Alaska has been home to glaciers for over 12.5 million years, and while the Earth's temperature has raised 3 to 9 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the millennia, over 100,000 glaciers still exist within this state, reports the U.S. Forest Service. While glaciers only cover 5 percent of Alaska, visitors are able to view majestic vistas created long ago. Some of the more notable glaciers tour companies bring visitors to include Hubbard Glacier, which measures 76 miles long, and the U.S. Forest Service reports it is the largest tidewater glacier in North America. The Mendenhall Glacier is another popular tourist attraction, as it is apart of the 3,000 year old, 1,500-square-mile Juneau Icefield. The Mendenhall Glacier is only one of 38 glaciers fed by the Juneau Icefield.
Alaska houses 20 National Parks, which range from dense forests to spanning glacier grounds. Throughout every national park, wildlife is readily available to photograph and enjoy. Along with viewing animals native to this region, visitors are able to enjoy walking along the same paths as ancient humans did 5,000 years ago or view a six-mile wide caldera belonging to the famed "Ring of Fire" active volcano system. The exact wildlife tour available depends on the national park you visit; however, most parks feature some sort of guided tour, or you may purchase wildlife packages with tour companies.
Due to the vast array of scenery and wildlife Alaska has to offer, several private and state-sponsored tour companies operate within this state. Typically, a glacier tour involves a boat ride, which may last a single day or may span several days. Wildlife tours are typically guided by a professional and provide accommodations at a lodge or camping, if available. Three of the more popular Alaska glacier and wildlife tours include: Kenai Fjords Tours, Alaska Wildland Adventures and Alaska Outdoors. Each of these tour companies offer different packages ranging in price and duration.
The cost of an Alaskan glacier and wildlife tour varies greatly depending on the time of year as well as what is included. An example of a high-end Alaska wildlife tour comes from the Alaska Outdoor tour company, which as of 2011, provides visitors with a 10-day wildlife tour throughout Alaska, which costs $1,645 per person. Wildlife tours given directly from the National Park are significantly cheaper than going with a private tour company. For example, the Denali State Park provides bus tours ranging from $24.50 to $47.25 for adults plus admission price to the park. Glacier tours are expensive as they require access to a boat. Kenai Fjords feature day cruises which venture out to view glaciers and whales. The price for day cruises varies; however, as of 2011, the price for the National Park Tour ranges from $144 to $164 per person. Kenai Fjords also offers overnight tour packages ranging from five days/four nights to two days/one night.
