Whittier Cruise Shuttle Tour with Multiple Stops

offers a stunning view of Portage Lake and the surrounding Chugach Mountains. Located off the Portage Glacier Road, about an hour’s drive south of Anchorage, this overlook provides visitors with a panoramic vantage point to see the turquoise lake fed by glacial melt and, on clear days, glimpses of Portage Glacier in the distance.

This 200-acre center offers visitors the chance to see native species like bears, moose, bison, musk oxen, elk, caribou, eagles, and wolves up close in naturalistic enclosures. You can walk or drive the 1.5-mile loop around the grounds, take guided tours, or join feeding sessions and educational talks. It’s a popular stop for families, photographers, and anyone wanting to learn more about Alaskan wildlife conservation efforts.

This spot is famous for two things: ✅ Beluga whale watching — in late summer and early fall, you might spot beluga whales swimming close to shore, chasing salmon during the incoming tide. ✅ Dramatic mountain and water views — it’s a favorite for photographers, especially at sunset, and also great for spotting Dall sheep on the cliffs above.

This is a family-friendly, easy-access spot ideal for birdwatching, photography, and nature walks, especially in spring and summer when the birds are most active. There’s a small parking lot, interpretive signs, and binoculars are recommended for the best viewing