A Journey Begins: The Train to Spencer Glacier

As the first light of dawn crept over Anchorage, I found myself at the train station, a place bustling with anticipation and the promise of adventure. The air was crisp, and the excitement was palpable as I joined the line to collect my ticket for the Spencer Glacier Kayak Tour. I was a little unsure at first, but the process was seamless, and soon I was aboard the Coastal Classic, surrounded by fellow adventurers.

The train ride itself was a spectacle. As we journeyed through the Alaskan wilderness, the landscape unfolded like a living painting. Snow-capped peaks, dense forests, and glistening rivers passed by, each more breathtaking than the last. It was during this ride that I met our guides, Brianna, Ben, and Alex, whose warm introductions and infectious enthusiasm set the tone for the day. Their knowledge of the area and its history added layers of depth to the scenery outside our windows.

Kayaking Amongst Icebergs

Arriving at Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop, the air was filled with a sense of wonder. The glacier loomed in the distance, a majestic wall of blue ice that seemed to beckon us closer. After a brief orientation, we donned our kayaking gear and set out onto the serene waters of Spencer Lake.

Paddling amidst the icebergs was an experience unlike any other. The water was a deep, glacial blue, and the ice formations were both beautiful and humbling. I was paired with Brianna, one of our guides, whose easygoing nature made the experience even more enjoyable. As we navigated the lake, she shared stories of the glacier’s history and the unique ecosystem that thrives in this icy realm.

The tranquility of the lake was occasionally interrupted by the distant rumble of ice calving from the glacier, a reminder of the ever-changing nature of this frozen world. Despite the chill in the air, the exertion of paddling kept us warm, and I was grateful for the advice to dress in layers, though I quickly learned that less is more when it comes to mobility.

A Scenic Return

After a morning of kayaking, we returned to the shore for a well-deserved lunch, our spirits high from the morning’s adventure. The sun had emerged, casting a warm glow over the landscape and revealing a vibrant rainbow that arched across the sky—a magical moment that seemed to encapsulate the day’s experiences.

The afternoon was spent aboard the Glacier Discovery Train, winding through the Upper Placer River Gorge Canyon. This section of the journey was a feast for the eyes, with dramatic cliffs and verdant valleys stretching as far as the eye could see. Ben, our guide for this leg of the trip, regaled us with tales of the region’s history and wildlife, his passion for Alaska evident in every word.

As the train carried us back to Anchorage, I reflected on the day’s events. The Spencer Glacier Kayak Tour had been a perfect blend of adventure and serenity, a chance to connect with nature in one of its most pristine forms. It was a day that left me both exhilarated and at peace, a reminder of the beauty that awaits those willing to seek it out.