska’s wild beauty. We can experience the city in multiple ways: we can drive through downtown, taking in the rich history, architectural highlights, and public art that tell Anchorage’s story, or we can stop and visit unique Alaskan specialty shops. From handcrafted souvenirs to authentic local delicacies, the city offers endless opportunities to discover the culture and character of Alaska in an intimate, personalized way. Every stop can be tailored to your interests, ensuring the day unfolds according to your rhythm and curiosity, blending urban charm with the breathtaking natural landscapes that surround this frontier city.

  Admission ticket free
• 7
  Beluga Point

  This dramatic stretch of coastline offers panoramic views of Turnagain Arm, with the Chugach Mountains towering behind and tides that can rise and fall as much as 30 feet—among the highest in the world. The landscape shifts constantly with light and water, creating an unforgettable backdrop for photos and reflection. In the summer months, this spot earns its name: Beluga whales can often be seen surfacing close to shore, following schools of salmon as the tide comes in. With a bit of luck and patience, you may spot their white backs gliding through the silvery water. It’s also a great place to look for Dall sheep high on the cliffs above, or simply pause to take in the raw, expansive beauty that makes Alaska feel so alive.

  30 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 8

  Your Alaskan journey is unforgettable—let it live on. 10th & M Seafoods allows you to take home the very best of Alaska’s waters: salmon, halibut, shrimp, and crab, elegantly packed with ice for effortless airport travel or shipped directly to your doorstep. With Epic Alaska, you don’t just explore the state—you can take a piece of its wild, pristine beauty home with you.

  15 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 9

  Oomingmak Musk Ox Producers Co-operative is a distinguished artisan cooperative in Anchorage, Alaska, renowned for transforming qiviut—the exceptionally soft undercoat of the Arctic musk ox—into exquisite hand-knit garments. Established in 1969, the cooperative is owned by approximately 250 Native Alaskan women from remote coastal villages, each contributing to the creation of scarves, hats, tunics, smoke rings, and skeins that embody the rich cultural heritage of Alaska's Indigenous communities The boutique offers a curated selection of these luxurious garments, each piece reflecting the unique patterns and traditions of its village origin. Whether seeking a meaningful souvenir or a timeless gift, Oomingmak offers an unparalleled opportunity to acquire a piece of Alaska's Indigenous artistry and natural beauty.

  15 minutes • Admission ticket free
• Bird Creek (Pass by)

  Bird Creek, a historic fishing haven just south of Anchorage, has long drawn locals and visitors alike to its salmon-rich waters. Winding through lush forests before emptying into Turnagain Arm, the creek’s channels shift dramatically with the region’s famously high tides. Here, expert fishermen time their casts to the salmon runs and the ebb and flow of the tides, offering a quintessential Alaskan experience where history, skill, and nature converge.

  Admission ticket free
• (Pass by)

  Indian is a small, remote community located in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough of Alaska. Like many Alaskan settlements, it has deep roots tied to Alaska Native heritage and the region’s natural resources. Historically, Indigenous peoples, including the Dena’ina Athabascans, used the surrounding rivers, creeks, and forests for hunting, fishing, and seasonal subsistence living. During the 20th century, small settlements like Indian became hubs for logging, trapping, and subsistence agriculture. Its remote location meant that communities relied heavily on local knowledge and self-sufficiency, with residents maintaining strong connections to the land and waterways. Today, Indian remains a small, sparsely populated area, valued for its natural beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and cultural history. It’s not a traditional “city” in the modern sense—it’s more of a historic settlement and rural community, offering a glimpse into Alaska’s frontier and Indigenous heritage.

  Admission ticket free
• 10

  Step into the world of Alaska’s iconic ulu knife, a tool that has been central to Indigenous life for over a thousand years. The Ulu Factory offers a rare opportunity to explore this rich history—from ancient ulus dating as far back as 1000 BC to more recent designs—providing a window into centuries of craftsmanship and culture. Guests can observe master artisans as they craft ulus by hand, seeing the traditional techniques passed down through generations. You’ll also learn how to handle and use an ulu, gaining hands-on insight into its versatility, from food preparation to daily tasks. The experience blends history, skill, and culture, creating a meaningful connection to Alaska’s Indigenous heritage.

  15 minutes • Admission ticket free
• (Pass by)

  Step back in time at the Anchorage Log Cabin Visitors Center, a historic structure originally built in 1936. This charming log cabin offers a glimpse into Anchorage’s early frontier days, combining rustic architecture with warm, inviting interiors. Surrounded by lush greenery, it provides a serene escape from the city while connecting visitors to Alaska’s pioneering history. Inside, guests can explore exhibits highlighting Anchorage’s past, from early settlement and Indigenous heritage to the development of the city as a hub for Alaskan adventure. Knowledgeable staff are on hand to provide local insights, answer questions, and offer guidance for exploring the surrounding area. Whether you’re starting your journey in Anchorage or seeking a quiet place to reflect on Alaska’s rich history, the log cabin visitors center is a welcoming introduction to the city’s story.

  Admission ticket free
• (Pass by)

  Step back in time at Anchorage’s first hotel, built in 1916 shortly after the city’s founding in 1914. This landmark has welcomed travelers for over a century, blending classic frontier architecture with modern comfort while offering a tangible connection to Alaska’s early days. Legend whispers through its halls: guests and staff have reported ghostly sightings and unexplained sounds, giving the hotel a mysterious charm alongside its storied history. Original timber beams, antique furnishings, and curated displays highlight Anchorage’s growth from a fledgling railroad town in the 1910s to the vibrant city it is today. Centrally located, the hotel offers both an immersive historical experience and easy access to cultural attractions, dining, and Alaska’s natural beauty—perfect for those seeking a stay that is as intriguing as it is luxurious.

  Admission ticket free
• (Pass by)

  Founded in 1967, Alaska Mint in downtown Anchorage is a family-owned destination celebrating the beauty and bounty of Alaska. The store specializes in handcrafted jewelry from natural gold nuggets and gold-bearing quartz, each piece reflecting the rugged elegance of the Last Frontier. Visitors can also explore limited-edition commemorative medallions honoring iconic Alaskan events, wildlife, and heritage, making each item a meaningful keepsake. Guided by decades of craftsmanship and family tradition, Alaska Mint sources raw materials directly from local miners, ensuring authenticity and quality in every creation. The Anchorage boutique offers a curated, immersive shopping experience, where collectors and travelers alike can discover timeless treasures that capture the spirit of Alaska, from estate jewelry to one-of-a-kind designs.

  Admission ticket free
• (Pass by)

  Located in the heart of Anchorage, the Iditarod Headquarters celebrates Alaska’s legendary sled dog race, known worldwide for courage, endurance, and the spirit of the Last Frontier. Outside the building, visitors are greeted by a striking statue of Balto, the heroic sled dog famed for the 1925 serum run to Nome—a symbol of perseverance and Alaskan adventure. Inside, the headquarters offers insights into the Iditarod’s history, featuring exhibits on mushers, sled dogs, and the iconic race routes across Alaska’s rugged terrain. Whether you’re a sled dog enthusiast, a history buff, or simply curious about Alaska’s culture, this location provides an engaging and memorable glimpse into one of the state’s most celebrated traditions.

  Admission ticket free
• (Pass by)

  The Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center is Alaska’s premier cultural institution, blending art, history, and science to tell the story of the Last Frontier. Visitors can explore extensive exhibits on Alaska Native heritage, regional history, contemporary art, and the state’s diverse ecosystems. Interactive installations, immersive galleries, and rotating exhibitions make the museum a dynamic destination for all ages. Centrally located in downtown Anchorage, the museum offers an enriching experience that connects visitors to Alaska’s past, present, and future, providing both inspiration and a deeper understanding of this extraordinary region.

  Admission ticket free
• (Pass by)

  Alaska Fur Exchange in Anchorage is a premier destination for authentic Alaskan furs, Native art, and natural treasures. From hand-carved ivory and jade sculptures to high-quality furs sourced from Alaska’s wildlife, each item reflects the state’s rich cultural heritage and rugged beauty. Knowledgeable staff guide you through the collection, offering insight into the craftsmanship and history behind each piece, and can assist with shipping so you can bring a true piece of Alaska home.

  Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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