
Wildlife Conservation Center and Portage Glacier Lake Viewing
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Highlighted days have spots open. Grey days are sold out or not running.
September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 7 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Wildlife Conservation Center and Portage Glacier Lake Viewing worth booking?
Wildlife Conservation Center and Portage Glacier Lake Viewing is a 3-hour experience in Anchorage, United States, from $575 per person. It scores 56 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 7 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 56 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (7)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $575 per person
This is an amazing way to be guaranteed to see many of Alaska's most sought after wildlife in a safe and animal friendly park! The bears are adorable, but trust me, seeing a bear in the wild can be a pretty intimidating.
What you get
About this experience
This is an amazing way to be guaranteed to see many of Alaska's most sought after wildlife in a safe and animal friendly park! The bears are adorable, but trust me, seeing a bear in the wild can be a pretty intimidating. Much of Alaska's wildlife you will never see and even the moose, which are super common, visitors can go days or even weeks without seeing one and sometimes you'll see a few in any given day but visiting Alaska's Wildlife Conservation Center guarantees you'll see these animals and so many more! Licensed by Alaska's Transportation Department, this is for 3 - 10 people because of the way the Viator commissions and Park fees work, if you are just one or two people you can still book the tour but I need to charge for 3 - 10 people to make it feasible, if that makes sense.
What's included
Included
- All Fees and Taxes
Not included
- Snacks
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Turnagain Arm Drive
The drive to the Wildlife Conservation Center is one of the most beautiful you are likely to ever experience! We'll stop at Beluga point for photos and to look for Beluga whales (they're rare please don't misunderstand, but we do see them especially in the summer!) More common are balled eagles and Dall sheep on the mountainside! "It's classified as an All-American Road and Scenic By-Way for a reason. The Highway follows the coast south of Anchorage with the Cook Inlet on your right and the mountains of Chugach State Park on your left."
60 minutes here · Admission included
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
"The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC) is located in Portage Valley and is surrounded by the breathtaking Chugach Mountain Range and Turnagain Arm Inlet. Come enjoy over 200 acres of animal enclosures by touring our scenic 1.5-mile loop, accessible by foot, by bike, or by car, while learning about our resident wildlife. We look forward to seeing you at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center and hope you enjoy your visit!"
60 minutes here · Admission included
Portage Glacier
"One of Alaska’s most accessible glaciers and most popular attractions, Portage Glacier is the crown jewel in a valley studded with alpine glaciers. The Portage Valley was literally shaped by glaciers and today is a perfect spot for exploring."
15 minutes here · Admission included
Anchorage
We'll wrap up our tour by traveling back down the Seward highway and soaking in the amazing views of mountain ranges while keeping our eyes peeled for local wildlife!
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Anchorage
This is a log cabin for visitors to find more information on 4th Avenue in downtown Anchorage, Alaska. We will pull in, in front of the log cabin to pickup guests.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Ends at
This is a log cabin for visitors to find more information on 4th Avenue in downtown Anchorage, Alaska. We will pull in, in front of the log cabin to pickup guests.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Kelley Thompson
Know before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Total travel duration time includes lunch, scenic overlook photo stops and restroom breaks.
Photos




What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 7 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Physical effort
2 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
7 verified traveler reviews for Wildlife Conservation Center and Portage Glacier Lake Viewing. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
An Unforgettable Winter Wildlife Tour
We joined the Wildlife Conservation Center and Portage Glacier Lake Viewing tour with Kel, and it became one of the most unforgettable experiences of our trip. Since we visited during the winter season, we didn’t expect to see many animals—especially not bears—but to our surprise, we were able to see almost every major wildlife species at the center. It was far beyond what we imagined. Kel was incredibly flexible and always picked us up exactly at the times we requested. Because the roads inside the conservation center were extremely icy, Kel didn’t let us walk around on our own. Instead, he kindly drove us through the entire area so we could explore safely without any risk of slipping. He also stopped the car whenever we wanted, so we could get even closer to the animals and enjoy the view more comfortably. We know it must have been extra effort for him, and we were truly grateful for his thoughtfulness. Thanks to Kel, we enjoyed a safe and unforgettable winter wildlife tour along with a beautiful viewing of Portage Glacier Lake. His kindness, professionalism, and genuine care made the entire experience even more special.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for this incredible and thoughtful review. I’m truly grateful that the Wildlife Conservation Center and Portage Glacier Lake tour became one of the most unforgettable parts of your trip. Winter visits can be unpredictable, so I’m thrilled you were able to see so many animals — even more than expected! I appreciate your kind words about the flexibility, safety, and extra driving I did inside the conservation center. Ensuring you could enjoy the wildlife up close without worrying about icy roads or slipping was absolutely my pleasure. Hearing that it made the experience more comfortable and enjoyable means a lot to me. The winter scenery at Portage Glacier Lake is always special, and I’m glad it added something beautiful to your day. Thank you again for recognizing the care, professionalism, and thoughtfulness I aim to bring to every tour. If you ever visit Alaska again, I’d be honored to guide you once more. Warm regards, Kel
via Tripadvisor
Private Family Tour
Our family had a wonderful tour with Kel. We really appreciated the personalized attention received during this experience. The ride was just as entertaining and informative as our time in the conservation center. Kel was full of great tips for exploring Anchorage. We loved that the tour was just for our family. The privacy and attention to our interests made this tour great. Definitely take advantage of any tour with Kel - he is the best!
Response from the operator: Thank you for such a thoughtful review. I’m so glad your family enjoyed the day and that the tour felt personal and tailored to your interests. It was a pleasure sharing some Anchorage tips and time at the Conservation Center with you. I really appreciate you choosing me for your Alaska adventure.
via Tripadvisor
Knowledgeable and Entertaining Guide
Wonderful personalized tour of the Alaskan Wildlife Conservation Area and the Portage Glacier Lake. We appreciated Kel’s expertise, his humor and kind consideration of our party’s physical limits. What an amazing tour!!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m glad you enjoyed the Wildlife Conservation Center and Portage Glacier, two of my favorite spots! It was a real pleasure spending the day with you, and I’m happy we could make it comfortable and fun for everyone in your group.
via Viator
This was such a great day. Really recommend it for a smaller tour setting. Super sweet tour guide!!!
Thank you for such a great time!! This was an amazing. We really enjoyed the flexibility that came with this day since it wasn’t a huge tour bus
Response from the operator: Hope you two had a great last day and made it back safely!
via Tripadvisor
Fabulous Trip
Highly recommended!! Our guide, Kel was fabulous. He was very knowledgable and friendly, our trip was so much fun.
Response from the operator: Thanks for the review and hope you had good luck seeing the Northern Lights!
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 56
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Wildlife Conservation Center and Portage Glacier Lake Viewing: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Anchorage.
How much does Wildlife Conservation Center and Portage Glacier Lake Viewing cost?
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Prices start at $575 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Anchorage usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Wildlife Conservation Center and Portage Glacier Lake Viewing take?
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Plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Anchorage is not rushed.
Is Wildlife Conservation Center and Portage Glacier Lake Viewing worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 56 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 7 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Anchorage, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Wildlife Conservation Center and Portage Glacier Lake Viewing?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Wildlife Conservation Center and Portage Glacier Lake Viewing suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Wildlife Conservation Center and Portage Glacier Lake Viewing?
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Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Anchorage can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Anchorage and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Wildlife Conservation Center and Portage Glacier Lake Viewing start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Anchorage within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Anchorage?
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Anchorage is the staging point for glacier cruises out of Whittier and Seward, Denali flightseeing, wildlife conservation centre visits, dog sledding and northern lights chases in winter. Long transfer times make itinerary honesty essential. On Outty we rank every Anchorage experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include PRISTINE - Wilderness, Wildlife, Glacier Experience in Anchorage, Anchorage Trolley's Deluxe City Tour, Anchorage Trolley's 1-Hour City Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Anchorage?
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June to August for glaciers, September to March for aurora. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Anchorage?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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