Bears & Beers Tasting Tour out of Anchorage

Bears & Beers Tasting Tour out of Anchorage: An Honest Look

If you’re considering a day trip that combines Alaska’s wild side with a taste of local brew culture, the Bears & Beers Tasting Tour might just catch your eye. This six-hour adventure promises a bit of everything—wildlife spotting, scenic glacier views, and a relaxed brewery experience—all within a manageable day. It’s a solid choice for travelers who want a balanced taste of Alaska’s natural beauty and local lifestyle, without needing to dedicate multiple days or complicated logistics.

What we really appreciate about this tour are two main things: first, the opportunity to see iconic Alaskan animals at the Wildlife Conservation Center, and second, the chance to unwind with a beer tasting at a brewery in Girdwood. Both elements offer a laid-back yet engaging way to experience Alaska. One thing to keep in mind is that the tour’s price reflects a curated, all-in-one experience, which means it’s not the cheapest option out there, but it’s pretty good value given what’s included. If you love wildlife, scenic views, and craft beer, this tour fits the bill well, especially for those wanting a varied day without the hassle of planning multiple activities.

Key Points

• Wildlife & Scenic Drive: Visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to see bears and native animals in a natural-looking habitat.
• Spectacular Views: Drive through the Portage Glacier area, with chances to photograph high-hanging glaciers and spot salmon during spawning season.
• Local Flavor: Enjoy a brewery tour and tasting at the base of Alyeska Ski Resort, with food trucks nearby for a casual bite.
• Flexible & Convenient: Includes hotel pickup in Anchorage, making logistics straightforward.
• Limited Group Size: Max of 12 travelers, fostering a more personalized experience.
• Good Value: For $199, you get a well-rounded day with wildlife, scenery, drinks, and snacks included.

What This Tour Offers: A Detailed Look

Starting Point & Early Morning

The tour begins early around 10:00 am at 546 W 4th Ave, Anchorage. From the start, you’re in good hands with a small group (capped at 12), which helps keep things intimate and flexible. The driver or guide—like Angie, who’s praised for bringing a lot of knowledge and flair—sets a friendly, informative tone for the day.

Right away, you’ll notice how the journey’s designed to highlight Alaska’s natural features. As your van rolls through downtown Anchorage, your guide points out key historical sites, giving you a bit of context before heading into the wild. You’ll appreciate the scenic drive as they look for wildlife—an activity that’s more rewarding than just sitting on a bus.

Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

The first major stop is at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. This is where the tour shines, especially for animal lovers and those eager to see bears and other native Alaskan animals. The center is well-regarded, and the fact that admission is included makes this a convenient feature.

Visitors often comment on how much they enjoyed seeing the animals up close. The experience is more than just a quick glance; it’s a chance to observe Alaska’s wildlife in a setting that mimics their natural environment. The reviews highlight Angie’s knowledge, which adds a lot to the experience—she’s described as bringing “flare and knowledge” to the tour, making the visit more engaging.

Scenic Drive Around Portage Glacier

Next, the journey takes you towards the Portage Glacier area, an absolute highlight for lovers of breathtaking scenery. This part of the tour offers photo stops at some of the most scenic spots, with views of hanging glaciers and dense forests. During salmon spawning seasons, you might even witness salmon making their way upstream—a seasonal feature that adds to the magic.

The drive itself is relaxing, and you’ll have opportunities to snap pictures of glaciers, forests, and waterways. The tour includes permits for Chugach Forest, so the scenery is protected and preserved for your enjoyment. It’s a chance to breathe in fresh mountain air and simply take in nature’s grandeur, which is genuinely one of the best parts of visiting Alaska.

Girdwood & Brewery Tasting

In the afternoon, the tour shifts gears to Girdwood, a charming mountain town at the base of Alyeska Ski Resort. Here, you’ll visit a local brewery for a tasting session, which, as some reviews note, is a relaxed way to end the day. The brewery often has food trucks on-site, so you can pair your beers with some casual bites.

The tasting isn’t just about drinking; it’s about experiencing local flavors and unwinding after a morning of wildlife and scenery. Be sure to bring an ID—this is a genuine brewery experience. The relaxed vibe at the brewery is a contrast to the morning’s wildlife, but it suits those who enjoy a social, laid-back atmosphere.

Seasonal Highlights & Extras

Depending on the time of year, your tour might include seeing Beluga whales or witnessing the Bore Tide, both of which many travelers find fascinating. These seasonal features add a layer of unpredictability and specialness to the trip, making each tour slightly unique.

Practical Considerations

Price & Value: At $199 per person, the tour offers a lot—wildlife viewing, scenic drives, a brewery experience, snacks, and transportation. This makes it a fairly good deal for a full day of diverse activities. It’s especially appealing given that the entrance fees for the Wildlife Center and the scenic areas are included.

Duration & Group Size: The six-hour window means you won’t feel rushed. The small group size (up to 12 people) ensures a more personalized experience, and the pickup from downtown Anchorage means you can start your day stress-free.

What’s Not Included: Meals aren’t included, but with food trucks at the brewery and snacks in the van, you won’t go hungry. Gratuities are not included either, so keep that in mind if you’re pleased with the guide’s efforts.

Booking & Cancellation: The tour is popular enough to be booked around 31 days in advance on average, and it offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start—good flexibility if your plans change.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

If you want a balanced day that combines wildlife encounters, stunning glacier scenery, and a taste of local craft beers, this tour hits all those marks. It’s especially suitable for travelers who appreciate a laid-back but engaging experience, with choices for seasonal highlights adding some variety.

It’s a good pick for those who don’t want to spend multiple days exploring but still want to get a real feel for Alaska’s wild beauty and local culture. If you’re traveling with a partner, friends, or even flying solo, the small group vibe makes it easy to connect and enjoy the day.

That said, if you’re primarily looking for an intense wildlife safari or a full-blown glacier trek, this might not satisfy your more adventurous side. It’s more about enjoying what Alaska has to offer in a relaxed, approachable manner.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup from your Anchorage hotel, making it easy to start your day without extra planning.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 6 hours, from around 10:00 am to early afternoon, giving you a full but manageable day.

Do I need to bring my ID?
Yes, for the brewery tasting, you’ll need an ID to participate in the alcohol sampling.

What’s the maximum group size?
The tour is limited to 12 travelers, which helps keep the experience more personal and flexible.

Are snacks and water provided?
Yes, snacks and water are included in the van, so you’ll stay fueled throughout the day.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour, which offers some peace of mind.

Is this tour family-friendly?
While not explicitly marketed as family-oriented, the activities involved—wildlife viewing, scenic drives, brewery tasting—are suitable for most adults. Children should be supervised, especially at the brewery area.

What are some seasonal highlights?
Depending on the time of year, you might see Beluga whales or the Bore Tide. Salmon spawning is also season-dependent.

Is the price worth it?
Considering the included wildlife center admission, scenic drives, brewery tasting, and snacks, many find the cost justifiable for a diverse, guided Alaska experience.

This tour offers a practical way to enjoy Alaska’s wild charm along with some local flavor. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a scenery lover, or just looking for a fun, hassle-free day in Girdwood, it’s worth considering—especially if you value small-group intimacy and thoughtful planning.