8 Ways to See a Glacier in Alaska
Published Monday, June 21st 2021 - Updated Sunday, June 27th 2021Alaska is laced with glaciers. There are numerous options for icy exploration by foot, road, water, or air. Here are a few ways to experience up-close encounters with these ancient Alaskan rivers of ice.
1. Glacier Walking
Alaska’s glaciers are stunning to behold from a distance. But walking out across the ice of Alaska’s glaciers is even more beautiful and fascinating. You’ll get equipped for your unique walkabout with a helmet, trekking pole, and microspikes, which fit over your shoes. Then get ready to explore!
2. Roadside Glaciers
A scenic drive along Glenn Highway offers excellent views of the 27-mile Matanuska Glacier. The Edge Nature Trail will lead you through the forest to glacier viewing platforms.
3. Glacier Day Cruises
Narrated day cruises depart from Whittier to see 26 different glaciers. Day cruises also depart from Seward to the amazing Aialik Glacier. Watch calving glaciers and spot several species of whales, otters, sea lions, Dall porpoises, and puffins.
4. Dog Sledding on a Glacier
A helicopter will land on a glacier, where you’ll find a camp with dogs ready for your adventure. The dogs know what the helicopter’s arrival means—it’s time to run! They’ll start jumping and barking, excited to get going. You’ll take off on an expedition across the glacier, mushing through snow, Iditarod-style. You can choose to drive the sled, or you can just sit back and take in the gorgeous surrounding scenery, including dramatic hanging glaciers.
5. Paddle Near Glaciers
Sea kayaking amid icy chunks to get up-close views of glaciers is another option. An advantage to exploring the waters by kayak is they are quieter than motorized boats. You can gently paddle to closer views of the nearby porpoises, sea lions, and seals.
6. Flightseeing Tours
For a truly high-altitude glacier visit, book a flight in a bush plane or helicopter to tour a whole host of glaciers in a single trip. While flying, look out on alpine lakes, moraines, and crevasses before you land on the glacier. This is an experience totally worth the splurge.
7. Railroad Trips
The Glacier Discovery Train offers opportunities to take unique day trips. You can disembark for a short hike with a ranger to gear up with crampons and a helmet for a glacier trek or hop on a boat for a gentle float among icebergs. Or you can stay on the train and continue to Grandview Valley to enjoy the spectacular scenery through large picture windows.
8. Dinner with a Glacier View
From the Alyeska Resort Aerial Tram, view seven different glaciers in the surrounding mountains. Enjoy a midday picnic or beautiful evening sunset on the observation deck. The Bore Tide Deli and Seven Glaciers Restaurant both offer stunning views of the glaciers as well as the valley below.
Schedule Your Alaska Vacation Planning Session Today!
