Ride the Alaska Railroad, see wildlife, and float among Spencer Glacier icebergs
7–9 hours 30 minutes
Train tickets, lunch, float gear
Explore Alaska by train, wildlife tour, and gentle river float. See rehabilitated animals at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center before floating past icebergs on Spencer Glacier Lake.
Anchorage Departure: 9:45 AM – Glacier Discovery Train Departs Anchorage 11:00 AM – Deboard at Girdwood Train Depot to start AWCC Tour
Girdwood Departure: 10:40 AM – Pickup from Hotel Alyeska front lobby by Chugach Adventures guide 10:45 AM – Meet at Girdwood Train Depot to start AWCC Tour (for guests starting in Girdwood with their own vehicle)
11:00 – 11:15 AM – Shuttle van ride to Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center 11:15 – 1:00 PM – Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center Tour (AWCC)– Alaska’s Premier Wildlife Sanctuary for injured and orphaned big game Alaska animals located in Portage, Alaska 1:00 PM – Catered Sack Lunch Provided, Return to Portage Station 1:15 PM – Train Arrives at Portage 1:25 PM – Train Departs Portage 1:55 PM – Train Arrives at Spencer Whistle Stop 2 – 4:45 PM – Spencer Glacier Float Tour (2 Hours on the Water) 5 – 5:15 PM – Return Via Train to Portage Station 5:15 PM – Anchorage & Girdwood guests board motorcoach bus / shuttle van for quicker transportation back to their original location 5:45 PM – Arrival into Girdwood / Hotel Alyeska 6:45 PM – Arrival into Anchorage
Cancellations made 10 days or more in advance are eligible for a 90% refund. Cancellations within 10 days are nonrefundable.
Product ID: 4R6PXV
Bring warm clothes and layers, extra socks, plus a hat and gloves.
Float a mellow Class I to II (with high water) braided section of the Placer River with no big rapids. Most guests do not get splashed; if you are concerned, ask your guide for a less “splashy” seat in the raft.
Use restrooms on the train and at the Spencer Whistle Stop. There are no restrooms on the river (backcountry options only).
Driving the Seward Highway south of Anchorage, you will spot the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center before you fully expect it, a broad sanctuary tucked between spruce forest and tidewater. Brown bears wade through meadow grass, wood bison graze in open pastures, and bald eagles perch at eye level. The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center gives every visitor a rare, unhurried look at animals that define the Alaskan wilderness.
Chris, Kimberly, and Elizabeth lead tours that consistently impress visitors with their deep knowledge of Alaska and genuine enthusiasm for sharing it. Guests rave about the personalized attention, especially on smaller tours, and appreciate how guides accommodate photo stops and wildlife viewing opportunities. The food selections are delicious, and the tours cleverly combine history, culture, and local dining experiences. Whether exploring the Wildlife Conservation Center, hiking to Matanuska Glacier, or discovering Anchorage eateries, travelers feel they're getting an authentic local perspective rather than a typical tourist experience. A few guests wished for more food and fewer sweets on the culinary tours, or hoped for greater focus on hidden gems beyond downtown spots. One reviewer felt the downtown tour could have offered more detail for the price, and another noted some portion sizes felt small. These are minor quibbles in an otherwise stellar track record. The guides' willingness to customize experiences and run tours even for just two people demonstrates real commitment to quality. Traffic around Anchorage can occasionally slow things down, but the guides make the most of every moment with engaging stories and flexibility.
No words for how amazing this is! Book it! I agree with all the positive posts below. Something to add- see the photo from the train here. Its SO cool to be on the train after your trip because you hear everyone on the train ooh and awe about the beauty and you sit back and think "I kayaked that". Once in a lifetime trip
Annette Kuhn-Wine
August 31, 2026
No words for how amazing this is! Book it! I agree with all the positive posts below. Something to add- see the photo from the train here. Its SO cool to be on the train after your trip because you hear everyone on the train ooh and awe about the beauty and you sit back and think "I kayaked that". Once in a lifetime trip
Annette Kuhn-Wine
August 31, 2026
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