Winter Wildlife & Turnagain Arm Tour: Coastal Wildlife and Glacier Views from Anchorage
Spend a crisp half-day from Anchorage watching rehabilitated bears, moose and caribou at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, then follow the Seward Highway along Turnagain Arm for sweeping glacier and coastal views. This winter tour balances intimate wildlife viewing with dramatic coastal geology—ideal for photographers and travelers who want a concentrated Alaska experience.
The Experience
Before You Go
Layer for wind and cold
Temperatures on Turnagain Arm can be several degrees colder than Anchorage; pack insulating mid-layers and a windproof shell.
Bring a telephoto lens or binoculars
Animals at AWCC are visible at close range but wild sightings along the arm benefit from 200mm+ lenses or 8x–10x binoculars.
Watch the tides and conditions
Turnagain Arm’s tidal flats can be treacherous; stay on marked viewpoints and follow guide instructions at overlooks.
Arrive early to warm up
Check in 20 minutes before departure at 509 W. 3rd Ave and use the lobby space to adjust gear before the van departs.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Low, rocky shelves at Beluga Point offer a quiet vantage at dusk for silhouette photography
- •AWCC’s quieter viewing platforms near the moose pens often yield the most natural animal behavior in winter
Wildlife
- •Moose
- •Beluga whale (seasonal), bald eagles
Conservation Note
AWCC operates as both sanctuary and education center for animals that cannot return to the wild; visitors are encouraged to minimize disturbance and follow all viewing rules to reduce stress on animals and the fragile tideflat ecosystems.
This corridor runs along ancestral Dena’ina lands and was later shaped by 20th-century road-building; Portage Valley and Turnagain Arm carry both indigenous and industrial histories tied to travel and glacial retreat.
Photographer's Notes
- • AWCC lower viewing platforms near the moose enclosure
- • Beluga Point overlook on the Seward Highway
- • Turnouts along the Seward Highway looking into Portage Valley
What to Bring
Insulating mid-layer (fleece/down)Essential
Traps warm air during cold stops and while watching wildlife at exhibits.
Windproof, waterproof shellEssential
Protects against coastal gusts off Turnagain Arm and light snow or spray.
Telephoto lens or binocularsEssential
Allows detailed views of distant wildlife and shoreline activity without disturbing animals.
Insulated, waterproof bootsEssential
Keeps feet warm and dry during short walks on packed snow and damp viewpoints.
Common Questions
Where do I meet for the tour?
Check in at 509 W. 3rd Ave in Anchorage—directly across from the Hilton—arrive 20 minutes before departure and look for the gray van with a bear logo.
How long is the tour and how much walking is involved?
The experience runs about 4–5 hours total with short, easy walks at AWCC and several brief stops at roadside viewpoints along Turnagain Arm.
Will I definitely see beluga whales on this winter tour?
Belugas are most commonly seen in summer; winter tours emphasize terrestrial wildlife at AWCC and dramatic coastal and glacier views rather than guaranteed whale sightings.
Is this tour suitable for people with back or heart problems?
The operator notes it is not recommended for travelers with serious back or cardiovascular issues due to occasional vehicle movement and outdoor exposure.
Are restroom and food stops available?
Restrooms are available at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center; bring snacks and water for the road portion of the tour.
What is the cancellation policy?
For a full refund cancel at least 24 hours before departure; tours may be canceled for bad weather or insufficient travelers.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
4–5 hours
Location
Anchorage, Alaska
Difficulty
moderate
Fitness Level
Moderate—able to stand and walk short uneven distances; not strenuous but requires steady mobility
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