From cruising along stunning fjords to trekking near glacial valleys, the state offers spectacular views of these ancient icy giants. Here's a guide to the best places to see glaciers in Alaska, featuring unique experiences that bring you up close with these awe-inspiring natural wonders.
1. Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier
Endicott Arm Fjord, culminating in the striking Dawes Glacier, is a prime location for glacier viewing. This fjord offers some of the most pristine wilderness areas in Alaska, characterized by its deep blue waters and towering cliffs adorned with waterfalls. Cruising through this fjord not only provides opportunities to see Dawes Glacier—a spectacular tidewater glacier known for its active calving—but also wildlife like bald eagles, seals and occasionally bears along the shoreline. The journey through Endicott Arm is both serene and thrilling, making it one of the best places to see glaciers in Alaska.
2. Hubbard Glacier
The Hubbard Glacier, accessible from Yakutat Bay, is renowned for being the largest tidewater glacier in North America and is especially impressive due to its high calving activity. Viewing the Hubbard Glacier as it calves is an unforgettable experience, where massive blocks of ice crash into the water, creating thunderous sounds and dramatic waves. The sheer scale and dynamic nature of this glacier will captivate any visitor, emphasizing why it's among the best places to see glaciers in Alaska.
3. Prince William Sound
Home to over 150 glaciers, including the spectacular Columbia Glacier, Prince William Sound offers a wealth of glacial sights. Cruises and kayaking excursions in the sound provide close-up views of several tidewater and alpine glaciers. These trips also offer a chance to encounter the sound’s diverse marine life, making for a comprehensive natural adventure in one of the best places to see glaciers in Alaska.
4. Mendenhall Glacier, Juneau
Just a short drive from Juneau lies Mendenhall Glacier, set within the magnificent Tongass National Forest. This accessible glacier allows visitors to explore on foot via several trails or view from the visitor center. More adventurous options include guided glacier walks or kayaking on Mendenhall Lake for a closer view of the ice. The proximity and variety of viewing options make Mendenhall Glacier a popular and convenient choice for experiencing Alaska's icy landscapes.
5. Tracy Arm Fjord
Tracy Arm Fjord offers a dramatic and intimate glacier viewing experience with its steep cliffs, large icebergs and the twin Sawyer Glaciers at its end. Cruises navigating this narrow fjord provide up-close encounters with the glaciers, while the surrounding environment teems with wildlife, adding to the overall experience. Tracy Arm's remote beauty and active glacial calving make it a standout destination among the best places to see glaciers in Alaska.
6. Glacier Sightseeing From a Cruise Ship
One of the best ways to admire the stunning natural beauty of Alaska's glaciers is from the deck of a cruise ship. Gaze at glaciers and majestic mountains with acres of glass exposing panoramic views — and never miss your next best photo op from the comfort of a luxurious ship. With the summer's long daylight hours, an Alaska cruise gives you plenty of time each day to take in the scenery and the temperatures will be warm enough for comfortable glacier-viewing from the deck.
Why Visit These Alaskan Glaciers?
Choosing to visit these best places to see glaciers in Alaska offers a chance to witness some of the most breathtaking natural phenomena on earth. Each location provides different ways to experience and interact with glaciers, from boat and kayak tours to scenic drives and hikes, catering to all types of adventurers. Whether you're watching giant icebergs calve off into the ocean or kayaking in glacial waters, these experiences are bound to be the highlight of any Alaskan adventure.
