NOVA Alaska Guides
About Us
Family-owned for over 50 years, NOVA Alaska Guides helped pioneer Alaska adventure tourism—launching the state’s first commercial whitewater rafting, opening Six Mile Creek’s Class V canyons, and becoming the first guiding company on the Matanuska Glacier. NOVA is dedicated to delivering authentic Alaskan adventures with a personal touch. Whether you’re exploring rugged backcountry, chasing world-class whitewater rafting, or experiencing Alaska’s wild beauty for the first time, their knowledgeable guides focus on safety, stewardship, and creating unforgettable, real-deal experiences in the Last Frontier.
Why Us?
NOVA Alaska Guides are experts in their field and as a family business for over 50 years, they understand the importance of making every trip memorable. Their small-group approach, deep local expertise, and genuine passion for Alaska—not just as a destination, but as a way of life. Instead of cookie-cutter trips, they tailor each experience to the people in front of them, giving you more time, more access, and a more meaningful connection to Alaska than larger, one-size-fits-all guide services.
Activities & Tours
Glacier Tours
NOVA Alaska Guides’ glacier tours offer an up-close, immersive look at Alaska’s ice-filled wilderness, combining expert interpretation with safe, thoughtfully paced exploration. Guests can expect guided hikes across stunning glaciers, views of deep crevasses and brilliant blue ice, and engaging insights into glacial formation, local wildlife, and the changing Alaskan climate—all led by experienced guides who prioritize both adventure and education.
Matanuska Glacier Tour - Easy adventure level - 3 hours, 10+yrs
Matanuska Glacier Family Tour - Family fun and easy; 3 hours, 8+yrs
Matanuska Glacier Adventure Trek - Moderate level adventure; 6 hour tour; 12 +yrs
Backcountry Ice Climbing - Challenging adventure; 8 hours, 12+ yrs
White Water Rafting
NOVA Alaska Guides’ white water rafting tours deliver an exciting yet approachable way to experience Alaska’s wild rivers. Led by seasoned guides, these trips blend heart-pumping rapids with calm stretches for soaking in mountain views, wildlife sightings, and the raw beauty of the backcountry. With an emphasis on safety, fun, and small groups, each rafting adventure is tailored to create a memorable experience for both first-time rafters and seasoned thrill-seekers alike.
Matanuska River Lions Head - Moderate level, 3 hours, 12+years
Matanuska River Scenic Float - Family Favorite, easy, 2 hours, 5+yrs
Six Mile Creek 2 & 3 Canyon - Challenging adventure! 4hrs, 16+yrs for 3 Canyon and 12yr+ for 2 Canyon
Reviews
“This is by far the coolest thing we have ever experienced. We hiked the Matanuska glacier! It was majestic and breathtaking! We had so much fun! And for those who know me well and were worried about my clutziness, I never tripped once!!! NOVA Alaska Guides was incredible! If you want to do something fun and adventurous in Alaska definitely book with them!”
“I was extremely nervous to raft Six Mile Creek yesterday after having a bad experience in another state. I was so impressed with the staff and they all made me feel at ease”
