This adventure starts with a short and relaxing train ride during which you select the size of the boots you will be using during the rafting portion of the excursion. After a good safety briefing, safety security vest on, we joined a float with a very experienced rafting guide for a tour around the glacier lake… it was wonderful to see the various blues and turquoise of the glacier and some of the floating ice blocks showing off as natural sculptures. After the lake, Class 2 rapids for a short period, giving us great and safe thrills, followed by a leisurely paced drift along the river during which we saw eagles and several water birds species. We even had a nice hot chocolate on the raft. The tour actually ends right in front of the train to cap a great excursion !
Excellent operation and tour
LaurenDell, 02-09-2022
My family of 4 - 2 kids 8 and 11 - did the Blue Glacier Kayak & Grandview Tour. Our weather wasn't the best - it was a cold and rainy day, so we were pretty apprehensive going in, but it did give the glacier a moody and atmospheric feel and we had a great time regardless (good rain gear and warm clothes was key). Our 3 guides were fantastic and it was very cool to be out on the lake in front of Spencer Glacier , passing giant icerbergs, with no other people around. We didn't get very close to either the Glacier or any icebergs. After getting off the train at the Whistle stop, we took a short bus ride to the shore. After a safety briefing and instructions, we kayaked about 2 miles to a rocky beach where we had a snack (rice krispie treats and hot chocolate.... how have i never combined these things before??), then did a short hike to a glacier viewing spot. After kayaking back to the 1st beach we had a picnic lunch under a large tent where they had a fire going to warm up. I really liked that they used all reusable containers and bags for the lunch. All the guides are required to be Alaska residents so its great to talk to them about life in Alaska which adds to the experience.
The 2nd part of the day was a narrated guide through the stunning Grandview region in the glass domed car of the Alaska Railroad train... this would have been much better if the weather had been better as it was foggy , limiting the views. But it was still beautiful scenery and you go through a series of tunnels alongside a deep gorge which was cool. There also were a number of other passengers with babies and small children that clearly had reached their limits of time sitting on a train, and then were clashing with other disturbed passengers, which created a bit of a circus vibe onboard. At the turnaround point (in a very remote and beautiful area) we were able to get off the train and take a short hike to a waterfall and a lookout point. This part of the tour is run by Alaska Railroad, the Chagach Adventures guides are not with you, but meet you again at the end when you disembark.
All in all highly recommend Chugach Adventures and this tour !
Great day on Spencer Lake
KathyOBJ, 24-08-2022
We had a glorious day on Spencer Glacier with Kyle from Chugach Adventures. He rafted us to the glacier for a short walk & lunch, imparted lots of great information. Great equipment, quality guides, wonderful day.
Must do
Rob S, 30-07-2022
This was one of the best things we did in Alaska. Guides were great, equipment was good. Had a blast kayaking through the icebergs towards the glacier. Finishing the day with a cocktail on the observation deck of the train was a nice ending.
An amazing day
360travelling247, 21-07-2022
We had an amazing day kayaking on the lake next to the glacier and riding the train up to Grandview. Great combination of sports, fun, education, entertainment while kayaking and a gentle train ride through some of the most amazing scenery. Really good food for lunch including veggie and gluten free options. The best part, though, where the guides. Super nice & knowledgeable. They made it feel like we were out there with a group of friends. Well done!