About NOVA Alaska Guides

Alaska’s Original Adventure Company

Our Philosophy

For over 50 years, NOVA has shared the Alaska you’ve always imagined—wild, scenic, and authentic. Our trips focus on areas untouched by industrial tourism, blending adventure with a deep respect for nature and culture. Backed by decades of guiding experience, we prioritize safety, provide expert leadership, and aim to enrich every guest’s connection to Alaska’s most extraordinary places.

Alaska Adventures Since 1975

From pioneering river runs such as Matanuska River Lions Head to glacier exploration. NOVA Guides are experts in Alaska experiences.

Years Running Rivers

Miles of River Run

Happy Guests

Years of Matanuska Glacier Tours

50+ Years
Guiding Experience

Our professional guides ensure your time with us is the highlight of your Alaska vacation. Our guides are not interns. we value our guides as professionals earning a real livable wage. They exercise the highest levels of experience, training and professionalism in the industry.
Safety First

Safety is paramount at NOVA and has always been our number one priority. We host Swift Water Rescue courses annually for guides, government agencies and the community. We provide top of the line gear and proper guide training to ensure each trip is a safe trip for our guests.
Caring for the Environment

NOVA is an advocate and steward for keeping wild places in Alaska wild. We follow responsible travel and ‘leave no trace’ ethics when visiting these amazing places. Showing people how to love, appreciate and help preserve Alaska’s special places has been NOVA’s core value since day one.
A Family Business

Alaska’s first and only multi-generational family owned and operated river company, still under original ownership for over 50 years. The family sons are now running the business and are proud to be born and raised Alaskans!

History of NOVA Guides

A peek at Nova’s history from formation to today!

The 1970’s

A decade of exploration and unforgettable firsts.

Our Founder Chuck Spaulding launched our very first adventures on the Matanuska River: Lions Head, the iconic Midnight Sun Run, and our first Overnight rafting trip.
Pushed new boundaries with the first muti-day trips on the Chickaloon River.
Ventured into the wild with the first muti-day expeditions on the Copper River.
Took on the first Talkeetna River multi-day adventures.

The Pioneering Years and
Where it all began

Growth and new Frontiers

The 1980’s

With a growing team and a bold vision, we expanded into new territory

Chuck’s wife Malia joined the team, taking the reins of office management with heart and dedication.
Chuck became the first certified Swiftwater Rescue instructor in Alaska, through The Rescue Company to launch the state’s very first course.
Pioneered the first trips on the legendary Six Mile Creek.
Established Alaska’s first Adventure Sport Van Tour company — Providing an array of unique and challenging experiences.

“I get to show the country I love to people
who would otherwise never see it.”

– Chuck Spaulding, Founder

Interested in reading an interview and article on Chuck Spaulding?

Click Here

The 1990’s

Beyond rivers, into glaciers
and the sea

Kicked off the first glacier tours and treks on the mighty Matanuska Glacier.
Founded Alaska Sea Kayakers in Whittier, guiding travelers through the stunning waters of Prince William Sound. (Sold the Business)
Introduced the first ice climbing adventures on the Matanuska Glacier—a whole new kind of thrill.

New Adventures, New Horizons

Growing With purpose
and going greener

The 2000’s

We grew our presence and deepened our connection with the land

Moved our guide base camp from Chickaloon to Hick’s Creek in Glacier View—planting new roots.
Launched the first raft trips on the Kings River and introduced guided mountain biking on the Permanente Trail.
Acquired River Wranglers in Copper Center, offering rafting and salmon fishing on the Copper, Gulkana, Tonsina, and Klutina rivers—and operated Princess Lodges rafting programs. (Sold the Business)
Installed our first solar panels at Hick’s Creek Base Camp, beginning our long-standing commitment to sustainability. ☀️🌲

The 2010’s

We strengthened our foundation
and looked toward the future

Consolidated operations by relocating our main office to Hick’s Creek, Glacier View—streamlining our business
Invested in our own dedicated Six Mile Creek guide basecamp in Hope

A new home base
and a vision ahead

A Legacy Carried Forward

The 2020’s

A new generation steps in, holding a tradition of value and adventure

Chuck’s sons took the reins, carrying forward the family vision and passion for the outdoors
Launched brand-new Heli Glacier Adventures —continuing to innovate and explore.

The NOVA Experience; Behind the Scenes

We’ve got a lot going on at NOVA: from big energy to cool swag, river photography and stoked guides. Take a peek at whats happening!

Ready to adventure with us?

Book Now

Have Questions?

Visit FAQs Page

Join The Crew

Employment Opportunities

Our team is always looking for additional talent in both guiding, administrative, and general operations. If you think you want to join the crew send us your resume along with a couple photos of yourself to the email address:
jobs@novalaska.com