Alaska: Glacier Train, Wildlife Center & Spencer Iceberg Float

Summary

Alaska wildlife, glacier train rides and floating past icebergs in one day

You’ll ride Alaska’s Glacier Discovery Train, walk among rescued wildlife with a local guide, share stories over lunch, then float right past towering icebergs on Spencer Lake before drifting down seven miles of river—all in one day. Expect moments of quiet awe mixed with laughter and maybe even a splash or two.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I was a little nervous about seeing real bears up close—my hands kind of smelled like sunscreen and nerves when we first stepped off the shuttle at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. Our guide, Jamie (who grew up nearby), told us stories about orphaned moose calves and how they rehab eagles with busted wings. The air had that sharp, mossy smell you only get in Alaska after a rain. We wandered between enclosures—sometimes walking, sometimes just pausing to listen to ravens arguing overhead. I didn’t expect to feel so much for these animals; it’s not a zoo vibe at all.

The Glacier Discovery Train rolled in with this low whistle that made everyone look up from their phones. It’s funny—one minute you’re sipping coffee out of a paper cup and the next you’re staring out at mountains that look fake. Jamie pointed out where avalanches had cut through the trees last winter. The ride was smooth but there’s something about train tracks curving along rivers that makes you want to just stare quietly for a while. Lunch was simple—a sandwich and chips—but honestly, it hit the spot after all that fresh air.

Getting onto the raft at Spencer Glacier Lake felt clumsy (I almost lost my footing), but once we pushed off, everything got quiet except for paddles dipping into icy water. Floating past those blue-white icebergs—some cracked open like giant geodes—felt weirdly peaceful and a little unreal. Our guide cracked a joke about “Alaskan margaritas” if you wanted to chip off some glacier ice for your drink. I still think about how cold my fingers got when I reached over to touch one of those chunks drifting by. Seven miles down the Placer River sounds long but it goes by fast when you’re just watching light bounce off water and wondering what else is around the bend.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Wildlife tour and iceberg float

• Shuttle to Wildlife Conservation Center
• Guided tour of animals
• Enjoy provided sack lunch
• Float on Spencer Glacier Lake
• Boat 7 miles down Placer River

Top questions

How long is the Bears, Trains & Icebergs tour?

The tour lasts one day and includes several hours at each location plus train travel time.

Is lunch included on this Alaska glacier tour?

Yes, a sack lunch is provided during the tour.

What animals can I see at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center?

You may see bears, moose, eagles, and other rescued Alaskan wildlife.

How far do you float on Spencer Glacier Lake?

The float covers about 2 hours on Spencer Glacier Lake plus 7 river miles down Placer River.

Are there restroom facilities during the tour?

Yes, there are restrooms available on board vehicles during the tour.

Is this day trip suitable for young children or infants?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are allowed and infant seats are available.

Does this Alaska day trip include transportation?

Roundtrip tickets for the AK Railroad and shuttle transfers are included.

Can dietary restrictions be accommodated for lunch?

Please let them know your dietary needs ahead of time—they can accommodate requests.

What’s included

Your day includes roundtrip tickets on the Glacier Discovery Train from Anchorage or Girdwood, guided entry to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center with both walking and driving options to see rescued animals up close, a simple sack lunch (just let them know if you have any dietary needs), snacks along the way, an air-conditioned vehicle with restroom access onboard—and all gear needed for your iceberg float adventure before heading back again by rail.