Accessible Travel in Alaska
Alaska is accessible for all. Whether you are interested in a guided tour package or independent adventures to experience Alaska's vast natural beauty and rich culture, there are a wide variety of year-round vacation experiences that are accessible for visitors in wheelchairs and those with limited mobility. If you opt for cruise travel, shore excursions at popular ports of call have sightseeing options that include lift-assisted motorcoaches or rail cars. Try a helicopter ride above a glacier or watch whales from a wheelchair-accessible boat. For people with sensitivity to noise and light, some cruise companies offer sensory-friendly options, menu alternatives, and private activities.
Service animals are welcome in all public facilities, and national parks have brochures available in braille and large print for visually impaired visitors (call ahead to ensure availability). At most national parks, American Sign Language interpretations are available upon request with advanced notice for ranger presentations. In Denali National Park & Preserve, a popular visitor destination, tour buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts. Be advised that not all national park trails meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.
Adaptive gear for skiing and other recreational activities is available through organizations such as Southcentral Alaska’s Challenge Alaska and Southeast Alaska Independent Living. Many public and private campgrounds offer accessible campsites, and individual tour providers may offer adaptive gear for activities such as kayaking and fishing upon request.
Accessible Travel Trip Ideas
- Multi-day Cruises
- Train trips on the Alaska Railroad and White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad
- Motorcoach tours
- Whale watching, glacier viewing, and river day cruises
- Flightseeing tours
- Denali National Park bus tours
- Chena Hot Springs
- Fishing charters specifically designed for accessibility
- Museums, cultural centers, and wildlife conservation centers
- Accessible trails in national parks and public lands
Accessible Travel Resources
- Alaska Department of Fish and Game wildlife viewing areas with wheelchair accessible facilities
- ADA Facilities in Alaska State Parks
- Challenge Alaska, offering adaptive sports and therapeutic recreation in Southcentral Alaska
- SAIL (Southeast Alaska Independent Living), offering adaptive recreation opportunities in Southeast Alaska
- Travel Juneau Accessible Tourism
- Visit Anchorage Accessibility Page
- NCOA Mobility-Friendly Travel Guide
Accessible Travel Partners
Browse our list of businesses that offer accessible tours, accommodations, and transportation in Alaska. Use the Cities and Categories drop-downs at the top of the grid listing to sort businesses by location and business type. Please contact businesses directly for more information on their accessibility options and to reserve in advance.
Whether it's the aurora dancing in the night sky or the midnight summer sun bright, Fairbanks is an exceptional destination every day of the year...
Don't miss the Denali Highway, the #2 "Drive of a Lifetime" by National Geographic Traveler magazine! Once the gateway to Denali National Park...
Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge is the only lodge located within Kenai Fjords National Park. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound from this...
The Gateway to Glacier Bay, Gustavus offers a microcosm of all the natural beauty of Alaska. Gustavus is not too big -- no industry interfering...
Experience the thrill you only get from a helicopter with Outbound Heli Adventures! See the Chugach Mountain Range & Knik River Valley from the...
Flightsee around Denali, North America's tallest peak, and land at base camp. Walk on Alaska's largest road accessible glacier. Mush a team of...
Get more from your tour experience on this small group, fully guided citizen science adventure. Play an active role in ongoing data collection...
Join Wrangell Mountain Air for a range of unique experiences in Alaska's Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. Encompassing the largest collection of...
Sitka is an island community boldly living between the mountains and sea, where the arts flourish and an ancient native culture still thrives...
Join Alaska Wildland Adventures for Kenai River rafting and fishing trips based from our Kenai Riverside Lodge in Cooper Landing, Alaska. Our...
Whether you are interested in glacier hiking, ice climbing, backpacking, packrafting, alpine hikes or adventure packages we will help you plan...
Find free advice from friendly Alaskans at the Anchorage Visitor Information Center. Local experts share information on the best activities...
Leave the ship or bus behind and come explore the spectacular Matanuska Glacier with our professional guides. Check out our Ice Fall Trek, or try...
NOVA Alaska Guides is Alaska’s original whitewater rafting and glacier tour company, family-owned for over 50 years and just 2 hours from...
Unspoiled and unhurried, Haines is the natural choice! We are renowned for our stunning scenery, abundant wildlife and rich culture. Make Haines...
Homer has it all.
Adventure, fishing, flightseeing to relaxing at our spas. For cultural visit the Pratt Museum, or Alaska Islands & Oceans...
Homer has it all.
Adventure, fishing, flightseeing to relaxing at our spas. For cultural visit the Pratt Museum, or Alaska Islands & Oceans...
Scenic, diverse Ketchikan is a coastal island located within Alaska's Inside Passage and surrounded by the magnificent Tongass National Forest...
Get to know Juneau, America's most scenic state capital. Experience wildlife, glaciers, and outdoor adventure in Alaska's most accessible...