Spencer Glacier Iceberg Kayaking tour combines the scenic beauty of Turnagain Arm with an up-close experience paddling icy Spencer Glacier Lake.
It’s not often that an Alaska experience combines all the elements for a full day of outdoor adventure, but the newly-launched Spencer Glacier Iceberg Kayaking tour ticks the boxes! From riding the historic Alaska Railroad to paddling an icy glacial lake and capturing amazing views (and photographs) every mile of the journey, this is the perfect way to see Southcentral Alaska over a full day.
Most visitors to Alaska want to “do it all”, and we get that; so finding an active day trip into the heart of the Southcentral region’s wilderness is a golden opportunity. Plus, guests are privy to a ride on the Alaska Railroad, traveling deep into the valleys of the Chugach Mountains for an up-close experience at one of the most beautiful glaciers in the state.
The trip begins with a morning pick-up at your hotel in Anchorage, where a clean, comfortable van driven by a local guide provides transportation for the first leg of the adventure. Driving south on the Seward Highway along scenic Turnagain Arm, we’ll take time for photo stops and a chance to spy Dall sheep, moose, and even bears before arriving at the Portage Station to catch the Glacier Discovery train. This quick trip to Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop through the beautiful Portage Valley also includes an onboard United States Forest Service interpretive ranger, who explains some of the natural history and ecology of the mountains, forests, and glaciers viewable from every window. Guests will also enjoy a filling deli lunch before disembarking to fuel up for the afternoon’s activities!
The Glacier Discovery train drops passengers off at Spencer Whistle Stop, a backcountry retreat developed in partnership with the USFS in a remote part of the Chugach National Forest. Accessible in the summer only by the Alaska Railroad, visitors can explore on foot via a well-maintained, 1.3-mile gravel path leading from the tracks to the edge of Spencer Lake, where a spectacular view of massive Spencer Glacier is in full view. Your experience, however, takes place on the icy waters of Spencer Lake.
Greatland Adventures’ guests hop aboard a shuttle bus at the whistle stop for a quick trip to the kayak beach, where life jackets and a safety briefing are provided before launching into the chilly water of the lake. The floating icebergs’ll wow you during the leisurely paddle tour of this pristine glacier water from sea kayaks. Capture plenty of photos during this extraordinary experience in Alaska’s wilderness environments away from the crowds.
After paddling, we’ll flag down the train (one of the trip highlights for many Alaska visitors), and ride back to Portage for a return to Anchorage by about 6:30 p.m. An optional return to Anchorage aboard the train is available for $58 extra per person, but guests should note that the train arrives in Anchorage at approximately 9:30 p.m.
*Note: Pickup is only available at Anchorage and Girdwood hotels. We do not pick up at private residences or vacation rentals (e.g., Airbnb or VRBO). Guests at these locations may meet at our midtown headquarters (854 E 36th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99503) or the nearest hotel.
People who are moderately fit and able to manage up to two hours of upper body exertion during the kayak portion of the trip will find it a unique, active Alaska experience.
Those interested in learning more about glaciers, their geology and hydrology will find this up-close tour to be fascinating, especially when given the chance to paddle among the icebergs, growlers, and ‘bergy bits’ that always float around Spencer Lake.
For those who have always wanted to see the true wilderness of Alaska, where there are not a whole lot of other people, this is an excellent opportunity to enjoy this roadless area within the Chugach National Forest, but still have the assistance and knowledge of experienced, local guides.
Ready to see what we’re so excited about? Get all the details about Spencer Glacier Kayaking Tour here, and book your adventure today!
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