How to see Alaska’s glaciers up close

For millennia, snow has fallen on Alaska. Over time, it has compressed into ice which, in turn, has stuck around through frigid temperatures to form the estimated 100,000 glaciers spread throughout the 49th state. Glaciers are so prevalent in Alaska that they cover roughly 29,000 square miles—some five percent of the state’s entire surface.

With a color palette of dazzling whites and vibrant blues, glaciers are a must-see natural phenomenon on any trip to Alaska. Below, we’ve rounded up some of the coolest ways to see the state’s majestic glaciers on your next vacation.

Cruise ships large and small sail along the coast of Alaska, but for a more intimate experience, ogle glaciers from a sailboat instead. Alaska Adventure Sailing’s S/V Arcturus—a 60-foot, steel-hull expedition vessel—comfortably accommodates up to six passengers, making it a perfect excursion out of southern Alaska for families or groups of close friends.

But don’t think this is like an hours-long, out-and-back tour: you’re on this sailboat for the long haul (we’d recommend a six-day trip—rates start at $2,800 total per day for up to six passengers). Your customizable itinerary will include everything from visiting the glaciers themselves to soaking in hot springs, hiking, fishing, and anything else you can dream up. Captain Louis Hoock will take care of the logistics, as well as prepare gourmet meals for everyone aboard. Trips are tailored to your needs and location, but most sailings depart from Petersburg, Sitka, and Juneau.

Hop aboard the Alaska Railroad’s Glacier Discovery Train for a breathtaking journey through the Alaskan wilderness. After departing from Anchorage in the morning, the train stops in Girdwood, Whittier, Portage, Spencer, and Grandview before turning around for the return journey.

Glacier lovers should get off at the Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop—which is only accessible by train—to marvel at the beauty of Spencer Glacier and Spencer Lake. Hike around at your own pace on the 1.3-mile path (the trailhead is right by the station), or participate in a guided excursion—like a kayak or float trip—before catching the train back to Anchorage later that day. If you want to stay overnight, you can book a campsite or the rustic Spencer Bench Cabin (reservations go live in June each year and nights go fast, so plan ahead).

Let a team of enthusiastic (and totally adorable) Alaskan huskies pull you across a glacier on an outing organized by Alpine Air Alaska or NorthStar Helicopters. Both excursions start with a quick, scenic helicopter ride, followed by a meet and greet with your four-legged chauffeurs for the day. Learn what it takes to care for these highly specialized animals, as well as compete with them in challenging races like the Iditarod or the Yukon Quest. Alpine Air Alaska’s tours ($579 for adults, $529 for children ages two to 11) depart from Girdwood, while NorthStar Helicopter’s outings ($659 per person) start on Douglas Island just west of Juneau.

Calling all adrenaline junkies: You can zip around Alaska’s “blue ice paradise,” as Glacier City Snowmobile Tours calls it, on your very own snowmobile. After a driving lesson and safety orientation, you’ll follow a guide through the Chugach Mountains near Girdwood, cruising across glaciers and past ice caves and icebergs along the way on this five-and-a-half-hour tour ($350 for adults, $250 for kids; you must be 16 or older to drive your own snowmobile but kids ages six to 15 can ride double with an adult).

You’ve heard of sightseeing—but what about flightseeing? One of the best ways to experience Alaska’s beautiful glaciers is from above and there are numerous helicopter tours to choose from, including Outbound Heli Adventures, Alpine Air Alaska, Exit Glacier Guides, Alaska Helicopter Tours, NorthStar Helicopters, TEMSCO Helicopters, and Marathon Helicopters, which all offer a mix of departure locations, durations, landing sites, and add-ons.

For instance, when you book a four-plus-hour “heli-hiking” excursion with Alaska Helicopter Tours ($659 for adults, $609 for children ages two to 11), you’ll ride in a Robinson R44 chopper over Lake George and the Chugach Mountains, then get dropped off at a breathtaking high-alpine hiking area within view of one or, more likely, several glaciers.

If soaring in a fixed-wing aircraft is more your style, you’ve got several glacier flight options, thanks to airplane operators like Talkeetna Air Taxi, Alaska Air Service, and Scenic Mountain Air.

Get up close and personal with Alaska’s Matanuska Glacier by climbing up the ice itself—no prior experience necessary. The mountaineering pros at Nova Alaska Guides will show you the ropes (literally) during a five-hour introductory ice climbing session ($199 per person) in the Chugach Mountains north of Anchorage. Travelers who are looking for more of a challenge can book Nova’s adventure trek tour ($195 per person), which includes a longer, steeper hike to reach more off-the-beaten-path areas of the glacier.