Choose Your Own Adventure from Anchorage Alaska

If you’re planning a trip to Anchorage and want a flexible way to see the area, this Choose Your Own Adventure tour offers a personalized experience that can be tailored to your interests. Led by Kelley Thompson, a seasoned guide with extensive local knowledge, this private tour promises to showcase the best of Anchorage and its surroundings in 6 to 8 hours. Whether you’re a wildlife lover, a scenery seeker, or just want a taste of Alaskan culture, you’ll find something here that charms you.

What we particularly love about this tour is its customizable nature — you tell Kelley what interests you most, and he crafts an itinerary that fits your preferences. Plus, the expert narration elevates the experience from a simple drive to an educational journey. On the flip side, a possible consideration is the price; at $875 for up to six people, it’s an investment, but one that offers great value when you factor in the flexibility and personalized service.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a tailor-made day rather than a cookie-cutter bus experience. If you prefer to set your own pace, explore off-the-beaten-path sights, or see multiple facets of Anchorage—from city sights to wilderness—this is a strong choice. It’s especially ideal for small groups or families looking for a private, intimate day with a knowledgeable guide.

Key Points

• Flexible Itinerary: You choose what sights and activities to prioritize, making your day uniquely yours.
• Local Insights: Kelley’s extensive experience and narration add authentic context and stories.
• Ideal Group Size: Perfect for groups of up to six, ensuring personalized attention.
• Includes Key Stops: Potter Marsh, Alyeska Tram, Whittier, and Hope, with options for wildlife, scenery, or cultural highlights.
• Value for Variety: Combines city highlights, wildlife, scenic drives, and mountain vistas.
• Cost-Effective for Private Tours: Considering the personalized service, the price offers good value for a tailored experience.

Planning a day in Anchorage with this tour means you’re not tied to a rigid schedule but instead can focus on what excites you most. Kelley’s approach turns an ordinary sightseeing trip into a genuine exploration, with storytelling that makes each stop come alive.

The Starting Point: Anchorage City

Your journey begins in Anchorage proper, a city that blends urban life with stunning natural surroundings. Kelley, who has done city tours for multiple companies, now offers this customized experience. The initial stop is a one-hour visit to the city itself—perfect for those wanting a quick introduction or a refresher on Anchorage’s highlights.

You’ll get a chance to see notable sights like Earthquake Park, Ship Creek, and Lake Hood, or just get a feel for Alaska’s largest city. The advantage here is Kelley’s local expertise, providing context that you won’t find in a generic guidebook. Plus, since this is a private tour, it’s flexible—want more time at a particular spot? Just ask.

Scenic Drive Along Turnagain Arm

Next, you’ll traverse the famous Turnagain Arm, a scenic byway renowned for its dramatic views. Kelley’s commentary enriches the experience—he’ll share stories about the area’s history, geology, and wildlife. This drive alone is worth the trip for anyone who appreciates stunning landscapes.

Expect to spend about an hour here, soaking in the sweeping views of mountains, water, and possibly wildlife like Dall sheep or seabirds. It’s a gentle reminder of Alaska’s wild beauty, accessible by a well-maintained road that’s been rated among the best scenic drives.

Potter Marsh Bird Sanctuary

One of the tour’s highlights is a 30-minute walk on the Potter Marsh boardwalk. It’s a peaceful spot where you can observe migratory birds, and if you’re lucky, spot a moose or two grazing nearby. This stop is included in the tour fee and offers a wonderful chance to see Alaska’s birdlife in a natural setting.

Travelers often mention how much they enjoy this stop, with one reviewer noting they saw “many of Alaska’s migratory birds and possibly a moose or two.” Kelley’s commentary here can turn birdwatching into an engaging mini-lesson, making it a memorable moment, especially for nature enthusiasts.

The Alyeska Tram and Mountain Views

Next, a ride up the Alyeska Ski Area takes you to an elevation that offers sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers—even in summer. While this is free of charge, the ride itself is a scenic highlight, offering spectacular vistas that you’ll want to photograph.

Kelley points out that in summer, the mountain scenery is “absolutely stunning,” making it a worthwhile stop for photography or just soaking in the scenery. This is perfect for travelers who love mountain landscapes or want a memorable photo opportunity.

The Charms of Whittier

A short drive brings you to Whittier, a cozy port town with a unique history and rugged charm. It’s a hub for boat tours in Prince William Sound, and you might see interesting sights such as historic buildings or local fishing boats.

In summer, Whittier bursts with activity—fishermen, boaters, and wildlife all combine to create a lively atmosphere. One review mentions how this stop involves “history and amazing views stretching out to Prince William Sound,” making it a favorite for those who love maritime scenery and small-town charm.

The Historic Town of Hope

A true highlight is a two-hour visit to Hope, an authentic gold-mining town that’s small, quiet, and steeped in Alaskan history. Kelley describes it as “serene and beautiful,” and its small population and preserved buildings provide a window into the past.

Many visitors are captivated by Hope’s peaceful ambiance and scenic surroundings. It’s a perfect spot for a leisurely walk, some photos, or just sitting and soaking in the quiet mountain air. The relaxed pace here feels like a refreshing antidote to busy city life.

Final City Return or Extended Tour

You can choose to be dropped off back in Anchorage or opt for a continuation of the city tour to see places like Earthquake Park, Ship Creek, Lake Hood, and even visit Wilds Scoops for some local ice cream. This flexibility allows you to tailor the tour to your time and interests.

Value and Practicalities

At $875 for the entire group, this tour offers notable value considering it includes the guide, all transportation, narration, and several key stops. You’ll also have bottled water for the day, keeping you refreshed on the go. The only extra costs are optional entrance fees such as the Wildlife Conservation Center, Tram, and Whittier Tunnel—about $30 per person.

The tour is very accommodating for most travelers, being near public transportation options and allowing service animals. Kelley’s 100+ tours of the area demonstrate his dedication to delivering a memorable, enjoyable experience that feels more like exploring with a knowledgeable friend than a typical bus tour.

What Reviewers Say

The reviews are glowing, especially praising Kelley’s expertise, flexibility, and storytelling. One reviewer appreciated how they “saw gorgeous glaciers even in the rain,” highlighting Kelley’s knack for tailoring the day despite weather setbacks. Others enjoyed the personal touch, like planting the Alaskan flag or spotting salmon in Whittier.

This Choose Your Own Adventure is ideal for travelers who want a personalized, flexible day in Anchorage and its surroundings. It suits small groups or families who prefer an intimate experience guided by someone who knows the area inside out. It’s perfect if you want to see wildlife, scenic mountains, or explore historic towns without feeling rushed.

If you’re a solo traveler, or a couple who wants a private day tailored to your interests, this tour is a fantastic choice. It’s also suitable for those who want a combination of city highlights and wilderness with the convenience of a private guide taking care of logistics.

This tour offers a rare blend of customized control and expert guidance, making it a standout choice for travelers seeking a genuine connection to Alaska’s natural beauty and local culture. Kelley’s storytelling and flexibility turn what could be a standard city tour into a memorable, engaging experience that responds directly to your interests.

You’ll love the way this tour adapts to what you want to see and do—whether that’s wildlife, mountain vistas, or small-town history. The guide’s knowledge and friendly approach ensure you’ll come away with authentic insights and plenty of photos.

While the price might seem higher than typical group tours, the value lies in its personalization, expert narration, and the ability to experience Anchorage and beyond at your own pace. It’s especially suitable for curious travelers who appreciate having a guide craft a day around their preferences—an investment in a truly memorable Alaskan adventure.

How many people can join this tour?
Up to six people can participate, making it perfect for small groups or families wanting a private experience.

What’s included in the price?
The fee covers the guide, transportation, narration, bottled water, and several stops like Potter Marsh and Alyeska Tram. Additional entrance fees like the Wildlife Conservation Center, Tram, and Whittier Tunnel cost about $30 per person.

Is this a private tour?
Yes, only your group will participate, allowing for tailored experiences and flexible scheduling.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Absolutely. Kelley offers a “choose your own” style, so you can prioritize wildlife, scenic drives, towns, or city sights.

How long does the tour last?
Typically between 6 to 8 hours, depending on your chosen stops and pace.

What is the meeting point?
The tour starts at 10:00 am, with pickup offered from your location or a designated spot in Anchorage.

Are there any physical requirements?
Most travelers can participate. If you have specific mobility needs, it’s best to discuss with Kelley beforehand.

What makes this tour different from other Anchorage excursions?
The key is its personalization: Kelley’s extensive local knowledge, storytelling, and flexibility turn a standard sightseeing day into an engaging, customized adventure.

Is this tour suitable for rainy days?
Yes, reviews mention enjoying the trip even in rain, thanks to Kelley’s adaptability and the covered nature of many stops.

Whether you’re after wildlife, mountain vistas, or a local’s insights into Anchorage’s city life, this tour offers a well-rounded, flexible way to explore. It’s a thoughtful choice for travelers who value authenticity, expert guidance, and a day tailored to their interests.