Alaska Glacier Tours, Cruises, Railroad Riding

Treading on thick ice

If the open water is not your thing, you can drive right up to several Alaskan glaciers, including the Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau, Exit Glacier in Seward, the Matanuska Glacier on the Glenn Highway and Worthington Glacier north of Valdez. At Mendenhall and Exit, great trails take you up toward the ice fields where the glaciers are formed. If you want to walk on the glacier itself, it’s best to go with an experienced guide who can keep you from slipping into a crevasse. Even if you’re staying on terra firma, exercise caution near these massive hunks of ice: Ice shed from dry land calving will crush anything in its path.

The granddaddy of all Alaskan glacier experiences is at Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. Sixteen gigantic saltwater glaciers and an ice-carved landscape of valleys, fjords and glacial moraines make this an incredible stop on your glacier-viewing itinerary. Some 60 miles west of Juneau, the park is accessible only by plane or boat, but it’s well worth the trip. Arrange your sightseeing from Gustavus, the tiny community adjacent to the park.

Whether you’re able to fit just one glacier or dozens into your Alaskan vacation, you’ll remain in awe of these massive natural wonders long after you return. Plus, the next time you hear about global warming, you’ll have a dramatic visual to go with the story.

Planning your trip:

• Portage Glacier: Gray Line of Alaska (tel. 907-277-5581, 800-478-6388; www.graylinealaska.com) hosts one-hour cruises from the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center to Portage Glacier for $29. Ask about their walk-up specials.

• Portage Glacier
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• 26 Glacier Cruise: Hop aboard the Klondike Express, operated by Phillips Cruises and Tours (tel. 907-276-8023, 800-544-0529; www.26glaciers.com) to see more glaciers than you’d ever thought possible in a five-hour cruise. Ask about their rail/cruise packages for $139 plus tax.

• Mendenhall Glacier: Pearson’s Pond Luxury Inn (tel. 907-789-3772, 888-658-6328; www.pearsonspond.com) features private entries and decks, robes, slippers, kitchenettes and fireplaces. They have a barbeque, hot tub, rowboat, bikes and kayaks for guests to use. Rates start at $329 per night.

• Exit Glacier: Enjoy lodge-style accommodations just down the road from Exit Glacier at Seward Windsong Lodge (tel. 907-224-7116, 877-777-4079; www.sewardwindsong.com). Rates run from $129 to $215 per night.

• The Regal Princess Liner cruises past the Sawyer Glacier fjord.
• Tony Hisgett

• Matanuska Glacier: You can see the glacier from Majestic Valley Wilderness Lodge (tel. 907-746-2930, www.majesticvalleylodge.com). Rates start at $105 per night; meals can be arranged in advance.

• Worthington Glacier: Nice accommodations at Wild Roses by the Sea B & B Retreat (tel. 907-835-2930; www.alaskabytheseabnb.com) on a bluff overlooking Anderson Glacier. Rates start at $128 per night. While you’re in Valdez, hop aboard Stan Stephens Columbia Glacier Cruise (t866-867-1297; www.stanstephenscruises.com) for a look at one of Alaska’s largest tidewater glaciers. The all-day tour runs $130 per person and includes a light meal.

• Glacier Bay: Opt for the three or four-night Glacier Bay Highlights cruise through Cruise West (tel. 888-851-8133; www.cruisewest.com), departing from and returning to Juneau. Expect to see lots of marine life in addition to glaciers. Rates begin at $1749 per person.