Glacier Blue Kayak & Grandview Tour
This morning tour at Spencer Glacier is consistently the most serene and magnificent time to paddle.
Kayak around icebergs and up close to the Spencer Glacier terminus face, hike onto the moraine, travel through the most picturesque sections of the Alaska Railroad, and enjoy two trains: the Coastal Classic and the Glacier Discovery.
- 4-mile iceberg kayak paddle on Spencer Glacier Lake
- 0.5-mile hike on the moraine at Spencer Glacier
- Train ride to Grandview through the Upper Placer River Gorge Canyon
- This trip is available departing from Anchorage or Girdwood
A perfect paddle for beginners or expert paddlers. There is no tidal influence at Spencer Lake, and the morning tends to be the best time: calm, serene, and beautiful. Feel free to let us know your experience level so we can tailor your tour to your party’s abilities and ambitions. A minimum of 2 guests is required to book. Note that the Coastal Classic train does not stop at Spencer Glacier on Thursdays and Fridays.
Tour Details
- A catered sack lunch is provided (sandwich, fruit/veggies, dessert, and beverages). Vegetarian and other dietary requests are welcome; please notify us in advance.
- Splash tops, spray skirts, and Personal Flotation Devices (life vests) are provided for all guests.
- The paddle across the lake is approximately 2 miles one way. It takes anywhere between 20 minutes (with calm, perfect weather) to 1 hour to paddle across the lake.
- Minimum age for kayak tours is 8 years old. All children participate in tandem kayaks with a parent or the group’s most experienced paddler. Groups with children under 8 may utilize a raft instead of kayaks; please reach out directly if you have young children.
- Maximum weight for kayaks is 240 lbs and maximum height is 6’3″. A lake tour via raft can be provided for guests who don’t meet weight and/or height restrictions. Please let us know as soon as possible if you plan to opt for a raft instead of a kayak. Guide decisions are ultimately made with your safety as the utmost priority.
- There are restrooms on the train and at the Spencer Whistle Stop. No restrooms once on the lake (backcountry options only).
- All guests are required to sign a release of liability.
Full Itinerary
- 6:45 AM – Coastal Classic Train Departs Anchorage (breakfast and coffee available on the train, but please let the onboard supervisor know you will be getting off at Spencer Glacier and need to eat early)
- 7:30 AM – For Girdwood Departures, Meet at the Chugach Adventures Office (1553 Alyeska Highway, Girdwood, AK 99587)
- 8:05 AM – Train Departs Girdwood (Chugach Adventures’ Kayak Guides will board the train and answer any questions)
- 9:00 AM – Train Arrives at Spencer Whistle Stop
- 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM – Kayak on Spencer Glacier Lake and Hike on the Moraine
- 1:00 – 1:30 PM – Lunch
- 2:00 – 5:00 PM – Scenic Train Ride to Grandview Through the Upper Placer River Gorge Canyon
- 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
- Comfortable hiking shoes
- Raincoat and pants
- 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.
“This is one of my favorite trips. Mornings spent kayaking out on Spencer Lake are like no other time of day; the water is glass, the air is calm, and the ice is a brilliant blue in the early light. This trip allows time to really explore the Spencer Valley, and small groups mean that as a guide, I am able to connect more with each guest.”
– Emily Decker, Former Trip Leader from Anchorage, AK
