Glacier Blue Kayak & Grandview Tour

Overview

The Glacier Blue Kayak trip starts with a ride on the Alaska Railroad's iconic Coastal Classic train. The route winds for miles along the Turnagain Arm and into the Kenai Mountains. At the Spencer Whistle Stop guests leave the train and gather with their guides.

Bright blue icebergs stand tall.

It's a short trail to the water's edge where those guides hand out gear and get the group settled in their two-person kayaks. Not too far in the distance bright blue icebergs stand tall above the surface of the lake. They are remnants of ice calving from the Spencer Glacier. Guests pass these picturesque bergs as they paddle two miles across the lake to a stone beach near the glacier's toe.

From here guests leave kayaks behind for a short walk along a rocky moraine left by the retreating glacier. Every now and then it's possible to hear pops and groans as the ancient ice shifts, splits, and settles. The tour concludes with a return paddle and train trip to either Girdwood or Anchorage by way of the Upper Placer River Gorge Canyon, one of the most scenic sections of rail in Alaska.

More Details

Glacier Blue guests are provided all special equipment for this tour. This includes spray skirts, splash tops, and lifejackets for kayaking.

What to Bring

This active outdoor adventure operates in a remote location and in all weather conditions. It is important to dress in warm synthetic layers. Wear a long-sleeved shirt, long hiking pants (not jeans), and a fleece or down jacket. Wear hiking boots or trail shoes. Bring rain gear, gloves, a warm hat, and extra pair of warm socks. Sunglasses are highly recommended. Bring a small backpack, camera, and binoculars.

Special Instructions

Guides tailor every tour to their individual group, but guests should be prepared for several hours of moderate activity. Due to equipment restrictions, the following applies to all guests:

• Maximum weight: 240 lbs
• Maximum height: 6'5"

Transfers & Meeting Points

Guests traveling from Anchorage depart from the Anchorage Depot aboard the Coastal Classic at 6:45 AM (check in one hour prior). Guests traveling from Girdwood depart from the Girdwood Depot at 8:05 AM. All guests get off the train at the Spencer Whistle Stop at about 9 AM.

On the return trip, guests travel aboard the Glacier Discovery train to Portage. From here, guests either board the tour operator's shuttle back to Girdwood (arriving 5:45 PM) or a motorcoach to Anchorage (arriving 6:45 PM).

Anchorage Train Depot
411 West 1st Avenue
Anchorage, AK 99501

Girdwood Train Depot
Brudine Road
Girdwood, AK 99587

Rates & Dates

Here are the rates and operating dates for this product. Remember, we have a lowest price guarantee for nearly everything we sell.

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Departure Times

Departure times and locations are listed below.

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Availability

Select a departure below to see current availability. If your desired date is sold out (red) we will do our best to find an alternative, but we may not be able to accommodate your request.

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