Wildlife Conservation Center & Portage Valley Glaciers in Anchorage
Anchorage, United States

Wildlife Conservation Center & Portage Valley Glaciers

Outty Ranking 78 4.8 · 165 traveler reviews4.5 hoursFrom $119

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September 2026

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Adults

Age 13 and over

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Age 12 and under

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From, per person$119
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Outty Ranking

78/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.8/5

Based on 165 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Wildlife Conservation Center & Portage Valley Glaciers worth booking?

Wildlife Conservation Center & Portage Valley Glaciers is a 4.5-hour experience in Anchorage, United States, from $119 per person. It scores 78 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 165 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
78 / 100
Rating
4.8/5 (165)
Duration
4.5 hours
From
$119 per person

Embark on a scenic journey along the Turnagain Arm. View breathtaking Scenery, keeping a lookout for Beluga whales, Dall Sheep, Bald Eagles, and the occasional bear! Learn about the local ecosystem and local wildlife fro

What you get

    About this experience

    Embark on a scenic journey along the Turnagain Arm. View breathtaking Scenery, keeping a lookout for Beluga whales, Dall Sheep, Bald Eagles, and the occasional bear! Learn about the local ecosystem and local wildlife from your experienced tour guide, as they drive along the inlet. You will arrive at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to visit and learn about the many local wildlife that have been rescued. Lastly, enjoy a scenic drive through Portage Valley and view these beautiful glaciers and Salmon streams. Enjoy round-trip transportation from Anchorage. Learn about local wildlife and ecosystems. Visit Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, to see and learn about local Alaskan wildlife. Drive-thru parts Portage Valley. A walk in the rainforest.

    What's included

    Included

    • Bottled water
    • Entry Ticket to Wildlife Conservation Center
    • Professional Guide

    Not included

    • Gratuities

    What you'll see and do

    1. Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

      Alaska Wildlife Conservation center is Southcentral Alaska's # 1 visitor attraction. The Wildlife Conservation Center is a non profit sanctuary dedicated to preserving Alaska's wildlife through conservation, research, education and quality animal care. Visitors can expect to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the region and having the opportunity to observe a diverse array of native wildlife up close, including bears, wolves, moose, wolves and eagles, among others, in a spacious 200 acre carefully designed habitats that mimic their natural environment Its an unforgettable experience that fosters a deeper appreciation for Alaska's wildlife.

      60 minutes here · Admission included

    2. Portage Glacier

      Brief stop in Portage Valley, where you will see several hanging Glaciers which once extended the entire length of the 14 mile valley. Portage glacier has receded back approximately 2 1/2 miles and has left behind a dead lake! The glacial remnants seen today are Explorer, Middle, Byron, Burns, and Shakespeare glaciers. While still massive in size, these glaciers stand as smaller reminders of the immense ice sheets that once covered this landscape. Next will be a walk through the rainforest, afterwards enjoy your ride back to Chugach State Park and marvel at the stunning views of Turnagain Arm.

      60 minutes here

    3. Chugach State Park

      At Beluga Point, visitors can enjoy breath taking views of Turnagan Arm with its sweeping coastal scenery, and rugged cliffs, often in spring and summer you can see glimpses of beluga whales swimming in the waters. Turnagan Arm itself, offers possible opportunities for wildlife viewing, including Beluga whales, Dall sheep, Bald Eagles and sometimes bears, as well as scenic vistas of the Chugach Mountains and the unique phenomenon of bore tides.

      10 minutes here

    4. Scenic drive to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to and back to Anchorage is 2 hours and 30 minutes. Total round trip.

      Pass by without stopping

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Anchorage

    Curbside in front of The Egan Center

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Curbside in front of The Egan Center

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 14 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    White Raven Tours

    Know before you go

    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • There is 2: 20 Minutes of round trip travel time, included in this tour.
    • Please let us know if you will be bringing a wheel chair or walker on board.

    Photos

    Little relaxation timeThirsty BisonBull MooseSpikey Defender: This porcupine is armed and ready to face any challenge with its protective quillsSnack Time in the snow; A reindeer enjoys a quick snack nibble, savoring a tasty treat amidst the winter wonderlandStrolling through the conservation center, the wolf moves with quiet confidence

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 165 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    8 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    6 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Photo opportunities

    2 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Traveler reviews

    165 verified traveler reviews for Wildlife Conservation Center & Portage Valley Glaciers. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    145
    4 star
    12
    3 star
    5
    2 star
    2
    1 star
    1
    Sort
    carolwestoncarol · August 2026

    Travel With Raven

    The tour was exactly as advertised. Our guide has made Anchorage a home for many years. He is a professional tour guide with many stories, jokes and songs.

    via Viator

    maryann836 · August 2026

    Great experience

    Great experience!! Saw a little of everything! Well worth the money!!!

    via Tripadvisor

    Happiness05577781639 · August 2026

    Seeing a moose has been on my bucket list for years. I finally saw 3 yesterday.

    It was wonderful! The scenery was breathtaking, the weather was perfect and our guide/driver was very knowledgeable and friendly.

    via Tripadvisor

    Kenneth_K · August 2026

    Family trip in Anchorage

    Great family experience that all ages can enjoy. Beautiful scenery and our guide, Willow, did a wonderful job and is very knowledgeable about the area.

    via Viator

    Christopher_B · August 2026

    Went off tour plan

    The driver was great in terms of personality and information, however, we went off itinerary for a drop off in Whittier which we had to go to the next day anyway so didn't need to see. I think this was combining two different aervices. We wanted more time walking around the animal conservation center. Several others agreed this wasn't fair that we spent all that time going to Whittier when we signed up to see other things. We could have used that time walking the sanctuary. This is not the only tour where we lost time due to other's agenda and we can't give 5 stars anymore when this is the case. Had we had been able to walk around more, we would have.

    Response from the operator: Thanks for your comments, I agree that the stop in Whittier took an additional 30 minutes and was not in the itinerary but the tour was not shortened in any way, it was lengthened slightly but in all fairness you are correct about Whittier not being part of the tour.

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    4.5 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    58
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Why this scores 78

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)86
    Review evidence (18% weight)69
    Booking momentum (14% weight)64
    Value for money (12% weight)91
    Listing quality (10% weight)84
    Local standing (8% weight)48
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Wildlife Conservation Center & Portage Valley Glaciers: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Anchorage.

    How much does Wildlife Conservation Center & Portage Valley Glaciers cost?

    +

    Prices start at $119 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 & Portage Valley Glaciers take?

    +

    Plan for about 4.5 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 & Portage Valley Glaciers worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 78 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 165 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Anchorage, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Wildlife Conservation Center & Portage Valley Glaciers?

    +

    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 & Portage Valley Glaciers suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Wildlife Conservation Center & Portage Valley Glaciers?

    +

    Around 58 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?

    +

    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 4.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Wildlife Conservation Center & Portage Valley Glaciers start and how do I get there?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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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