More Than a Tour Company: The Story Behind Alaska’s Finest Tours & Adventures

At Alaska’s Finest Tours & Adventures (AFTA), we believe travel is more than checking off landmarks. It is about connection. Connection to land, to stories, to people, and to the deeper meanings that shape a place.
This belief is what inspired our founder, Ben, to start AFTA. After years working in the airline and cruise industries, he saw a clear need in Alaska’s growing tourism scene. Too many visitors were being rushed through cookie-cutter experiences without hearing the real stories of this land. Especially the stories rooted in Alaska Native heritage.
Ben started small, with one passenger van and the idea to create tours that felt personal, meaningful, and deeply local. Today, AFTA is proud to operate a full fleet of vehicles and offer curated experiences that reflect both the wild beauty of Alaska and the culture that shapes it. But that original mission has never changed.

Our Mission: Travel With Meaning

AFTA exists to provide unforgettable, culture-rich adventures that honor the stories of Alaska’s first people. We are here to offer more than scenic views. We share knowledge, foster connection, and care deeply about every guest’s experience.
Whether you are exploring Anchorage, visiting from a cruise ship, or planning your own Alaskan journey, our team ensures each moment is handled with care, clarity, and respect.

What Makes AFTA Different

AFTA is 100 percent Alaska Native-owned. That means the stories we tell, the places we share, and the way we operate all come from a place of lived experience. Our guides are local. Our values are rooted in respect and hospitality. And our operations are designed to feel smooth and stress-free from start to finish.
We know Alaska. And we know how to make you feel welcome here.

Our Values

Every tour we give is built around the values that guide us every day:
Excellence: Thoughtful planning and dependable operations let you focus on enjoying the experience.
Connection: We go beyond the surface, sharing stories that bring the land to life.
Respect: We honor the land, our guests, and the diverse cultures that live here.
Community: Our presence in Anchorage includes public art, gardens, and the landmark sculpture Anuali, which has brought beauty and meaning to our corner of the city.

Anuali: A Landmark of Healing

Outside our headquarters in Anchorage stands a striking Dall sheep sculpture named Anuali. For many guests, he’s a photo stop. For our team, he’s something much more.
Anuali was placed here by Ben as a tribute to suicide awareness, mental health, and healing after loss. He discovered the sculpture through a local artist who had also experienced personal grief. The connection was immediate.

Anuali was placed for the ones left behind. For anyone who carries invisible burdens. For anyone who needs a reminder that someone out there cares.
His name means “a life fully lived.” And like Denali , “The Great One” , Anuali represents strength, resilience, and remembrance. He invites all who pass by to pause, reflect, and reconnect.

He also carries a quiet message. A reminder to check in. To speak up. And to treasure life: yours and the lives of those around you.
Travel That Stays With You

Whether you’re looking for a cultural walking tour in Anchorage, a glacier adventure, or a shuttle along the scenic Turnagain Arm, we invite you to experience Alaska through the lens of community, heritage, and heartfelt hospitality.
Our team is here to make sure your visit is unforgettable for all the right reasons.