The Best Glacier Tour From Anchorage: Prince William Sound

Alaska is a place of stunning views, amazing wildlife, and unparalleled adventure. If you are visiting Anchorage, a glacier tour from Anchorage should definitely be at the top of your list. You can see towering mountains to amazing glaciers, this is one of the best ways to truly immerse yourself in Alaska’s incredible wilderness.

This was one of the highlights of my trip to Anchorage and should be included. Some people can do this boat tour while they are docked in Anchorage, as part of an Alaskan Cruise. There are many activities outside of Anchorage, like hiking in Denali National Park or sea kayaking in Seward, there are many ways to to experience the beauty.

As you prepare for your Anchorage glacier tour experience, picture yourself cruising past monumental glaciers, and pristine fjords, while spotting wildlife and birds in their natural habitat. Whether you’re a nature lover, photographer, or someone seeking a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, this trip blends it all. A glacier tour from Anchorage into Prince William Sound is not just a tour – it’s an unforgettable experience.

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Scenic Drive Through Turnagain Arm and Chugach Mountain State Park

Your adventure starts before you board the boat. The trip to Whittier, where your Prince William Sound boat tour begins, is an adventure in itself. The drive takes you through the Cook Inlet and along Turnagain Arm, offering one breathtaking view after another. You’ll pass through Chugach Mountain State Park, with its beautiful mountains and valleys that stretch as far as the eye can see, as long as the sky is clear!

And if you’re into quirky landmarks, don’t miss the Anton Anderson Tunnel. This 2.6-mile tunnel, the longest train tunnel in North America, was originally built in 1940 to serve military purposes. Today, it’s the only way to access Whittier by land, and you’ll need to arrange your travel time to accommodate the alternating traffic schedule, as it is shared with the train and vehicle traffic both ways. Be sure to take a moment to appreciate the tunnel’s unique and very cool history as you drive through it.

Whittier: A Tiny Town with Big Character

Whittier is a small but fascinating town, accessible by the tunnel you just passed through. It’s one of the most unusual places in Alaska, with most of its population living in just one building. This structure is both a residential and commercial hub, and it’s one of the only places you’ll find lodging, dining, and more in the town.

Whittier is also a cruise port, so there’s no shortage of visitors making their way to the town. While it may be small, it’s packed with history and charm, making it an interesting spot to visit before you head out on your boat tour in Prince William Sound.

3.5 Hours of Scenic Beauty and Glacier Wonders

On your glacier boat tour from Anchorage, you’ll board your boat with Lazy Otter Charters to explore Prince William Sound, one of Alaska’s most remarkable and serene destinations.

Prince William Sound is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, is over 10,000 square miles, includes numerous tidewater glaciers, and over 3,000 miles of coastline. It is bordered by the Kenai Peninsula to the west and the Chugach Mountains to the north and east.

Home to abundant wildlife like whales, sea otters, and bears, it’s a haven for nature enthusiasts. The Sound’s communities, such as Valdez, often rely on fishing. While celebrated for its beauty, it also bears the scars of the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill, a stark reminder of environmental vulnerability. Despite this, Prince William Sound remains a remarkable and ecologically significant region.

The 3.5-hour journey begins as you sail through the stunning waters. Trust me, the views are amazing, no matter what the weather is like. Trust me, it was rainy and foggy when I did this tour, but was still worth it. Your boat takes you to Blackstone Bay, a stunning fjord known for its dramatic scenery, including the impressive Beloit Glacier and Blackstone Glacier.

This fjord was carved by glaciers retreating over time, leaving behind sheer cliffs, wide glacier outwash streams, and incredible rock formations. It’s a striking visual experience – a place where nature’s raw power is on full display.

The glaciers formed over centuries through the accumulation and compression of snowfall into ice. These massive ice formations then slowly flowed downhill, carving out valleys and eventually reaching the ocean as tidewater glaciers, where they calve and create the dramatic icebergs seen in Blackstone Bay.

One of the coolest things we also saw was the Northland Waterfall, a prominent feature, often seen flowing down the steep rock walls that surround the bay, contributing to the dramatic landscape alongside the glaciers.

Wildlife, Birdwatching, and More

One of the highlights of our glacier tour from Anchorage is the chance to see Alaska’s incredible wildlife. As you cruise through Prince William Sound, you may spot sea otters, harbor seals, humpback whales (April to September), and bears along the coast.

Birdwatching in Alaska is exceptional. There is a good chance you will see a variety of birds, including bald eagles, black-legged kittiwakes, pigeon guillemot, and surf scoters to name a few. In the summer months, you should be able to see Horned and Tufted puffins. Unfortunately, I visited in September, so I missed seeing them – but I am planning a return trip to see them!

Be sure to pack a good camera and binoculars – you never know what wildlife you’ll encounter.

Your boat will also stop at a little inlet where you’ll be able to disembark and explore the natural geology and thick rainforests that make this region so special. Enjoy a relaxing break with a snack and a hot drink, giving you the perfect opportunity to reflect on the beauty of the place you’re visiting.

Why This Glacier Tour Is a Must-Do Experience

The glacier tour from Anchorage is one of the most remarkable ways to experience the beauty and power of Alaska. It truly was an amazing experience and is so close by to explore. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, this Prince William Sound tour offers something for everyone.

FAQ for 4 days in anchorage

Make This Glacier Tour Part of Your Alaska Adventure

If you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure during your trip to Anchorage, Alaska, a glacier tour from Anchorage is one of the best ways to experience the true beauty. Cruising through Prince William Sound to see Glaciers like the Beloit and Blackstone, offers a rare glimpse of Alaska’s natural wonders. Don’t miss the opportunity to see incredible wildlife, and beautiful views and enjoy a day you won’t soon forget. It is a must-do experience for anyone visiting Alaska.

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