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Bears, Trains, & Icebergs Tour with Alaska Shore Tours
  • Bears, Trains, & Icebergs Tour with Alaska Shore Tours
  • Bears, Trains, & Icebergs Tour with Alaska Shore Tours
  • Bears, Trains, & Icebergs Tour with Alaska Shore Tours
  • Bears, Trains, & Icebergs Tour with Alaska Shore Tours
  • Bears, Trains, & Icebergs Tour with Alaska Shore Tours
  • Bears, Trains, & Icebergs Tour with Alaska Shore Tours
  • Bears, Trains, & Icebergs Tour with Alaska Shore Tours
  • Bears, Trains, & Icebergs Tour with Alaska Shore Tours
  • Bears, Trains, & Icebergs Tour with Alaska Shore Tours
  • Bears, Trains, & Icebergs Tour with Alaska Shore Tours
  • Bears, Trains, & Icebergs Tour with Alaska Shore Tours
  • Bears, Trains, & Icebergs Tour with Alaska Shore Tours
  • Bears, Trains, & Icebergs Tour with Alaska Shore Tours
  • Bears, Trains, & Icebergs Tour with Alaska Shore Tours
  • Bears, Trains, & Icebergs Tour with Alaska Shore Tours
  • Bears, Trains, & Icebergs Tour with Alaska Shore Tours
  • Bears, Trains, & Icebergs Tour with Alaska Shore Tours
  • Bears, Trains, & Icebergs Tour with Alaska Shore Tours
  • Bears, Trains, & Icebergs Tour with Alaska Shore Tours
  • Bears, Trains, & Icebergs Tour with Alaska Shore Tours
  • Bears, Trains, & Icebergs Tour with Alaska Shore Tours

$382.00

5 out of 5 based on 2 customer ratings
(2 )

Bears, Trains, & Icebergs Tour

Arriving

Scenic Alaska Train Tours

From Anchorage to the remote Spencer Glacier, accessible only by rail


Spencer Glacier River Float

One of the most scenic glacier river rafting trips in Alaska


Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

See Bears, Moose, Bison, & Caribou


Family-Friendly Tour

With gear and lunch provided

Get ready for a day full of adventure on the Bears, Trains, & Icebergs Tour! When you combine guided excursions with Alaska train tours it makes it all about the journey and the destination. Sit back and marvel at the beautiful landscapes of Alaska in a comfortable and roomy railcar with large picture windows. Friendly railroad guides share the stories behind the sights as you pass by rushing rivers and snow-capped mountain ranges on your way to the remote Spencer Glacier. With exciting and fun excursions at multiple stops, it’s the best way to see and experience the beauty of the Last Frontier!

Please note: This tour can depart from Girdwood or Anchorage, so when contacting our reservations team, please indicate where you will be departing from.

Your first destination on the Bears, Trains, & Icebergs Tour comes after the train passes along the dramatic shoreline of Turnagain Arm and then arrives at the Portage stop. Here, a quick shuttle bus takes you to the incredible Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center for a 90-minute guided visit. This rehabilitation center and sanctuary for injured and orphaned wildlife offers the unique opportunity to view bears, moose, bison and more. Hear stories of the resident wildlife and learn about their care as you walk (or opt to ride in a vehicle) for the 1.5 mile tour. Then, fuel up with lunch before the train departs Portage and heads south, away from the road system and into the wild backcountry of the Chugach National Forest.

Excitement builds as the train arrives at the remote Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop and your glacier rafting adventure begins! Your expert local guides row up close to mesmerizing glacial icebergs floating in the lake. Take in the scenery and snap photos with panoramic views of Spencer Glacier and the surrounding mountains. Then, enjoy a mellow and stunningly scenic float down the Placer River before boarding the return train. Your adventure-filled day on the Alaska railroad comes to a close as you depart the train at Portage to board the motorcoach bus for quicker transportation back to Anchorage. This is sure to be one of your best days in Alaska!

Bears, Trains, & Icebergs Tour Itinerary:

  • 8:45 – 9:00 AM – Arrive at Anchorage Railroad Depot for check-in (tickets at Will Call)
  • 9:45 AM – Glacier Discovery Train departs Anchorage
  • 11:00 AM – Guides board train at the Girdwood stop
  • 11:35 – 1:00 PM – Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center visit at Portage stop
  • 1:00 PM – Lunch provided
  • 1:25 PM – Train departs Portage
  • 1:55 PM – Train arrives at Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop
  • 2:00 – 4:45 PM – Spencer Glacier Lake & Placer River float
  • 5:00 – 5:25 PM – Return on the last stretch of your Alaska train ride to Portage Station
  • 5:30 PM  –  Arrive in Portage and board motorcoach bus to save 2 ½ hours on your return journey
  • 6:45 PM – Arrive at Anchorage via motorcoach

Interested in more Alaska train tours? Check out the Glacier Blue Kayak & Grandview Train Tour for a similar excursion. Also, if you’re headed to Skagway on a cruise, take a look at the Bennett Lake Scenic Journey and White Pass Train & Bike Tour!

Girdwood guests can join this excursion, too! Please see FAQs.

Port

Anchorage

Type

Family-friendly, Glacier View, Rafting, Wildlife Viewing

Length

9 hours

Adult Rate

$384

Child Rate

$239 (ages 2-11)

Minimum Age

The minimum age for this excursion is 2-years-old. Children must be able to wear a life-vest and comfortably sit for 2 ½ hours in a raft.

Cancellation Policy

Cancel up to 14-days before your tour for a refund, less any non-refundable fees.

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    Do I really need to check-in at the train depot an hour before departure?

    Answer: Yes, you are required to check-in at the ticket window one-hour before departure and show a government issued photo ID (for those age 18 and older) to receive boarding passes. Boarding begins 20-30 minutes prior to departure.

    Where is the train depot?

    Answer: The Anchorage Train Depot is located at 411 West 1st Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99501. Paid parking is available at the lot across the street, it is $20 for 24 hours. We do not provide transfers for this tour, but most hotels and the airport may provide a shuttle to the train depot. Alternatively, taxis are readily available in Anchorage.

    Can I bring luggage or bags on the train?

    Answer: Each passenger may check two pieces of luggage at the Anchorage train depot, no more than 50 lbs each, and may carry one additional piece on board. You may leave your bag on board during your excursions. While we cannot guarantee the safety of your bag, we have never had any instances of lost or stolen bags. You may bring a small bag to have on your lap while on the raft, although it may get wet.

    What food and drink options are available on the train?

    Answer: The onboard Wilderness Snack Cafe offers a selection of hot and cold items as well as coffee and bar service. Please note that the Alaska Railroad is cashless onboard and a card is needed. The provided boxed lunch contains turkey or vegetarian sandwich, chips, cookie, fruit and water. You are welcome to bring food and drinks onboard the train.

    What is provided? What should I wear/bring?

    Answer: Expert guides, rubber boots, rain poncho (if needed), PFD, and train/motorcoach transportation, as well as lunch are provided. Dressing in layers is the key to comfort with Alaska's unpredictable weather. Wear warm clothes, preferably in a material other than cotton and with a water-resistant outer layer. Bring an extra pair of warm socks, gloves, and a hat. It is a good idea to bring a reusable water bottle, cash for guide gratuities, and credit card if interested in purchasing items on the train as the Alaska Railroad is cashless onboard. Don't forget your camera and photo ID for check-in!

    Are restrooms available?

    Answer: Restrooms are available on the train, at the AWCC, and at the Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop. There are no restrooms along the river.

    What can I expect on the river float?

    Answer: You can expect the most scenic glacier river rafting in Alaska! The mellow Placer River is a class I-II in high water, and you'll be floating for 7 river miles. There are no big rapids and guests are rarely splashed. The raft seats 6-8 guests.

    What speed does the train travel?

    Answer: The train travels at a leisurely pace, averaging 30 mph. A unique advantage to this train is it slows down at the most scenic areas to offer you the best viewing and photo opportunities!

    I have more than 4 people in my party, how can I book this tour?

    Answer: Please submit an inquiry for this tour and we will most likely be able to accommodate your reservation.

    Can I join this tour from Girdwood rather than Anchorage?

    Answer: Yes! Your raft guides will be boarding the train at the Girdwood stop. You must inform us prior to your tour that you will be boarding in Girdwood. There is no ticket counter in Girdwood. You'll need to be ready at the Alaska Railroad Girdwood Depot at 10:45 AM (15 minutes before the train arrives), located at Brundie Rd, Anchorage, AK 99587. You will check-in with the conductor on the train. On your return journey, when guests depart the train at Portage to get on the motorcoach, you will ride in the guide's shuttle van back to Girdwood, arriving around 5:45 PM.

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