If you are planning a trip to Alaska, you will want to see the glaciers. In this article, we describe three different ways to experience the glaciers in Alaska.
1. By land
If you prefer to keep your feet on the ground, glaciers can be seen in many cases by short hikes or even by pulling over on the side of a road. It just depends on where you are in Alaska. Exit Glacier, for example, can be seen easily from a stop along the road between Anchorage and Seward. Mendenhall Glacier, near Juneau, is visible from the road, or get even closer by taking a short hike. This is the best option for the less adventurous traveler.
2. By sea
Many cruises will take you up close to glaciers such as Hubbard Glacier or they will transit Glacier Bay. The most popular cruises take a route called the “inside passage” and typically sail between Seward and Vancouver/Seattle. You will be able to get within a few hundred feet of the terminus of Hubbard Glacier when conditions are most favorable. It is amazing to both see and hear the calving of the ice as it falls off into the bay.
3. By air
The best way to experience a glacier is to actually walk on one! In Juneau, for example, excursions are available that will take you onto Mendenhall Glacier via helicopter. The helicopter ride itself provides a great overview of the icy terrain. Your pilot will drop you off on top of the glacier where experiences such as hikes and sled dog teams will await. On the glacier you can drink the water, admire the blue hues of ice, look down a blue hole, or try a glacial facial using glacial silt from beneath your feet! This is a truly unique and memorable travel experience.
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