Whittier to Anchorage

[dottedline]

We're completing our tour in Whittier and our flight doesn't leave until midnight. Suggestions on a day tour? Has anyone tried a local tour guide? Would like to do something that takes a large part of the day, ending at the airport in Anchorage.

[Budget Queen]

You are not likely to find a full "day" tour. Instead, I suggest you consider taking a Prince Willaim Sound boat tour, and then the Alaska RR to Anchoragre- dinner, then a cab to the airport with a 2 hour window.

 

The best use of touring time is had with a one way rental car, yes, costly and available only from Avis- BUT, it offers you a FULL day and easy transit to the airport. How valuable is your time??

 

There are many interesting attractions/activities, that are easy drives. It is simple to drive, few roads, and clearly marked areas. Clear accurate information available on this board as well.

[JJPacer]

of the glacier. Here's one , but there are several to choose from

 

http://www.princewilliamsound.com/pws-wilderness-explorer.html

[Budget Queen]

of the glacier. Here's one , but there are several to choose from

 

http://www.princewilliamsound.com/pws-wilderness-explorer.html

 

I guess you don't realize it, (it is on this web site) but there is no more "Prince William Sound tours" with this company.

[WaggesAZ]

If you take a PWS tour, it seems as though your only option to Anchorage is to take the train, is that correct? I looked at the remaining operators and there is no mention of a shuttle. I have also looked at the shuttle operators, and it appears as though they only run in the morning. It makes for a pricey day (there is 6 of us)when you take the PWS cruise and add the train at the end. If not going to Denali though, it seems like a last chance at additional wildlife and scenery.

 

I think I have also read here, that as you leave the ship, you can drop off your luggage at the train station. What about carry-ons with valuables, any suggestions there? I can't imagine the PWS Operators allow you to bring luggage aboard! :eek:

[Budget Queen]

If you take a PWS tour, it seems as though your only option to Anchorage is to take the train, is that correct? I looked at the remaining operators and there is no mention of a shuttle. I have also looked at the shuttle operators, and it appears as though they only run in the morning. It makes for a pricey day (there is 6 of us)when you take the PWS cruise and add the train at the end. If not going to Denali though, it seems like a last chance at additional wildlife and scenery.

 

I think I have also read here, that as you leave the ship, you can drop off your luggage at the train station. What about carry-ons with valuables, any suggestions there? I can't imagine the PWS Operators allow you to bring luggage aboard! :eek:

 

There is Avis rental cars. I guess, I ask you, (to ask yourself) what else are you going to occupy your time with?? Would you prefer- "saving money" and sitting at the airport, walking downtown Anchorage. There is no "station" in Whittier. You take your carry ons with you, and the vendors will store suitcases. NEVER "store" anything of value you can't afford to loose, in my opinion.

[WaggesAZ]

We will being staying 1 night and I have rented a Suburban in Anchorage. I had thought if we took an early shuttle to Anchorage, we may be able to go up toward Palmer and do some more sight seeing that way. The PWS tour has caught my eye, however, the largest rental left is a Chevy impala or similar which is $274 on a one way. Not sure if all of the luggage and people can make it, so that's 2 rentals. With that, then I am back to the train....seems much more simple that way.

 

Should we shuttle to Anchorage, that puts us to the hotel around noon, I am desperate to see a moose, any suggestions where we should head? I know of the musk of farm, and was thinking of the Matanuska Glacier. We are from the West so we will not be ready to go to bed early, and it will be light later, so I am on the fence between PWS & heading to Anchorage.

 

BQ, You have experienced so much of Alaska, and I know you don't like to decide for others, but appreciate any guidance or insight you have to offer.

 

Thanks to all who post and give ideas, it is appreciated!

[Alaskanb]

My solution is to take a transfer to the airport. Rent car from there. Drive to Palmer and Matanuska--stay night at Sheep Mountain Lodge. Next day return to airport for 1:00 pm flights to LA. It all depends on your priorities.

[mapleleaves]

The cars would give you the ability to stop and enjoy sights and scenery along the Turnagain Arm, including the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. They care for moose and other native wildlife which have been injured or orphaned: http://www.alaskawildlife.org/

A couple of options for you to price are private transfers/tours; probably the same cost as the cars and train but you'd certainly get to see everything and with someone else driving:

http://www.pjstaxi.com/

http://www.themagicbus.com/

[mapleleaves]

The cars would give you the ability to stop and enjoy sights and scenery along the Turnagain Arm, including the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. They care for moose and other native wildlife which have been injured or orphaned: http://www.alaskawildlife.org/

Other interesting sights. http://alaska.org/driving/portage-valley-whittier-spur-drive.htm

A couple of options for you to price are private transfers/tours; probably the same cost as the cars and train but you'd certainly get to see everything and with someone else driving:

http://www.pjstaxi.com/

http://www.themagicbus.com/

[Budget Queen]

We will being staying 1 night and I have rented a Suburban in Anchorage. I had thought if we took an early shuttle to Anchorage, we may be able to go up toward Palmer and do some more sight seeing that way. The PWS tour has caught my eye, however, the largest rental left is a Chevy impala or similar which is $274 on a one way. Not sure if all of the luggage and people can make it, so that's 2 rentals. With that, then I am back to the train....seems much more simple that way.

 

Should we shuttle to Anchorage, that puts us to the hotel around noon, I am desperate to see a moose, any suggestions where we should head? I know of the musk of farm, and was thinking of the Matanuska Glacier. We are from the West so we will not be ready to go to bed early, and it will be light later, so I am on the fence between PWS & heading to Anchorage.

 

BQ, You have experienced so much of Alaska, and I know you don't like to decide for others, but appreciate any guidance or insight you have to offer.

 

Thanks to all who post and give ideas, it is appreciated!

 

Seeing wild moose is pure chance. But they are frequently seen in Kincaid Park, south Anchorage. Sure thing would be the Wildlife Conservatory near Girdwood, http://www.alaskawildlife.org/ and maybe the Alaska Zoo.

[vvacation]

Lots of questions about this company. If anyone has used them would you please post? Would like to give business to local companies, but I need reassurance on reliability.

 

Thank You!!!