Glaciers are among Alaska’s highly cherished wild wonders. Unsurprisingly, most visitors to Anchorage seek a glacier tour experience every season.
Read on to get up close and personal with these amazing natural creations. We have compiled a list of the best anchorage glacier tours you’ll love and remember.
What Is The Best Glacier Near Anchorage?
The best and most popular glacier for visitors and locals near Anchorage is the Matanuska Glacier.
Due to its massive size and convenient access via various modes of transport, it is the easiest one to visit. That’s why car rentals are important when traveling.
Besides booking flights, hotels/accommodation, a car hire service is essential to your travel plans.
Most Alaskan tour guides will expect you to show up at the start point using your means. In addition, safety while traveling is unpredictable, and having insurance will go a long way in providing peace of mind.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Anchorage Glaciers?
While you can take a glacier tour in Alaska anytime, the summer months are the most favorable. Between May and September, the weather is warmer, and most hiking trails are easily accessible.
Unlike during winter, you may need to use skis and snowmobiles or get an aerial view of the top most inaccessible peaks.
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The Best Anchorage Glacier Tours
There are various ways to see glaciers from Anchorage. For instance, you can take a helicopter trip for a sweeping view of the Knik Glacier if you can afford it. Alternatively, head south to Portage Glacier for an exhilarating boat tour.
If you are up for a longer trip, travel to Kenai Fjords National Park, Seward, and enjoy a kayaking glacier trip.
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But the best glacier tour you can access by driving along the road North of Anchorage is the Matanuska Glacier.
You can take guided family hikes across the ice, zip line for an aerial view, or drive through on an all-terrain vehicle.
In winter, when the snow is thick, snowmobiling and dog sled trips are the best tours. Make it an ice climbing tour if you dare, but only if you have the experience.
Below are five Anchorage glacier tours you should consider on your next trip to Alaska.
Glacier City Snowmobile Tours
Glide across the Chugach Mountains North of Anchorage on a half-day winter snowmobile glacier tour by Glacier City. The blue ice trip, as they call it, takes you through massive glaciers, ice caves, and icebergs.
It covers as much of the back-country as possible, especially in winter when the ice is thick, and it is safe to visit.
What To Expect At Glacier City Snowmobile Tours
For one to drive the snowmobile, they must be over 16 years. In this case, all participants below 16, with a minimum age of 6, must ride as passengers. Although they provide gear, wear warm and comfortable winter clothes.
Since they are less than an hour’s drive from Anchorage, and there is no public transport, use your rental car.
Alternatively, hire a private vehicle for the trip south. The private car hire may cost four of you an average of $140 each way.
However, if you are already in Girdwood, the tour company will provide free transport to their premises.
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Glacier Tour Prices At Glacier City
| Package | Price per Person | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | $350 | 5.5 Hours |
| Children (6-15 years) | $250 | 5.5 Hours |
The package is an all-inclusive price. Apart from using the snowmobile, you will get snowsuits, boots, helmets, gloves, and goggles.
You will also get a safety brief and the services of an experienced guide. You can also tip the guide at the end of the fun trip.
Working Hours
Glacier City runs two winter snowmobile glacier tours daily. The first begins at 9 am and the second at 1 pm.
Rust’s Flightseeing Tours
Explore Alaska’s captivating landscape and glaciers from the air aboard Rust’s Flightseeing Tours.
You will have an unobstructed aerial view of the rugged backcountry through the high valleys and over frozen glaciers.
Their tour takes you East of Anchorage to Knik Glacier or West to the Triumvirate Glacier. Take in as much of the icy marvel as possible, as photographs are also allowed.
Should you visit during summer, the plane lands on a remote lake, the perfect stop in the trip.
What To Expect From Rust’s Flightseeing Tours
Every passenger aboard the plane gets a window seat and a 2-way headset to talk and listen to the guide.
Since the guide is also the pilot, he knows all the best spots to follow the ice flow and catch a glimpse of wildlife.
Glacier Tour Prices at Rust’s Flightseeing Tours
| Package | Price per Person | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Standard All-year Tour | $345 plus 3% Transport Tax | 1.5 Hours |
| Summer Trip with Lake Landing | $395 plus 3% Transport Tax | 2.25 Hours |
Working Hours
The Rust’s Flight-seeing Tours offices are open all week for bookings from 9 am to 5 pm.
Major Marine Kenai Fjords Cruise Tour
Tour the tidewater glaciers by floating along the Kenai Fjord National Park using Major Marine’s modern vessels.
A few hours from Anchorage, these full-day cruise tours in Seward also include whale-watching in the right season. It is the perfect combo trip for professional photographers and wildlife enthusiasts.
What To Expect During The Major Marine Kenai Fjords Cruise Tour
The cruise trip is open to people of all ages, including anyone with a physical challenge. However, the 8.5 hours long trip is unsuitable for children under 12.
Besides being a safety precaution, the hours spent on open water may be uncomfortable for young kids.
You will visit the remotest part of the park, including seeing various kinds of glaciers. While the tidewater glaciers are common, the cruise also passes some hanging, piedmont, and cirque glaciers.
Since you may spend most of the time on the deck sightseeing, it is important to dress in warm clothes, no matter the season.
For the full-day trips, they offer complimentary lunch, and you can bring snacks but no alcohol.
Glacier Tour Prices At Major Marine Kenai Fjords
| Cruise Type | Price per Person | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| 8.5-Hour Northwestern Fjord Cruise | Adult $269 | June to Early-September |
| 7.5-Hour Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise | Adult $229 Child $114.50 | Late-May to Mid-September |
| 6-Hour Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise | Adult $199 Child $99.50 | Early-May to Late-September |
Working Hours
Major Marine Tour booking offices are open from 8 am to 6 pm.
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Glacier Tours on the Matanuska Hike
Imagine walking on a glacier to see and touch it in awe. Glacier Tours is just 2 hours away, on the Northeast side of Anchorage, which provides hiking tours on the Matanuska Glacier.
These trekking tours are possible in both summer and winter, as you will get a friendly and knowledgeable hike.This tour’s thrill is unmatched and suitable for adults and children year-round.
What To Expect At Glacier Tours On The Matanuska Hike
Although the hike is approximately 3 miles for a round trip, dress appropriately.
Layering is always recommended for all glacier hikes. Even in summer, light but warm clothes are mandatory, as it can get chilly on the ice.
Generally, a summer hiking trip will last up to 2 hours. However, it gets longer in winter when visitors go to the ice cave.
Moreover, a guide is mandatory, and as part of safety guidelines, your package includes crampons and hiking sticks.
Which is Better?
Glacier Tours Prices
| Tour | Price per Person | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Summer Matanuska Guided Tour | Tourists $150 AK Residents $50 Active US Military $50 Children below 14 $30 | 1.5 to 2 Hours |
| Winter Matanuska Guided Tour | Tourists $150 AK Residents $50 Active US Military $50 Children below 14 $30 | 1.5 to 2 Hours |
Working Hours
The guided Matanuska tours by Glacier Tours run daily, departing at 10 am, 11 am, 1 pm, and 2 pm.
ATV Knik Glacier Tour
Ride along the Knik Glacier on an all-terrain vehicle tour for an exciting Alaskan experience. The Alaska Backcountry Adventure Tours runs this scenic trip, lasting nearly 8 hours.
If you are above 16 and weigh below 300 pounds, this tour is the best way to explore Alaska’s uninhabited terrain.
What to Expect at the ATV Knik Glacier Tour
The ATV tours are available between March and October, so make prior bookings to guarantee slots.
While a passenger may not require experience, all drivers must know how to operate one and hold a valid driver’s license. Nevertheless, the guide will brief you on safety rules before the tour begins.
Once you know what is necessary, you will get safety gear, including helmets, goggles, gloves, dust masks, rainwear, and boots. You will then start your ride with a short hot lunch break before your way back.
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Glacier Tour Prices at Alaska Backcountry Adventure Tours
| Participant | Price per Person |
|---|---|
| Driver (16 years and over) | $389 |
| Passengers (All ages) | $249 |
If you do not have transport from Anchorage, they offer it at an extra charge of $100 for a round trip. However, the minimum number of passengers is two.
Working Hours
All participants should check in for their tour at 8 am.
Can I Touch A Glacier In Alaska?
Yes. Although most visitors to glaciers in Alaska prefer to see them from a distance, you can go hiking.
Ice climbing is available for adventurous and skilled rock or ice climbers. It can be a part or separate from your glacier tour package.
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Conclusion
Most visitors to Anchorage seek the experience of a glacier tour, which is a worthy activity. The picturesque drive to Northern Alaska will have you ticking some items off your bucket list.
We recommend booking a five or seven-day trip for an all-around Alaskan adventure experience. Besides glacier tours, an exciting package also include guided fishing, snowmobiling, and wildlife trips.
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