Spencer Glacier on Postcard

"A remote wilderness area accessible only by train, featuring a peaceful hike with incredible glacier views."

A Guide to Taking the Alaska Railroad, From Where to Hop Off to What Routes to Take

"If you prefer your adventures to be a mix of stunning natural sights and the easy-and-gentle side of the spectrum,hop the Alaska Railroad to Spencer Glacier. The train trip south provides plenty of “oohing” and “aahing” as you gaze out on Turnagain Arm and its mountains. Enjoy a snack along the way. Yes, this one is all about relaxation. Once the train gets to Spencer Glacier, stroll down the wheelchair–accessible mile–long trail. Atthe lake, there are many options, including a float trip past icebergs and out to the glacier; a slightly more energetic kayak trip; or, if you really want to get up close with the glacier, ice climbing. (That last one leans more hard-core—and will give you undeniable adventure cred back home.)"

The Perfect Week in South-Central Alaska

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@afar

"If you prefer your adventures to be a mix of stunning natural sights and the easy-and-gentle side of the spectrum,hop the Alaska Railroad to Spencer Glacier. The train trip south provides plenty of “oohing” and “aahing” as you gaze out on Turnagain Arm and its mountains. Enjoy a snack along the way. Yes, this one is all about relaxation. Once the train gets to Spencer Glacier, stroll down the wheelchair–accessible mile–long trail. Atthe lake, there are many options, including a float trip past icebergs and out to the glacier; a slightly more energetic kayak trip; or, if you really want to get up close with the glacier, ice climbing. (That last one leans more hard-core—and will give you undeniable adventure cred back home.)"

The Best Things to Do in Alaska

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David Fisher

Google

One of the most fascinating glaciers to visit, absolutely breathtaking.

Ascending Path

Google

Love this place!! The only way back to Spencer Glacier is by Alaska Railroad or Helicopter. Hiking, kayaking, rafting and even ice caving and climbing are possible as day trips from Anchorage, Girdwood or Portage.

Tiffany Hill

Google

Getting to the glacier during the summer months is very different than getting there during the winter months. You can only do snowmobile or snow bike during the winter. Dress very warm - ski gear, balaclava, goggles, snow boots/shoes, gloves - all necessary. It gets colder the closer you get to the glacier. It’s at least an hour drive from Anchorage, give or take, depending on road conditions. My uncle has snowmobiles so we were able to get out there on our own since he knew the way, otherwise there are snowmobile guided tours, but I believe they are gonna start at $400 USD, however, they will provide you all the gear needed. So shop around. And pack your camera. It’s stunning. Enjoy your trip to Alaska!

Alex Chirayath

Google

One of the best experiences I've had travelling! If you've been to Alaska and you're fit( heck even if you're not!) this is a place you have to hike. The cold air with the super warm sun make a super combo to try a little adventure. We kayaked to the glacier and hiked on top of it. Highly recommend!

sharan gowda

Google

It is definitely not as close as it looks. A calm beautiful ride on tube to the majestic ice. Beautiful place to checkout for sure!

Ashton Pierce

Google

This place is nothing short of breathtaking! Personally never experienced anything like it.

Becca Cunningham

Google

Our girl scout troop recently travelled to Alaska. Here are the girls’ reviews of Whistle Stop Train/Spencer Glacier boat trip: Bailey – This is so much fun! Our guide (Emily) was amazing and told us all about the glaciers. They even provided cookies and hot chocolate. We got to see a wild moose up close. The train trip was fast and fun. The scenery was beautiful! Hailey – The experience was amazing! Everyone was sweet, knowledgeable and willing to get into the water for us. It was so much fun and I got to learn about glaciers. Madeline – The Whistle Stop Train was quick getting to our destination. The boat trip was information and we were able to see some wildlife. Mei – The train ride was fun and quick. When we got to the rafts, we rode with Emily. She was fun and entertaining to ride with. Delia – I absolutely loved every part of this experience! The train ride was beautiful and the “Janitor” was hilarious! We had a very reasonable amount of time at the visitor center and when we explored the glacier on boats, our guide basically let us direct where we went, which was super cool. Our guide, Emily was very knowledgeable and funny. Kali – Emily was a very good guide and my time was well-spent. We were laughing and giggling the whole time.

Jeanette Warren

Google

We snowmobiled into the glacier area. Snowmobiled across the lake and walked into the caves the water makes in the summer. Walked amongst the many huge formations. One of the best experiences I've had in Alaska❗

David Fisher

Google

One of the most fascinating glaciers to visit, absolutely breathtaking.

Ascending Path

Google

Love this place!! The only way back to Spencer Glacier is by Alaska Railroad or Helicopter. Hiking, kayaking, rafting and even ice caving and climbing are possible as day trips from Anchorage, Girdwood or Portage.

Tiffany Hill

Google

Getting to the glacier during the summer months is very different than getting there during the winter months. You can only do snowmobile or snow bike during the winter. Dress very warm - ski gear, balaclava, goggles, snow boots/shoes, gloves - all necessary. It gets colder the closer you get to the glacier. It’s at least an hour drive from Anchorage, give or take, depending on road conditions. My uncle has snowmobiles so we were able to get out there on our own since he knew the way, otherwise there are snowmobile guided tours, but I believe they are gonna start at $400 USD, however, they will provide you all the gear needed. So shop around. And pack your camera. It’s stunning. Enjoy your trip to Alaska!

Alex Chirayath

Google

One of the best experiences I've had travelling! If you've been to Alaska and you're fit( heck even if you're not!) this is a place you have to hike. The cold air with the super warm sun make a super combo to try a little adventure. We kayaked to the glacier and hiked on top of it. Highly recommend!

sharan gowda

Google

It is definitely not as close as it looks. A calm beautiful ride on tube to the majestic ice. Beautiful place to checkout for sure!

Ashton Pierce

Google

This place is nothing short of breathtaking! Personally never experienced anything like it.

Becca Cunningham

Google

Our girl scout troop recently travelled to Alaska. Here are the girls’ reviews of Whistle Stop Train/Spencer Glacier boat trip: Bailey – This is so much fun! Our guide (Emily) was amazing and told us all about the glaciers. They even provided cookies and hot chocolate. We got to see a wild moose up close. The train trip was fast and fun. The scenery was beautiful! Hailey – The experience was amazing! Everyone was sweet, knowledgeable and willing to get into the water for us. It was so much fun and I got to learn about glaciers. Madeline – The Whistle Stop Train was quick getting to our destination. The boat trip was information and we were able to see some wildlife. Mei – The train ride was fun and quick. When we got to the rafts, we rode with Emily. She was fun and entertaining to ride with. Delia – I absolutely loved every part of this experience! The train ride was beautiful and the “Janitor” was hilarious! We had a very reasonable amount of time at the visitor center and when we explored the glacier on boats, our guide basically let us direct where we went, which was super cool. Our guide, Emily was very knowledgeable and funny. Kali – Emily was a very good guide and my time was well-spent. We were laughing and giggling the whole time.

Jeanette Warren

Google

We snowmobiled into the glacier area. Snowmobiled across the lake and walked into the caves the water makes in the summer. Walked amongst the many huge formations. One of the best experiences I've had in Alaska❗

Spencer Glacier

Spencer Glacier

Photos

Highlights

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