Choose Your Own Adventure from Anchorage Alaska

A Choose Your Own Adventure from Anchorage, Alaska, offers a highly customizable day trip for up to six people at a price of $875.00 per group. This private tour, led by Kelley Thompson, provides a flexible itinerary that can be tailored to your interests, whether it’s wildlife, scenic views, or charming small towns. With a duration of approximately 6 to 8 hours, the tour includes pickup service and a mobile ticket, making it a convenient and personalized option for exploring the Anchorage area.

What makes this tour stand out is its flexibility and the host’s extensive local knowledge. Bookings are typically made 66 days in advance, indicating its popularity among visitors who want a curated, private experience. While the cost might seem higher than group tours, the customizable nature and personalized narration ensure that every part of the day aligns with your preferences. The tour suits those who prefer a tailored, private experience over a fixed schedule, and is perfect for visitors who want to explore at their own pace.

Key Points

• Private, customizable day tour for up to 6 people at $875.
• Flexible itinerary allowing visits to city highlights, wildlife sanctuaries, scenic drives, and charming towns.
• Includes stops at Potter Marsh Bird Sanctuary, Alyeska Tram, Whittier, and Hope.
• Duration ranges from 6 to 8 hours, with pickup and narration included.
• Additional entrance fees apply for the Wildlife Conservation Center, tram, and Whittier Tunnel, totaling $30 per person.
• Highly praised guides known for their knowledgeable, flexible approach and engaging storytelling.

Starting Your Day in Anchorage: Pickup and Initial Impressions

The tour begins at 10:00 am, with pickup offered directly from your location within Anchorage. Kelley Thompson, the guide, is known for his friendly demeanor and extensive local expertise, which he shares throughout the trip. This private setup allows you to set the pace and make last-minute adjustments, creating a relaxed atmosphere from the start. The tour offers the convenience of a mobile ticket, simplifying your check-in process.

Travelers appreciate the personalized touch Kelley provides, including narration about Alaska’s history and local stories. This makes the experience both educational and engaging, especially for those unfamiliar with the area. The flexibility means you can choose to focus more on wildlife, scenic views, or small-town charm, making each trip unique.

Scenic Drive Along Turnagain Arm

A highlight of the tour is the Turnagain Arm Drive, rated as a specially scenic byway. During this hour-long drive, Kelley shares insights about Alaskan history and local geography. The dramatic coastal views, with rugged cliffs and water reflections, provide excellent photo opportunities. This stretch offers a chance to appreciate Alaska’s wild landscapes, with the added benefit of expert commentary on the area’s natural and cultural features.

The drive is designed to be both scenic and informative, giving travelers a sense of the region’s history and environment. It’s an ideal time to relax and take in the sweeping vistas, especially since no additional fee is involved. Kelley’s stories help bring the scenery to life, turning a simple drive into a meaningful part of your day.

Birdwatching and Wildlife at Potter Marsh Bird Sanctuary

A 30-minute stop at Potter Marsh Bird Sanctuary showcases Alaska’s migratory birds along a picturesque boardwalk. This stop is included in the tour and offers chances to see a variety of bird species, and possibly a moose or two. The sanctuary’s location along the Cook Inlet makes it an ideal spot for wildlife viewing, especially in spring and summer.

The admission is included in the tour, making this stop both accessible and worthwhile. Visitors enjoy walking the boardwalk, observing birdlife in their natural habitat, and learning about Alaska’s ecosystems. Kelley’s narration enhances the experience, pointing out notable bird species and sharing interesting facts about the local environment.

Ascending Alyeska Ski Area for Stunning Summer Views

The Alyeska Ski Area offers a beautiful ride up the mountain, which in summer transforms into a scenic adventure. The tram ride takes around an hour and provides sweeping views of the surrounding glaciers, mountains, and forests. It’s a highlight for anyone wanting to see Alaska’s breathtaking landscape from above.

This stop is free of charge, and the panoramic vistas are truly impressive. The ride up Alyeska Ski Resort’s tram is a chance to appreciate Alaska’s rugged beauty and take photos of the expansive wilderness. Kelley shares insights about the mountain and the region’s geology, making the ascent both scenic and informative.

Visiting the Historic Town of Whittier

Next, the tour visits Whittier, a cozy town with a fishing history and stunning views of Prince William Sound. In about an hour, visitors can explore the town’s history, scenery, and local sights. Summer is an especially good time to enjoy Whittier’s maritime atmosphere, with plenty of opportunities for photos and sightseeing.

The town’s natural beauty and seafaring charm make it a memorable stop. Kelley points out the local history, discusses the town’s development, and shares the best vantage points for viewing the sound. The visit provides a relaxed opportunity to enjoy Alaska’s coastal scenery and learn about its fishing traditions.

Exploring the Authentic Gold Rush Town of Hope

The two-hour visit to Hope, an authentic gold mining town, offers a peaceful break from the busier tourist spots. Known for its “Boom to Bust” history, Hope exudes quiet charm amid stunning natural surroundings. Its small size makes it easy to explore on foot, with scenic views, historic buildings, and serene landscapes.

Kelley highlights the town’s history and current atmosphere, making the visit both relaxing and engaging. Visitors can take in the beautiful scenery, enjoy the tranquility, and imagine the town’s Gold Rush past. The stop is perfect for those who enjoy historic towns and peaceful settings.

Returning to Anchorage and Optional City Tour

The final part of the day involves returning to Anchorage, with the option to extend the experience by including a city tour. This additional 45-minute segment covers highlights such as Earthquake Park, Ship Creek, Lake Hood, and the famous Wilds Scoops, home of the best ice cream in town.

This flexible ending allows for a quick exploration of Anchorage’s urban side, or a relaxed drop-off at your hotel. Kelley’s narration continues, offering insights into the city’s landmarks and history. This part of the tour is ideal for those who want a comprehensive view of Anchorage’s mix of natural beauty and urban life.

Practical Aspects: Logistics, Cost, and Accessibility

This private tour is designed to accommodate most travelers, with service animals allowed and proximity to public transportation noted. The start time at 10:00 am allows for a relaxed day, and most of the stops are easily accessible.

Additional costs include $30 per person for entrance fees to the Wildlife Conservation Center, tram, and Whittier Tunnel. Kelley provides bottled water during the tour, but there are no included meals. The cancellation policy is flexible, with free cancellations allowed up to 24 hours in advance.

Why Choose This Tour: Strengths and Considerations

The main strength of this tour is its customizability. You can choose to visit wildlife, scenic spots, or historic towns, all led by a guide with extensive local knowledge. The personalized narration adds depth and context to each stop, making the experience educational and enjoyable.

However, travelers should note that the cost per group might be higher than standard group tours, but this is balanced by the private nature and flexibility. Also, some attractions like the wildlife center, tram, and Whittier Tunnel involve additional fees, which should be budgeted accordingly.

This tour best suits those seeking a tailored, private experience with a guide who can adapt the day based on your interests. It’s ideal for small groups or families who want a personalized day exploring the best of Anchorage and nearby highlights.

Personalized Anchorage Day Tour with Kelley Thompson

In summary, this Choose Your Own Adventure from Anchorage offers a unique, private way to explore Alaska’s stunning scenery, wildlife, and towns. The flexible itinerary and knowledgeable guide make for a day that can be as relaxed or active as you desire. The inclusion of popular stops like Potter Marsh, Alyeska Tram, and Hope ensures a well-rounded experience.

While the price reflects its personalized nature, the ability to customize the day makes it worthwhile for those valuing flexibility and expert narration. This tour is most suitable for small groups or families eager to create their own Alaska adventure with a local guide leading the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price for this private tour?
The tour costs $875.00 per group, accommodating up to six people.

How long does the tour last?
It typically lasts 6 to 8 hours, depending on the chosen stops and pace.

What stops are included in the tour?
Stops include Anchorage, Turnagain Arm Drive, Potter Marsh Bird Sanctuary, Alyeska Tram, Whittier, Hope, and optional return to Anchorage for a city tour.

Are there any additional costs?
Yes, $30 per person for entrance fees to the Wildlife Conservation Center, tram, and Whittier Tunnel.

Is this a group or private experience?
This is a private tour, with only your group participating.

Does the tour include transportation?
Yes, transportation is included, with pickup offered at your location.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Absolutely, Kelley is known for his flexibility and customization based on your preferences.

What should I bring?
Bring water (though bottled water is provided), comfortable clothing, and camera gear for scenic stops.

Is this tour suitable for all physical abilities?
Most travelers can participate, but specific mobility needs should be discussed with Kelley beforehand.

How do I book this tour?
Bookings are typically made 66 days in advance, and the tour can be canceled free of charge up to 24 hours before the start time.

This detailed, flexible day tour provides a rich and personalized experience of Anchorage and its surroundings—perfect for those who want to explore Alaska at their own pace with an expert guide.