8. From Anchorage: Glacier and Wildlife Discovery Tour
Enjoy a 6-hour sightseeing tour departing from Anchorage and a scenic drive south along the edge of the Turnagain Arm on the Seward Parkway. This road is considered to be America’s most beautiful and scenic road, crossing mountain passes and majestic valleys. Along the way, you may spot moose, caribou, eagles, and other wildlife. There are sure to be some fantastic photo opportunities.
Arrive at Portage Glacier to learn how living glaciers continue to carve the landscape and shape life in Chugach National Forest. Although Portage Glacier is no longer visible from the Visitor Center, due to its retreat, the face of the glacier is still partially in Portage Lake. Find out why Portage Glacier is one of Alaska's most popular attractions. Cruise across Portage Lake on the MV Ptarmigan and stand just 300 yards from a relic of the Ice Age. Watch for fractures of ice breaking off the glacier and crashing into the water below.
Afterwards, head to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, a rehabilitation center for injured and orphaned wildlife. Here, you will safely be able to get close, observe and photograph some of Alaska's largest land animals, including moose, bison, elk, deer, caribou, bears muskox, wolves, small mammals, and birds of prey. During spring and summer, you can also witness the rehabilitation of orphaned baby animals of various species.
After an informative visit through the Conservation Center with the largest of Alaska's wild animals, your tour will continue on towards Anchorage. Lunch can be purchased from one of the food vendors at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. Later, you will ascend the Chugach Mountains for amazing and panoramic views of the Turnagain Arm and beyond.