Glaciers, Trails & Tides: A Day Trip to Whittier

This day tour from Anchorage highlights the Turnagain Arm, an All-American Road and National Scenic Byway. Watch for alpine scenery, hanging glaciers, and potential wildlife sightings along the Seward Highway. Keep an eye out for Dall sheep in the Chugach Mountains, and Bald Eagles along the tidal flats. Beluga whales can be seen during the summer and autumn months along Cook Inlet and Turnagain Arm!

This day tour from Anchorage is an exploration into Portage Glacier Valley led by a local guide who will bring the landscape to life through interpretation. Start your day with a scenic drive down the Turnagain Arm with an interpretive hike along the Trail of Blue Ice. This Chugach National Forest maintained trail winds through the Portage Valley, passing by ponds and streams under the canopy of the temperate rainforest.

Next, step aboard the one-hour cruise across Portage Lake on the M/V Ptarmigan to view Portage Glacier. Feel the crisp mountain air from the open viewing deck or relax inside the heated cabin—either way, you’ll have front-row seats as your captain navigates toward the awe-inspiring face of Portage Glacier. An onboard naturalist will share fascinating insights about the area’s geology and wildlife.

The adventure continues as you travel through the iconic Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, the longest combined vehicle–railroad tunnel in North America, until you reach the seaside town of Whittier. Your guide will handle all the logistics today – just sit back, relax and enjoy the day trip that includes lunch, complimentary snacks & water. Guests can choose to conclude their tour at the Whittier Cruise Terminal or return to Anchorage.

This trip is so versatile!

Overnighting at Alyeska Resort? Consider this tour a great way to drive between Hotel Alyeska in Girdwood and Anchorage!

Taking an Inside Passage Cruise in Alaska that starts in Whittier, Alaska? Use this as a guided tour & transfer to your cruise ship! Tour departures will work with ALL SHIP EMBARKATION SCHEDULES!

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDED

• Local Alaskan Guide(s)
  • Narration provided by a CDL Certified Alaskan Guide (English Speaking)
  • Narration provided by the Boat Captain and onboard naturalist (English Speaking)
• Small-Group
  • A more personal experience of up to 16 guests in our clean and comfortable sprinter vans (1:8 guide to guest ratio)
• All-Inclusive
  • Interpretive tour along the Trail of Blue Ice
  • Admission for the M/V Ptarmigan on Portage Lake Glacier Boat Ride (operating under permit from Chugach National Forest)
    • This institution is operated under special use permit with the Chugach National Forest. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
  • Lunch in Whittier
• Photo Stops
  • Stretch your legs for up-close views or look through our panoramic windows
• Snacks & Water
  • An assortment of complimentary snacks and water are available throughout the tour
• Hotel Pick Up
  • Pick up available from major hotels and inns located within Anchorage or Girdwood
• Office Pick Up
  • Conveniently located in downtown Anchorage
  • *Please select “Meet at Salmon Berry Tours Office” at the time of booking to confirm
• Drop Off
  • Drop-off is available from major hotels located in Anchorage, Hotel Alyeska in Girdwood or Whittier Cruise Terminal
  • *Drop off at Anchorage’s Ted Stevens International Airport may be available if requested in advance

NOT INCLUDED

• Guide Gratuity
  • Basic guide gratuity for this tour starts at $10.00 per guest

Day Tour Cancellation Policy

For direct booking cancellations outside 7 days before the first day of your tour, a 10% fee will be withheld. For cancellations within 7 days, no refund applies.

Salmon Berry Travel & Tours recommends travel insurance provided by TravelSafe Insurance. Our recommendation is based on positive guest feedback. In particular, the experience of one Salmon Berry guest is instructive:

• Our guest had booked the vacation of a lifetime and the ultimate Alaska package. She had to cancel the trip a week before it began due to unfortunate circumstances.
• She later told us that within ten minutes of phone time her claim was processed in full. She was very pleased with TravelSafe Insurance’s immediate and empathetic response. Getting a refund for her trip was the last thing she wanted to think about, and TravelSafe Insurance took care of her needs and concerns immediately.