Hop on Hop off Bus Tours in Anchorage, Alaska

The charms of Anchorage are often overlooked in favor of Alaska’s vast untamed spaces. Here, cruise ships unload scores of tourists, trains shunt visitors to the wild interior, and nearby wilderness areas draw travelers outside the city limits. But before you venture to points beyond, get to know the beauty and history of Alaska’s largest town with a trolley tour in Anchorage.

Here's all you need to know about trolley tours, one of the most captivating sightseeing tours in Anchorage.

What are the best trolley tours in Anchorage?

One-hour trolley tours

Circle the city of Anchorage to sites of historical, cultural and geological significance. Take in 10 locales along a circuit of almost 25 kilometers. Your local guide will keep you on the edge of your seat as they point out landmarks and maybe even a resident moose or two.

Deluxe trolley tours

Enjoy an extended version of the 1-hour tour with in-depth histories, additional sites and stops to hop out and take pictures. Deluxe trolley tours take you along 40 kilometers of Anchorage roads in 90 to 120 minutes.

What will you see on Anchorage trolley tours?

Earthquake Park

On March 27, 1964, the world seemed to be ending in Anchorage. A 9.2-magnitude earthquake rippled and cracked the earth and caused a series of deadly tsunamis. Landslides, fires and flooding wracked the city and led to over 100 deaths.

A visit to Earthquake Park leads you on a path dotted with interpretive plaques that shed light on that infamous event. The park stands on the site of the former Turnagain Heights neighborhood. A devastating landslide that followed the initial quake swallowed or crushed 75 homes and killed four people.

Downtown Anchorage

Alaska’s largest city features a quaint, walkable downtown that’s filled with architecture from the 1800s to the 21st century. Shops, restaurants, government buildings and cultural attractions are interrupted with a collection of parks and green spaces, making the downtown area a peaceful place.

You’ll revisit the horrors of the 1964 earthquake as the trolley rolls down historic 4th Street. This thoroughfare took a major beating on that March day as the tremors cleft the pavements and roadway. The quake destroyed many buildings, and a section of businesses sank nearly 3 meters below their foundations.

On your trolley tour, you'll see some of the over 200 parks maintained by the city. There are several noteworthy green spaces within a short distance from downtown. Resolution Park commemorates Captain Cook, the explorer who lent his name to the area’s inlet. Along with a bronze memorial to the explorer, you can take in sweeping sea and mountain vistas from the park.

Delaney Park Strip is the city’s oldest park and has played many roles. The former airstrip also once acted as a firebreak and a golf course. Delaney Park is now home to sports fields, a rose garden, a bandstand and various memorials.

Lake Hood and Lake Spenard

In Alaska, float planes are a common sight. The state’s many lakes, islands and roadless spaces make flight a necessity for many Alaskans. Lake Hood and Lake Spenard are famous and coveted docking spaces for private planes. In fact, Lake Spenard is the world’s largest float plane base.

Pass by this body of water made up of two lakes and a channel, and spy aircrafts bobbing on the water. Hopefully you will witness one taking off or making a splashy landing.

Wildlife and views

As your trolley chugs along near the picturesque Alaska Railroad Depot, notice anglers trying to land some dinner at Ship Creek. Despite its urban setting, this popular riverbank is a reliable place to hook some salmon. While the water may be too cloudy to spot swimming fish, don’t confuse it for city pollution. The creek’s often milky look is evidence of silt carried away by glacial melting.

Pass by Westchester Lagoon, just minutes from downtown, a popular hangout for residents of Anchorage, both human and otherwise. The park is a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts looking to paddle or skate on the artificial lakes. Some of the city’s 1,500-strong moose population spend time here, and birders flock here to catch sight of some of the many species.

Not far from the lagoon is Point Woronzof, a vantage point for ocean, mountain and city views. Gaze to the south for a glimpse of the Chugach Range. Scan the waters of the Cook Inlet for marine life. On a clear day, you may be granted a peek at the elusive Mount Denali, the United States’ tallest mountain that’s often shrouded in clouds.

How much do trolley tours in Anchorage cost?

One-hour trolley tours in Anchorage cost US$25 per adult and US$13 per child ages 3 to 12. Deluxe trolley tours cost US$50 per adult and US$25 per child for a 90- to 120-minute excursion. Children under 3 can travel for free.

What is included?

As part of your trolley tour, you will have a live guide to give you an entertaining introduction to Anchorage. With stories, legends and even songs provided by your guide, you’ll walk away with a better feel for this Alaskan city. You’ll discover between 10 and 13 spots at many points around the metro area.

Deluxe tours make three stops in addition to the 10 stops of a 1-hour tour. On these tours, you’ll be privy to more detailed stories of the many corners of Anchorage. You’ll have between 10 and 15 minutes to hop off for prime photo ops as well as restroom breaks at each stop.

Trolleys are climate-controlled for the area’s unpredictable weather. All tours offer you a coupon book for local attractions and eateries that offers up to US$200 in savings.

Where do the tours start?

Anchorage trolley tours begin at the “Log Cabin” Visitors Center at 524 W 4th Ave in downtown Anchorage, right next to Old Anchorage City Hall.

How long are Anchorage trolley tours?

There are choices of 1- or 2-hour trolley tours in Anchorage depending on your preference. The company recommends that you arrive at the visitors’ center at least 15 minutes before your scheduled departure.

Are they wheelchair friendly?

Anchorage trolleys have limited wheelchair accessibility. If you are able to travel with a collapsible chair and board the trolley with the help of a companion, a trolley tour can work for you. Collapsible chairs will be kept safely at the visitors’ center until the end of your tour.

When is the best time for a trolley tour in Anchorage?

The best time for a trolley tour in Anchorage is in the summer months (June to August). You'll experience warmer weather and longer daylight hours. It's also a great time to view wildlife and enjoy the landscapes.

One-hour trolley tours start from 9 AM in the morning and run every hour until 8:15 PM. Deluxe trolley tours also start from 9 AM and run every hour until 4 PM.

If you'd like to experience Anchorage in the snow, there are also special winter trolley tours.

What other sightseeing tours can you do in Anchorage?

• Anchorage city tours
• Walking tours in Anchorage

Travel tips

• Anchorage weather can be unpredictable, so it's wise to dress in layers. Even in summer, mornings can be cool, and weather can change rapidly.
• Trolley tour guides often provide a wealth of information about Anchorage's history, culture and landmarks. They can also offer tips on places to visit, eat or shop.
• Bring water and perhaps a small snack, especially if you're taking a longer tour.
• Use the trolley tour as an introduction to Anchorage. If a particular site or neighborhood interests you, plan to revisit it later for a more in-depth experience.