Matanuska Glacier Tour (An Honest Review from a Local)

The Matanuska Glacier is one of the most visited glaciers in Alaska, and at 27 miles long it's also one of the most impressive. If you're planning to stay in or around the Anchorage area during your time in Alaska, then this is one of the most easily accessible glacier tours - and one of the only where you can actually get out on the glacier itself. But before you book, you might be wondering if this tour is right for you - and in case you don't feel like reading this whole post, I'll tell you right now it is 100% worth it.

*If you have any questions that aren't answered in this post, please leave them in the comments section where I do my best to answer all Alaska related questions directly!

My Essential Alaska Travel Resources :
There are a lot of travel companies out there, but some are better than others. These are my favorite websites and resources to help plan an incredible trip to the 49th State.

For flights, I recommend using WayAway or Hopper to compare the cheapest dates to travel to Alaska.

Car rentals, arguably the best way to see Alaska, are best through Discover Cars!

I always use AGODA for hotels. They have an easy-to-use platform where you can compare the best rates.

To keep cell phone service if you're traveling internationally, I always use Airalo’s easy to purchase eSIM’s (no installation required).

For fun things to do, I recommend Viator to find the best tours in the area, otherwise Klook also does the trick.

Just in case, Safetywing is the insurance I always use for travel insurance.

Lastly, my Alaska packing list for your travels to the Last Frontier.

What to Expect on the Tour

Matanuska Glacier used to be open to the public, however nowadays it is a requirement to visit the glacier via a tour. My husband and I went through this Matanuska Glacier Tour company, although there are a few other tour operators  in the area for this glacier. To be 100% honest, we had an incident on our tour where someone fell through a hole in the glacier up to his chest - and after seeing the reactions from both companies I would only recommend booking through the same one we did for safety concerns. They also offer round trip pick up from Anchorage! Otherwise, the drive itself is about 2.5 hours from Anchorage. 

The tour itself runs best during the summer months, from April to September, and requires a bit more exertion than say a cruise or sightseeing tour. You'll begin by getting geared up with a helmet, hiking poles if you want them, and ice cleats, and over the next few hours you'll make your way through about 2-3 miles of terrain, including the glacier. Our entire tour was narrated, and you'll be able to learn a lot about glaciers and why the rocks "walk" as well as ask your guide any questions you have! They'll even let you try some glacial mud that is very beneficial for your skin as well as fill up your water bottle with fresh glacial water to drink - so make sure to bring one with you!

It's worth noting that the tour is cheaper for Alaska residents, you'll just need to mention it at booking and show your Alaska ID at check in.

The exact Glacier Tour I recommend :
- Round Trip Matanuska Glacier Tour

My Honest Glacier Tour Review

Honestly, just do it. This is one tour that continues to blow my mind when I think back and has raving reviews on any website. Although prices continue to increase, overall I would say this is one of the best glacier tours in all of Alaska - and one of the only ways you'll be able to get up on a glacier during your trip. We had an excellent experience, our guide was friendly, and the views were amazing. Would I recommend this tour? 100% yes.

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Other Alaska blog posts you might be interested in : 
-> 15 Easiest Alaska Glaciers to Visit
-> Where to Rent Bear Spray in Alaska
-> 11 Waterfalls to Visit in Alaska

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