Portage Glacier
Portage Glacier
Portage Glacier

Portage Glacier Tours and Tickets

3,784 reviews

Situated in Chugach National Forest about 50 miles (80 kilometers) south of Anchorage, Portage Glacier ranks as one of Alaska’s most visited attractions. Icebergs from the glacier bob in the waters of Portage Lake, while at the visitor center, travelers can see live ice worms, explore a simulated ice cave, and touch an iceberg.

  • Anchorage, Alaska, 99587

Tours and Tickets to Experience Portage Glacier

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What are people saying about Portage Glacier

Christopher_H, Aug 2023
Great personalized tour!
Other than a hiccup with the dining at the top of the tram not being available, we had a great day on Turnagain Arm. Dawn was a wonderful guide--offered good information along the way but also was sensitive to our need for "quiet time" as we were tired from two weeks of traveling in Alaska. Good balance overall, and a gorgeous day to see Portage Glacier!
Julie_M, Sep 2023
Entertaining and Informative
This was one of the best tours I have been on for a long time. Our guide was really knowledgeable about the area, local widelife, and the history of Tournagain Arm. We saw eagles and belugas on the drive. Lots of photo ops and breathtaking scenery. The animals at the Conservation were amazing. I especially loved hearing the wolves howl. Highly recommend this tour!
Ken_K, Sep 2023
Wow. What a day! ...
Wow. What a day! Started out drizzling and very cloudy so we almost canceled and so glad we didnt. We have taken many tours all over the country and Matt (Mathew) is the best tour guide we ever had! Extremely knowledgeable and passionate about Alaska and very personable. We saws lots of animals and an ice berg up close. A very good tour and highly recommend it … ask for Matt. You will not be disappointed.
Kimberly_A, Sep 2023
One of the best Alaska experiences for us!
We took a train ride, and the Glacier Cruise/Wildlife Tour with Phil. I regret neither tour, as they were both informative, but Phil really took the time to point out things that we had not been able to see previously. He was excellent, and the tour is well worth the money!
People Also Ask
Q:How much is a Portage Glacier tour?
A:That depends on the tour option that you choose. The most cost-effective tours typically begin at around $70 per person and are around half a day long, including round-trip transit from Anchorage. More extensive tours—which can last the whole day and include hiking and Portage Lake cruises—go up to several hundred dollars per person.
Q:How long is Portage Glacier?
A:The exact length of the Portage Glacier is difficult to measure (as the glacier fluctuates in size), but it is estimated to be around 6 miles (10 kilometers) long and is 10 stories high. Its impressive scale and proximity to Anchorage make it one of Alaska’s top tourist attractions.
Q:Can you touch the Portage Glacier?
A:That depends. While it’s impossible to walk on the glacier itself, this active glacier regularly “calves” chunks of ice into Portage Lake. If you head to the nearby Begich, Boggs Visitor Center, rangers regularly share samples of that ice for visitors to touch (and even taste).
Q:Can I walk on Portage Glacier?
A:Generally, no. The only official trail close to Portage Glacier is the 2-mile (3-kilometer) Portage Pass Trail, which offers excellent views but doesn’t lead up to the glacier itself. While some intrepid hikers cross Lake Portage when it freezes in the winter to reach the glacier, that’s risky and not recommended.
Q:Is Portage Glacier melting?
A:Yes and no. Portage Glacier has fluctuated throughout the years, advancing and retreating in different phases. Over the last century, the glacier has retreated significantly, revealing Portage Lake and disappearing from view from the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center, although its current position hasn’t changed significantly since 1999.
Q:Can you drive to Portage Glacier from Anchorage?
A:Yes, you can drive up to the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center. The journey takes roughly 1 hour via AK-1 S and is considered one of the most scenic drives in the U.S. However, if you wish to see the glacier itself, you’ll need to embark on a boat trip or hike.