Alaska Railroad
Glacier Discovery Train
One-day scenic rail journey from Anchorage to glaciers and Prince William Sound
1 dayprice on request
100% of days by rail · est.
Alaska Railroad · Day trip / excursion
Spencer Iceberg & Placer River Float
One-day guided raft float among icebergs via Alaska's Glacier Discovery Train
Alaska Railroad operates the Spencer Iceberg and Placer River Float as a one-day excursion departing from Anchorage, Girdwood, Whittier or Portage. The Glacier Discovery Train carries guests into the backcountry to the Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop, where experienced and professional rafting guides lead a float across Spencer Lake among icebergs, with panoramic views of Spencer Glacier and the surrounding mountains. The float continues onto the Placer River, still framed by mountains and hanging glaciers, and ends with a distinctive touch: the Glacier Discovery Train makes a special stop right at the riverbank to pick up rafting guests for the ride back. Alaska Railroad calls it one of the most scenic glacier river trips in Alaska and notes it was the first tour to operate at this whistle stop. Rubber boots and a personal flotation device are supplied, along with a snack and drinks, and the trip is suitable for ages 5 and up, which makes it a reasonable choice for families wanting an active, scenic day trip out of Anchorage.
Price history
Across 5 checks, this price has held at US$299 every time.
Each point is a day we checked this operator's own page, not a weekly average, and the line holds flat between checks rather than guessing at movement we did not see. 2 of 5 points are a live read of the operator's page. Hollow points are values shown when the trip was first listed here and never confirmed with the operator.
What to know before you look closer
- The evidence does not list specific operating dates or the season for this excursion; confirm current departures and availability with Alaska Railroad before booking.
Included
- Round-trip rail aboard the Glacier Discovery Train
- Guided rafting on Spencer Lake and the Placer River
- Snack and drinks
- Rubber boots and PFD
Questions travellers ask
- How much does it cost?
- From $299 per person, the operator's advertised from-price, read on its own page on 12 Sept 2026. About $299 at ECB reference rates. Departures, room types and dates can price differently; the operator's page is the final word.
- Is the rafting trip guided?
- Yes. Experienced and professional rafting guides lead the float on Spencer Lake and the Placer River.
- What is the minimum age for this trip?
- The tour is suitable for ages 5 and up.
- What gear is provided?
- Rubber boots and a personal flotation device (PFD) are included, along with a snack and drinks.
- How does the train pick up rafters after the float?
- The Glacier Discovery Train makes a special riverbank stop on the Placer River to pick up rafting guests.
