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.
Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge overlooks the Kenai River in Cooper Landing. Each bungalow-style room features a wood-burning stove, vaulted...
Kenai Backcountry Lodge is a historic property offering travelers a rustic and remote Alaskan experience. Tucked along the shoreline of a glacier...
Glacier treks and helicopter vista hikes in the Chugach National Forest to Spencer Glacier. Our Glacier Treks onto Spencer Glacier is...
A passion for Alaskan glacier and wildlife tours and the Prince William Sound Wilderness define Anadyr Adventures, the original and still the...
The Kenai Riverside Fishing program is your destination for incredible Alaska fishing experiences. Kenai Riverside Fishing is a long-time...
K2 Aviation, the Denali flightseeing company, invites you to experience the majestic wonders of Denali, the tallest mountain in North America...
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...
Whether you are interested in glacier hiking, ice climbing, backpacking, packrafting, alpine hikes or adventure packages we will help you plan...
Why travel with Salmon Berry Tours? Our local guides do a great job of sharing the history of Alaska, point out areas of interest along journey...
One of Alaska’s most-visited cultural attractions, the Anchorage Museum tells the real story of the North - a story that weaves together social...
See it all in one day! Phillips Cruises & Tours operates glaciers & wildlife cruises from Whittier Alaska. Cruise on high-speed catamarans in...
The view is amazing. Clean, comfortable. Each room has a private bath and kitchenette. Several have private balconies with a majestic mountain...
Knik River Lodge offers a unique balance between true Alaska adventures and the amenities you expect in a hotel. We invite you to share our...
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...
UnCruise defines adventure in Alaska. Moss and moose, thunderous glaciers and tufted puffins—Alaska is full of surprises. The birthplace of...
Alaska's wild beauty, abundant wildlife and colorful culture offer great appeal to those looking to travel off the beaten track on a self drive...
One of Alaska’s most-visited cultural attractions, the Anchorage Museum tells the real story of the North - a story that weaves together social...
Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge is the only lodge located within Kenai Fjords National Park. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound from this...
Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge sits on a bluff overlooking the Copper and Klutina rivers with spectacular views of the Wrangell-St. Elias...
Go dog sledding year-round near Anchorage. 7x Best of Alaska award winner for both "Best Winter Adventure Tour Company" (2018-2022) AND "Best...