Best Alaska Tours for First-Time Visitors (Local Recommendations for 2026)
Planning your first Alaska trip can feel overwhelming. Between the glaciers, wildlife, flightseeing, Northern Lights, and endless outdoor adventures, how do you choose what's actually worth your time and money?
After living here since 1996 and running tours across the state, we've seen what first-timers love most. Below is a straightforward guide to the best Alaska tours for visitors—organized by season, experience level, and what you're hoping to see.
Whether you're visiting for a week or just a few days, this guide will help you cut through the noise and book tours that deliver.
🏔️ Why These Tours Made the List
Not every Alaska tour is created equal. The experiences below were chosen because they:
Show you scenery you can't see from the road
Work well for first-timers (no extreme fitness required)
Offer high value for the price
Are operated by pros with stellar safety records
Run consistently, so you can actually book them
If you want the full breakdown of what's available, check out our complete Alaska Tours & Adventures page.
Now let's dive into the best tours by category.
Best Summer Tours (May – September)
Summer is peak season in Alaska. The weather is warm, the days are incredibly long, and almost every tour operator is running at full capacity. Here's what first-timers should prioritize.
1. Denali Flightseeing with Glacier Landing
Location: Talkeetna
Duration: 1–2 hours
Best for: Bucket-list views + once-in-a-lifetime glacier experience
If you do one thing in Alaska, make it this.
Flying over Denali and the Alaska Range is jaw-dropping on its own. But landing on a glacier—stepping out onto centuries-old ice surrounded by granite peaks—takes it to another level. Most people say it's the highlight of their entire Alaska trip.
What to expect:
Stunning aerial views of Denali, Mount Foraker, and the Ruth Glacier
Touch down on snow-covered ice at 5,000+ feet
Professional pilots who know the mountains inside and out
Small planes (usually 4–10 passengers)
K2 Aviation offers some of the best glacier landing tours in the state. Their pilots are experienced, their routes are scenic, and their safety record is excellent.
→ Book your K2 Flightseeing Tour
2. Helicopter Tour with Glacier Landing
Location: Anchorage / Palmer area
Duration: 1.5–3+ hours
Best for: Up-close glacier exploration + flexibility
Helicopter tours give you more time on the ice than fixed-wing planes—and often include extras like dogsledding, ice trekking, or paddleboarding on glacier-fed lakes.
If you're based in Anchorage and want something epic without driving to Talkeetna, a helicopter glacier tour is the move. You'll fly over the Chugach Range, land on the Knik or Colony Glacier, and get to walk around in a landscape that feels like another planet.
Popular add-ons:
Glacier dogsledding (summer mushing on snow)
Heli-hiking across crevasse fields
Paddleboarding in glacial melt pools
Alaska Helicopter Tours operates year-round and offers some of the most flexible, customizable glacier experiences in the state.
→ Explore Alaska Helicopter Tours
3. ATV & UTV Tours in Hatcher Pass
Location: Willow (2 hours north of Anchorage)
Duration: 2.5–4 hours
Best for: Adventurous first-timers who want hands-on exploration
Riding an ATV through the Talkeetna Mountains is one of the most fun, underrated experiences in Alaska. You'll drive your own machine, splash through creeks, climb mountain trails, and stop at viewpoints that overlook massive valleys and glaciers.
No experience? No problem. Guides give full training before you head out, and the trails are beginner-friendly. You just need to know how to use a throttle and brake—seriously, it's that easy.
What makes Hatcher Pass special:
Remote alpine scenery (feels like the middle of nowhere)
Gold mining history
Wildlife sightings (moose, eagles, sometimes bears)
All-season access (summer ATVs, winter snowmobiles)
Hatcher Pass ATV Tours has 600+ five-star reviews and runs some of the most scenic backcountry routes in the state.
→ Book your Hatcher Pass ATV Adventure
4. Wildlife & Glacier Day Trips from Anchorage
Locations: Seward, Whittier, Girdwood
Duration: Half-day to full-day
Best for: Seeing Alaska's iconic animals + glaciers without flying
Not everyone wants to get on a small plane or helicopter—and that's totally fine. Some of Alaska's best wildlife and glacier experiences are accessible by car or boat.
Top day trips:
Seward / Kenai Fjords: Boat cruises past tidewater glaciers, whales, sea otters, puffins
Whittier: Glacier cruises through Prince William Sound
Girdwood: Alyeska Tram for mountain views, easy hiking, waterfalls
Portage Glacier: Short drive from Anchorage with stunning lake views
These trips work great if you're short on time or want a more relaxed pace.
For a full breakdown of the best day trips, check out our guide: Best Day Trips from Anchorage
Best Winter Tours (October – April)
Winter in Alaska is a completely different experience. The crowds disappear, the landscape transforms into a snowy wonderland, and the Northern Lights come out to play.
5. Northern Lights Tours
Locations: Anchorage, Fairbanks, Talkeetna
Duration: 6–8 hours (evening departure)
Best for: Witnessing the aurora borealis in person
Seeing the Northern Lights is one of those bucket-list moments that's hard to put into words. The way they ripple and dance across the sky—sometimes green, sometimes purple, sometimes red—feels almost surreal.
But here's the thing: aurora hunting requires local knowledge. Cloud cover, light pollution, and auroral strength all change night to night. A good tour provider tracks conditions in real time and relocates to clear skies when needed.
What a Northern Lights tour includes:
Warm transport to dark, remote viewing locations
Expert guides who know where to go (and when)
Hot drinks, snacks, photo assistance
Multiple stops to maximize your chances
Greatland Adventures operates some of the most reliable aurora tours in Alaska. They use advanced forecasting, cap groups at seven people, and won't take you out unless conditions are favorable.
→ Book your Greatland Northern Lights Tour
Best months for Northern Lights: September, October, February, March
Want a deeper dive? Check out our full guide: Best Time to See the Northern Lights in Alaska
6. Snowmobile & Winter UTV Tours
Location: Hatcher Pass
Duration: 2.5–4 hours
Best for: Exploring Alaska's backcountry in winter
If you're visiting Alaska between November and April, snowmobiling through the mountains is an absolute blast. The scenery is stunning, the trails are wide open, and riding through fresh powder is incredibly satisfying.
Winter UTV tours (heated, enclosed vehicles) are also available for those who want a more comfortable ride. Either way, you'll see frozen valleys, snow-covered peaks, and wide-open wilderness that most tourists never get to experience.
What to expect:
Full riding instruction (no experience required)
Warm gear provided (jackets, boots, helmets)
Scenic stops for photos
Possible Northern Lights viewing on evening tours
Hatcher Pass runs winter tours daily and offers both snowmobile and UTV options depending on your comfort level.
→ Explore Winter Tours
7. Winter Helicopter & Glacier Dogsledding
Location: Palmer / Anchorage area
Duration: 2–3 hours
Best for: Combining flightseeing + authentic mushing experience
Yes, you can go dogsledding in the summer—but it happens on glaciers, which means you need a helicopter to get there.
This tour is pure Alaska magic. You'll fly over snow-covered mountains, land on a glacier, and then ride with a team of sled dogs across the ice. It's surreal, it's unforgettable, and it's one of the coolest ways to experience Alaska in winter.
Why people love it:
Meet the mushers and their dogs
Ride a traditional dogsled (or help drive it)
Stunning glacier scenery
Combines two iconic Alaska experiences in one tour
Alaska Helicopter Tours offers year-round glacier dogsledding and has an exceptional safety record.
→ Book Helicopter Dogsledding
Best Year-Round Tours
Some Alaska experiences work any time of year. These tours adapt to the seasons and offer great value whether you're visiting in June or January.
8. Flightseeing Over Denali (No Glacier Landing)
Location: Talkeetna
Duration: 1 hour
Best for: Budget-conscious travelers who still want incredible views
If glacier landings are out of your price range, a standard flightseeing tour over Denali is still absolutely worth it. You'll see the same jaw-dropping peaks, glaciers, and valleys—you just won't touch down on the ice.
It's a more affordable option that still delivers bucket-list scenery.
→ Check out K2 Flightseeing Tours
9. Guided ATV & UTV Adventures
Location: Hatcher Pass
Best for: Year-round backcountry exploration
Whether you're visiting in summer or winter, Hatcher Pass offers guided ATV and UTV tours that showcase Alaska's backcountry. Summer tours take you through alpine meadows and creek crossings. Winter tours put you on snowmobiles or heated UTVs through frozen valleys.
It's hands-on, it's scenic, and it works for all experience levels.
→ Explore Hatcher Pass Tours
How to Choose the Right Tours for Your Trip
Still not sure what to book? Here's a quick decision tree.
If you have 3–5 days:
1 flightseeing or helicopter glacier tour
1 Northern Lights tour (if visiting Sep–Apr)
1 day trip from Anchorage (wildlife cruise or scenic drive)
If you have 1 week:
All of the above
ATV or snowmobile adventure
Extra day for hiking, museums, or exploring Anchorage
If you have 10+ days:
Consider splitting time between regions (Anchorage, Denali, Seward)
Add more specialized tours (ice climbing, paddleboarding, custom helicopter trips)
Budget tip: Book directly through tour operators when possible. Many offer early-bird discounts or package deals if you're booking multiple tours.
What Time of Year Should You Visit?
This depends entirely on what you want to see.
Summer (June – August)
Pros: Warm weather, long days, all tours operating
Cons: Crowds, higher prices
Best for: Glaciers, wildlife, hiking, flightseeing
Shoulder Season (May, September)
Pros: Fewer crowds, lower prices, great weather
Cons: Some tours may have limited schedules
Best for: Northern Lights (September), budget travel, flexibility
Winter (October – April)
Pros: Northern Lights, winter sports, uncrowded
Cons: Cold, shorter days, some tours unavailable
Best for: Aurora viewing, snowmobiling, dogsledding
Want more details? Check out our full breakdown: Best Things to Do in Anchorage
Booking Tips from Locals
Here's what most first-timers don't realize:
Book early—especially for summer
Glacier landing tours, Northern Lights tours, and popular day trips fill up fast. If you're visiting June–August, book at least 2–3 months ahead.
Weather flexibility is key
Flightseeing and helicopter tours depend entirely on weather. If conditions aren't safe, your tour will be rescheduled. Build extra days into your itinerary so you're not scrambling if a tour gets pushed.
Dress in layers
Even in summer, temperatures can swing 20–30 degrees depending on elevation and time of day. Bring a warm jacket, waterproof outer layer, and gloves—even in July.
Don't skip the guided tours
Yes, you can explore Alaska on your own. But guides know the terrain, the wildlife, the weather patterns, and the stories that make each place special. For first-timers, guided tours are 100% worth it.
What to Wear on Alaska Tours
Here's the short version:
Summer tours:
Layers (t-shirt, fleece, waterproof jacket)
Long pants
Closed-toe shoes (hiking boots or sneakers)
Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat
Winter tours:
Base layers (thermal top + bottoms)
Insulated jacket
Warm boots (waterproof)
Gloves, hat, neck gaiter
Hand warmers
Most tour operators provide extra gear if needed (helmets, boots, jackets). Check your confirmation email to see what's included.
For more packing tips, visit our Alaska Travel FAQ.
Should You Book a Multi-Day Package?
If you're visiting for a week or more, multi-day packages can save you time and money. Many operators offer bundled tours that include:
Flightseeing + glacier landing
Northern Lights + ATV adventure
Helicopter tour + dogsledding
Packages are convenient, often include discounts, and take the stress out of planning.
Want to explore all available options? Browse our full list of Alaska Tours.
Final Thoughts: The Best Tours for First-Time Visitors
If we had to choose three must-do experiences for first-timers, here's what we'd recommend:
Glacier landing tour (flightseeing or helicopter) – This is the Alaska experience people dream about. Standing on a glacier surrounded by mountains is unforgettable.
Northern Lights tour (if visiting Sep–Apr) – Seeing the aurora in person is bucket-list magic. Go with a guide who knows how to chase them.
ATV or wildlife day trip – Get your hands dirty (literally) or see Alaska's incredible animals up close. Either way, you'll leave with stories.
Beyond that? Follow your interests. Love adventure? Book the snowmobile tour. Want something more relaxed? Take a scenic day trip to Seward or Girdwood. Alaska has something for everyone—you just need to know where to look.
For more local recommendations, tips, and booking help, explore our blog or reach out anytime. We've been living and exploring Alaska since 1996, and we're here to make sure your first trip is one you'll never forget.
→ Ready to start planning? Browse all Alaska tours and book your adventure today.