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...
Sitka is an island community boldly living between the mountains and sea, where the arts flourish and an ancient native culture still thrives...
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...
Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge features one of the most breathtaking views of Denali in the state and provides a true wilderness retreat...
Holland America Denali Lodge is situated in the heart of the Denali Canyon on the banks of the Nenana River just minutes from the entrance to...
Tonglen Lake Lodge is located 7 miles south of the main entrance to Denali National Park in a secluded wilderness setting away from the crowds...
The best of Alaska's glaciers and ports are yours on the ultimate Alaska cruise, with perfectly sized ships that get you closer to all the wonder...
The Gateway to Glacier Bay, Gustavus offers a microcosm of all the natural beauty of Alaska. Gustavus is not too big -- no industry interfering...
Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge is the only lodge located within Kenai Fjords National Park. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound from this...
Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge offers the best accommodations near the Denali National Park entrance. The lodge features river and park views...
Princess owns and operates five custom built lodges in the best locations throughout Alaska - Copper River, Kenai, Mt. McKinley, Denali and...
Kenai Riverside Lodge is our original log lodge and cabins surrounded by snow-capped mountains and located on the banks of the upper Kenai River...
Kenai Backcountry Lodge is a historic property offering travelers a rustic and remote Alaskan experience. Tucked along the shoreline of a glacier...
Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge overlooks the Kenai River in Cooper Landing. Each bungalow-style room features a wood-burning stove, vaulted...
Kantishna Roadhouse offers an all-inclusive once in a lifetime Alaskan travel experience. Located 90 miles into the pristine natural wonder of...
Kennicott Glacier Lodge is located in the center of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park at the National Historic Landmark of the Kennicott Copper...
Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge sits on a bluff overlooking the Copper and Klutina rivers with spectacular views of the Wrangell-St. Elias...
Find free advice from friendly Alaskans at the Anchorage Visitor Information Center. Local experts share information on the best activities...
Chena Hot Springs Resort (est. 1905) is the most developed year round hot springs in Alaska. 60 scenic mi. from Fairbanks, the Resort has 80 rms...
"Denali at your doorstep" characterizes Camp Denali, a visitor destination in the heart of Denali National Park. But the lodge is more than a...