Bears, Trains & Icebergs Tour

The Bears, Trains & Icebergs Tour offers a comprehensive glimpse into the stunning wilderness surrounding Anchorage, USA. Priced at $382.00 per person, this full-day experience spans 7 to 9 hours, making it ideal for travelers with limited time who want to see the best of Alaska’s natural beauty. With a perfect 5.0-star rating from 115 reviews and a 97% recommendation rate, this tour emphasizes scenic views, wildlife encounters, and adventure-packed activities.

This tour is especially appealing for those who prefer to relax while exploring. It combines a scenic train ride, a river float, a glacial lake paddle, and a visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. The logistics are well-organized, with roundtrip Alaska Railroad tickets included, along with a lunch sack, snacks, and modern transportation. A notable feature is the ability to depart from either Anchorage or Girdwood, providing flexibility for different itineraries. While most reviews praise the tour’s organization and guides, some note that the wildlife center visit may be less compelling than the glacier and water activities, which are the true highlights.

Key Points

• Full-day Alaska wilderness experience combining train rides, wildlife viewing, and glacier activities
• Price of $382.00 per person with roundtrip Alaska Railroad tickets included
• Popular tour with bookings made about 75 days in advance
• Two main stops: the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center and Spencer Glacier
• Activities include a guided wildlife tour, iceberg float, and river rafting
• Ideal for travelers seeking a mix of scenic vistas, wildlife encounters, and outdoor adventure

Scenic Alaska Railroad Journey to Spencer Glacier

The tour starts with roundtrip Alaska Railroad tickets, allowing travelers to sit back and enjoy the spectacular scenery without the hassle of driving. The train ride offers views of eagles, beluga whales, and even bears (according to some reviews), with guides sharing stories and facts along the way.

Onboard, expect to see Alaska’s rugged mountains, lush forests, and possibly wildlife like moose. The ride is comfortable and provides an excellent vantage point for photography. The train’s role in this tour is to give a relaxed, scenic transition to the more active parts of the day.

Visiting the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

The first stop is Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, a vital rehabilitation facility for injured and orphaned animals. The guided & interpretive tour lasts about 1.5 hours and includes both walking and driving options.

Visitors get close-up views of Alaska’s iconic bears, as well as other animals like Dall Sheep. The center’s focus on conservation makes this stop meaningful, although some reviews suggest it offers a limited view of wildlife, akin to a small zoo. The visit includes a sack lunch, giving time to relax and reflect on the wildlife seen.

Spencer Glacier Iceberg Float and River Adventure

The core highlight of the tour is the Spencer Glacier Iceberg Float, a 2-hour water activity down the Placer River. Traveling 7 river miles, this float takes participants among floating icebergs that can be touched and even photographed close-up.

This activity is praised for its stunning scenery, with the icebergs and glacier views described as breathtaking. Guides lead the float with extensive knowledge about the area’s birds, wildlife, and geology, making it both an exciting and educational experience. The float ends with the opportunity to touch glaciers and take in the spectacular views.

Rafting and Floating Near the Glacier

Following the iceberg float, the tour continues with river rafting around the glacier area. This part of the trip adds a fun, adventurous element, with guides providing entertaining commentary. Many reviews highlight this as a favorite part of the day, with some describing the rafting as amazing and the scenery as beautiful.

The raft guides, including one named Quin in reviews, are noted for being knowledgeable and friendly, enhancing the experience. While some guests mention they couldn’t paddle out to the glacier due to weather conditions, the overall experience remains highly positive.

Practical Aspects and Logistics

This tour includes a modern, air-conditioned vehicle for transfers, restrooms onboard, and a lunch sack—with dietary requests accommodated if communicated in advance. The tour operates with a maximum of 20 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience.

Guests can depart from Anchorage or Girdwood, making it flexible to fit different travel plans. The tour is suitable for most travelers, with service animals allowed and close proximity to public transportation in Anchorage.

Guided Expertise and Tour Pacing

Guides like Alex, Rachelle, and Kyle receive high praise for their knowledge, personality, and ability to make the day engaging. They share insights about wildlife, geography, and local history, making the journey educational as well as scenic.

The tour balances relaxing train rides, guided wildlife tours, and water activities, with reviews noting that the pacing feels well-managed. Some mention that weather conditions can impact some activities, such as the glacier paddle, but the overall itinerary remains fulfilling.

Tour Reviews and Overall Satisfaction

With a review score of 4.8 out of 5, the tour consistently impresses guests with its organization, guides, and scenery. Many reviewers highlight the knowledgeable guides, beautiful views, and value for money, especially given the inclusion of transportation and meals.

Some minor criticisms mention that the wildlife center may not meet expectations for wildlife viewing and that unforeseen train breakdowns (noted in one review) can affect the experience. However, these are rare and do not detract significantly from the overall high satisfaction levels.

Final Thoughts on the Bears, Trains & Icebergs Tour

This all-in-one Alaska adventure caters to those wanting a relaxed yet active day in the wilderness. It offers scenic train journeys, the chance to see bears and other wildlife, and the thrill of floating among icebergs at Spencer Glacier.

While the wildlife conservation center may not satisfy wildlife enthusiasts expecting a zoo-like experience, the glacier views and water activities truly shine. The tour’s professional guides and smooth logistics make it a reliable choice for travelers seeking a comprehensive Alaskan day trip.

Ideal for families, first-time visitors, and adventure lovers, this tour delivers a balanced mix of scenery, wildlife, and excitement in a well-organized package. The price reflects the value of the included transportation, activities, and meals, making it a worthwhile investment for those eager to explore Alaska’s iconic landscapes in one day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The tour price includes roundtrip Alaska Railroad tickets, a sack lunch, snacks, air-conditioned vehicle transport, and visits to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center and Spencer Glacier.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 7 to 9 hours, providing ample time for all activities, including sightseeing and wildlife viewing.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Yes, the sack lunch can be tailored if notified in advance about dietary restrictions or preferences.

Can I depart from Girdwood?
Yes, guests have the option to depart from either Anchorage or Girdwood, offering flexibility for different locations.

Is the tour suitable for children or mobility-impaired guests?
Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. One review mentions staff assisting guests with mobility issues, indicating good accessibility.

What wildlife might I see during the train ride?
Guests have reported sightings of bald eagles, beluga whales, and bears from the train, depending on the season.

What are the main highlights of the water activities?
Floating among icebergs, touching glaciers, and rafting around the glacier area are key experiences praised for their scenic beauty.

What if the weather is poor?
Some activities, like the glacier paddle, depend on weather conditions and may be limited. However, the overall itinerary provides alternative scenic and wildlife viewing opportunities.

How well is the tour organized?
The tour receives high marks for logistics management, with guides and staff praised for their professionalism and friendly approach.

Can I expect to see bears during the visit?
The wildlife center features bears, but some reviews suggest it offers a limited view of wildlife. The train and water activities provide more chances to see wildlife in natural settings.