9-Hour Spencer Glacier Helicopter & Kayak Tour
Fly, hike, paddle and ride the railroad on a private glacier day
Duration
9 hours
Ideal For
Up to 6 people
Includes
Helicopter flight, kayak, train
Highlights
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
- 8:00 AM — Arrive in Girdwood (transportation from Anchorage available for an extra fee).
- 8:40 AM — Helicopter departure with Alpine Air.
- 9:10 AM — Landing at Comet Glacier/Spencer Bench (landing zone dependent on weather and snow pack).
- Morning–early afternoon — Heli hiking to Spencer Lake via alpine/snow sections and Spencer Bench trail with catered lunch and hot drinks.
- 2:00–4:30 PM — Iceberg kayak paddle on Spencer Lake and raft up to the Spencer Glacier terminus face.
- 4:45 PM — Board Alaska Railroad Glacier Discovery Train to Portage Station.
- 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
Cancellation Policy
Cancel 10 days or more in advance for a 90% refund. Cancellations within 10 days are nonrefundable.
Product ID: EKSYUY
FAQs
Bring hiking boots with good tread, warm layered clothing (synthetic or layers), a rain jacket, warm hat, gloves, binoculars, and a camera. Trekking poles are available if needed.
If you need transportation from Anchorage, it costs an additional $125 per person. If a more expensive R66 helicopter is required due to total weight limits, there is an additional $200 per party charge. Gratuity is not included.
Kayak fit guidelines are about 240 lbs maximum weight and about 6’3” maximum height. Your guide makes the final call in the field based on safety and fit, and a raft option may be used if kayaking is not a fit.
Meeting details
Chugach Adventures, 1553 Alyeska Hwy, Girdwood, AK 99587
