Alaska’s most beloved bucket-list tours arguably fall into three categories: dog sledding, glacial scenery and big-game wildlife. No matter the tour, savvy travel advisors can highlight their expertise by recommending these Southcentral-based experiences, which are easily accessed by road from Anchorage or serviced by the Alaska Railroad.
Dog Sled Tours
While many dog sled tours are spectator-based, AK Sled Dog Tours in Talkeetna is the lead dog in a competitive field. Dallas Seavey, four-time Iditarod champion and owner, provides tales from the Iditarod, and encourages hands-on interactions at his championship kennel — from feeding famous sled dogs to training future champions. Unlike most kennels, the Seavey camp allows kids and adults to romp with future champion sled dog puppies, enjoy the always popular drive-your-own-dog-team racing sled (on wheels for summer tours) or take a 45-minute mush through birch and spruce woodlands.
Big-Game Wildlife in Denali and Beyond
Visitors head to Denali National Park for two things: to see “The Mountain” or to spot moose, caribou and grizzly bears. A massive landslide has closed the Denali Park Road at Mile 43 of the 92-mile route, which eliminates some prime animal-viewing habitat this year. While it’s certainly still possible to see wildlife along all of Denali Park Road, advisors would be wise to offer a back-up option to clients who want to see additional big game.
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center offers access to a variety of species that can be seen from trails covering its 200 acres — including moose, caribou and bears. In addition, the Alaska Zoo is home to more than 100 birds and animals from the circumpolar regions of the world. Special tours allow clients to have up-close-and-personal interaction with some of the animal residents — visitors can help zoo staff mix food to feed Siberian tigers, for instance, or place enrichment treats for gray wolves.
Visitors can interact with Siberian tigers at the Alaska Zoo.
Credit: 2022 Christopher BatinAlaska Glacier Tours
Whittier is Southcentral Alaska’s most easily accessible seaport, and it offers visitors the chance to embark on adventure tours that are among the best in the state.
A top choice here is Lazy Otter Charters, which operates a variety of tours and a la carte adventures using specialized watercraft. This includes kayaking among icebergs and seeing massive College Fjord’s five tide-water glaciers, five huge valley glaciers and dozens of smaller glaciers and remnants. Owner Mike Bender and his family can customize tours for guests; provide personalized, private tours; or transport clients to remote forest service cabins for self-guided glacier and rainforest wilderness exploration.
