Seward to Anchorage Full-Day Transit Tour: Exit Glacier, Wildlife & Lake Hood
Difficulty
easy
Duration
8–8.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; includes short, mostly easy walks (1–2 miles) and standing at viewing areas.
Overview
A single-day shuttle from Seward to Anchorage that reads like an Alaska primer: Exit Glacier’s ice, a wildlife sanctuary’s rescued residents, a busy seaplane base and the surprising charm of roadside breweries. Expect easy walks, wildlife viewing and panoramic drives along Turnagain Arm.
Seward to Anchorage Full-Day Transit Tour: Exit Glacier, Wildlife & Lake Hood
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The van pulls away from Seward’s port with the ocean shrinking behind and the Chugach Mountains opening up like a gate. Turnagain Arm runs along the highway — a long, brackish finger of sea that hisses and retreats with dramatic tides — and the road threads past cliffs where Dall sheep keep a wary eye. The mood on the bus is a mix of soft conversation and camera shutters as Alaska begins to reveal itself in stages: glacier ice, rescued wildlife, a busy seaplane base and, improbably, a chocolate waterfall.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Layer for variable weather
Temperatures swing from coastal chill to sun-exposed parking areas—pack a waterproof outer layer and insulating mid-layer.
Bring binoculars
Binoculars make beluga and Dall sheep sightings along Turnagain Arm far more rewarding than relying on binoculars alone.
Wear sturdy walking shoes
Short trails at Exit Glacier and the Wildlife Conservation Center have uneven ground and gravel; closed-toe shoes with traction help.
Motion-sickness prep
The coastal road is scenic but winding—consider medication or seating near the front if you’re prone to motion sickness.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Dall sheep
- Beluga whales
History
The 1964 Good Friday earthquake (magnitude 9.2) dramatically altered Anchorage’s coastline and is interpreted at Earthquake Park along the tour route.
Conservation
The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center focuses on rescue and rehabilitation; visitors are encouraged to respect enclosures and follow signage to reduce stress on resident animals.
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Adventure Hotspots in Seward, AK
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof shell or rain jacket
Protects against coastal rain, wind off Turnagain Arm and drizzle near glacial melt.
Sturdy walking shoes
Provides traction on gravel paths and uneven boardwalks at Exit Glacier and the wildlife center.
Binoculars
Improves chances of spotting beluga whales, Dall sheep and distant birds along the highway.
Reusable water bottle with filter
Refillable water keeps you hydrated during walks and reduces plastic waste on a long day.
summer specific