Active Tours & Trips in Alaska
Imagine an active tour across Alaska's wildest spots. You can try glacier kayaking in Valdez, wildlife watching in Denali, ice climbing at Root Glacier, backcountry ATV rides, and rafting Nenana River rapids to keep your adrenaline pumping. Winter brings dogsledding opportunities. Calving glaciers, and wildlife everywhere. Alaska is truly unforgettable.
10 best active Alaska tours
Compiled by
MelissaAlaska travel expert at TourRadar
- Grand Alaskan Adventure with Alaska Cruise
- Magnificent Alaska
- Alaska's Iditarod with Fairbanks
- Northern Lights Alaska
- Alaska's Iditarod
- Best of Yukon & Alaska (from Whitehorse)
- Alaska - The Grand Country - Guided Sightseeing Trip 8 Days
- Kenai Fjords Adventure
- Alaska Range Base Camp Adventure
- Jewels of Alaska (Classic, With 7 Days Cruise, 14 Days) (12 destinations)
The wilderness trails of Denali National Park offer chances to spot grizzlies and caribou. Dramatic Thompson Pass provides stunning Alaska Range views while Prince William Sound cruises bring glacier encounters. Nenana River rafting available for additional excitement.
Duration 13 days Destinations Anchorage, Fairbanks, Denali National Park, Glacier Bay National Park, Haines, Juneau, Ketchikan, Vancouver Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Cosmos From
- US$3,429+$565 upfront costs
Magnificent Alaska
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The places we visited were spectacular. He is a very experience tour guide with good driving skill.”
Magdalena, traveled in July
Bears roam freely in Katmai, glaciers await kayakers in Kachemak Bay, and optional dog sledding beckons at Godwin Glacier. The challenging Harding Ice Field trail and Denali wilderness provide unmatched outdoor pursuits.
Duration 10 days Destinations Anchorage, Homer, Katmai National Park, Seward, Kenai Fjords National Park, Denali National Park, Talkeetna Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Southwest Adventure Tours From
- US$9,999
Alaska's Iditarod with Fairbanks
14 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Very knowledgeable & helpful.”
Debra, traveled in February
The 11-day Iditarod adventure features aurora borealis viewing in Fairbanks and visits to the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. Dog sledding awaits at Happy Trails Kennels with 4-time champion Martin Buser, while Alaska Railroad journeys showcase pristine wilderness. Luxurious Alyeska Resort provides aerial tram access to glacier views.
Duration 11 days Destinations Fairbanks, Anchorage, Seward, Alyeska Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Globus From $4,819
10% Off- US$4,319You save $500
Winter magic fills Fairbanks with dog sledding through boreal forests, snowmobile rides, and aurora viewing from Charlie Dome. North Pole's Christmas attractions delight visitors, while ice fishing occurs in heated houses. Chena Hot Springs Resort provides relaxation and specialized Northern Lights photography instruction.
Duration 6 days Destinations Fairbanks Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Southwest Adventure Tours From
10% Off- US$3,429
Alaska's Iditarod
14 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Staff friendly and professional.”
Maria, traveled in February
Alaska's winter wonderland unfolds from Anchorage to Seward, highlighting the legendary Iditarod race. Happy Trails Kennels offers dog sledding adventures, while Turnagain Arm provides wildlife viewing and Alyeska Resort hosts winter sports.
Duration 8 days Destinations Anchorage, Seward, Alyeska Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Globus From $3,469
14% Off- US$2,969You save $500
A guide leads hikes through Kluane National Park, where the world's largest non-polar ice field sits in the distance. After that, a ferry crosses Prince William Sound to find sea otters and puffins near tidewater glaciers. The Denali Wildlife Tour heads deep into Denali National Park toward Wonder Lake, searching for grizzly bears, wolves, and caribou with 6,193-meter Denali Mountain rising behind them. The Dempster Highway follows the Arctic Circle route through Tombstone Mountains' tundra landscape.
Duration 15 days Destinations Whitehorse, Haines Junction, Tok, Valdez, Whittier, Seward, Anchorage, Denali National Park, Fairbanks, Dawson City Age Range Ages 16+ Operated in Only: German Operator ASI Reisen From
14% Off- US$5,058
Professional guides lead walks across Matanuska Glacier, America's largest road-accessible glacier, navigating through ice formations and crevasses. An extended shuttle bus tour goes deep into Denali National Park, where grizzly bears, caribou, and moose move beneath 20,310-foot Denali. A cruise through Kenai Fjords National Park shows tidewater glaciers calving into the sea while humpback whales, sea otters, and puffin colonies appear along the rugged coastline.
Duration 8 days Destinations Anchorage, Talkeetna, Denali National Park, Wasilla, Seward, Kenai Fjords National Park Age Range Ages 16+ Operator ASI Reisen From
14% Off- US$4,368
Scenic trains wind through Turnagain Arm, while porpoises play in Resurrection Bay's kayaking waters. The massive 700-square-mile Harding Icefield astounds visitors. Waterfront Harbor 360 Hotel in Seward and mountain-nestled Alyeska Prince Hotel offer perfect bases for Kenai Fjords wildlife encounters.
No departure dates availableDuration 6 days Destinations Anchorage, Seward, Kenai Fjords National Park, Girdwood, Alyeska Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Active Adventures 
Floatplanes from Kenai transport adventurers to Lake Clark National Park's remote terrain. Daily alpine hiking and peak bagging unfold under professional guidance, limited to 8 participants. Comfortable base camping includes all meals and equipment during this 4-day wilderness immersion.
No departure dates availableDuration 4 days Destinations Kenai, Lake Clark National Park Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Kenai Backcountry Adventures Jewels of Alaska (Classic, With 7 Days Cruise, 14 Days) (12 destinations)
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers
Jet boats navigate the Chulitna River while glass-domed trains head to Denali. Local mountaineers share their stories, authentic trapper cabins welcome visitors, and Prince William Sound reveals its glacier-filled waters. Grande Denali Lodge provides mountain views between adventures.
No departure dates availableDuration 14 days Destinations Anchorage, Talkeetna, Denali National Park, Alyeska, Prince William Sound, Seward, Glacier Bay National Park, Haines, Juneau, KetchikanSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Insight Vacations
What people love about Active Tours in Alaska
Maggy and Vassil's wonderful Magnifisent Alaska Tour with Southwest Adventure Tours! July 2024 The trip was awesome.The itinerary was very well planned. The places we visited were spectacular/you can enjoy the photos/. All of the above is due to our guide - Daniel(Dan) Sachse, He is a very experience tour guide with good driving skill. His knowledge of Alaska, its nature, history and culture made our trip wonderful. He is consummately friendly and courteous, always with a smile on his face. He created a very friendly atmosphere in our group. He was always cheerful, enthusiastic and showed great concern for the welfare of our group. A first class tour leader! Thank you, Southwest Adventure Tours and Dan for the fantastic trip!
Magnificent Alaska
- Anchorage: Kenai Fjords & Denali National Park 5 Day/4 Night Adventure
We had a terrific experience in Alaska. Some wonderful scenery and animal sightings. Our hosts were very accommodating and thoughtful to enhance our experience. Well worth the visit.
I had an absolute blast on this trip. During this trip I experienced so many things that I have never had the opportunity to experience before. Each location was beautiful and unique from the other locations. Scott and Hank really knew their stuff and were great to be around. Any problems I had were due to my own lack of preparation. I didn't take into account that night temperatures could get close to freezing. For the daytime having good rain gear on you at all times and lots of layers will keep you warm.
Alaska Denali Expedition - 12 Days
What our customers ask about Active Tours & Trips in Alaska
When is the best time to go on an Adventure tour in Alaska?
The best window for Alaska Adventure tours spans May through September with July and August offering ideal conditions. Kenai Fjords National Park sees temperatures of 60-70°F during summer making it perfect for glacier hiking and kayaking. A TourRadar traveler at Denali National Park noted: "The days were full with a wide range of sights. My only wish is for more outdoor physical activity like hiking." Those looking to avoid peak crowds should consider May or September which still provide good conditions for activities on the Harding Icefield Trail or exploring Lake Clark National Park.
What kind of accommodation can I expect on an Alaska Adventure tour?
Lodging options range from wilderness camping to upscale hotels based on the tour selected. Base camps in areas like the Kenai Mountains provide equipped gathering tents and sleeping gear. Urban-based adventures typically include stays at properties like Harbor 360 Hotel in Seward or Hotel Alyeska in Girdwood. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The luxurious Hotel Alyeska is nestled in a lush valley surrounded by mountain peaks and hanging glaciers with spectacular ocean views." Most tours mix accommodation styles to balance comfort with authentic outdoor experiences.
What are the must-see highlights of an Adventure tour in Alaska?
Key destinations include Denali National Park's climbing and wildlife opportunities Kenai Fjords National Park's glacier experiences and Prince William Sound's marine adventures. The Alaska Railroad provides scenic transit as noted by a TourRadar traveler: "The world-famous Alaska Railroad train offered spectacular views through its panoramic windows." Additional highlights include Exit Glacier's Harding Icefield Trail the Matanuska Valley and the Hotel Alyeska which serves as a gateway to Chugach Mountains adventures.
What wildlife might I encounter during an Adventure tour in Alaska?
Alaska's diverse ecosystems support rich wildlife viewing. Kenai Fjords National Park boat tours regularly spot humpback whales orcas sea otters and puffins. A TourRadar traveler reported from Denali: "Our Naturalist Driver Guide helped us spot grizzly bears caribou moose and other wildlife from a safe distance." The Chugach Mountains near Hotel Alyeska host Dall sheep mountain goats and eagles while Prince William Sound offers frequent sightings of seals and sea lions.
What are the must-do activities on an Alaska Adventure tour?
Core activities include glacier hiking at Exit Glacier packrafting in Kenai Fjords wildlife viewing in Denali National Park and sea kayaking in Prince William Sound. Visitors can also try ice climbing backcountry camping and river canoeing. As one TourRadar traveler described: "Highlights included hiking in Denali NP with breathtaking beauty of Mt. Denali in the distance hiking and ice climbing the Root Glacier in Wrangell/St. Elias NP and sea kayaking at the Columbia Glacier amongst icebergs."
What unique Adventure activities are available in Alaska?
Alaska's distinctive offerings include glacier hiking dog sledding and floatplane trips. The Harbor 360 Hotel in Seward connects visitors to Resurrection Bay kayaking while Kenai Mountains Base Camp provides alpine hiking opportunities. A TourRadar traveler recalled: "The floatplane flight into the backcountry followed by glacier trekking was an unforgettable experience." Additional options include Exit Glacier ice climbing Denali National Park wilderness camping and summer dog sledding at Happy Trails Kennels.