It took us about 1/2 day of travel for the experience 4 hours round trip but the 2-3 hours spent on the glacier were amazing., Kel made transport easy , comfortable, accommodating. The blue hue under your feet and in the ice was a constant reminder frozen water was all around. Walking on land frozen for thousands of years incredible to think about. The natural formations seen also truly a representation that life is forever changing! It is an expense but something you will probably never do again.
About Activity
What's Included
Includes
- All Fees and Taxes
Excludes
- Snacks
Departure & Return
Departure Point
- Traveler pick up offered
Itinerary
Departing Anchorage for a two hour tour complete with the history of Anchorage, Alaska. We will stop on our way to pickup coffee and snacks for our adventure as we head out to the Matanuska Glacier. Along the way you'll take in sites from varying mountain ranges and the scenic Matanuska River.
Once at the glacier we will meet up with the local guides who will give us glacier clamps for our shoes to help us better grip the glacier as we head out on a guided tour. The Glacier is always changing and there is a mapped out route based on what attractions are the best for that day. Often there are amazing caves and ice walls to view, touch and take pictures with.
Next we will head back to Anchorage, stopping on the way to eat lunch overlooking the Matanuska River. We will have opportunities to stop and take pictures at various scenic overlooks. We will keep an eye out for the many moose and other wildlife in the area.
Language Offered
Additional Info
Cancellation Policy
Reviews
Great oporator "kelley" he was a wonderful person and guid he was with us the entire time and shared his knowledge about history of alaska and the area. At the glacier Layna was a very knowledegble expert about the activities of the glacier and the timing of the events . We loved the experience.
We had a great experience with Kel! He was knowledgeable and helpful with pickup and drop off and accompanied us on the tour (along with the glacier guide). Would definitely recommend this tour and him.
This was an exhilarating and informative experience. Our guides were excellent ensuring we had a great experience while also being very safety minded.
Kel was a great communicator before and during the trip. He delivered exactly what was promised. He made sure we were safe and having fun. This company was professional, safe, and gave us a beautiful day!
wow...what a day...exceptional!!!started with Kel picking us up from our Airbnb right on time. Gave us water and we sat back and heard all about the history of Alaska and the area. Kel was more than happy to stop for pictures along the way. Once we arrived for the Glacier walk, things got even better. Definitely one of our holiday highlights. You must do this tour....simply breathtaking and Kel and our Guide (Peach) were excellent. I could not recommend Kel and his tour highly enough
Kel was a great guide since the start. It was really easy to communicate with him and get information before the tour and was there right on time to pick me up. He was always giving us information about the area and Alaska. Matanuska is an amazing place. Highly recommended to see. Kel is great guide and it is 100./. Recommended. I will come back and contact him again.
Kel saved the day after our other booking was cancelled at the last minute. He was attentive to safety issues and allowed for a food and bathroom stop during a 2 hour drive. He shared information about Alaskan history and terrain during the drive which made the time fly by. We stopped for a photo op right before arrival. Then he apprised us about what to expect during the glacier tour. He accompanied our group on the glacier tour, offering a welcome hand as we stepped up and down the precarious ice. Kel was a friendly and helpful tour guide. I would go on another tour with him for sure. His logo is artistic and we bought a t shirt and mug to remember our wonderful adventure.
Kel was amazing! We were able to book a tour with him at the last minute. He was very easy to coordinate with and made everything effortless for us.
My husband and I are senior travellers, and while researching excursions from Anchorage, Alaska, we came across Kel Thompson from Great Day AK on YouTube. We believe reviews are extremely important, as they often influence our own travel decisions, and Kel's videos certainly influenced ours. His presentation on visiting and hiking the Matanuska Glacier was informative, engaging, and covered everything we needed to know about what to expect and how to get there. After watching his videos, we knew this was an experience we did not want to miss. The glacier itself was absolutely spectacular, and every aspect of our experience with Kel, from our initial booking through to the glacier hike, was exemplary. We were collected directly from our Anchorage accommodation and enjoyed a comfortable and scenic journey to and from the glacier. The guides were professional, knowledgeable, friendly, and genuinely passionate about sharing this remarkable natural wonder. Their attention to safety and their enthusiasm enhanced the entire experience. Thank you, Kel, and the entire Great Day AK team, for providing us with one of the highlights of our Alaska trip. We would not hesitate to recommend this tour to anyone visiting Anchorage and looking for an unforgettable glacier experience. FIVE STARS WITHOUT HESITATION
Such a great experience! The glacier hike was absolutely amazing, and we learned a lot along the way. Seeing a moose on the way to the hike was an unexpected bonus and one of the highlights of the day. Definitely a memorable experience!
Perfect activity on a perfect day in the most beautiful places in the world
Excellent tour guide. Picked us up early at Whittier from cruise. Gave us an impromptu tour of Whittier. Along the drive to Anchorage he gave us history and stopped at scenic points of view. Stopped to allow us to get food. Came with us on the glacier hike and helped those needing it to climb and cross tough spots. Also gave us water and snacks for the trip. Best tour ever! As my wife is a tour advisor she will highly recommend him to clients coming to Alaska! Thanks!!
Amazing experience,outstanding trip and guide for a comfortable trip to the glacier ,really unique experience.
We had a wonderful glacier trip with Kel. The hike was fun and safe under his guidance. We’ve also learnt about Anchorage and Alaska on our way there thanks to how talkative and easy going Kel was!
We had an absolutely phenomenal experience with Kel and I don’t write reviews often, but this one is truly deserved. From the very beginning, everything was handled with professionalism and care. The pickup location was central and convenient, and we were able to stay comfortably indoors until he arrived, right on time. He greeted us with such warmth and friendliness that we immediately felt at ease. The bus was new, spotless, and very comfortable. He even provided bottled water and made a thoughtful stop so we could grab coffee and snacks. Throughout the ride, we felt completely safe. His driving was excellent, and he shared helpful safety tips that made us feel comfortable and confident. What really stood out was how knowledgeable he is. He shared fascinating history about Alaska and the surrounding terrain, which made the ride educational and engaging. Once we reached the glacier, his level of care went above and beyond. He was incredibly patient and truly focused on making sure we had a wonderful experience. He kindly helped take photos for us too. His service overall felt personable. As a thoughtful surprise, he even gave us a small gift at the end of the tour such a kind and memorable touch. This wasn’t just a ride, it was an experience. He deserves not only five stars, but recognition for the pride he takes in his work. We are so grateful and would definitely recommend him to anyone visiting Alaska.
We had an amazing experience with Great Day AK! Our guide, Kel, was absolutely lovely - friendly, professional, and genuinely invested in making sure we had a great time. He went above and beyond by helping document our tour, taking fantastic photos and videos for us so we could fully enjoy the moment without worrying about capturing it ourselves. The entire experience felt well-organized and personal, and Kel’s effort really made it special. Highly recommend this tour if you’re looking for a memorable and stress-free adventure in Alaska!
This was a truly magical experience! Our guide was very knowledgeable (and pregnant no less, walking on all that ice!). It was so beautiful and we learned so much. Kids loved it. Everything was a 10:/10!
We had an outstanding experience with our Kel, our tour guide in Alaska. From start to finish, the service exceeded expectations: • Flexible & Personalized: We chose our own spots, and the guide seamlessly arranged a well-structured itinerary around our preferences. • High Initiative: Proactively searched for great restaurants and ensured we enjoyed authentic local cuisine. • Photography Expertise: Took us to amazing photo spots and shared tips to capture the best angles. • Deep Knowledge: Explained what makes each location unique and interesting, enriching our understanding of the area. • Energetic & Positive Vibes: Maintained high energy throughout the trip, creating a fun and engaging atmosphere. • Adventure Support: Accompanied us on glacier trekking, ensuring safety and making it an unforgettable experience. Overall, this was an absolutely unforgettable adventure! Our guide turned a great trip into an extraordinary experience—full of energy, laughter, and jaw-dropping moments. Every detail was handled with care and creativity, making us feel like VIP explorers. If you want a tour that’s not just good but truly spectacular, this is the guide you need!
We used the services of Kel over 3 days. Seeing glacier was a wow as first time to see one and it was amazing. Kel was professional and punctual and would highly recommend his company for any services. We used Kel for our transfers from Anchorage rail station to Alyeska and each transfer was seamless. The vehicle was pristine and very comfortable and extra amenities were a nice touch. Professional, friendly and very knowledgeable on all things Alaska as well as very safe driver on wintery roads Thanks Kel our family had a blast.
Kel was really friendly and helpful! The trip was smooth and the glacier was so beautiful! Highly recommend for family trip.
It was amazing, Kelley is supper prepared. He drove very carefully and stayed with us the whole time I would 100% recommend this tour for the whole family, he gave us some gifts at the end as we where not expecting that it was a nice touch. He has a very nice calming personality! Highly recommend
This was a great experience! The glacier was beautiful! Pictures cannot capture the beauty. I would do this again and again! It was easy enough for my kids (8 and 13) to hike and traverse. It was cold and windy but we felt prepared with all the help and information ahead of time from Kel! Kel made sure we had everything we needed. He was a fantastic guide and so incredibly kind from pick up to hiking and drop off! The staff and guides at the glacier were fantastic and so knowledgeable. We learned so many new things about glaciers and felt very safe the entire time! I will remember this experience forever!
This was so fun and the best experience! Kel was a fantastic guide! Highly recommend a tour with him! He was so kind! My kids 8 and 13 were able to traverse the glacier with no problem. Once you get to the glacier, the guides are incredibly knowledgeable and kind. We felt very safe the entire time! It was so beautiful! You can’t even capture the beauty in pictures! I would do this again and again!
Kyle is the best guide ever!! Our trip was on Dec 25th, and since it was Christmas, the grocery store was closed. Kyle brought us sandwiches and water. And during the trip, he is so nice and professional. In addition, he’s a really good driver!! At the end of the trip, he even prepares us gifts and chocolate. Overall, this is an amazing experience and we are so lucky to have such a good guide!!
An unforgettable experience — truly mesmerizing beauty! Thank you so much to our amazing driver and guide, Kelley, for making it so special!
Our guide was incredibly friendly and explained everything clearly along the way. You could really feel their passion and care—especially when they thoughtfully provided scarves and goggles for the glacier hike. Overall, it was an amazing experience from start to finish. Highly recommended!
Kyle, our driver, is a very nice gentleman. Picked us up on time, introduced stories about Alaska, and prepared useful goods like snow googles and insole warmers. The routine is also very rookie-friendly. You can see extraordinary scene in glacier without spending lots of energy. The guide is so sweet and I believe all the guests in the tour love her. Had a very safe and happy day with them :)
We came from Hawaii and visited Alaska for the first time during Thanksgiving week. We didn’t know much about Alaska before arriving, but Kel guided us safely with incredible knowledge and constant kindness throughout our trip. We did a glacier walking tour with Kel, and it was absolutely perfect. Kel always stayed behind us to make sure we were safe, and took so many great photos for us. The glacier walk is truly a must-do experience — we highly, highly recommend it! Even though we asked countless questions, Kel always responded professionally and warmly. Thanks to Kel, we had a truly memorable, happy, and enjoyable trip in Alaska. We spent our entire itinerary with Kel, and we were extremely satisfied. If I ever visit Alaska again, I will definitely request Kel as our guide.
We booked directly with Kel a combination of multiple tours that included the Matanuska glacier hike. The glacier hike tour is a 4 hour roundtrip van ride from Anchorage (a spacious Mercedes-Benz van for just the 3 of us) and 2 hours of actual hiking (easy level) with a guide and ice cleats provided by the glacier company. Overall, Kel is conscientious, knowledgeable, and flexible! He provided us with water and heat packs (for our gloves) and is a safe driver. If you’re looking to do just one tour or to combine multiple, I recommend Kel with enthusiasm and without any reservation!
He is the most wonderful tour guide I have ever met in my life! He’s humorous, caring, thoughtful, kind, and genuine! He’s the person to go to when you stuck and feel helpless to get on your knee when the ice is so slippery. He’s the most knowledgeable person if you care about the history of Alaska. He’s the person so considerate that brings you water and flag of Alaska’s. It’s so lucky for us to be in the journey with him!! Thank you so much Kelly!
I love it so so much! Our guide Kelly is fr the best guide ever. Super nice and knowledgeable and helpful. He prepared water and hand warmer and goggles for us. Super thoughtful. He drove very smoothly as well. I normally get car sick super easily but I couldn’t feel it at all on his drive even though it’s almost a 2 hours drive. The glacier hike was such a once in a lifetime experience. It’s definitely worth the money. I’ve got like 300 photos in my album. Anyways, it’s the best tour I’ve ever done in my life ngl and all my other friends felt the same way. 超级超级推荐这个tour!
It was a super awesome experience!!! Kelley is so nice and helpful, and I’m sure I’m gonna recommend to my other friends!
Absolutely loved this tour! From start to finish, everything was thoughtfully planned and well-executed. What really set it apart from other tours I've done was the attention to detail. We were greeted with Alaskan flags, treated to crisp Glacier Waters, and even given delicious local chocolates 🍫. It felt like a truly authentic and personal experience. Highly recommend this tour if you're looking for something unique and memorable. Thank you again for the warm hospitality and the sweet treats!
One of the best experiences in Alaska, great trip and the hike was magnificent. Thank you Kelly Thompson, for a great day out in the mountains.
Kelley was awesome! He was super knowledgeable and we had so much fun hiking with him on the glacier! And he gave us cute Alaskan flags for photo ops on the glacier!
We booked with Kel to take our family to the Matanuska Glacier. He provided clear communication before the trip so we knew what to expect and he was quick to answer our questions. He picked us up at our hotel and had water bottles for everyone. He shared history about Alaska on the trip. En route we stopped to purchase items for lunch. We had a great time on Matanuska Glacier with the glacier guides and Kel. On the way back, we ate a late lunch near a lake and Kel dropped us back off at our hotel. I highly recommend this booking as we had a marvelous time
We booked with Kel to take our family to the Matanuska Glacier. He provided clear communication before the trip so we knew what to expect and he was quick to answer our questions. He picked us up at our hotel and had water bottles for everyone. He shared history about Alaska on the trip. En route we stopped to purchase items for lunch. We had a great time on Matanuska Glacier with the glacier guides and Kel. On the way back, we ate a late lunch near a lake and Kel dropped us back off at our hotel. I highly recommend this booking as we had a marvelous time.
This was a fantastic experience that my sister and I truly enjoyed from beginning to end. The tour was well-paced, thoughtful, and really brought the area to life in a meaningful way. Our guide was friendly, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about what he does. We felt welcomed, guided, and encapsulated by the breathtaking wilds of Alaska the entire time. Highly recommended to anyone looking for an experience that’s both memorable and genuinely enjoyable. Would absolutely do it again!
Absolutely loved Kel as my personal tour guide! He is communicative, professional, friendly, and funny!! He made the whole day enjoyable and educational. I feel like I now know Alaska in a way I never would have had I not booked with Kel. The glacier was a once-in-a-lifetime experience (BEAUTIFUL), and our other stops along the way allowed Alaska to show off her majestic grandeur! Kel knew exactly where to take me to get the most out of my quick visit. Highly recommend him and will hire him again if/when I head back to the Great AK!
Kel was super friendly throughout the tour. Really professional and great humor :) He made sure that everything meets our expectations and needs and drove smooth and safely. Highly recommend to have Kel as your guide when you visit Alaska!
My family and I went back in November and we had a great time! The guide picked us up and was very friendly and professional, he also had many interesting facts about the glacier and Alaska in general! We made a few stops to take pictures before the glacier where the views were amazing. When we arrived, he made sure we got everything we needed to start the hike and he came with us, which was appreciated and it felt my family and I feel even safer. The glacier was amazing with stunning views. When you go hike the glacier you are with many more people (depending on the day) as you have to go with one of their own guides, so having our own guide with us was cool because we got to ask more questions and just feeling bit more accompanied. The local guides clearly knew him and were very happy to see him! I would recommend this tour if you’d like someone to take you and handle everything.
Before the tour started, kelley answered his phone to set a pick up location. He arrived on time and enthusiastic. On the ride down he gave us fact about alaska and jokes. It was. Great tour!
We didn’t know what expect booking this tour. It was an amazing tour! Our Tour Guide Kelley was outstanding! Would highly recommend this tour! Celeste
The tour guide was awesome and we had a great time .kelly was awesome .would recommend this tour guide and tour when visiting Alaska
Kel was an awesome tour guide, he tailored the day to exactly what our group wanted to do and made it an all around enjoyable day. He provided so many fun facts and history about Alaska, local culture, nature and wildlife during our journey (and had some corny jokes along the way!). We had a great time exploring the glacier and made multiple stops at lookout points on the way there to take in all of the scenery. 10/10 would recommend, if we make it back to Alaska again in the future, we would definitely put this at the top of our list!
3 hour guided hike on the Matanuska glacier - an experience like no other - if there is anything close to going to another planet and walking around it - this would be it. 27 miles long, 4 miles wide and 1000 feet deep of ice!! and easy access and great guide to explain things to us.
Great experience!! 100% recommended for those who want to experience a glacier closer. Kelley is a great guy and contributed to the positive experience
This whole tour was so fun! Kelley was so kind, accommodating and very knowledgable. On the way to Matanuska he made a few stops so we can go down and enjoy the views/take photos. He brought us to and from Matanuska safely. Can’t wait to come back during the summer time! Thanks for taking such wonderful photos for us Kelley
The driver (Kelley) was very knowledgeable and friendly. We stopped few times in scenic spots to take pictures. The hike guide Petra was great, she always told us to be careful and not to rush walking on ice. This tour exceeded my expectation. I highly recommend this private tour with Kelly Thompson
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