Girdwood: Bears, Trains, & Icebergs Tour

The Girdwood: Bears, Trains, & Icebergs Tour promises a captivating adventure through the heart of Alaska’s stunning landscapes. Visitors can expect to encounter native wildlife at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, marvel at the breathtaking vistas aboard the Glacier Discovery Train, and embark on a serene float through Spencer Glacier Lake, where they’ll come face-to-face with majestic icebergs. This immersive 7 to 9-hour experience offers a unique opportunity to take in the natural wonders of the region. For those seeking an unforgettable journey through Alaska’s diverse ecosystems, this tour seems to be an excellent choice.

Key Points

• The tour offers a guided visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to observe native Alaskan wildlife like bears, moose, and bald eagles.
• Guests embark on a scenic train ride on the Glacier Discovery Train, enjoying panoramic views of the Chugach Mountains and rugged Alaskan landscape.
• The tour includes a float tour on Spencer Glacier Lake, allowing for close encounters with icebergs calved from the glacier.
• The tour is suitable for families and individuals, with gourmet lunch, snacks, and outdoor gear provided.
• The tour is highly rated by customers for its relaxed atmosphere, knowledgeable guides, and balance between nature immersion and comfort.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Girdwood: Bears, Trains, & Icebergs Tour is a 7 to 9-hour excursion that takes visitors through the breathtaking Alaskan landscape, offering a glimpse into the region’s diverse wildlife and natural wonders.

Priced from $382 per person, this tour is conducted in English and allows for free cancellation up to 10 days in advance.

Highlights include a guided tour of the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, a scenic train ride to Spencer Glacier, and a float tour on the glacier’s lake and Placer River Valley.

Along the way, guests will enjoy a gourmet sack lunch, snacks, and the use of provided equipment like rubber boots and rain ponchos.

Itinerary Highlights

First, visitors explore the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC) on a guided 1.5-hour tour, where they witness the rehabilitation efforts for injured and orphaned wildlife.

Next, they board the Glacier Discovery Train for a scenic ride to Spencer Glacier, offering breathtaking views of the Alaskan landscape.

Wildlife Conservation Center

Visitors begin their tour at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC), where they embark on a guided 1.5-hour exploration of this rehabilitation facility for injured and orphaned wildlife.

The AWCC is home to a variety of native Alaskan species, including bears, moose, caribou, and bald eagles. Guests can opt to walk through the grounds or take a scenic driving tour, allowing them to observe the animals up close in their natural habitats.

The knowledgeable guides share fascinating insights about the center’s mission to rehabilitate and release these majestic creatures back into the wild.

This immersive experience offers a unique opportunity to learn about Alaska’s diverse wildlife and the conservation efforts in place to protect them.

Glacier Discovery Train

After exploring the wildlife center, guests board the Glacier Discovery Train for a scenic journey to Spencer Glacier.

This train ride offers beautiful vistas of the Alaskan landscape, allowing visitors to take in the stunning natural beauty of the region. The train winds through the scenic Chugach Mountains, providing panoramic views of the rugged terrain.

This relaxing ride is a highlight of the tour, giving travelers a chance to sit back and enjoy the breathtaking scenery.

The train eventually arrives at Spencer Glacier, where guests will disembark and prepare for the next part of their adventure – a float tour on the glacier’s lake.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Spencer Glacier Float Tour

The float tour on Spencer Glacier Lake and Placer River Valley offers visitors a unique and serene experience, allowing them to witness the stunning panoramic views and icebergs that dot the glacier-fed waters.

Passengers will gently float down the calm, Class I to II river, suitable for all ages and with minimal splashing.

The float tour provides the opportunity to get up close with the remarkable icebergs that have calved from the nearby Spencer Glacier.

Throughout the journey, guests can admire the breathtaking Alaskan landscape and wildlife.

The float tour is a perfect addition to the Girdwood: Bears, Trains, & Icebergs Tour, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the natural wonders of this stunning region.

Inclusions

The Girdwood: Bears, Trains, & Icebergs Tour includes a gourmet sack lunch, with dietary restrictions accommodated, as well as snacks, an air-conditioned vehicle, and a restroom on board. Plus, the tour provides roundtrip AK Railroad tickets and entry/admission to both the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center and Spencer Glacier. For added convenience, the tour includes rubber boots, rain ponchos (if needed), and Personal Flotation Devices (life vests).

Inclusions	Description
Gourmet Lunch	Dietary restrictions accommodated
Snacks	Provided on board
Transportation	Air-conditioned vehicle with restroom
Tickets & Admission	Roundtrip AK Railroad, AWCC, Spencer Glacier
Outdoor Gear	Rubber boots, rain ponchos, life vests

Important Information

Depending on the booking option, the meeting point for the tour varies between Anchorage and Girdwood.

The tour isn’t suitable for children under 2 years old or wheelchair users, though strollers are allowed. Service animals are permitted, and the tour is located near public transportation.

Participants are recommended to bring a camera, gloves, a hat, and warm clothing for the excursion.

The tour offers an accessible, relaxed experience for families and individuals alike. With a range of transportation options and accommodations for various needs, the Girdwood: Bears, Trains, & Icebergs Tour ensures a comfortable and enjoyable adventure for all participants.

Customer Reviews

Reviewers have provided overwhelmingly positive feedback on the Girdwood: Bears, Trains, & Icebergs Tour, awarding it an impressive 5/5 overall rating based on 2 reviews.

Guests highlight the tour’s relaxed atmosphere and knowledgeable, friendly guides.

One reviewer describes the experience as ‘enjoyable for the whole family,’ praising the variety of activities and the stunning natural scenery.

Another notes that the tour struck the perfect balance, allowing participants to fully enjoy the Alaskan wilderness while maintaining a comfortable, stress-free pace.

With rave reviews and a perfect score, the Girdwood tour appears to be a must-do activity for anyone seeking an unforgettable Alaskan adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Extra Time Is Needed for Transportation Between Meeting Points?

The meeting point varies, so additional transportation time is needed between locations. Depending on the booking option, this can range from 15 to 45 minutes to reach the tour starting point.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

The tour operator does not currently offer any discounts for seniors or students. However, they may consider introducing such discounts in the future to make the experience more accessible to a wider range of travelers.

Can Guests Bring Their Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Guests are typically allowed to bring their own food and drinks on tours, unless specified otherwise. However, the tour operator for this specific tour provides a gourmet sack lunch, so bringing outside food may not be necessary.

Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Spencer Glacier Float Tour?

According to the tour details, there is no option to extend the duration of the Spencer Glacier float tour. The tour is listed as a set 7-9 hour experience with the glacier float being one of the included activities.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for Bookings Made Less Than 10 Days in Advance?

The cancellation policy for bookings made less than 10 days in advance is that there’s no free cancellation. Customers would likely forfeit their full payment if they need to cancel within 10 days of the tour date.

Recap

The Girdwood: Bears, Trains, & Icebergs Tour is a captivating adventure that showcases the diverse natural wonders of Alaska.

From encountering native wildlife at the Conservation Center to marveling at the breathtaking Chugach Mountains and floating alongside icebergs, this tour offers an unforgettable experience for visitors seeking to enjoy the stunning Alaskan landscape.

You can check if your dates are available here: