Glacier Tours and Day Trips from Anchorage

The glaciers in Anchorage are places you must visit during your stay in this Alaskan city. I tell you everything you need to know to enjoy this natural spectacle.
Glacier Tours and Day Trips from Anchorage

More about: Glacier Tours and Day Trips from Anchorage

Seeing glaciers is one of the best things to do in Anchorage, Alaska if you want to have a unique experience. You will walk on ice formations with a history spanning thousands of years that are constantly moving while enjoying a dreamlike frozen landscape and some special activities.

If you've already decided to see the glaciers during your stay in Anchorage, you'll need to know a little about visiting these ancient natural spaces, such as how to get there, the opening hours, and what you'll see when you arrive, among other things that will help you have an enjoyable experience. I'll explain everything below!

What are the glacier tours in Anchorage like?

Getting to know the glaciers| ©Len Radin
Getting to know the glaciers| ©Len Radin

To access the glaciers in Anchorage , there are several guided tours or excursions available , which are usually very popular because they include transportation, entrance fees, and activities within the glacier. This way, you don't have to worry about anything other than enjoying the experience. You can also reach some glaciers on your own.

Excursion to the Matanuska Glacier from Anchorage

The Matanuska Glacier excursion is a way to access one of the largest natural areas of its kind in the United States (approximately 43 square kilometers). You'll enjoy breathtaking natural scenery with the Chugach Mountains as a backdrop .

On this day trip to the Matanuska Glacier , you'll travel about 160 kilometers with a guide-driver who will tell you about the history of this important ice formation , which is over 5,000 years old and has caves, crevasses, and seracs for you to discover.

  • Price: the cost of this activity is around €282 per person.
  • Duration: the experience lasts approximately 10 hours.

Excursion to Portage Glacier from Anchorage

This activity will allow you to discover Portage Glacier, located about 100 kilometers south of Anchorage. It is a small glacier, at least 11 square kilometers in size, where you can hike on the ice with a guide, contemplating the amazing landscape with mountains and the lake of the same name.

You will also take a walk along the Turnagain Arm of Cook Inlet, which is notable for having what could be the highest tide in the world. Afterwards, this day trip to Portage Glacier usually continues with a cruise around the area, allowing you to get a different perspective and spot wildlife (bears, moose, etc.).

  • Price: this excursion usually costs around €222 per person.
  • Duration: this activity can last around 8 hours.

Book an excursion to Portage Glacier

Helicopter tours to the glaciers of Anchorage

Glaciers and Helicopters| ©Alaska National Guard
Glaciers and Helicopters| ©Alaska National Guard

Booking a helicopter tour with glacier landings is another way to access them. You will fly over Denali National Park, getting a unique perspective of these ice formations found around Anchorage. You can land on a glacier such as Knik and explore the area on foot with your guide.

  • Price: the price of this tour is around $650 per person.
  • Duration: the tour usually lasts a couple of hours (round-trip flight plus walking tour of the glacier). Please note that although the tour is available year-round, during the months of October and April you will not be able to land on top of the glacier due to the thickness of the snow.

Book a helicopter tour with glacier landing

Access the glaciers on your own

Walking on glaciers| ©Len Radin
Walking on glaciers| ©Len Radin

The glaciers in Anchorage offer free access, meaning you can go on your own without having to join a tour. However, you will need to plan your visit and find out about the schedules and rules for the different glaciers to avoid any inconvenience.

Some glaciers require permits to visit, and in other cases, such as the Muldrow Glacier in Denali, visits are suspended during the summer months as a preventive measure against landslides.

Meanwhile, other popular glaciers, such as the Matanuska Glacier, do not allow tours without a guide from October to May. The Portage Glacier, on the other hand, can be visited at any time of the year.

  • Price: The average cost of admission to glaciers in Anchorage starts at around €10 per person. However, this will depend on the glacier visited and the season of the year.
  • Duration: the duration of this type of independent experience could be a full day. It will all depend on the glacier you visit and the activities you do.

Glacier opening hours in Anchorage

Glacier Day| ©Paxson Woelber
Glacier Day| ©Paxson Woelber

Not all glaciers in Anchorage have the same opening and closing times. These times usually vary depending on the glacier you visit, the season, and the type of tour you take (guided or self-guided).

For the main glaciers in Anchorage, the following schedules are available:

  • Matanuska Glacier: open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Guided access is available year-round, while self-guided tours are only available from June to September.
  • Portage Glacier: open to the public every day of the year from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for hiking. The schedule for scenic cruises around the glacier depends directly on the company you book with.

As for the other glaciers located a little further north of Anchorage, you should be aware that their opening hours are quite limited. In most cases, you must request special permission to visit them with a tour operator, so it is difficult to establish a schedule.

Book an excursion to Portage Glacier

Are there guided tours of the glaciers in Anchorage? Are they worth it?

Glacier tour| ©Frank Kovalchek
Glacier tour| ©Frank Kovalchek

Yes, there are guided tours of the glaciers in Anchorage. These types of activities are very popular and definitely worth it. Thanks to them, you will have access to entire glaciers or areas of them that are usually restricted if you go on your own.

In addition, thanks to the company of the guide on these tours, you can learn about the formation of these ancient natural spaces, their importance in the evolution of the planet, and their influence on the history of Alaska. All this while enjoying additional activities such as hiking, exploring caves, kayaking, dog sledding, helicopter flights, and more.

Book an excursion to Portage Glacier

Who can access the glaciers in Anchorage?

Glacier| ©William Welch.
Glacier| ©William Welch.

Anyone who does not have mobility issues and is in good physical condition can access the glaciers in Anchorage. It is also important that you do not have any phobias such as claustrophobia or acrophobia, as some tours take place in caves and deep crevasses.

Children must be 6 years or older, as it may be difficult for them to walk from the visitor center to the glacier. The route usually takes 1 to 2 hours, depending on the glacier you plan to visit. It is also important that both you and your children are prepared to experience the typical conditions of this natural environment (ice, snow, and wind).

Book a helicopter tour with glacier landing

How to get to the glaciers in Anchorage from the city center?

Rental car| ©Brock Wegner
Rental car| ©Brock Wegner

If you plan to visit the glaciers in Anchorage but are in the city center, there are several ways to reach these amazing geological formations. You can take public transportation, drive yourself, or join a tour. It all depends on your preference.

Some ways to get there are as follows:

  • By tourist train: The Glacier Discovery line is available in the city, operated by the Anchorage Transit System (ATS). It has a route to Portage Glacier and Matanuska Glacier, which are the closest to the city.
  • By car: The drive to Matanuska Glacier takes approximately two hours, and you will need to take the Glenn Highway south toward the Matanuska Glacier Highway. If you are going

to the Portage Glacier Visitor Center, the distance is about 90 minutes via the Seward Highway South and then the Portage Glacier Highway.

  • On a tour: You will find guided tours by car, helicopter, and cruise that will take you directly to the glaciers. It all depends on which glacier you are heading to. There are also activities such as the Chugach State Park excursion, which, although not directly focused on glaciers, will allow you to enjoy this natural spectacle as it protects the Matanuska Glacier.

Book an excursion to Chugach State Park

Book an excursion to Chugach State Park

Is it advisable to take a glacier tour in Anchorage with children?

Glacier in the distance| ©William Welch.
Glacier in the distance| ©William Welch.

Visiting the glaciers in Anchorage is a great activity for children aged six and up. Not only will they have fun and enjoy a unique experience, but they will also have the opportunity to learn about these important geological formations.

However, if you are not careful, glaciers can be dangerous for children. Therefore, when planning your trip or contacting one of the best day tours and excursions in Anchorage to visit the glaciers, you should choose activities that are suited to their physical condition. Perhaps a short hiking trail that is not too challenging for them, a sleigh ride, or a cruise are good options.

What you can't miss on your glacier tour in Anchorage

Green and glacial| ©lwtt93
Green and glacial| ©lwtt93

There are many things you can't miss at the Anchorage glaciers, starting with hiking or dog sledding.

For example, if you visit the Portage Glacier, you won't want to miss its nature trails, the blue waters of Portage Lake, and the Turnagain Arm of Cook Inlet.

Meanwhile, at the Matanuska Glacier, don't miss the ice caves, the amazing view of the Matanuska River and the rugged mountains of Chugach State Park, among other things.

How much time do you need to visit the glaciers in Anchorage?

View from the helicopter| ©Roger W
View from the helicopter| ©Roger W

To visit the glaciers in Anchorage , you will need at least half a day, or an average of eight hours. It all depends on the glacier you choose, your physical condition, the activities you plan to do, and whether you visit on your own or through a guided activity, such as the wildlife and glacier tour from Anchorage.

For example, if you go to Portage Glacier, you will need approximately three hours to hike and do some extra activities in winter. In addition, if you want to enhance the experience by joining a scenic cruise around the area, it will take about two more hours. And that's not counting travel time.

Meanwhile, at Matanuska Glacier, you'll have to walk about 10 kilometers, which takes at least two hours to reach the glacier. After that, you could spend another couple of hours exploring the area. Of course, that's not taking into account if you decide to go on a sleigh ride, rafting, etc.

Book a wildlife and glacier tour

Tips for taking an excursion or tour to the glaciers in Anchorage

Getting to know| ©Paxson Woelber
Getting to know| ©Paxson Woelber

The glaciers in Anchorage are a very popular destination. You can visit them on your own or through a tour to enjoy this natural spectacle. Whatever your choice, there are some basic tips to keep in mind.

  • Select the glacier you want to visit based on your needs. For example, if you want to enjoy various outdoor activities, the Matanuska Glacier is ideal, but if you want a panoramic experience, you should go to the Portage Glacier. And if you want to experience a helicopter adventure to get there, the Denali glaciers are the place to go.
  • Dress in layers so you can adjust your clothing according to the weather.
  • Apply sunscreen constantly. Keep in mind that even though the sky is quite cloudy, solar radiation in Alaska is usually intense.
  • Be respectful of the glaciers. These ecosystems are very vulnerable, so you must be conscientious and follow the rules of each of these natural areas.
  • If you plan to go on your own, make sure you know the schedules and alerts for the park where the glacier is located to avoid any setbacks.

Book a helicopter tour with glacier landing

Reviews from other travellers

4.4
· 3731 Reviews
  • S
    S.
    5
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    A tour to enjoy the most beautiful scenery!
  • I
    I.
    4
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    I am leaving full of new experiences far away from my country, I thank our wonderful guides for their patience.
  • M
    M.
    5
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    Wonderful ride!
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    E.
    4
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    I enjoyed myself and had a great time.
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    G.
    4
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    A highly recommended, safe, informative and cultural tour. The guides are an essential part of the tour for their knowledge and kindness.