Best Tours in Alaska for 2026 (Handpicked List)
Alaska is massive, wild, and packed with more incredible experiences than most people realize. Glaciers that calve into the ocean. Grizzly bears fishing for salmon. The Northern Lights rippling across the sky. Mountains so tall they create their own weather systems. Alaska has it all—but with so many options, figuring out which tours are actually worth your time and money can be overwhelming.
That's why we've put together this handpicked list of the best tours in Alaska for 2026. These aren't just popular tours—they're the experiences that deliver the magic Alaska is famous for. Whether you're a first-time visitor or coming back for more, this guide will help you choose tours that match your interests, budget, and travel style.
🏔️ Why Tours Matter in Alaska
Alaska is different from most vacation destinations. The distances are huge, the weather is unpredictable, and the best experiences often happen in remote places you can't easily reach on your own.
Good tours solve all of these problems. They provide:
Local expertise – Guides who know the terrain, wildlife patterns, and weather
Safety – Proper equipment and protocols for challenging environments
Access – Getting you to places you couldn't reach independently
Efficiency – Maximizing your limited vacation time
Knowledge – Learning the stories and science behind what you're seeing
The right tour can transform your Alaska trip from good to unforgettable.
How We Selected These Tours
We didn't just throw together a list of random Alaska tours. These selections are based on:
Guest feedback and reviews over multiple seasons
Unique experiences that showcase Alaska's best features
Reliability and safety records of tour operators
Value for money – what you actually get for the price
Accessibility for different fitness and experience levels
Seasonal availability and optimal timing
Every tour on this list has been vetted and comes highly recommended.
Best Summer Tours in Alaska (May–September)
1. Kenai Fjords National Park Boat Tours
What it is: Full-day or half-day boat cruises through the fjords where glaciers meet the ocean
Why it's incredible: This is Alaska's ocean wilderness at its most dramatic. Massive tidewater glaciers tower hundreds of feet above the water, and when they calve—chunks of ice the size of buildings crashing into the sea—it's absolutely spectacular.
The wildlife is equally impressive. Expect to see:
Humpback whales breaching
Sea otters floating on their backs
Harbor seals lounging on icebergs
Puffins and other seabirds by the thousands
Sea lions barking from rocky outcrops
Tours depart from Seward, about 2.5 hours south of Anchorage. The longer tours (8+ hours) go deeper into the park and offer better wildlife chances.
Best for: First-time visitors, wildlife lovers, photographers
Season: Late May through early September
Pro tip: Book early—tours fill up fast in July and August. The 6-hour tours offer a good balance of value and experience.
2. Flightseeing Tours Over Denali and Glaciers
What it is: Small aircraft flights over the Alaska Range, Denali, and massive glacier systems
Why it's incredible: There's no better way to grasp the scale of Alaska than from the air. These tours fly you over valleys filled with ice, around North America's tallest peak, and in many cases, land you on a glacier where you can walk on ice thousands of years old.
The views are otherworldly. Mountains stretch in every direction, glaciers flow like frozen rivers, and on clear days, Denali dominates the horizon.
Departure points:
Talkeetna – Best for Denali and Ruth Glacier tours
Anchorage – Good for quick glacier flightseeing
Talkeetna tours get you closer to Denali and offer glacier landings. They're absolutely worth the extra drive.
→ Book your K2 Aviation Flightseeing Tour
Best for: Photographers, adventure seekers, anyone who wants the ultimate Alaska perspective
Season: Year-round, but May–September is peak season
Pro tip: Weather is everything. Book early in your trip so you have flexibility to reschedule if clouds move in.
3. Denali National Park Bus Tours
What it is: Guided bus tours deep into Denali National Park on the park road
Why it's incredible: Private vehicles aren't allowed past Mile 15 in Denali, which means the only way to see the heart of the park is by bus. And that's a good thing—it keeps the park wild and increases wildlife sightings.
These tours take you 50+ miles into the wilderness where grizzly bears, caribou, Dall sheep, moose, and occasionally wolves roam freely. The landscape changes from forest to tundra to massive river valleys, and on clear days, Denali itself towers over everything.
Tour options:
Tundra Wilderness Tour (7–8 hours) – Goes to Mile 53
Denali Natural History Tour (4–5 hours) – Goes to Mile 17
Kantishna Experience (Full day) – Goes to the end of the park road
The longer tours give you the best wildlife chances and deeper park access.
Best for: Wildlife enthusiasts, families, photographers
Season: Late May through mid-September
Pro tip: Sit on the left side of the bus heading out for the best Denali views (weather permitting). Book weeks in advance for summer travel.
4. Glacier Hiking and Ice Climbing
What it is: Guided walks and climbs on Alaska's accessible glaciers
Why it's incredible: Walking on a glacier is surreal. The ice beneath your feet might be hundreds or thousands of years old. Deep blue crevasses drop into darkness. Ice formations tower overhead.
Popular glacier hiking locations:
Matanuska Glacier – Most accessible from Anchorage
Exit Glacier (Seward area) – Short hikes to glacier views
Mendenhall Glacier (Juneau) – Popular for cruise ship visitors
For something more adventurous, ice climbing tours let you scale frozen walls with crampons and ice axes. No experience needed—guides teach you everything.
Best for: Active travelers, adventure seekers, unique photo ops
Season: May through September
Pro tip: Wear layers you can remove—hiking on glaciers is surprisingly warm work, even though you're on ice.
5. Wildlife Viewing and Bear Watching Tours
What it is: Day trips or fly-in experiences to see Alaska's wildlife—especially bears—in their natural habitat
Why it's incredible: Seeing a grizzly bear catch salmon in a river or a coastal brown bear dig for clams on a beach is bucket-list material. These tours take you to places where wildlife congregates and viewing is safe and ethical.
Options include:
Brooks Falls (Katmai National Park) – Famous for bears fishing at the waterfall
Lake Clark National Park – Coastal brown bears on remote beaches
Denali area bear tours – Guided viewing in grizzly habitat
Many of these are fly-in experiences—you'll take a small plane to remote areas where bears outnumber people.
Best for: Wildlife photographers, bucket-list experiences, nature lovers
Season: June through September (peak bear viewing: July–August)
Pro tip: These tours are expensive but worth it. Book several months in advance.
6. Sea Kayaking Adventures
What it is: Guided kayak tours through Alaska's coastal waters, fjords, and bays
Why it's incredible: Kayaking puts you at water level where you can quietly paddle past sea otters, seals, and occasionally whales. The silence and intimacy of the experience—just you, the water, and the wildlife—is magical.
Popular kayaking destinations:
Resurrection Bay (Seward) – Calm waters, great for beginners
Prince William Sound – More remote, incredible scenery
Kenai Fjords – Multi-day trips for experienced kayakers
Most tours are half-day or full-day, though multi-day camping trips are available for adventurous paddlers.
Best for: Active travelers, quiet nature experiences, photography
Season: May through September
Pro tip: Dress in layers and bring waterproof bags for cameras and valuables. Even calm days can get splashy.
7. Fishing Charters (Salmon and Halibut)
What it is: Guided fishing trips for Alaska's famous salmon and halibut
Why it's incredible: Alaska fishing is legendary. Whether you're reeling in a 30-pound king salmon or a 100-pound halibut, the experience is exhilarating. Plus, many charters will process your catch so you can ship it home.
Best fishing locations:
Homer – "Halibut Fishing Capital of the World"
Seward – Great mix of salmon and halibut
Kenai River – World-class salmon fishing
Charters provide all the gear, bait, and expertise. You just show up and fish.
Best for: Anglers, families, foodies (fresh Alaska seafood!)
Season: May through September (varies by fish species)
Pro tip: Book early for peak salmon runs (June–August). Bring Dramamine if you're prone to seasickness.
Best Winter Tours in Alaska (October–April)
8. Northern Lights Viewing Tours
What it is: Guided evening tours to dark-sky locations for aurora viewing
Why it's incredible: The Northern Lights are one of nature's most spectacular shows, and Alaska is one of the best places on Earth to see them. Good tours maximize your chances by:
Monitoring aurora forecasts in real time
Relocating to areas with clear skies
Providing warm vehicles and hot drinks
Offering photography assistance
Tours typically run from 10 PM to 2 AM—the peak viewing window—and last 3–4 hours.
Best departure cities:
Fairbanks – Best odds (240+ aurora nights per year)
Anchorage – Convenient but less reliable
Talkeetna – Good middle ground
For the highest success rate, book 2–3 nights of viewing attempts.
→ Book a Greatland Northern Lights Tour
Best for: Photographers, bucket-list experiences, winter travelers
Season: Late August through early April (best: September, February, March)
Pro tip: Dress warmer than you think. Standing still in Alaska winter is brutally cold.
→ Read our complete Northern Lights Beginner's Guide
9. Dog Sledding Experiences
What it is: Rides on traditional dog sleds pulled by teams of Alaskan huskies
Why it's incredible: Dog sledding is Alaska's official state sport, and experiencing it firsthand connects you to the state's history and culture. The dogs are athletes—they love to run, and watching them work is impressive.
Tours range from short rides (30 minutes) to half-day adventures. Many include time with the mushers to learn about training, care, and racing.
Some operators even offer "musher for a day" experiences where you learn to drive your own sled team.
Best for: Families, cultural experiences, outdoor enthusiasts
Season: November through March
Pro tip: If you're visiting in summer, several kennels offer dog cart rides or kennel tours so you can still meet the dogs.
10. Snowmobiling and Winter Adventures
What it is: Guided snowmobile tours through Alaska's winter backcountry
Why it's incredible: Snowmobiling gives you access to vast winter landscapes that are otherwise unreachable. You'll ride through forests, across frozen lakes, and up mountain valleys with panoramic views.
Popular areas:
Hatcher Pass – Mountain terrain near Anchorage
Denali area – Backcountry snowmobile tours
Girdwood – Glacier and mountain tours
Most tours provide all gear and don't require previous snowmobile experience.
→ Check out Hatcher Pass ATV Tours (they offer winter snowmobile tours too)
Best for: Adventure seekers, thrill lovers, winter sports enthusiasts
Season: December through March
Pro tip: Bring goggles and a face mask—wind chill at snowmobile speeds is intense.
11. Ice Climbing and Glacier Hiking (Winter)
What it is: Winter versions of summer glacier experiences
Why it's incredible: Winter glacier tours offer a completely different experience. The ice is harder, formations are more dramatic, and you'll often have the glacier nearly to yourself.
Ice climbing in winter is especially spectacular—frozen waterfalls create vertical walls of blue ice perfect for climbing.
Best for: Adventurous travelers, winter sports lovers
Season: November through March
Pro tip: Winter glacier tours require serious cold-weather gear. Many operators provide it, but confirm before booking.
12. Chena Hot Springs and Aurora Viewing
What it is: Day trips to natural hot springs north of Fairbanks, often combined with Northern Lights viewing
Why it's incredible: Soaking in 106°F natural hot springs while watching the Northern Lights dance overhead is an unforgettable Alaska experience. Chena Hot Springs Resort offers pools, an ice museum, and aurora viewing areas.
The contrast—warm water, cold air, magical lights—is perfect.
Best for: Relaxation seekers, Northern Lights viewers, unique experiences
Season: Year-round (aurora viewing: September–April)
Pro tip: Bring a swimsuit and towel. The outdoor pools are open year-round, even when it's -40°F outside.
Best Year-Round Tours
13. Helicopter Tours and Glacier Landings
What it is: Helicopter flights over glaciers, mountains, and coastline with glacier landings
Why it's incredible: Helicopters can go places fixed-wing planes can't—hovering over crevasses, landing on remote peaks, and providing 360-degree views. It's the ultimate splurge, but the experience is unmatched.
Popular helicopter tours:
Girdwood area – Glacier landings near Anchorage
Juneau – Famous Mendenhall Glacier and ice field tours
Denali area – Mountain and glacier combinations
Many tours include glacier walks or even dog sledding on the glacier.
→ Explore Alaska Helicopter Tours
Best for: Luxury travelers, special occasions, photographers
Season: Year-round (weather permitting)
Pro tip: Weight limits apply. Be honest about your weight when booking—it affects aircraft balance and safety.
14. Cultural and Historical Tours
What it is: Tours focused on Alaska Native culture, Gold Rush history, and frontier heritage
Why it's incredible: Alaska has a rich cultural history that's easy to overlook when you're focused on glaciers and bears. These tours add depth to your understanding of the state.
Experiences include:
Alaska Native Heritage Center (Anchorage) – Learn about indigenous cultures
Gold Dredge 8 (Fairbanks) – Pan for gold and tour a historic dredge
Skagway and Klondike Gold Rush tours – Walk in the footsteps of stampeders
Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race Headquarters (Wasilla) – Meet sled dogs and learn race history
Best for: History buffs, families, educational experiences
Season: Year-round (though some seasonal variations)
Pro tip: Cultural tours pair well with adventure tours—balance your itinerary with both.
Best Multi-Day Tours and Packages
15. Alaska Railroad Journeys
What it is: Scenic train travel through Alaska's most stunning landscapes
Why it's incredible: The Alaska Railroad connects Anchorage, Talkeetna, Denali, and Fairbanks with routes that pass through wilderness you can't see from the road. Glass-domed cars provide panoramic views.
Popular routes:
Anchorage to Denali – Full-day journey through mountains and valleys
Coastal Classic (Anchorage to Seward) – Stunning coastal and mountain scenery
Hurricane Turn – Flag-stop service into remote backcountry
Many multi-day tour packages include train travel combined with other experiences.
Best for: Scenic travel lovers, relaxed pace, photographers
Season: Mid-May through mid-September (limited winter service)
Pro tip: Book "Gold Star Service" for the best views and priority seating.
How to Choose the Right Tours for You
With so many incredible options, here's how to narrow down your choices:
Consider Your Interests
Wildlife lovers: Denali bus tours, bear viewing, Kenai Fjords cruises
Adventure seekers: Glacier hiking, ice climbing, helicopter tours, snowmobiling
Photographers: Flightseeing, Northern Lights tours, wildlife viewing
Relaxation: Hot springs, scenic cruises, train journeys
Families: Dog sledding, cultural tours, moderate boat tours
Match Tours to Your Season
Summer tours focus on wildlife, glaciers, and hiking. Winter tours emphasize Northern Lights, dog sledding, and snow adventures. Some tours (flightseeing, helicopters, cultural experiences) work year-round.
→ Browse Summer Tours or Winter Tours
Be Realistic About Fitness Levels
Low intensity: Boat cruises, flightseeing, train journeys, cultural tours
Moderate: Dog sledding, short glacier hikes, kayaking
High intensity: Ice climbing, multi-day backpacking, advanced glacier hikes
Budget Appropriately
Alaska tours range from $100 to $1,000+ per person. Set priorities:
Splurge-worthy: Bear viewing, flightseeing with glacier landing, helicopter tours
Great value: Denali bus tours, Kenai Fjords cruises, Northern Lights tours
Budget-friendly: Cultural tours, short hikes, self-guided experiences
Best Tour Combinations for Different Trip Lengths
3-Day Alaska Trip
Day 1: Arrive Anchorage, explore city
Day 2: Kenai Fjords boat tour from Seward
Day 3: Flightseeing tour, depart
5-Day Alaska Trip
Day 1: Arrive Anchorage
Day 2: Kenai Fjords boat tour
Day 3: Drive to Talkeetna, flightseeing tour
Day 4: Denali National Park bus tour
Day 5: Return to Anchorage, depart
7-Day Alaska Trip
Follow our complete 7-Day Alaska Itinerary which includes the best tour combinations.
Winter Trip (4-5 days)
Day 1: Arrive Fairbanks
Day 2: Dog sledding + aurora tour (evening)
Day 3: Chena Hot Springs + aurora tour (evening)
Day 4: Flightseeing tour + aurora tour (evening)
Day 5: Depart
Booking Tips for 2026
Book Early
Popular summer tours (especially Denali and Kenai Fjords) fill up months in advance. For July and August travel, book by March or April at the latest.
Check Cancellation Policies
Alaska weather is unpredictable. Make sure your tours have flexible rescheduling or refund policies if conditions aren't safe.
Read Reviews
Not all tour operators are equal. Check reviews on Google, TripAdvisor, and Yelp before booking.
Bundle When Possible
Some operators offer package deals that save money when you book multiple tours together.
Consider Shoulder Season
May and September offer lower prices, fewer crowds, and excellent experiences—just with slightly cooler weather.
What to Pack for Alaska Tours
Summer Tours
Layered clothing (mornings are cool, afternoons can be warm)
Waterproof jacket
Comfortable hiking shoes
Sunglasses and sunscreen
Camera with extra batteries
Binoculars for wildlife
Seasickness medication (for boat tours)
Winter Tours
Extreme cold weather gear (jacket, pants, boots)
Multiple layers (thermal base layers essential)
Warm gloves, hat, neck gaiter
Hand and toe warmers
Camera cold-weather battery pack
Thermos for hot drinks
For complete packing lists, visit our Alaska Travel FAQ.
How Much Do Alaska Tours Cost?
Here's a rough pricing guide for 2026:
Budget Tours ($50–$150 per person):
Cultural center visits
Short dog sled rides
Museum tours
Self-guided glacier walks
Mid-Range Tours ($150–$400 per person):
Kenai Fjords boat tours (half-day)
Denali bus tours
Northern Lights tours
Dog sledding experiences
Glacier hiking
Premium Tours ($400–$800 per person):
Full-day Kenai Fjords cruises
Flightseeing with glacier landing
Helicopter tours
Sea kayaking full-day
Fishing charters
Luxury/Bucket-List Tours ($800–$2,000+ per person):
Bear viewing fly-in tours
Multi-day kayak expeditions
Helicopter glacier dog sledding
Private charters
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I book Alaska tours?
For summer travel (June–August), book 2–4 months ahead. For shoulder season (May, September), 1–2 months is usually fine. Winter tours have more availability, but Northern Lights tours during peak weeks (February–March) can fill up.
Are tours worth it or can I do Alaska independently?
Both work, but tours offer safety, expertise, and access to places you can't reach on your own. For activities like bear viewing, flightseeing, and boat tours, there's really no DIY option.
What's the best single tour in Alaska?
If forced to choose one, flightseeing with a glacier landing is unforgettable and captures Alaska's scale and beauty. But the "best" tour depends on your interests.
Can I do winter and summer activities on the same trip?
In shoulder seasons (late August/early September and late March/early April), you might catch both. Otherwise, activities are fairly seasonal.
Do I need to tip tour guides?
Yes, 15–20% is standard for good service. Some tours include gratuity; check before booking.
Final Thoughts: Choosing Your Alaska Adventures
Alaska offers experiences you literally can't find anywhere else on Earth. Whether you're watching glaciers calve, flying over Denali, mushing a dog sled team, or standing beneath the Northern Lights, these tours deliver moments that stay with you forever.
The key is choosing tours that match your interests, season, and budget—then booking early to secure your spots.
Every tour on this list has been handpicked for quality, experience, and value. You can't go wrong with any of them, but the best approach is choosing 2–3 signature experiences and building your trip around those.
Ready to start planning?
→ Browse our complete selection: All Alaska Tours
→ Summer adventures: Summer Tours
→ Winter experiences: Winter Tours
→ Questions? Check our FAQ or Contact Us
Alaska is waiting. These tours will show you why it's unlike anywhere else on Earth.