The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC) is located in Portage Valley and is surrounded by the breathtaking Chugach Mountain Range and Turnagain Arm Inlet. Located at Mile 79 …
The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC) is located in Portage Valley and is surrounded by the breathtaking Chugach Mountain Range and Turnagain Arm Inlet. Located at Mile 79 of the Seward Highway, AWCC is a non-profit sanctuary dedicated to preserving Alaska’s wildlife through conservation, education, research and quality animal care. AWCC takes in orphaned and injured animals year-round and provides them a forever home. The sanctuary maintains over 200 acres of spacious habitats for resident animals to feel at home displaying their natural wild behavior as education ambassadors for their species. It is common for visitors to see brown bears swimming, moose strutting, wood bison roaming, muskox playing, wolves posing, and more!
Reviews
Tripadvisor
4.5/5 · 3,918 reviews
5-star
65%
4-star
21%
3-star
9%
2-star
2%
1-star
3%
Recent reviews
Wildlife
Tours
Time
Weather
Kid Friendly
Price
Season
Scenic
Any rating
Loading reviews...
Oct 3, 2024
We visited the Conservation Center as part of a tour out of Anchorage. Most of the time was spent driving through the sanctuary but we were able to stop at some key areas to watch the bears being fe… Full review by LetsGetGone
Sep 25, 2024
This was part of the Portage Glacier/ Wildlife tour. Matt was an excellent, informative guide. We saw wood bison, caribou, & bears . The moose weren't around which was disappointing but we did see t… Full review by snorkeldogs
Sep 24, 2024
Absolutely the best way to spend a day in Anchorage (even in the rain). The animals are very well cared for. We loved that we had the option to self-drive or walk around the area. The bears did not d… Full review by Sharyn F
Hi - website isn't working for me. I understand it's a 1.5 mi road. Do I just walk/drive through it? What can we we do/see. Thanks
A:
You can drive it or you can walk. We walked parts of it. We were part of a tour so the van dropped us at one spot and picked us up at the entrance/exit. I also saw cars just driving through …
You can drive it or you can walk. We walked parts of it. We were part of a tour so the van dropped us at one spot and picked us up at the entrance/exit. I also saw cars just driving through the loop. If driving you could stop to get out and take pictures. The center is home to many animals (bison, musk ox, deer, etc.) The loop takes you by their enclosures.
Our daily animal programs are as follows: Programs#TAB#Time#TAB#Location Birds Words#TAB# 9:30 am#TAB#Behind the Gift Store Bear Necessities#TAB#11:30 am#TAB#BEARS Boardwalk Porcupine Chat#TAB#12:30 pm#TAB#In front/behind Gift Shop Say “Hi” to Kobuk#TAB#1:30 pm#TAB#Kobuk’s Enclosure Meet the Foxes#TAB#2:30 pm#TAB#Behind the Gift Shop/Red Barn Bears’ Business#TAB#3:30 pm#TAB#BEARS Boardwalk Meet the Wolves#TAB#4:30 pm#TAB#Wolf enclosure
If I take the train to the Whittier cruise terminal, is there any way to get to the Center for a visit? Rental cars are sold out from Anchorage and from Whittier and I was trying to avoid taking a shuttle bus from Anchorage, even though I know many include a stop at the Center. Thanks for any suggestions!
A:
Sorry, I’m not sure. I did a tour so it was included.
Is it possible to get round the center on a small mobility scooter?
A:
I think you can do it. Because it’s a dirt road, not only a scooter has problems also walking on foot. Go slow! You can also see the most animals from the car, what I did because my …
I think you can do it. Because it’s a dirt road, not only a scooter has problems also walking on foot. Go slow! You can also see the most animals from the car, what I did because my walking problems. But at the bear area you really should go out.
I am wondering what time of day is best to visit? Thanks!
A:
Because I visited it in the wintertime, only 2 more cars were there. I would say, the best to visit (in the spring/summer time is in the morning around or before 10am. I’m sure the cruise …
Because I visited it in the wintertime, only 2 more cars were there. I would say, the best to visit (in the spring/summer time is in the morning around or before 10am. I’m sure the cruise ship transfer/tours are coming on the way from Whittier or Seward and then it’ll be crowded. Just to see the bears is beautiful.
Oops! Something went wrong, Please try again after a few minutes
Frequently asked questions
Q:
What is AWCC?
A:
AWCC is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to preserving Alaska’s wildlife through conservation, education, research, and quality animal care.
AdThe Ultimate Alaska Wildlife Safari. With Brooks Falls, Katmai, & Denali. 12 Days $17795. Experience the Best in Small-Group, Eco-Conscious Wildlife Adventures.
Amenities: Pro Naturalist Guides, WWF Travel Partner, 100% Carbon Offset
AdGo Wild in Anchorage with Year Round Wildlife Viewing: Bears, Moose, Whales & More. Wildlife Viewing Opportunities and Tours Start Right Outside the Door in Anchorage.
Save
Share
More
