Anchorage: Bears, Beers, and Glacier Tour

Anchorage: Bears, Beers, and Glacier Tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into Alaska’s natural beauty and local culture. This 6-hour trip from Anchorage combines wildlife sightings, scenic glacier views, and a taste of the local craft beer scene — making it perfect for travelers seeking an authentic, multi-faceted experience.

What we love about this tour is the balance of nature and local flavor: you get to see iconic Alaskan animals like bears and belugas, explore stunning glacier landscapes, and unwind with a cold brew at a cozy brewery. Plus, the small group size and knowledgeable guides promise a personalized touch. That said, it’s a full-day adventure, so be prepared for some long hours and variable weather. This tour is ideal for curious travelers who want a comprehensive taste of Alaska’s wilderness and culture without doing multiple separate excursions.

Good To Know

• Wildlife Encounters: Spot bears at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center and possibly see beluga whales and spawning salmon, depending on the season.
• Scenic Views: Explore the Portage Glacier area with plenty of opportunities for stunning photos of glaciers, waterfalls, and mountains.
• Local Brewery Experience: Enjoy a tour and tasting at a brewery located at the base of Alyeska Ski Resort, adding a relaxing, social element to your day.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides like Angie, who have a personal connection to the area, enhance the experience with engaging storytelling and perfect timing.
• Flexible & Practical: Includes hotel pickup, snacks, water, and all entry fees, with free cancellation options—offering peace of mind.
• Limited Group Size: Small groups (max 12) ensure personalized attention and a more intimate experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

An In-Depth Look at the Anchorage Bears, Beers, and Glacier Tour

Starting Point & Convenience

Your day begins with a hotel pickup in Anchorage, which is especially handy after a morning of travel or early exploring. The pickup location at 546 W 4th Ave is easy to find, right in downtown Anchorage, and the guide meets guests by the handicap parking area in front of the visitor center. This simple start removes the stress of navigating on your own and sets a relaxed tone for the day.

Wildlife at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

The first stop is the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC), where you’ll spend a few hours observing native animals—bears, moose, reindeer, muskox, and more—in environments designed to mimic their natural habitats. Guests frequently comment on how well the animals are cared for, and the fact that many are rescues adds an emotional connection. Angie, the guide, reportedly has a knack for timing visits to see animals close up, especially bears who seem to recognize her. One reviewer notes that the bears “come close for viewing and photographing,” making this a highlight.

Scenic Drive & Glacier Viewing

Next, it’s time to enjoy the drive around Portage Glacier, a truly scenic area filled with towering ice formations, waterfalls, and rugged mountains. The tour makes stops at viewpoints perfect for capturing postcard-worthy photos, and if the timing aligns, you might witness salmon spawning — a fascinating natural spectacle in season. The guides are attentive to the environment, and the stops are carefully chosen to maximize both scenery and wildlife sightings.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Watching for Beluga Whales & Bore Tide

Depending on the season, several additional wildlife sightings are possible. You might see beluga whales in the nearby waters, or the Bore Tide—a mesmerizing natural phenomenon where tides push into river mouths—adding a dynamic element to your day. Reviewers mention that these surprises make each trip slightly different, keeping the experience fresh and engaging.

Girdwood & the Brewery Tasting

After exploring the glacier area, the tour heads toward Girdwood, a charming mountain town at the base of Alyeska Ski Resort. Here, you’ll visit a local brewery for a tasting session, a relaxing way to sample Alaska’s craft beer scene. The brewery tour is often cited as a highlight, especially for those who enjoy trying regional brews and learning about local ingredients and brewing techniques.

Optional Tour & Personalization

With Angie, the guide, the experience feels personalized. She reportedly adjusts her stops based on what the group wants to see, whether it’s more wildlife, scenic vistas, or even stopping for a quick surf session at high tide. The reviews highlight her ability to “perfectly time the stops,” ensuring visitors get the most out of their day.

Practical Details & Comfort

Included in the $199 fee are snacks, water, admission fees, and the brewery tasting. You’ll need to bring your own camera, comfortable shoes, and weather-appropriate clothing. The tour is limited to 12 participants, fostering an intimate atmosphere where everyone can ask questions and take photos without feeling rushed.

Why It’s a Good Value

Compared to booking separate tours for wildlife, glaciers, and breweries, this combined experience offers a convenient and cost-effective way to see Alaska’s highlights. The small group size ensures more personal attention, and the knowledgeable guides often share stories and insights that you wouldn’t get from a solo exploration.

What Reviewers Say

One guest from the US called the tour “a blast,” praising Angie’s engaging personality and her knack for finding the best viewing spots. They appreciated the flexibility and the way she brought them to see beluga whales, waterfalls, glaciers, and animals along the way. Another reviewer from Germany highlighted Angie’s local knowledge and her friendliness, noting that the tour covered everything from wildlife to brewery visits comfortably.

Several guests mentioned how well-maintained and caring the animal rescue facilities are, emphasizing the ethical aspect of wildlife conservation. The brewery stop at Girdwood is also a recurring favorite—an authentic taste of local craftsmanship combined with stunning mountain scenery.

Final Thoughts—Who Is This Tour For?

Wildlife lovers will especially appreciate the chance to see bears and possibly beluga whales in their natural habitat, while nature photographers will find plenty of opportunities for breathtaking shots of glaciers and waterfalls. The small group setting makes it ideal for travelers seeking a more personalized experience, and the inclusion of a brewery tour adds a fun, relaxed element.

If you’re curious about Alaska’s wilderness but prefer to see it with expert guidance and comfort, this tour balances adventure and ease beautifully. It’s perfect for those with a moderate level of fitness who want a comprehensive day out without the hassle of planning every detail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes pickup from hotels in the Anchorage area, making it very convenient for travelers staying in downtown Anchorage.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience runs around 6 hours, providing a full day of sightseeing and activities without feeling rushed.

What should I bring?
You should bring comfortable shoes, a camera, snacks, waterproof clothing, and your ID or passport. The tour provides snacks and water.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour is not recommended for people under 21 years old, mainly because of brewery visits and certain wildlife viewing restrictions.

Can I cancel this tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility for your travel plans.

What is included in the price?
The fee covers admission to AWCC, brewery tour and tasting, snacks, water, and permits for Chugach State Forest.

How many people are in a group?
The tour is limited to a small group of 12 participants, which helps ensure a more personalized experience.

To sum it up, the Anchorage Bears, Beers, and Glacier Tour delivers an engaging, well-structured adventure that blends wildlife, scenery, and local culture seamlessly. It’s best suited for travelers who want a full, authentic snapshot of Alaska—think bears, glaciers, whales, and craft beer—all in one memorable day. If you value knowledgeable guides, stunning natural views, and a flexible itinerary, this tour offers excellent value and authentic experiences that won’t disappoint.

You can check if your dates are available here: