Bears, Trains, & Icebergs Tour

Alaskan trifecta: bears, Alaska Railroad trains, and icebergs at Spencer Glacier.

$247 - $399

Visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, Alaska’s premier rehabilitation facility for injured and orphaned wildlife, for a guided interpretive tour of the animals. Then board the Glacier Discovery train and continue on to Spencer Glacier for the Spencer Glacier Float. Get up close and personal to stunning icebergs with panoramic views of Spencer Glacier and the surrounding mountains. Return via the Glacier Discovery train to Portage Train Depot.

Visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center for guaranteed wildlife (bears, moose, wood bison, caribou, and more)
Float by icebergs on Spencer Glacier Lake, then 7 miles down the Placer River Valley
This trip is available departing from Anchorage or Girdwood

Perfect tour for ALL ages and abilities. We have had guests as young as 1 and wise guests into their 90’s on this trip.

Tour Details

Tour begins at the Girdwood Train Depot. Originating from either Anchorage or Girdwood.
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC) tour runs approximately 1.5 hours and includes walking and driving options to view the animals.
A catered sack lunch is provided (sandwich, fruit/veggies, dessert, and beverages). Vegetarian and other dietary requests are welcome; please notify us in advance.
Maximum guest-to-guide ratio is 9:1 per raft.
Family and friends are placed on the same raft. Max capacity is 8 adults per raft. A private raft is available for an additional cost; please call us to arrange.
Placer River float is a Class I to II (with high water), mellow, braided river with no big rapids. Most guests will not get splashed. If you are concerned about getting splashed, request a spot in the raft that is NOT “splashy” when speaking to your guide.
Rubber boots, rain ponchos (if raining), and Personal Flotation Devices (life vests) are provided for all guests.
Personal baggage can be left on the train while you go on your adventure. Small bags are welcome in the raft (waterproof bags recommended).
Minimum age for the Alaska Railroad is 5 years old. Chugach Adventures can accommodate children as young as 2 years old with pre-approval; please call us to discuss. Children must be able to wear a life vest and sit comfortably for at least 2.5 hours.
There are restrooms on the train and at the Spencer Whistle Stop. No restrooms on the river (backcountry options only).
All guests are required to sign a release of liability.

Full Itinerary

Anchorage Departure:

9:45 AM – Glacier Discovery Train Departs Anchorage
11:00 AM – Deboard at Girdwood Train Depot to start AWCC Tour

Girdwood Departure:

10:30 AM – Pickup from Hotel Alyeska Front Lobby by Chugach Adventures Guide (if applicable)
10:45 AM – Meet at Girdwood Train Depot (for guests starting in Girdwood with their own vehicle)
11:00 – 11:15 AM – Shuttle Van Ride to Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
11:15 AM – 1:00 PM – Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC) Tour
1:00 PM – Return to Portage Train Depot for Lunch
1:15 PM – Train Arrives at Portage Train Depot
1:25 PM – Train Departs Portage Train Depot
1:55 PM – Train Arrives at Spencer Whistle Stop
2:00 – 4:45 PM – Spencer Glacier Float Rafting Tour (2 hours on the water)
5:00 – 5:15 PM – Return via Train to Portage Train Depot
5:15 PM – Board Motorcoach Bus/Shuttle Van
5:45 PM – Arrival in Girdwood by Chugach Adventures’ Shuttle Van
6:45 PM – Arrival in Anchorage by Motorcoach Bus

What to Bring

Warm, waterproof clothes and layers
Warm socks
Warm hat
Gloves
Raincoat and pants
Binoculars
Camera (note: we cannot guarantee it won’t get wet)

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations made 10 days or more in advance are 90% refundable. Cancellations within 10 days are nonrefundable.

Alaska Railroad Cancellation Policy and Change Fee: All paid bookings are subject to a 10% change fee for the railroad portion of the trip cost if a date or name change is requested within 30 days.

“You won’t see more in a single day on the Alaska Railroad than on this trip. Many of our guests tell us it is their best day in Alaska.”

– Ari Stiassny, Owner and Operator from Alaska