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Glacier Blue Kayak & Grandview Train Tour

12 Hour Duration

From start to finish

Hike to the Glacier’s ‘Blue Wall’

Enjoy stunning views of the jaw-dropping Spencer Glacier

Two Scenic Alaska Railroad Tours

The Coastal Classic & the Glacier Discovery Train

Kayak Around Icebergs

Kayak around Spencer Lake and see icebergs up close

Description

Join the Glacier Blue Kayak & Grandview Train Tour for a day packed with adventure and awe-inspiring scenery! On this day tour from Anchorage, you will kayak around icebergs, hike to the glacier’s towering blue wall, and see breathtaking sights along your comfortable journey on the Alaska train. Your two Alaska railroad tours provide unparalleled views of the dramatic landscapes through the Chugach National Forest and Kenai Mountains. These include glaciers and waterfalls, mountain tunnels and canyons, as well as the rocky coastline of Turnagain Arm. Finally, these breathtaking sights in Alaska’s backcountry take you to the remote Spencer Glacier, which is only accessible by train. You’ll paddle around (and can even touch!) the massive icebergs while you kayak across the lake for incredible views of the glacier. Last but not least, a short guided hike to the glacier moraine offers more up-close views of the icy blue wall.

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 Glacier Blue Kayak & Grandview Train Tour begins bright and early at the Anchorage Railroad Depot. But this extra effort brings great reward as the mornings at Spencer Lake offer calm waters which is ideal for a serene and beautiful paddle! After several hours of exploring Spencer Glacier, enjoy lunch next to the lake before boarding the Glacier Discovery train to Grandview. Many people claim this stretch to be the most scenic miles of all Alaska railroad tours! So have your camera ready as you travel to Grandview’s stunning glacial river valley and alpine meadows. This glacier and train adventure is sure to be one of your most memorable and exciting days in Alaska!

Glacier Blue Kayak & Grandview Train Tour Itinerary:

5:45 – 6:00 AM – Arrive at Anchorage Railroad Depot for check-in (tickets at Will Call)
6:45 AM – Coastal Classic Train departs Anchorage. Breakfast/coffee are available, but please let the onboard supervisor know that you will be getting off at Spencer Glacier and need to eat early.
8:00 AM – Guides board the train at the Girdwood stop
9:00 AM – Train arrives at Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop
9:00 – 9:30 AM – Safety briefing and paddle instruction with your professional kayak guides
9:30 – 1:30 PM – Guided Spencer Lake kayaking around icebergs to Spencer Glacier, followed by a short hike to the ‘Blue Wall’ and then lunch.
1:55 – 5:15 PM – Glacier Discovery train ride to the stunning Grandview
5:15 PM – Train arrives in Portage, disembark to board motorcoach bus
6:45 PM – Arrive in Anchorage via motorcoach

For a similar tour that includes guaranteed wildlife sightings, check out the Bears, Trains, & Icebergs Tour! Or, for those who have their heart set on an in-depth glacier walk, we recommend the Matanuska Glacier Hike Day Tour.

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

What's Included

Knowledgeable Guides

Lunch & Beverages

Equipment & Gear

Admission Fees

Guide Gratuities

Frequently Asked Questions

What food and drink options are available on the train?

The onboard Wilderness Snack Café offers a tempting selection of hot and cold items, coffee, and bar service. Please note that the Alaska Railroad is cashless onboard, so a card is required for payment. Our provided boxed lunch includes a choice of either a turkey or vegetarian sandwich, chips, a cookie, fruit, and water. Feel free to bring your own food and drinks onboard the train for a truly unique dining experience.

Are restrooms available on this tour?

Restrooms are available on the train and at the Spencer Whistle Stop, but please bear in mind that there are no restroom facilities once we are on the water, so it is important to plan ahead. To ensure a comfortable journey, make sure to use the restroom facilities before boarding the boat.

Can I join this tour from Girdwood rather than Anchorage?

Your kayak guides will be boarding the train at the Girdwood stop. To ensure a smooth journey, please inform us prior to your tour that you will be boarding in Girdwood. Please note that there is no ticket counter in Girdwood, so you must be ready at the Alaska Railroad Girdwood Depot at 7:45 AM (15 minutes before the train arrives), located at Brundie Rd, Anchorage, AK 99587. Upon boarding the train, you will check-in with the conductor. On your return journey, when guests depart the train at Portage to get on the motorcoach, you will ride in the guides' shuttle van back to Girdwood, arriving around 5:45 PM.

Can I still book this tour if I have more than four people in my group?

Please submit an inquiry for this tour, and we will be more than happy to accommodate your reservation.

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

Yes, checking in at the ticket window one hour before departure is essential. All passengers aged 18 and over must present a valid government-issued photo ID to receive their boarding passes. Boarding typically begins 20-30 minutes before the scheduled departure time, so it is essential to arrive with plenty of time to spare.

How long is the kayaking portion of the tour?

You will embark on a kayaking journey across the lake, covering a total of four miles. It can take between twenty minutes to an hour to traverse the lake depending on the weather.

Where is the train depot?

The Anchorage Train Depot is conveniently located at 411 West 1st Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99501. Paid parking is available at the lot across the street, costing just $20 for 24 hours. Unfortunately, we do not provide transfers for this tour, but most hotels and the airport offer shuttle services to the train depot. Alternatively, taxis are readily available in Anchorage, providing a convenient and cost-effective way to reach the station.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Alaskan weather is often unpredictable, and we can't control water levels, winds, and other natural factors, so this tour heavily depends on weather conditions. While it operates rain or shine, we don't use kayaks or canoes on whitecap days for your safety and enjoyment, but we have other options we can offer. The guide will make the decision, as their knowledge and experience will let them know the safest choice based on the weather. If the tour needs to be canceled, and we cannot reschedule you to another day or offer an alternative, we will refund you.

Can I bring luggage on the train?

Your boarding pass entitles you to two pieces of luggage, each weighing no more than 50 lbs, and one additional, smaller piece of luggage to bring on board. You can leave your bag on board during your excursions with peace of mind, as we have never had any reports of lost or stolen bags.

What's included in this tour? What should I bring and wear?

Your booking includes expert local guides, kayaks, all necessary entry tickets, safety gear, lunch, and train/motorcoach transportation. You should bring a reusable water bottle, cash for guide gratuities, a credit card if interested in buying something on the train, a photo ID, and a camera. As for clothes, the key to staying warm and comfortable in Alaska is to dress in layers, wearing warm clothes that aren't made of cotton and a water-resistant layer on top. Make sure to bring an extra pair of warm socks, gloves, and a hat.

Know Before You Book

Minimum Age: 6 years old • Maximum Weight: 240 lbs • Minimum Height: 75 inches

This tour is suitable for most fitness levels and includes approximately 4 miles of paddling and 3 miles of hiking., To ensure comfort and safety, this tour has a maximum weight limit of 240 lbs and a maximum height of 6’3″.

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

Cancel up to 14-days before the tour for a refund. No refund is available if canceled within 14-days of the tour. If for any reason your tour is canceled, or if your cruise ship's schedule changes, you will receive a refund. Refunds do not include any non-refundable fees. Contact us by phone or email to request a cancellation.

Quick Facts

City

Anchorage

Itinerary • 12h 00min • 6 activities

When you get to the Train Depot, head over to the counter and check-in to receive your boarding pass.

Duration

45 minutes

Take in the stunning scenery of the Alaskan backcountry on your way to the Spencer Glacier

Duration

2 hours 15 minutes

Go through a short safety briefing and equipment fitting session before getting in your kayak!

Duration

30 minutes

Explore the otherwordly beauty of the Spencer Glacier by kayaking and later hiking around the area before stopping for lunch

Duration

4 hours

Board the train and get comfortable while you enjoy even more incredible views of the Alaskan wilderness

Duration

3 hours 30 minutes

Kick back and relax as you head back to Anchorage in a motorcoach

Duration

1 hour 40 minutes