9-Hour Spencer Glacier Helicopter & Kayak Tour

Explore Spencer Glacier on a private adventure combining a scenic helicopter flight, alpine hiking, iceberg kayaking and a railroad journey. Your day returns to Girdwood by train and shuttle after time on Spencer Lake.

• Fly over the glaciated Chugach and Kenai Mountains
• Hike through alpine terrain, snowfields, lakes and creeks
• Paddle among icebergs on Spencer Lake in a sit-inside kayak
• Ride the Glacier Discovery Train through Upper Placer River Gorge Canyon
• Enjoy a private experience for your booking party

Itinerary

1. 8:00 AM — Arrive in Girdwood (transportation from Anchorage available for an extra fee).
2. 8:40 AM — Helicopter departure with Alpine Air.
3. 9:10 AM — Landing at Comet Glacier/Spencer Bench (landing zone dependent on weather and snow pack).
4. Morning–early afternoon — Heli hiking to Spencer Lake via alpine/snow sections and Spencer Bench trail with catered lunch and hot drinks.
5. 2:00–4:30 PM — Iceberg kayak paddle on Spencer Lake and raft up to the Spencer Glacier terminus face.
6. 4:45 PM — Board Alaska Railroad Glacier Discovery Train to Portage Station.
7. 5:15 PM — De-board at Portage for shuttle to Girdwood; return arrival ~5:45 PM.

What's Included

• 20-minute scenic helicopter flight
• Catered sack lunch, drinks and snacks
• Personal flotation device
• Trekking poles if needed
• Glacier Discovery Train ride
• Shuttle return to Girdwood

Important details

• Arrive at 8:00 AM for gearing up and orientation
• Ages 8+ only; a minimum of 2 people is required per booking party
• Requires hiking on uneven alpine terrain; the route and landing location vary with weather, snow and group ability
• Bring hiking boots with good tread, warm layers, warm socks, a rain jacket, warm hat and gloves
• Kayaks have approximate limits of 240 lbs and 6 ft 3 in; a raft may be used if a kayak is not suitable
• Helicopter seats have a 290-lb maximum weight limit; if you exceed it and the helicopter cannot fly, the helicopter charter cost still applies
• An additional $200 per party applies if an R66 helicopter is required because total passenger and guide weight exceeds the R44 limit
• Bring a government-issued photo ID if you are 18 or older for the Alaska Railroad, or bring two forms of ID with one issued by a government authority
• Expect weather, wind, water conditions and group ability to affect the route; kayaking may be replaced with rafting or an extended hike in windy conditions
• Transportation from Anchorage is not included and costs an additional $125 per person if used
• Gratuity for your guide is not included