Alaska's Glaciers

Glacier Cruises, Glacier Hiking, Dogsledding, Helicopter Tours

Alaska’s glaciers are massive and majestic, bright white and deep blue, icy cold and oh so cool, and truly must be seen to be believed. Alaska glacier cruises, hiking, and flightseeing offer all visitors one of the 49th state’s most iconic traveler experiences. When glaciers crack, it sounds like thunder striking. Chunks as big as your SUV or condo can come crashing down when they calve into the sea. And with over 100,000 glaciers in Alaska, even in an age of global warming, there’s plenty of awe-inspiring glacier fun to be had whether you explore them on foot, by boat, by rail, or by helicopter.

Some of Alaska’s sparkling glaciers you can practically walk up to (Exit Glacier in Seward, Worthington Glacier in Valdez) or even walk on (Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau, Matanuska Glacier outside of Palmer, Kennicott Glacier in the old mining area of McCarthy-Kennecott). Aboard the Alaska Railroad’s Glacier Discovery route, hop off at a whistle-stop, and spend the afternoon with Spencer Glacier south of Anchorage.

Other Alaska glaciers are easily accessible by boat or air. Prince William Sound is packed with glaciers where you will see over 20 glaciers on a day cruise out of Whittier. If you visit Southeast Alaska, plan to spend time in Glacier Bay National Park, which certainly lives up to its name, with more than 50 named glaciers in the area. Majestic Margerie Glacier is the park’s princess, massive and constantly calving. Fly and land on Ruth Glacier, which is near Denali and arguably as impressive – it sits nearly 3,800 feet tall, grander than the Grand Canyon, and framed by Denali National Park’s majestic mountains and granite walls.

 

Choose from 88 vacations in Alaska related to Alaska's Glaciers

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Alaska Highlights Self-Drive Tour

This independent Alaska self-drive tour features many of the state's most popular attractions and scenic roadways. Visit Denali National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park and the cities of Anchorage, Fairbanks, Valdez, and Seward. The circular... Browse itinerary

Denali Peak Flightseeing Experience

This Denali day trip is the perfect Alaska flightseeing tour by small bush plane to see the majestic mountain of Denali. It provides up-close views of the rugged glacial beauty of the Alaska Range and Denali National Park.... Browse itinerary

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a GMC vehicle and a moose on a paved road in Alaska

All Alaska Classic Self Drive Tour

Explore three of Alaska's National Parks: Denali, Wrangell - St. Elias, and Kenai Fjords. Excellent wildlife viewing opportunities throughout. Travel on four designated National Scenic Byways showcasing Alaska's natural beauty with its jagged mountain peaks, lush alpine meadows,... Browse itinerary

Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise from Anchorage

On this day trip from Anchorage, travel to Seward, Alaska, early morning by motorcoach, then depart on a wildlife and glacier cruise into Kenai Fjords National Park. This seacoast area in Southcentral Alaska is famous for its rich... Browse itinerary

people walking on a valley glacier

Matanuska Glacier Hiking Out of Anchorage

Depart Anchorage by van for an Alaska glacier adventure beginning with a narrated 100-mile drive north through the scenic Matanuska Susitna Valley on your way to Matanuska Glacier. Photo stops will be made along the way to capture... Browse itinerary

a caribou on a dirt road in front of a tour bus

Denali & Glacier Experience

Travel along the scenic Seward and Portage Glacier Highways before entering the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, the second-longest tunnel in North America. On arrival in Whittier, embark on the 26 Glacier Cruise with lunch. Enjoy viewing massive rivers... Browse itinerary

a woman and two children sit on the shore of a glacial lake admiring Spencer Glacier

Family Fun Vacation by Car

An excellent family itinerary designed to allow for a leisurely travel pace with plenty of time for family-oriented activities. Top destinations include Denali and Kenai Fjords National Parks. Touring highlights include riding aboard a "whistle stop" train operated... Browse itinerary

Great Alaskan Road Trip

Explore Denali, Seward, and the Matanuska Valley with the freedom of a rental car. These three destinations complement each other with natural beauty from mountains to valleys to coastlines. The bus tour into Denali National Park is a... Browse itinerary

the yellow and blue 'Alaska' passenger train on a bridge over a river in Alaska; mountains and fall foliage around

Alaska’s Autumn Highlights Tour

Enjoy the vivid fall colors of Alaska both on the ground and in the sky! Begin your journey in Anchorage with a glacier day cruise through Prince William Sound. With an eye out for wildlife, you will travel... Browse itinerary

Mendenhall Glacier Canoe Paddle & Hike

This Juneau day trip begins paddling across Mendenhall Lake in 8 or 12-person canoes.  Take in the awe-inspiring Mendenhall Glacier ahead and the blue icebergs of all shapes and sizes.  Upon reaching the beach near the glacier’s edge,... Browse itinerary

Juneau Helicopter Glacier Walkabout

Juneau Icefield Helicopter Tour and Glacier Hike

On this fun and low-stress Juneau day tour, find out why glacier hiking is the most enjoyable way to explore the scenic wonders of the glaciers flowing from the Juneau Icefield.  After a scenic 15-20 minute helicopter flight,... Browse itinerary

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Circle Alaska Adventure Tour

Ride the Alaska Railroad, explore Denali National Park, search for gold, meet a sled dog team, and much more! Travel abroad on the Alaska Railroad to Denali and Fairbanks and by car to Valdez, Seward, and Anchorage. We... Browse itinerary

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