Alaska's glaciers have long captured the imagination of explorers, scientists, and adventurers. In 1794, Captain George Vancouver charted parts of Alaska's coastline, noting the immense glaciers shaping the rugged landscape. Later, in 1879, naturalist John Muir embarked on a transformative journey through Glacier Bay. His detailed observations and passionate writings about glacial movements helped establish the region as a vital area for scientific study and, eventually, protection.
In the early 20th century, pioneering photographer Bradford Washburn documented Alaska's glaciers from the air, providing some of the first aerial views of these frozen giants. His work not only offered groundbreaking scientific insights but also introduced the world to Alaska's icy grandeur.
Our small ship cruises offer an intimate and immersive way to cruise Alaska and witness towering glaciers calving into the sea, hear the thunderous cracks of shifting ice, and spot seals basking on floating icebergs. Cruise through Alaska’s Inside Passage to see the pristine blue hues of ancient ice and the intensity of glacier-carved fjords. When you sail the Last Frontier, every moment is a breathtaking encounter with nature's power and beauty.
What are the Types of Glaciers?
Alaska's diverse glacial landscapes are shaped by different types of glaciers. Glaciers form when snowfall accumulates over centuries, compacting into dense ice that slowly moves under its own weight. Temperature, geography, and climate conditions influence the type and behavior of each glacier. Here's a detailed look at a few of the glaciers you'll encounter:
Valley Glaciers: Flowing like frozen rivers through mountain valleys, valley glaciers carve dramatic U-shaped landscapes. Alaska's famous Ruth Glacier in Denali National Park stretches 40 miles and lies within a mile-deep gorge, showcasing the scale of these icy giants.
Piedmont Glaciers: When valley glaciers emerge onto flatter plains, they fan out into expansive, bulbous formations. The Malaspina Glacier, the largest piedmont glacier in North America, spans over 1,500 square miles—an area larger than Rhode Island.
Tidewater Glaciers: These glaciers flow directly into the sea, ending in towering ice cliffs that calve into the ocean with thunderous roars. Alaska is home to over 50 tidewater glaciers, including the Hubbard Glacier, North America's largest tidewater glacier, known for its active calving events.
Alaska's glaciers are not only geological marvels but also vital components of global climate regulation, freshwater storage, and ecological health. Their slow but powerful movements have shaped Alaska's beloved terrain and continue to define its breathtaking scenery.
Best Glaciers in Alaska
Embarking on an Alaska cruise offers the perfect opportunity to witness some of the state's most awe-inspiring glaciers. Each formation has its own distinct personality and story to tell.
Sawyer Glaciers: Within the Tracy Arm Fjord, the twin Sawyer Glaciers tower with brilliant blue ice and splintered peaks. These tidewater glaciers are known for dramatic calving displays, where tall ice cliffs crumble into the sea. Seals and bald eagles are often seen lounging on nearby icebergs, making for unforgettable wildlife viewing.
LeConte Glacier: As Alaska's southernmost tidewater glacier, LeConte is a striking sight near Petersburg. Its vivid blue ice and frequent calving activity make it a must-see destination. LeConte is especially fascinating due to its rapid retreat, offering a firsthand look at glacial change over time.
Glacier Bay National Park: Covering 3.3 million acres, Glacier Bay National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a crown jewel of Alaska's glacial wonders. Home to more than 1,000 glaciers, this protected area offers a dynamic landscape of towering ice, temperate rainforests, and outstanding mountains. It's a sanctuary for humpback whales, sea otters, and puffins, creating a vibrant ecosystem thriving alongside ancient ice.
Glacial Wildlife and Ecosystems
Seals relax on floating icebergs, using them as safe havens from predators. Humpback whales feed in the nutrient-rich waters stirred by glacial melt, and seabirds like puffins and kittiwakes nest along rocky cliffs. Even the smallest creatures, such as krill and plankton, thrive in the cold waters, forming the foundation of a delicate but vibrant food chain.
Animals You Can Experience Near Alaskan Glaciers
Harbor Seals: Often seen lounging on ice floes, using glaciers as nurseries for their pups.
Humpback Whales: Feed on schools of fish and plankton in glacial waters during the summer.
Orcas (Killer Whales): Patrol icy waters in search of seals and fish.
Sea Otters: Frequently spotted floating on their backs near kelp beds close to glaciers.
Black Bears and Brown Bears: Forage along glacial streams for salmon.
Mountain Goats: Navigate steep cliffs near hanging glaciers.
Bald Eagles: Soar above glacial fjords, scanning for fish.
Puffins and Kittiwakes: Nest along rocky glacial cliffs and hunt in the nutrient-rich waters.
Arctic Terns: Known for their long migrations, these birds breed near glacial lakes.
Activities When Visiting Glaciers in Alaska
American Cruise Lines' small ships allow for an up-close and personal experience with Alaska's glaciers. Glide through narrow fjords that larger ships can't reach, and step ashore for unforgettable excursions.
Narrated Cruising: As we cruise through Glacier Bay, an onboard guest speaker will bring the world’s largest biosphere to life with expert narration and wildlife sightings. The best part? You can enjoy it all from the comfort of the top deck.
Kayaking Adventures: Glide across the calm waters of Chilkoot Lake on a guided kayak trip. Watch for wildlife overhead and along the shoreline, all while being surrounded by magnificent mountains and stunning views in every direction.
Walking Exploration: We want you to get out there and experience all the Last Frontier has to offer. That means we’ll take you on guided walking tours of some of Alaska’s most exclusive ports. Led by a guide born and raised in the area, learn about what life is like in a small Alaskan town as you explore Mitkof Island and Falls Creek and Blind River Rapids trailhead in Petersburg, AK.
Our carefully curated excursions ensure that every moment spent near Alaska's glaciers is filled with discovery and awe.
Ready to Experience Alaska's Glaciers?
There's no better way to witness glaciers than with American Cruise Lines on any of our Alaskan itineraries. From the profound ice walls to the wildlife that thrives in these frozen frontiers, your adventure promises wonder and inspiration. Let us take you beyond the ordinary—to places where nature reigns supreme and every icy vista tells a story millions of years in the making.
