Are just a few of the adjectives used to describe the massive mountains of ice known as glaciers and frankly, none of these do it justice. Glaciers are synonymous with the "Last Frontier", and Alaska glaciers are amongst the most breathtaking in the world. The state boasts some 100,000 glaciers covering 30,000 square miles, creating an inimitable backdrop like none other.
Since it would be impossible to catch a glimpse of these magnificent works of nature, the following can be seen on Seven Seas Explorer® voyages from Vancouver to Seward. Rated the state's top tourist attraction, be sure to catch these glaciers while cruising Alaska.
Named after Gardiner Hubbard, the co-founder of the National Geographic Society and Bell Telephone, the Hubbard Glacier is one of the most beautiful Alaska glaciers. Perhaps the numbers say it all – 76 miles long, 6 miles wide, and 350 feet above the water (and be sure to use the panoramic feature on your camera). Located at Alaska's Disenchantment Bay (oddly named as a visit to this blue-iced beauty is anything but) near the outer coast of Yakutat and against a backdrop of Mt. Saint Elias, expect to see and hear lots of "calving" (the term used when pieces of the ice break off and fall into the sea).
Just 13 miles from Juneau lies one of Alaska's most famous glaciers, Mendenhall. While not as large as the Hubbard (half a mile wide and 1,800 feet deep), the destination to the glacier is much more interesting. Paddle among the icebergs and drifts on Mendenhall Lake via a kayak or hike the trail to Nugget Falls for an up close and personal view of a 377-foot waterfall framed by the snow-capped mountains that translates into the perfect backdrop. And for those less adventurous, see the glacier from the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center where panoramic views will still give you that perfect selfie.
Glacier Point is known for its breathtaking views of the Davidson Glacier. Surrounded by fjords and rich marine ecosystems, it’s a place where visitors can witness sea lions, whales, and seals in their natural habitat. The area also features a scenic hike through dense rainforest and offers close-up views of icy glacier walls, making it a striking example of Alaska’s rugged and pristine wilderness.
As Alaska’s biggest glacier, the Bering Glacier is one of the most awe-inspiring glaciers in the Last Frontier, spanning more than 125 miles along the southern coast of the state. This immense river of ice flows from the Chugach Mountains into the Gulf of Alaska, creating a breathtaking landscape of towering ice formations, deep crevasses, and glacial meltwater lakes. Unlike many other Alaskan glaciers, the Bering Glacier is known for its surging behavior, where it advances dramatically before retreating again, a testament to the ever-changing nature of this icy giant.
For travelers seeking an extraordinary view, scenic flights offer a bird’s-eye perspective of this vast frozen expanse, while boat tours along the coastline reveal the striking contrast between rugged mountain peaks and the brilliant blue hues of the glacier’s surface. Wildlife thrives in the surrounding region, with bald eagles soaring overhead and seals lounging on icebergs. The Bering Glacier is not just a natural wonder; it’s a living, evolving masterpiece of ice, water, and time, showcasing the raw, untamed beauty that defines Alaska.
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