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.
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...
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...
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...
Purchased by the State of Alaska in 1985, the Sheldon Jackson Museum was founded in 1888 to house an exceptional collection of Alaska Native...
THE BEST OF ALASKA AND THE YUKON.
Holland America Line gives you two incredible ways to experience Alaska's incredible interior. Choose one of...
Don't miss the Denali Highway, the #2 "Drive of a Lifetime" by National Geographic Traveler magazine! Once the gateway to Denali National Park...
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 Princess Wilderness Lodge offers the best accommodations near the Denali National Park entrance. The lodge features river and park views...
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...
Plan your Alaska journey with the Alaska Railroad. Daily summer departures connecting Anchorage, Denali, Fairbanks, Seward and more; our Alaska...
From breathtaking scenic coach tours to the iconic Alaska Rail Road and self-drive packages – we have every option covered to complete your dream...
During Aurora Season, August 21 to April 21, Fairbanks is one of the best places on Earth to see the beautiful aurora borealis. Fairbanks'...
Kantishna Roadhouse offers an all-inclusive once in a lifetime Alaskan travel experience. Located 90 miles into the pristine natural wonder of...
Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge offers the best accommodations near the Denali National Park entrance. The lodge features river and park views...
Located on the S. boundary of Denali National Park. Pioneer family owned & operated since 1968, with an authentic Alaskan atmosphere along the...
Sitka is an island community boldly living between the mountains and sea, where the arts flourish and an ancient native culture still thrives...
With short travel times from Anchorage and Seattle, Sitka is closer than you think while still feeling like a true getaway. Meeting spaces...
Our lodge is 10 miles outside Fairbanks, away from the city lights for prime aurora viewing in winter. In summer, enjoy hiking and wildlife...
Experience Alaska's highest sportfishing catch rates of King salmon & Silver salmon in beautiful Sitka. The highly rated fishing charters are...
Experience unobstructed views of the Alaska wilderness from the comfort of a glass-domed railcar as you travel the historic Alaska Railroad route...