See the beauty of Alaska with a glacier and wildlife cruise by Phillips Cruises & Tours, LLC. Their award-winning glacier cruises depart from Whittier, Alaska – the Gateway to Prince William Sound. Glaciers are their specialty. Their cruises get up close to these massive rivers of ice where the captain will stop so you can listen for the snap, crackle, and splash echo against the towering mountains of the Chugach National Forest. The Historic Anchorage Hotel is happy to provide you with a place to rest in-between sightseeing tours. Begin the day with a fresh cup of coffee and complimentary hot breakfast buffet and then set out for a beautiful day of Alaskan adventures.

Anchorage, Alaska, is one of the most unique cities in the US as it is considered to be both urban and wild. The accessibility to majestic glaciers, glittering coastline, and unique wildlife that make up southcentral Alaska are part of the city's appeal. Anchorage is the perfect place to find sightseeing tours featuring all the wonders of Southcentral Alaska and the surrounding Anchorage area.

From the rich history of the city itself to the wildlife to the glacier cruises, there are endless wonderful sights to see. Discover the rich history and ecosystem of Alaska with a wide range of Anchorage sightseeing tours.

Wildlife Cruise by Phillips Cruises & Tours

To see 26 Glaciers and endless views of Alaska wildlife, book a glacier cruise with Phillips Cruises & Tours. The boat departs daily from early May to early October, featuring a 5-hour and 15-minute cruise that passes by 26 named glaciers located throughout Prince William Sound. The cruise will take you through Esther Passage, College Fjord, and Harriman Fjord. From the multiple viewing decks, you will have the opportunity to see incredible alpine wilderness. 

From mid-May to mid-September, The 3-hour and 45-minute Glacier Quest cruise will also bring you face to face with stunning tidewater glaciers. The cruise includes the shimmering waterfalls of Blackstone Bay, playful sea otters and harbor seals, stellar sea lions, mountain goats, migratory birds, and many more along the way.

Both cruises explore Prince William Sound on luxury catamarans while being surrounded by the Chugach National Forest. You will even get to retrace parts of the 1899 Harriman Expedition route while on the 26 Glacier Cruise. 

All passengers will enjoy reserved seating in a heated cabin, a complimentary hot meal, and a no-seasickness guarantee as part of the experience.

Alaska Railroad

One of the best ways to see Alaska is on the Alaska Railroad. Many places in Alaska are only accessible by rail, which makes traveling by train so unique. From Seward to Fairbanks there is roughly 500 miles of railroad track with Anchorage at the heart of it. Passenger service runs year-round with many more options in the summer. In particular, be sure to see if there are any holiday or special event trains scheduled while you are in Anchorage. These are exciting same-day roundtrip experiences that take passengers to unique locations all while enjoying a fun theme and celebration.

We particularly recommend the Great Alaska Beer Train and the Kid’s Halloween Train tours. Not only are the sights breathtakingly beautiful between destinations, but the train ride itself will be a lot of fun.

Anchorage Trolley Tours

Anchorage Trolley Tours offers an engaging and informative way to explore Alaska's largest city. With a variety of tours led by local Alaskan guides, visitors can immerse themselves in the rich history and culture of Anchorage. The One Hour Tour provides a concise overview of the city's landmarks, while the Deluxe Tour allows for extended stops and photo opportunities at scenic viewpoints. For those interested in wildlife and nature, the Salmon Express takes guests to North America's largest sport fishing hatchery, offering a close-up look at Alaska's famous salmon. During the winter months, the Winter City Tour showcases Anchorage's unique culture and history, providing a local perspective on the city's seasonal charm. Each tour is fully narrated, ensuring an engaging experience for all participants

Experience Prince William Sound: Phillips Cruises & Tours, LLC

Just a short drive from Anchorage, Phillips Cruises & Tours, LLC offers an unforgettable day exploring Prince William Sound's dramatic glaciers and pristine waters. Offering daily cruises from early May through September and departing from Whittier (about an hour from Anchorage), these cruises provide the perfect way to add glacier and wildlife viewing to your Anchorage-based tours itinerary without venturing too far from the city. If you are need of transportation, Phillips Cruises & Tours offers cruise packages that include transportation by motorcoach, the Alaska Railroad, or both!

Glacier Viewing Up Close

Philli's Cruises specializes in glacier viewing experiences where you can witness towering tidewater glaciers calving into the sea, sending ripples across the water as icebergs break away. You'll cruise past rugged coastlines, forested inlets, and icy blue waters, creating photo opportunities that make your Anchorage-based sightseeing adventure memorable.

Wildlife Encounters on the Water

The daily cruises offered by Phillips Cruises & Tours, often include sightings of rafts of sea otters floating together, seals lounging on ice sunbathing, or even whales surfacing nearby. The crew helps point out Kittiwakes, bald eagles, bears, and other Alaska wildlife, ensuring your Anchorage-based sightseeing tours are filled with Alaska wildlife encounters without needing to travel far.

Cruise Options and Amenities

Phillips Cruises & Tour offers different cruise lengths, including a 3.75 hour cruise and a 5.25 hour cruise. Guests enjoy a complementary meal, gluten free and vegetarian options available, comfortable indoor seating, panoramic windows, and open decks perfect for photography and fresh air. Onboard amenities include complementary coffee, hot tea, and water at self-serve stations as well as a fully stocked galley and bar with food and beverages for purchase. Their knowledgeable Captains and crew share the history and ecology of Prince William Sound, making it an enjoyable extension of your Anchorage stay.

Alaska Railroad Adventures: Scenic Train Journeys

For another way to experience Alaska's beauty without straying far from Anchorage, the Alaska Railroad offers day trips with stunning views and convenient departures directly from downtown Anchorage. Just a short walk from the Historic Anchorage Hotel, it's a fantastic way to enhance your Anchorage tours itinerary while letting someone else handle the driving.

Day Trips and Destinations

Popular roundtrip Anchorage sightseeing tours with the Alaska Railroad include the Glacier Discovery Train, which travels from Anchorage to Whittier, Spencer Glacier, and Grandview. These trips allow you to experience hanging glaciers, wildlife-rich valleys, and river views all within a day's journey, keeping your exploration anchored around Anchorage.

Onboard Experience and Comfort

Think you've experienced train travel before? We guarantee you've never traveled like this!

The Alaska Railroad's trains are designed for comfort, with spacious seats, large picture windows, and access to an observation dome for panoramic views. Onboard guides share stories about the landscapes and history of the areas you pass through, adding depth to your Anchorage sightseeing experience. You'll feel as if you've stepped back in time to the age of luxurious vintage train cars and intrepid exploration into the frontier.

Alaska Railroad Routes and Schedules

During summer, the Alaska Railroad offers daily departures from Anchorage, allowing you to fit a rail adventure into your Anchorage itinerary easily. The Glacier Discovery Train and Coastal Classic routes are among the most popular for visitors seeking a balance of wildlife viewing, glacier spotting, and relaxing travel within a single day. Whether you're planning a family trip or a solo adventure, the Alaska Railroad ensures your Anchorage wildlife tour and sightseeing goals are met comfortably.

Start Your Adventure at the Historic Anchorage Hotel

Spending your days on Anchorage Sightseeing tours is a great way to see absolutely everything during your trip. But you'll also want a cozy spot in Anchorage to rest and rejuvenate between trips. Immerse yourself in the history and welcoming charm of Anchorage as you embark on wildlife journeys, glacier cruises, railroad tours, and much more. Begin your sightseeing tours from the Historic Anchorage Hotel.  

We will help you arrange all the details of your stay and provide helpful tips on planning your days if you're looking for local advice.  If you're planning a special event, we can help you host or find the right vendors to make your visit complete. Contact us today to book your room at the Historic Anchorage Hotel.