Tour agency for ADA travel

Question

Any recommendations for a tour agency/group that is experienced in putting together 5 to 6 day land tours for a small group with one person in a wheelchair?

We are planning to visit in August before or after taking a one way cruise.

Trying to find ways for our friend to take part in as many activities as we can. We'd love to see bears fishing, but were told that won't happen in a wheelchair. Any ideas?

Please help.

Thanks

Answer

Alaska can be wonderfully accessible if you choose the right tour operators and plan the itinerary carefully. Many companies in the state specialize in ADA-friendly travel and have experience working with guests using wheelchairs, including organizing accessible vans, lodging, and activities. Below is a detailed guide with agency suggestions, activity options, and specific ideas for seeing wildlife — including bears — in a wheelchair.

Recommended ADA-experienced tour agencies

These agencies are known for arranging small-group or private accessible tours across Alaska, including multi-day land packages:

Alaska Tour & Travel – They can build custom itineraries and are very familiar with accessibility needs for lodging, transportation, and excursions. They frequently arrange land tours for guests with mobility limitations.
Alaska Private Touring – Specializes in private, fully customized itineraries. They have access to accessible vans and can design a 5–6 day itinerary tailored to wheelchair users, including Denali, Talkeetna, Seward, and Anchorage.
Viator/Local Anchorage Operators (private tours) – Some Anchorage-based guides offer private ADA-friendly transportation for day tours (Turnagain Arm, Matanuska Glacier viewpoints, Anchorage city tours). These can be combined into a multi-day package.
Cruise line land tour services (Princess, Holland America, Royal Caribbean) – Even if you aren’t booking a cruise-line land tour, their ground partners often accept independent ADA travelers for pre/post-cruise arrangements and accessible transport services.

Important tips when choosing an agency

When contacting agencies, make sure to specify the wheelchair’s type (manual vs. electric), turning radius, width, and whether the user can transfer to vehicles. This helps them match you with lodging and vehicles that truly meet your needs.

Wheelchair-friendly activities in Alaska

Despite some rugged terrain, many top attractions can be experienced comfortably in a wheelchair. Here are some of the best options for a 5–6 day land itinerary:

Denali National Park Bus Tour (Tundra Wilderness Tour) – Fully ADA-accessible buses with lift systems. Excellent wildlife viewing: moose, caribou, sometimes grizzlies from the road.
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (near Girdwood) – Completely wheelchair-accessible pathways. Great for seeing bears, moose, muskox, bison, and wolves at close—but safe—distance.
Seward & Kenai Fjords Wildlife Cruise – Most major tour boats have ramps and ADA-friendly seating; companies can confirm capacities. Excellent opportunity to see whales, otters, sea lions, puffins, and glaciers.
Anan Bear Observatory & Brooks Falls (traditional bear viewing platforms) – These locations are typically NOT accessible for wheelchairs due to long trails, uneven terrain, and remote access. However, see alternative bear options below.
Anchorage Museum – Fully ADA-accessible and worth at least a couple of hours.
Talkeetna Flightseeing (with restrictions) – Many cannot accept non-transferable wheelchairs, but some companies can help if the user can transfer with assistance. Wheelchair stays at base; passenger gets support boarding on flat tarmac.

Accessible ways to see bears in the wild

While Brooks Falls and Anan are not feasible with a wheelchair, there ARE realistic and rewarding alternatives:

Bear Viewing by Boat (Seward or Whittier) – While not the classic “bears in a river fishing,” you can often see bears foraging along shorelines from a stable tour boat. This is ADA-friendly and gives excellent photo opportunities.
Lake Clark NP (Private Accessible Boat-Based Viewing) – Some companies operating out of Homer offer accessible platforms on boats where bears can be observed grazing on beaches. Check wheelchair transfer needs.
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center – Not wild-feeding behavior, but extremely close, safe viewing of brown and black bears, and completely wheelchair accessible.
Denali Bus Tour – Not guaranteed, but many visitors see grizzlies from the road system. Viewing from a bus window is wheelchair-accessible.

Sample accessible 5–6 day itinerary

Here’s an example of a plan that works well before or after a one-way cruise:

Day 1: Anchorage – Stay at an accessible hotel. Visit Anchorage Museum and Earthquake Park (paved paths).
Day 2: Turnagain Arm & Girdwood – Take an ADA-accessible private tour to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.
Day 3: Seward – Kenai Fjords accessible wildlife cruise (whales, glaciers). Overnight in Seward or return to Anchorage with private ADA van.
Day 4: Talkeetna – Scenic drive or rail to Talkeetna. Optional wheelchair-accessible river float (calm) or sightseeing.
Day 5: Denali – ADA bus tour into the park for wildlife viewing.
Day 6: Return to Anchorage – Final shopping or short excursion before flying out or connecting to your cruise.

Final advice

Nothing in Alaska is automatically ruled out because you have a wheelchair user in the group — you just need an agency that understands logistics. With the right planning, you will be able to enjoy glaciers, wildlife, Denali, and even observe bears safely and comfortably.

It’s absolutely possible to build a rich, inclusive itinerary for your entire group in August. A specialized tour operator will handle the complicated parts for you so your friend can participate in nearly everything.

Tour agency for ADA travel

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