To see glaciers in Alaska, the main destinations are Kenai Fjords National Park, the Matanuska Glacier (accessible by road), and Prince William Sound. You can explore them on a glacier cruise, on a snowshoe hike, by kayak, or on a scenic flight. The best time to visit is from May through September. Alaska is home to thousands of glaciers.
Rivers of ice flowing down from the mountains, blue-tinged fronts calving into the sea: glaciers are among Alaska’s most striking landscapes. The state is home to thousands of them, many of which are easily accessible. This guide details where to see them, how to get there, and when to go, so you can choose the experience that’s right for you.
This article is part of our series on things to do in Alaska. It goes hand in hand withwhale watching, hiking, and scenic flights—another way to admire the ice.
Where can you see glaciers in Alaska?
From coastal glaciers to valley glaciers, here are the top sites, accessible by boat, by road, or on foot.
1. Kenai Fjords National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park, as seen from Seward, protects the Harding Icefield and some 40 glaciers. Cruises, such as the Aialik, bring visitors close to the ice fronts calving into the sea. The Exit Glacier, accessible via a trail, offers a first-hand experience on foot. A comprehensive destination combining ice and marine wildlife.
2. The Matanuska Glacier and Wrangell-St. Elias
The Matanuska Glacier, which is over 40 kilometers long, is accessible via the Glenn Highway and can be explored on foot with crampons and a guide. Further east, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and its Root Glacier offer ice hikes in the heart of the largest national park in the United States.
3. Prince William Sound and Mendenhall
Prince William Sound, as seen from Valdez or Whittier, is home to coastal glaciers such as the Columbia—one of the most active in North America—and the College Fjord. Near Juneau, the Mendenhall Glacier—which is easily accessible and has a visitor center—is among the most visited in the state.
How do you approach a glacier?
There are four complementary ways to experience glaciers. A glacier cruise takes you along the ice fronts calving into the sea, often with marine wildlife in sight. Glacier hiking, with crampons and a guide, allows you to walk on the ice, as at Matanuska or Root.
Kayaking takes you right up to the glaciers at water level, in striking silence. Finally, a scenic flight offers a bird’s-eye view, sometimes including a landing on a glacier in the Alaska Range. The choice depends on the region, the season, and your preferences.
| Approach | Where | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Glacier Cruise | Kenai Fjords, Prince William Sound | May through September |
| Ice Hike | Matanuska, Root Glacier | May through September |
| Kayaking at the foot of the glaciers | Kenai Fjords, Prince William Sound | June through August |
| Flight and landing | Alaska Range from Talkeetna | May through September |
When is the best time to see glaciers in Alaska?
Glaciers are best viewed from May through September, when roads, trails, and cruises are accessible. Summer offers long days and ideal conditions for calving—the collapse of ice blocks into the water.
Some winter activities are available, such as ice caves, but access remains more limited and strictly regulated. In any season, ice hiking must be done with a guide for safety reasons. Cross-reference these tips with our guide on when to go.
Frequently Asked Questions: Seeing Glaciers in Alaska
Where can you see glaciers in Alaska?
The main sites are Kenai Fjords National Park from Seward, the Matanuska Glacier accessible by road, Prince William Sound from Valdez or Whittier, and the Mendenhall Glacier near Juneau. Alaska has thousands of glaciers, many of which flow directly into the sea.
How can you get close to a glacier in Alaska?
There are several ways to do this. Glacier cruises sail along the ice fronts that calve into the sea. Glacier hiking requires crampons and a guide. You can also go kayaking at the base of the glaciers or take a scenic flight, sometimes with a landing on the ice. The choice depends on the region and the season.
What is a glacier cruise?
A glacier cruise is a boat tour that takes you close to sea glaciers, such as those in the Kenai Fjords or Prince William Sound. You’ll witness calving—the collapse of ice blocks into the water—while observing marine wildlife. These trips often last four to eight hours.
Can you hike on a glacier in Alaska?
Yes. The Matanuska Glacier, accessible via the Glenn Highway, and the Root Glacier in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park can be hiked on with crampons and a guide. The Exit Glacier, near Seward, is reached via a trail. Glacier hiking is always guided for safety.
When is the best time to see glaciers in Alaska?
Glaciers are best visited from May through September, when roads, trails, and cruises are accessible. Summer offers long days and favorable conditions for calving. Some winter glacier activities are also available, such as ice caves, but access is more limited.
What is glacier calving?
Calving is the collapse of ice blocks from the front of a glacier into the sea or a lake. It is an impressive visual and auditory spectacle, common on tidewater glaciers such as the Columbia Glacier in Prince William Sound, one of the most active in North America.
Where is the Mendenhall Glacier located?
The Mendenhall Glacier is located near Juneau, in southeastern Alaska, about 15 kilometers from downtown. Easily accessible, it features a visitor center, trails, and views of the ice front and a waterfall. It is one of the most visited glaciers in the state.
Can you combine glacier and wildlife viewing?
Yes. Cruises in the Kenai Fjords and Prince William Sound combine glacier viewing with whale watching and the opportunity to spot otters, seals, and seabirds. This is one of the great highlights of these excursions: getting up close to a glacier front and encountering cetaceans all in the same day.
Last updated: August 24, 2026.
About Terra Alaska
Terra Alaska is a local travel agency specializing in custom trips to Alaska and a member of the Terra Panamerica network. We organize glacier cruises, ice hikes, and scenic flights to experience Alaska’s glaciers up close. Discover our expertise as a local inbound travel agency.
Contact us to plan your trip or explore our suggested itineraries.
Sources
National Park Service (Kenai Fjords, Wrangell-St. Elias); U.S. Forest Service (Chugach National Forest). Data collected in 2026.
