Private tour in Whittier Gunnar P
5.0
(3) reviews
4 hours
1
4 hours
1
Gunnar P.
5.0
Guide rating
113
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Tours delivered
6 hrs
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Having lived in Anchorage, Alaska, for some 45 years and being a small-business owner for decades, I have traveled worldwide extensively as well as throughout the state of Alaska. Was born and raised and lived for many years in both Norway and Sweden before moving to Alaska. Worked in the airline and travel industry for years and display a great joy and passion sharing information related to travel within the state, and possess patience and enthusiasm along with a good dose of positivity! I am easy to get along with, flexible, and will go out of my way to provide for an exceptional and personal learning experience for every tour customer, whom I treat as a personal guest. All of my tours can be customized upon request and always open to new adventures. I am a small business owner specializing in Alaska travel and outdoor activities, including guiding groups of individuals in wilderness settings, and have written or co-authored a half dozen books on specifics regarding the subject. I am also trained in CPR and First Aid. Was employed as a teacher at the University of Alaska for 14 years as well. None
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Gunnar P.
Carved out by a gigantic river of ice millennia ago, Portage Valley today is part of the Chugach National Forest and home to populations of salmon and wildlife such as bears and moose. Numerous developed trails and trail spurs span the forested valley, providing easy day hikes to the area's lakes, ponds, and streams. Late summer and fall is the perfect time to observe the colorful display of spawning salmon as they procreate the next generation as has been done for eons. Along with this activity comes the very real possibility of spotting (at a safe distance) both black and brown bear that prowl these waters looking for salmon to feast on. Small gatherings of bald eagle are a daily occurrence throughout the autumn months and into early winter (September-November). The valley is bordered by forest-clad mountains, complete with ice fields and bluish-green glaciers, making for a perfect Alaska-themed setting. The Portage Glacier can be viewed up close by boat for additional cost.
Gunnar is one of the reasons we use tours by locals.. the website is not one of them. He is able to bring the city to life and educate you on all aspects of the area with humor.. if you are going to see the glaciers, it would be a big mistake to hire anyone else.
Gunnar was very knowledgeable, accommodating and friendly. He made sure to understand what we wanted to see. I would highly recommend Gunnar.
Gunnar is the consummate professional guide. Showed up early, kept things moving, very knowledgeable, and a good sense of humor.
Departure City: WHITTIER Note: The tour is subject to accommodating your personal interest and schedule and can be altered or changed upon request. Flexibility is the key! * Pick-up at cruise ship dock in Whittier * Drive through the Whittier Tunnel, longest mountain tunnel of its kind in the world * Arrive in Portage Valley through Portage Glacier Road * Stop at Explorer Pond to view glacial pond, hanging alpine ice fields and glaciers, and spawning salmon * Stop at Williwaw Salmon Viewing Platform to observe three species of salmon spawning * Walk on Trail of Blue Ice for opportunity to catch glimpse of eagles, moose, and bear, observe local fauna * Stop at Portage Lake for alpine views, glaciers, and possibly ice bergs * If interest is there, hike the Byron Glacier Trail (rated easy) within viewing range, touching remnant ice * Drop-off at site of your choice (Whittier or Anchorage)
Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.
Main vehicle is a very clean and modern Jeep Cherokee seating 3 passengers comfortably, up to 4 with one person in middle seat; air conditioned.
Whittier, AK, USA
Whittier cruise ship dock for pick up, drop off back at dock or hotel in Anchorage
Norwegian
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4 hours
1
4 hours
1
If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a 20% deposit!
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