Items | Anchorage to Whittier Scenic Transfer Tour
Anchorage to Whittier Scenic Transfer Tour
(3) Reviews
Anchorage
About
Scenic Transfer • Wildlife Encounters • Bespoke Sightseeing
With Epic Alaska Tours, the drive from Whittier to Anchorage becomes a seamless, indulgent experience—each mile guided by your personal Alaskan host, whose stories, insights, and intimate knowledge of the land, wildlife, and culture transform travel into discovery.
Choose from our curated collection of iconic landmarks and hidden gems; or create a route entirely your own. Portage Valley’s cascading glaciers, Girdwood’s alpine charm, Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center's moose and bears, scenic overlooks, route highlights, and artisan shops are all inclusive, allowing you to pause, explore, and linger as your heart desires.
For th...
Highlights
From 6 hours to 8 hours
Offered in English
Non-refundable
Mobile Ticket
From 6 hours to 8 hours
Offered in English
Non-refundable
Mobile Ticket
What's Included
Professional, knowledgeable local guide
Booster seat
Customized itinerary with flexible stops based on your preferences
Luxury private transport in a Mercedes Sprinter van
Commentary on Alaska’s natural, cultural, and historical highlights
Comfortable door-to-door pickup and drop-off at your preferred locations
Bottled water and light snacks
Entry to Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
Meals & Drinks
Tips/gratuities
Additional activities (e.g., special excursions, aviation, dog sledding, boat tours)
Important Information
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Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
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Service animals allowed
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Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
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Scenic Transfer • Wildlife Encounters • Bespoke Sightseeing
With Epic Alaska Tours, the drive from Whittier to Anchorage becomes a seamless, indulgent experience—each mile guided by your personal Alaskan host, whose stories, insights, and intimate knowledge of the land, wildlife, and culture transform travel into discovery.
Choose from our curated collection of iconic landmarks and hidden gems; or create a route entirely your own. Portage Valley’s cascading glaciers, Girdwood’s alpine charm, Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center's moose and bears, scenic overlooks, route highlights, and artisan shops are all inclusive, allowing you to pause, explore, and linger as your heart desires.
For th...
Highlights
From 6 hours to 8 hours
Offered in English
Non-refundable
Mobile Ticket
From 6 hours to 8 hours
Offered in English
Non-refundable
Mobile Ticket
What's Included
Professional, knowledgeable local guide
Booster seat
Customized itinerary with flexible stops based on your preferences
Luxury private transport in a Mercedes Sprinter van
Commentary on Alaska’s natural, cultural, and historical highlights
Comfortable door-to-door pickup and drop-off at your preferred locations
Bottled water and light snacks
Entry to Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
Meals & Drinks
Tips/gratuities
Additional activities (e.g., special excursions, aviation, dog sledding, boat tours)
Itinerary
1
Anchorage
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.
Anchorage was born as a railroad construction camp in 1914 and has since grown into Alaska’s largest city. Downtown is compact, walkable, and full of charm, with historic buildings, vibrant murals, and sweeping views of the Chugach Mountains and Cook Inlet.
2
The Ulu Factory
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
3
Alaska Fur Exchange
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.
4
Visit Anchorage Log Cabin Visitor Information Center
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.
5
Alaska Mint
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.
6
Historic Anchorage Hotel
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.
7
Anchorage Museum
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.
8
Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race
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.
9
Oomingmak, Musk Ox Producers' Co-operative
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.
10
10th & M Seafoods
Your Alaskan journey is unforgettable—now 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. With Epic Alaska, you don’t just explore the state—you take a piece of its wild, pristine beauty home with you
11
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.
Interpretive signs throughout the park offer insight into what happened, while elevated viewpoints give you sweeping vistas of Cook Inlet, Mount Susitna ("Sleeping Lady"), and on a clear day, even Mount Denali in the distance.
15 minutes
12
Lake Hood Harbor
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.
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.
13
Potter Marsh Bird Sanctuary
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.
14
Bird Creek
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.
15
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
16
Indian
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.
17
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
18
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
19
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
20
Portage Glacier
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.
30 minutes
21
Explorer Glacier
Driving through Portage Valley offers a unique vantage point to admire Middle Glacier alongside other prominent glaciers. As the road winds through the valley, you can pause at scenic overlooks to capture sweeping views of the interconnected glaciers, the surrounding peaks, and the rich greenery below. From the warmth of a luxury vehicle, travelers can enjoy the serene spectacle of ice and mountain juxtaposition while spotting wildlife that frequents the valley’s streams and forests.
22
Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel
Stretching 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) beneath Maynard Mountain, this tunnel is the longest combined rail and highway tunnel in North America. What makes it truly unique is its one-lane configuration: cars and trains take turns passing through, and direction alternates every 15 minutes—a process carefully coordinated by traffic signals and tunnel staff.
Originally built during World War II to provide access to the strategic port town of Whittier, the tunnel was named after Anton Anderson, the chief engineer and visionary behind the project. It was opened to vehicular traffic in 2000, transforming Whittier from an isolated military post into a scenic cruise and ferry hub.