Spencer Glacier Day TripsIceberg Float Raft Trip at Spencer Glacier.

Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop Tours

If you are taking the Glacier Discovery train from Anchorage to Spencer Glacier for the day and want to explore even more while you’re there, here’s a list of some add-on tours you can take. Curious about the train trip itself? Read more about the Spencer Glacier train here.

The weather at Spencer Glacier can be quite different from Anchorage, so in prepping for these tours be sure to wear synthetic outdoor clothes and pack a rain jacket, extra warm layer, wool socks, gloves, hat, and sunglasses. Bring wool socks for the raft and kayak trips and comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots for the hikes.

For more information, reservations on these trips, and Glacier Discovery train tickets, please give us a call at 1-800-266-8625, email info@alaskatrain.com, or to book online visit the Alaska Railroad Spencer Glacier Day Trip page on our sister site AlaskaTravel.com.

Spencer Glacier Iceberg Float
Your experienced raft guides will meet you at the Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop. The boat launch on Spencer Lake is a quick drive down a down former mining road. After a safety briefing, you’ll load up and float across Spencer Lake, getting up close to icebergs and taking in panoramic views of Spencer Glacier. Next comes a raft down the Placer River. This section of the water is scenic and mild, so you should not get wet other than a light splash or two. Further down the river you will board the Glacier Discovery train and head back to Anchorage. Professional guides, rain gear, rubber boots, and a light snack are included. Train tickets must be booked separately.

Spencer Glacier Iceberg Hike
This trip starts with a short drive from the Whistle Stop to an overlook of Spencer Lake. From here your naturalist guide will lead your group on a lakeside trail with perfect views of Spencer Glacier. You will also have a chance to learn about area history, plants, wildlife, and glaciology. This is a moderate hike tailored to the group with the full out-and-back trail just over four miles. You will return to the Spencer Whistle Stop in time to catch the return train to Anchorage. The hike includes professional guiding, trekking poles if needed, and a deli lunch served on the train prior to arrival at Spencer. Train tickets must be booked separately.

Spencer Glacier Kayak with Rail
After disembarking at Spencer you’ll take a short drive down to the kayak base station for safety and paddling instruction. You’ll also get outfitted in a spray skirt, lifejacket, and rain gear as needed before taking the short walk to the lake. Guests who take to the water in tandem (two person) sea kayaks for about an hour across Spencer Lake. During this two-mile paddle you’ll pass among icebergs, from “bergy bits” to boulder-sized chunks, all while in view of Spencer Glacier. Once you reach the far side of the lake, you’ll take a break to hike about a mile on the glacier’s rocky moraine before making the relaxed return paddle. This trip spends a total of six hours at the Spencer Glacier area and returns to Anchorage on the Coastal Classic train. You’ll arrive in Anchorage around 10:15 PM. The trip includes train tickets, professional guiding, kayaks, equipment, and a deli lunch served on the train prior to arrival at Spencer. Dinner is available for purchase in the dining car.

Spencer Glacier Bears, Trains & Icebergs
Want to ensure you seem some wildlife? This trip starts with a train ride from Anchorage to Portage where you’ll disembark for a guided tour of the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. The center is a sanctuary for some of Alaska’s most beloved wildlife, from wolves and bears to moose and musk ox. From here you’ll board the train again for a short trip to the Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop. Next is that fun yet relaxed raft trip among icebergs in the Spencer Lake and down the mild water of the Placer River. The float lasts about two hours. You’ll board the Glacier Discovery train at a river landing for a scenic ride back to Anchorage. The tour includes train tickets, admission to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, professional guides, rain gear, rubber boots, and a sack lunch on the train prior to arriving at Spencer.