Most travelers planning things to do in Anchorage in summer don’t realize how many world-class glacier experiences lie within a day’s reach of Anchorage, and Greatland Adventures can get you there. Whether you’re looking for a sweeping view of these ancient rivers of ice or want an adrenaline-fueled day exploring their most dramatic features, there’s a glacier tour in Alaska for every type of traveler.
If a full day of adventure is what you’re after, the Spencer Glacier Iceberg Kayaking trip is the perfect introduction to everything that makes Alaska unforgettable. Board the historic Alaska Railroad Glacier Discovery train and enjoy a deli lunch during the short but scenic ride to Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop. From there, we’ll transfer to Spencer Glacier Lake via a one-mile shuttle bus ride, then spend time paddling on the icy waters of Spencer Lake. Be wowed by the floating icebergs during the leisurely paddle tour of this pristine glacier water from sea kayaks, and we’re sure you’ll capture plenty of photos during this extraordinary experience in Alaska’s wilderness environment.
Who will enjoy this adventure: Kids 11 and up, and adults with upper body strength and stamina to paddle a kayak. This is a full-day trip with driving, a train ride, and kayaking. Guests do not need any kayaking experience, but should be prepared for variable water and weather conditions.
For an excellent introduction to glacier tours in Alaska, the Matanuska Glacier Summer Tour takes place on the mighty Matanuska Glacier, located two hours northeast of Anchorage. Alaska’s most accessible glacier is a popular destination for visitors, and our all-local guide team will show off the unique attributes of glaciers, the area’s history, and lead a hike along the ancient ice.
Who will enjoy this adventure: This full-day Anchorage day tour is a great way to experience a glacier with anyone aged eight and older. While there is a fair amount of walking, the guide team is ready to assist and provides all the gear necessary for a safe day on the ice.
Spend a day admiring the beauty along the Seward Highway on our Turnagain Arm Glacier and Wildlife Tour, traveling from Anchorage to Portage Valley. In addition to a one-hour cruise on the M/V Ptarmigan to view Portage Glacier, we’ll stop at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, a 200-acre facility dedicated to the conservation of Alaska’s most iconic wildlife, and take a ride up Alyeska Resort’s aerial tram to the top of Girdwood Valley, home to seven hanging glaciers along its mountaintops.
Who will enjoy this adventure: Everyone! This trip is suitable for all ages and stages and is one of our most popular Anchorage Alaska summer tours. An excellent choice for groups as well.
Join Alaska’s four-legged athletes on our Glacier Dog Sledding Helicopter Tour, riding behind Alaskan huskies while taking in the dramatic landscapes of Girdwood’s glacial backcountry. The journey begins with lift-off above Girdwood Valley on a breathtaking helicopter flight into the heart of the Chugach Mountains. Enjoy spectacular photo opportunities from the air before touching down on Punchbowl Glacier, a vast snowfield sitting 3,200 feet above sea level.
On the glacier, mushers meet the helicopter and introduce you to their team of Alaskan huskies. After a quick introduction to how the sled operates, an exhilarating ride across the snow takes place, surrounded by a jaw-dropping panorama of glaciers and mountain peaks. This adventure can also combine a second glacier landing after the sled dog experience for the ultimate mountain adventure!
Who will enjoy this adventure: Guests whose bucket lists include a sled dog experience with a dash of high-alpine rush. This tour operates between May 15 and August 31 only.
The Knik Glacier Helicopter Tour departs from a base at Alaska Glacier Lodge and flies over the Knik River and Glacier, through the Great Gorge towards Whiteout Glacier, Colony Glacier, and the icebergs in Lake George. Land on Knik Glacier and explore with the pilot/guide before returning to base (we almost always see moose, mountain goats, bands of Dall sheep, and occasionally bears during the summer months).
Who will enjoy this adventure: Those with a desire to see as many glaciers as possible and learn about their centuries-old existence in Alaska. This half-day trip is also a great option for those with limited time, or as a complement to other Anchorage day tours earlier in your trip.
Not sure which glacier tour Alaska has to offer is right for your group? Here’s a quick breakdown by activity level, group type, and time to help narrow it down:
| Best For | Activity Level | Duration | |
| Spencer Glacier Kayaking | Active adventurers, ages 11+ | Moderate | Full day |
| Matanuska Glacier Tour | Families, first-time glacier visitors | Easy-Moderate | Full day |
| Turnagain Arm Glacier & Wildlife | All ages, groups, cruise guests | Easy | Full day |
| Glacier Dog Sledding Helicopter Tour | Bucket-listers, thrill-seekers | Low-Moderate | Half-Full day |
| Knik Glacier Helicopter Tour | Scenery lovers, limited time | Easy | Half day |
If you want to get your boots on the ice, the Matanuska Glacier Tour is the most accessible of the glacier tours Anchorage has available. For the most dramatic scenery with the least physical exertion, either helicopter option delivers, and the Knik tour packs an impressive amount into just half a day. Families and groups searching for the best things to do in Anchorage in summer should look no further than the Turnagain Arm Glacier and Wildlife Tour, which checks nearly every box in a single outing.
Most glacier tours from Anchorage are within easy reach. Portage Valley and Turnagain Arm are 30-40 minutes away, Matanuska Glacier is about two hours northeast, and our helicopter tours lift off just outside the city and reach the glaciers in minutes.
No prior experience is required for any of our Anchorage glacier tours. Greatland Adventures provides all necessary equipment and expert local guides on every trip.
The Turnagain Arm Glacier and Wildlife Tour is suitable for all ages and is our top pick for families. The Matanuska Glacier Summer Tour or Matanuska Glacier Winter Tour is also a great family-friendly Anchorage day tour for kids aged eight and older.
Be sure to explore all of Greatland Adventures’ Anchorage Alaska summer tours and other fabulous Alaska experiences on our website. Our team is always available to answer questions or offer advice to make sure your Alaska vacation is the best ever! Call us at +1 907 980 8179.
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Spencer Glacier Iceberg Kayaking
Kayak among the icebergs of Spencer Glacier. Enjoy an incredible opportunity for up-close photos of floating glacial ice! Includes round-trip transportation from Anchorage.
Explore the amazing blue glacier ice of Matanuska Glacier. We generally spend two hours and walk three miles on the ice. Includes round-trip transportation from Anchorage.
Turnagain Arm Glacier & Wildlife Tour
Travel the scenic Seward Highway along Turnagain Arm to Portage Valley. Take a scenic tram to the top of a mountain, cruise an iceberg dotted lake to view a glacier, and view Alaska's iconic animals up close. The choice is yours!