A quick, scenic shuttle from Anchorage to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center along Turnagain Arm. Spend an hour walking the grounds, learning rescue stories, and watching bears, moose and other native species in thoughtfully designed enclosures.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You leave Anchorage with the highway and the sea as companions: Turnagain Arm unfurls beside the van, mountains stepping down into tidal flats and the Cook Inlet glittering like a moving mirror.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3–4 hours
Fitness Level
Light to moderate—able to walk unpaved and sometimes muddy paths for roughly an hour; mostly standing and short strolls.
Wildlife
History
The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center was founded in the early 1990s to provide sanctuary and public education for injured and orphaned Alaskan wildlife; the area itself sits on ancestral Dena’ina lands and along routes used for subsistence and travel.
Conservation
AWCC focuses on lifelong care for non-releasable animals and public education; visitors help by following signage, not feeding wildlife, and minimizing disturbance around enclosures.
Reserve your spot on the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center Express today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Layer up for coastal weather
Turnagain Arm shifts from sun to drizzle quickly; pack a breathable rain jacket and mid-layer to stay comfortable during roadside stops.
Bring binoculars
Animals at AWCC are best viewed with optics—binoculars or a short telephoto lens improve sightings without disturbing enclosures.
Watch shipping tides at Beluga Point
Tidal flats and shifting light affect whale and shorebird activity; low tide exposes mudflats where wildlife patterns change dramatically.
Be punctual for shuttle returns
The express runs on a tight schedule; be ready at the gift shop departure time to avoid missing the return van.
Waterproof shell or rain jacket
Quick coastal weather changes make a rainproof outer layer essential for roadside stops and outdoor viewing.
Sturdy, waterproof shoes
Boardwalks and trails can be muddy; supportive, grippy footwear keeps you steady while walking the grounds.
Binoculars or 200mm+ lens
Helps you observe distant animals and shoreline activity without crowding enclosures.
Warm mid-layer (fleece or wool)
Even summer mornings can be cool along Turnagain Arm; an insulating layer makes outdoor viewing comfortable.
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