Anchorage’s walking tours pack genuine Alaskan experiences into compact, accessible adventures. The downtown food and history tour stands out, offering a perfect mix of local flavors and stories from the city’s frontier days. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Glen Alps walk delivers stunning mountain views and occasional moose sightings – it’s a real winner. The Spenard True Crime tour, while unconventional, provides fascinating insights into the city’s colorful past. These walks typically run 2-3 hours, with easy-to-moderate difficulty levels and frequent rest stops. Each tour includes knowledgeable local guides who know their stuff. Let’s explore our favorite Anchorage walking tours in detail.
Key Points
- For wildlife and nature enthusiasts, the full-day tour exploring Anchorage’s glacial landscapes and Turnagain Arm offers a personalized experience with knowledgeable guides.
- The Team Building Nature Walk at Glen Alps provides an 8-hour small-group guided hike through glacial landscapes, engaging participants in team-building exercises.
- The Downtown Anchorage FOOD & HISTORY Walking Tour features local specialties and is widely praised for its knowledgeable guides and memorable experiences.
- The Matanuska Glacier Guided Walking Tour includes a 2-hour guided glacier exploration, suitable for families with a leisurely hiking pace.
- The Spenard Area True Crime Walking Tour focuses on the neighborhood’s crime stories during the oil pipeline boom and includes a local cuisine tasting.
Wildlife and Glaciers With a Walk in the Rainforest
On this full-day tour, visitors embark on a captivating journey to explore Anchorage’s diverse wildlife and stunning glacial landscapes.
Starting at the Anchorage Downtown Visitors Center, the tour takes guests to the Wildlife Conservation Center, where they can observe wood bison, musk ox, and other species up close.
The scenic drive along Turnagain Arm offers opportunities to spot Dall sheep and beluga whales.
Travelers then venture to Portage Glacier for breathtaking views before exploring the Potter Marsh Bird Sanctuary.
With knowledgeable guides and a maximum group size of 14, this tour provides a personalized and immersive experience in Anchorage’s natural wonders.
Read our full review: Wildlife and Glaciers With a Walk in the Rainforest Review
Book now: Check availability
From Anchorage: Team Building Nature Walk at Glen Alps
For those seeking a team-building adventure in Anchorage’s natural splendor, the From Anchorage: Team Building Nature Walk at Glen Alps tour offers an exhilarating opportunity.
Rated 4.9/5 by past participants, this 8-hour small-group experience takes visitors on a guided hike through the breathtaking Glen Alps region. Participants will explore the area’s stunning glacial landscapes, observe local wildlife, and engage in team-building exercises to foster camaraderie and collaboration.
With pickup and drop-off in Anchorage, this tour provides a convenient and immersive way to connect with Alaska’s remarkable wilderness.
Whether seeking a unique corporate retreat or a memorable outdoor adventure, the From Anchorage: Team Building Nature Walk at Glen Alps is an exceptional choice.
Read our full review: From Anchorage: Team Building Nature Walk at Glen Alps Review
Book now: Check availability
Downtown Anchorage FOOD & HISTORY Walking Tour OUR MOST POPULAR!
Amid Anchorage’s vibrant downtown, the Downtown Anchorage FOOD & HISTORY Walking Tour offers visitors an unparalleled opportunity to enjoy the city’s rich culinary and cultural heritage.
With a 95% recommendation rate, this most popular tour showcases the best of Anchorage’s flavors and history. Over 3-4 hours, guests savor local specialties like Russian dumplings, salmon, and reindeer sausage, while learning about the city’s past.
Though the tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility issues or dietary restrictions, it’s widely praised for its knowledgeable guides and memorable experiences.
Whether you’re a foodie or history buff, this tour is a must-do for any visitor to Anchorage.
Read our full review: Downtown Anchorage FOOD & HISTORY Walking Tour OUR MOST POPULAR! Review
Book now: Check availability
From Glacier View: Matanuska Glacier Guided Walking Tour
Situated at the base of the majestic Chugach Mountains, the Matanuska Glacier Tour offers visitors a captivating opportunity to explore one of Alaska’s most stunning natural wonders.
Priced at $115 per person, the 3-hour tour includes a 2-hour guided exploration of the glacier, where participants can witness its mesmerizing features, such as ice falls, moulins, and deep crevasses.
With a leisurely hiking pace and a focus on glacier geology, the tour caters to visitors of mixed abilities, making it suitable for families.
However, it’s not recommended for children under 9, individuals over 250 lbs, or seniors over 75 years.
Guests can expect a shuttle service to the glacier terminus and a guide-to-client ratio of 1:10.
Read our full review: From Glacier View: Matanuska Glacier Guided Walking Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Anchorage: Downtown Food & History Walking Tour
Travelers seeking an immersive introduction to Anchorage’s vibrant cultural tapestry will find the Anchorage: Downtown Food & History Walking Tour an engaging and enlightening experience.
Led by knowledgeable local Alaskans, this 3-hour excursion offers participants the opportunity to sample locally sourced foods and drinks with historical significance, while learning about notable Alaskan characters and exploring the city’s charming downtown.
Spanning 15-20 minutes at each of the carefully curated stops, the tour supports locally owned businesses and provides a well-rounded perspective on Anchorage’s rich heritage.
With a wheelchair-accessible route and flexible booking options, this tour caters to a diverse audience seeking a memorable taste of Alaskan culture.
Read our full review: Anchorage: Downtown Food & History Walking Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Anchorage: Spenard Area True Crime Walking Tour
The Anchorage: Spenard Area True Crime Walking Tour offers participants a captivating glimpse into the city’s gritty underworld from the late 1960s and 70s.
Priced at $150 per person for a 3.5-hour tour, groups are limited to 9 participants who’ll hear true crime stories influenced by the oil pipeline boom.
The tour focuses on the notorious Spenard neighborhood, known for its brothels, bars, and organized crime.
Led by an Alaskan with personal connections, the experience also includes a taste of local cuisine and concludes at two historic Alaskan bars.
Despite the disturbing content, the tour avoids graphic details and is wheelchair accessible, though not suitable for those under 21 or with mobility issues.
Read our full review: Anchorage: Spenard Area True Crime Walking Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Anchorage: Botanical Garden Walking Tour
Tucked away in the heart of Anchorage, the Anchorage Botanical Garden beckons visitors to embark on a serene walking tour.
This 4-hour activity, priced at $59 per person, offers an intimate glimpse into the city’s natural wonders. Guests can expect to explore vibrant floral exhibits, meandering pathways, and educational displays highlighting Alaska’s diverse plant life.
With a 4.7-star rating from 156 reviews, this guided tour provides a tranquil escape from the bustling city streets, allowing participants to enjoy the garden’s serene beauty.
Whether a nature enthusiast or simply seeking a peaceful respite, the Anchorage Botanical Garden Walking Tour promises an enriching experience.
Read our full review: Anchorage: Botanical Garden Walking Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
From Anchorage: Chugach State Park Winter Walking Tour
Venturing beyond the serene confines of the Anchorage Botanical Garden, the From Anchorage: Chugach State Park Winter Walking Tour offers a captivating glimpse into the region’s icy landscapes.
Priced at €103.12 per person, the 3-hour guided tour takes small groups of up to 12 participants through the Chugach State Park, showcasing the 25-foot frozen Barbara Falls and ice formations along the South Fork Eagle River.
Guests can expect to observe local flora, like white spruces and paper birches, as well as wildlife such as moose, snowshoe hares, and various birds.
With transportation, snacks, and trekking gear provided, this tour is a great way to explore Anchorage’s natural wonders during the winter months.
Read our full review: From Anchorage: Chugach State Park Winter Walking Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
From Anchorage: Chugach State Park Walk With Naturalist
Designed to immerse visitors in the natural wonders of Alaska, the From Anchorage: Chugach State Park Walk With Naturalist tour offers an enriching experience for nature enthusiasts.
Spanning 3 hours, this guided hike through Chugach State Park allows participants to explore the diverse flora and fauna of the region. Led by a knowledgeable naturalist, the small-group excursion promises opportunities to spot wildlife like moose, bears, and birds.
The tour includes transportation from downtown Anchorage, trekking gear, and refreshments. Suitable for all abilities, the hike covers at least 3 miles on flat terrain or 2 miles on uneven ground.
With an overall 5/5 rating, this activity is a must-try for anyone seeking an immersive Alaskan adventure.
Read our full review: From Anchorage: Chugach State Park Walk With Naturalist Review
Book now: Check availability
Frequently Asked Questions
How Early Should I Arrive for the Walking Tours?
It’s generally recommended to arrive 15-30 minutes before the scheduled start time for walking tours. This allows time to check in, get any necessary materials, and meet up with the group before the tour begins.
What Types of Snacks or Drinks Are Permitted During the Tours?
Most walking tours in Anchorage allow visitors to bring snacks and non-alcoholic drinks to enjoy during the tour. However, it’s best to avoid anything messy or distracting that could interfere with the guide’s narration or the group’s experience.
Are There Any Age Restrictions or Physical Requirements for the Tours?
Most walking tours don’t have age restrictions, but some may have physical requirements such as the ability to walk several miles. It’s best to check with the tour operator for specific details on age and mobility needs.
Can I Bring My Pet on the Walking Tours?
Most Anchorage walking tours don’t allow pets due to liability concerns and to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants. Guests should check with tour operators about their specific pet policies before booking.
Do the Tour Guides Offer Recommendations for Post-Tour Activities?
The tour guides often provide recommendations for post-tour activities, suggesting local restaurants, museums, or other attractions that complement the walking tour experience and allow visitors to further explore Anchorage’s vibrant culture and natural surroundings.
The Sum Up
Anchorage offers an impressive array of walking tours, catering to diverse interests. From exploring the city’s rich history and culinary scene to immersing in the breathtaking natural landscapes, these tours provide an engaging and informative way to experience the best of what Anchorage has to offer. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking a memorable adventure, there’s a walking tour in Anchorage that’s perfect for you.