What to do in Whittier?

Our flight is not out of Anchorage until 7:50 the evening we arrive in Whittier. We have a rental car already reserved in Whittier. Have looked at several options between Whittier and Anchorage. Looking for personal recommendations. Does anyone have experience with Lazy Otter Charters out of Whittier?

We will have 3 people with us with limited mobility (they are around 80 years old - not active at all!).

If I understand correctly, you have a one-way car rental from Whittier to Anchorage. If so, you will have an excellent day of sightseeing on your way from Whittier to Anchorage. I haven't spent much time in Whittier itself, so I'll focus on your opportunities on the drive to Anchorage.

Whittier tunnel - You will drive through this 13,000 foot long tunnel linking Whittier (east) to the Portage Glacier area on the west.

Portage Glacier - The US Forest Service has a nice visitor center with exhibits. https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/chugach/home/?cid=stelprdb5251094 You can take lake cruises that go out to the glacier. http://www.portageglaciercruises.com/

Aleyeska Resort - If its a clear day (or the clouds are not too low), you might want to have lunch or dinner on top of the mountain. You get there on an aerial tramway.

http://www.alyeskaresort.com/dining

Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center - This is a zoo for Alaska wildlife. They have bears, bison, cats, owls, elk, deer, moose, etc. This is a very nice zoo in a fantastic setting. Mile 79, Seward highway. https://www.alaskawildlife.org/animals/ The AWCC is basically drive through with walking paths. The walking paths are wheelchair accessible. You can drive up to the fence line for many (but not all) of the exhibits.

Seward Highway - The Seward Highway itself, the road between Portage and Anchorage, is very scenic.

Have a great trip.

Thanks for the suggestions! Yes we have a one way rental to Anchorage.

We have done the Blackstone glacier out of Whittier in the past (but not with the relatives we will have in tow on this trip), but have never done the Portage Glacier. This will probably be the only time they see Alaska, so we are trying to give them a trip to remember.

Mercruiser has given you a good list.

If you get into Anchorage with time to spare, swing by Alaska Wildberry Products for some tasty treats and to see the chocolate waterfall.

My wife works for Lazy Otter and they run excellent tours. However, their boats are not good for people with limited mobility. In fact, any of the tour operators in Whittier would get you back around 5:00pm which is cutting it too close for your flight.

Perhaps a leisurely drive back to the Anchorage airport would be more appropriate. You could stop at the Begich-Boggs Visitor Center, perhaps take the MV Ptarmigan cruise on Portage Lake (their boat is handicap accessible), go to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, and have a nice meal in Girdwood before heading into Anchorage.

Thanks Chenega. When I e-mailed Lazy Otter we could do a 4.5 hour blackstone glacier tour leaving at 9 AM and returning approximately 1:30. Was thinking if we did that, we could grab a late lunch and make the 3:00 tunnel????? That would leave us very little stopping time on the way to Anchorage - it definitely leaves out Aleyeska, the zoo or Portage Glacier.

As long as there is a place for them to sit they are OK, they are not on walkers or wheelchairs.

Thanks Chenega. When I e-mailed Lazy Otter we could do a 4.5 hour blackstone glacier tour leaving at 9 AM and returning approximately 1:30. Was thinking if we did that, we could grab a late lunch and make the 3:00 tunnel????? That would leave us very little stopping time on the way to Anchorage - it definitely leaves out Aleyeska, the zoo or Portage Glacier.

 

As long as there is a place for them to sit they are OK, they are not on walkers or wheelchairs.

with Lazy Otter's schedule that would work extremely well. You already know that is a highlight to sail Blackstone Glacier. I'm sure you will all enjoy it. The 3p tunnel then gives you a few times to stop at a few pull offs for some views of the Arm.

As mentioned, a stop at the Alaska Wildberry products, is also a great option- their chocolate waterfall, is right at the door. :)

Thanks Chenega. When I e-mailed Lazy Otter we could do a 4.5 hour blackstone glacier tour leaving at 9 AM and returning approximately 1:30. Was thinking if we did that, we could grab a late lunch and make the 3:00 tunnel????? That would leave us very little stopping time on the way to Anchorage - it definitely leaves out Aleyeska, the zoo or Portage Glacier.

 

As long as there is a place for them to sit they are OK, they are not on walkers or wheelchairs.

If they would do that, it would be great. The owners of Lazy Otter really know Prince William Sound. Hopefully you'll have some of their salmon and cream cheese spread on a bagel. You'd probably go on the smaller boat, the Explorer, and Blackstone Bay is an excellent trip with over ten visible glaciers. The seating is like a table and bench in a Dennys. There's also room on the back deck and they often put out outside chairs. If you sit outside, dress warmly because it does get windy.

Time permitting, have lunch at Varley's Swiftwater Cafe after your trip. Outstanding fish and chips!

The picture below is one of the glaciers in Blackstone Bay. Great trip.

Thanks for all of the suggestions. After Chenega's last post - I think we may try the Blackstone Bay Cruise, eat at Swiftwater Café.......and if time allows stop at the Alaska Wildberry Products store in Anchorage (YUM!) before heading to the airport. Thanks for all of the suggestions.

Since we have only been to Alaska once before, with a return flight mid-week and not the same day as 1000's of cruise passengers fly out, how early before the flight do we need to plan on getting to the airport? Wasn't sure how long it normally takes to get through security.

The 7pm to 2am timeframe is the busiest time at the Anchorage Airport. If you have TSA Precheck, you can breeze right through. If not, expect lines that can last up to 45 minutes.

Being you need to return a rental car, give yourself at least 2.5 hours. If you are using AVIS, the rental car return at the airport is right next to the main terminal. People watching at the airport can be fun;)

Thanks for all of the suggestions. After Chenega's last post - I think we may try the Blackstone Bay Cruise, eat at Swiftwater Café.......and if time allows stop at the Alaska Wildberry Products store in Anchorage (YUM!) before heading to the airport. Thanks for all of the suggestions.

 

Since we have only been to Alaska once before, with a return flight mid-week and not the same day as 1000's of cruise passengers fly out, how early before the flight do we need to plan on getting to the airport? Wasn't sure how long it normally takes to get through security.

It is always busy at Anc. :) In the airport you need a 2 hour window.