What should you wear, and what gear is provided?

Wear hiking or running shoes (footwear is not provided) and bring warm clothes and layers, plus warm socks. The tour provides splash tops, spray skirts, and personal flotation devices (life vests).

Are restrooms available during the tour?

Use restrooms on the train and at the Spencer Whistle Stop. Once you are on the river, there are no restrooms (backcountry options only).

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Spencer Glacier Guided Kayak Tour

Name: Spencer Glacier Guided Kayak Tour
Brand: Chugach Adventures
Price: 482.94 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.9 (158 reviews)

Kayak among icebergs and ride the Alaska Railroad through Grandview

4.9 stars• 158 reviews

Duration

10 hrs 15 mins–12 hrs 45 mins

Includes

Train tickets, lunch, gear

Highlights

Explore Spencer Lake by kayak, paddling among icebergs near the Spencer Glacier terminus. Combine calm-water paddling with a moraine hike and scenic rail travel through Grandview and the Tunnels.

Paddle approximately 4 miles across Spencer Lake among icebergs
Hike onto the Spencer Glacier moraine for expansive glacier views
Ride two Alaska Railroad trains through Grandview and the Tunnels
Capture glacier and lake scenery, keeping cameras protected from water
Enjoy paddling on a lake with no tidal influence

Itinerary

Anchorage Departure: 6:45 AM - Coastal Classic departs Anchorage (Breakfast & Coffee are available on the train, but please let the onboard supervisor know that you will be getting off at Spencer Glacier and need to eat early.) Girdwood Departure: 7:30 AM - If departing from Girdwood, meet your guides at the Chugach Adventures' Office at 1553 Alyeska Highway, Girdwood, AK 99587. 8:05 AM - Coastal Classic departs Girdwood (Chugach Adventures' Kayak Guides board the train at this location). 9 AM - Arrival at the Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM - Iceberg Kayak on Spencer Glacier Lake; 4 Mile Kayak Paddle. Short Hike at Spencer Moraine. 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM - Lunch 2 - 5 PM - Scenic Train Ride to Grandview through the Upper Placer River Gorge Canyon- The Most Scenic Section of the AK Railroad. 5:15 PM - Arrive in Portage and board the motorcoach back to Anchorage, or take Chugach Adventures' Van Shuttle Back to Girdwood 5:45 PM - Return to Girdwood by Chugach Adventures' Van Shuttle OR 6:45 PM - Arrive in Anchorage by Motorcoach Bus

What's Included

Alaska Railroad tickets
Catered sack lunch
Bottled water
Personal flotation device
Splash top
Spray skirt

Important details

Ages 8+ only for kayak tours
Maximum kayak weight: 240 lbs
Maximum kayak height: 6 ft 3 in
Children ride in tandem with a parent or the most experienced paddler in your group
Children under 8 may be able to join by raft instead of kayak
Wear hiking or running shoes, warm layers, and warm socks
Restrooms are available on the train and at Spencer Whistle Stop only

Cancellation Policy

Cancel 10 days or more in advance for a 90% refund. Cancellations within 10 days are nonrefundable.

Product ID: X2VWWJ

FAQs

Join the kayak tour if you are age 8+; children paddle in tandem with a parent or the most experienced paddler in your group. If you have children under 8, you may be able to join by using a raft instead of kayaks.

Yes. The maximum kayak weight is 240 lbs and the maximum height is 6'3". If you don’t meet these limits, you may be able to take a similar lake tour by raft instead.

Expect about 4 miles of total paddling. The paddle across Spencer Lake is about 2 miles each way and can take 20 minutes to 1 hour depending on conditions.

Review summary

4.9

Excellent

158 reviewsGoogle Maps

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.

What people are saying

I was able to take my whole family on a safe river rafting experience. I have girls at 3 and 9 years old, and they did great on the trip. We started and was able to see the Spencer Glacier before going down the Placier River. The rapids are mild and the guides do most of the paddling. The river is peaceful and has spectacular views. Our guide Emily was professional and informative of the area. Great chance to see an area of the peninsula that has limited accessibility.

Adam S.

October 15, 2026

Adam S.

October 15, 2026

Meeting details

1553 Alyeska Hwy, Girdwood, AK 99587, United States

Experience provided by Chugach Adventures

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