Matanuska Glacier Family Tour
Overview
It’s not every day you get the chance to hike along the base of a 26-mile-long active glacier! Join the original guiding company on the Matanuska, founded over 35 years ago, and explore the awe-inspiring beauty of one of Alaska's most accessible glaciers on foot with NOVA’s new Family Glacier Tour—perfect for all ages!
Our expert guides will tailor the experience to your abilities, ensuring that everyone from kids to grandparents enjoys a memorable and fun adventure on the Matanuska Glacier.
This relaxed-paced tour offers the ideal way to share the beauty of Alaska’s glaciers with your whole family. You’ll be outfitted with the necessary gear and transported by vehicle to the glacier’s terminus at the edge of the park. From there, our guides will lead you through the rocky fields of the massive terminal moraine, all the way to the stunning 'Ice Falls.' Be sure to stop by the on-site coffee shop to warm up and unwind after your adventure.
What's Included
- Helmet, boots, micro spikes
- Shuttle to the glacier terminus
- Professional tour guide
- Matanuska Glacier Park entrance fee: Teens (13-16): $25 , Adults (17+): $55 , Alaska Residents, Military and Seniors (65+): $30
- Transportation from Anchorage
- Food & drinks
- Gratuity for Guide
Meeting Location
38100 Glenn Highway
Glacier View, AK 99674, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Discover the wonders of Matanuska Glacier on this unforgettable family tour!
Begin your adventure with a full gear outfitting, then enjoy a comfortable ride as you’re transported by vehicle to the glacier’s terminus at the park’s edge. From there, your expert guide will lead you across the rugged rock fields of the terminal moraine and into the stunning 'Ice Falls' area of the Matanuska Glacier.
Marvel at the striking spire formations (seracs) as the glacier’s dense ice cascades over the submerged rock below, creating natural towers. At the base of the Ice Falls, enjoy views of a pristine lake—the source of the powerful Matanuska River flowing downstream.
As you explore, your guide will share fascinating insights about glacier formation, the surrounding environment, and the dynamic geology that shapes this incredible landscape. Along the way, you may encounter deep crevasses, flowing moulins, and an ever-changing terrain. Don’t forget to hydrate—there’s even the chance to fill your bottle with fresh glacier water!
After your exploration of the glacier, you'll return to the starting point, having experienced the scale and geology of this stunning natural landscape.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Not recommended for travelers under 8 yrs, over 80 yrs
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Shoe size: Min US 2 Kid, Max US 15 M
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (7)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Matanuska Glacier Family Tour?
Cancellation Policy
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Activity code: C-453454P2
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 5 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.
Filter by:
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (AKST).
- Helmet, boots, micro spikes.
- Shuttle to the glacier terminus.
- Professional tour guide.
- Matanuska Glacier Park entrance fee: Teens (13-16): $25 , Adults (17+): $55 , Alaska Residents, Military and Seniors (65+): $30.
- Transportation from Anchorage.
- Food & drinks.
- Gratuity for Guide.
The minimum age to participate is 8..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Matanuska Glacier Family Tour is as follows:
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Not recommended for travelers under 8 yrs, over 80 yrs
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Matanuska Glacier Family Tour will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Helmet, boots, micro spikes
- Shuttle to the glacier terminus
- Professional tour guide
- Matanuska Glacier Park entrance fee: Teens (13-16): $25 , Adults (17+): $55 , Alaska Residents, Military and Seniors (65+): $30
- Transportation from Anchorage
- Food & drinks
- Gratuity for Guide
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Not recommended for travelers under 8 yrs, over 80 yrs
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Shoe size: Min US 2 Kid, Max US 15 M
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
