Trip to Davidson Glacier, Alaska
We arrived in Skagway on board the MS Noordam, a Holland America Line ship as we were sailing the Alaskan Inside Passage. There were a number of options for excursions in Skagway and we were excited to be able to visit Davidson Glacier.
Getting to Davidson Glacier
A mini bus collected us from the cruise ship dock. The dock has minimal facilities but is a short work into Skagway. The mini bus drove us to the harbour where the smaller boats are moored. This is where we boarded a motor boat for a 45 minute trip through Lynn Canal. Lynn Canal is the longest and deepest fjord in North America. You can sit inside or outside on the boat. While outside, which is at the back of the boat, can be cold and wet, it provides great photo opportunities.
The scenery on the 45 minute boat ride is stunning. There is an abundance of glaciers, waterfalls, forest and of course amazing wildlife.
While on the boat trip, a naturalist provides explanations of the area and the wildlife which includes whales and seals.
Arriving at Glacier Point Beach
The boat trip ends at Glacier Point beach. As we pulled into the beach we got our first view of Davidson Glacier.
Once we arrived at Glacier Point beach we were provided with a quick lunch. Lunch is a sandwich, a bottle of water and a small snack. We also had some time to take in the stunning scenery.
Heading to the Glacier
Hoping onto an old school bus we took a short trip along a dirt road to a hut which was the staging area for our walk to our canoe for the trip to the glacier. We were provided with life jackets and gum boots for the canoe trip.
We then walked through the forest for about a quarter mile or 400 metres. It’s not a hard walk but it is on a dirt track through the forest.
While walking through the forest to the canoes, we came across these mushrooms.
Once we got to the canoes, we were assigned to specific canoes. We were able to stay with the people we were travelling with (there were three of us). But the guides wanted to make sure the weights in each canoe were appropriate.
We then headed off, with paddles in hand to the glacier. After heading out from the bank and into deeper water, the guide started the small outboard on the back of the canoe which meant we didn’t have to paddle to far.
At the Glacier
Once we arrived at the glacier, we had a further walk over reasonably flat, but rocky terrain to the base of the glacier.
We were able to walk up to the base of the glacier and were able to touch it, although you aren’t allowed to climb on it for safety reasons.
Large chunks of ice have broken away from the glacier and have started floating down to the fjord.
Look Behind You
While the glacier itself is stunning, it is important to turn around and take in the scenery looking away from the glacier
Other Information
The trip to the glacier takes about 6.5 hours (from pick up at the cruise ship to return to the cruise ship).
It is a good idea to dress with layers. While it was cold on the 45 minute boat trip (because we sat outside for most of it), it was quite warm by the time we got to the glacier.
Make sure you have your camera with extra battery and memory cards. I took lots of photos.
Recommendation
If you are in Skagway, seriously consider going to Davidson Glacier. The scenery is stunning and you get to see amazing wildlife as well.
If you are looking for another amazing experience in Alaska, make sure you visit Glacier Bay.
Chittra M
These glaciers look so majestic!! Wow. I would love to see them one day. I felt like eating those wild mushrooms 😀
Lisa
Chittra MChittra the glaciers were so stunning. And those mushrooms were so pretty. Not sure they are edible but definitely cute.
Caroline
Your photography is stunning. I love the seals and those toadstools – beautiful!
Lisa
CarolineThanks Caroline. I love photography! The wildlife was amazing and those toadstools!
Ruth Murdoch
Love the photos of the glacier, it reminds me of our home in New Zealand. Thanks for sharing. X
Lisa
Ruth MurdochThanks Ruth. We loved exploring NZ. It is so beautiful.
Candy
Oh how this brought back memories of our glacier adventure earlier this year! Your photos are beautiful!
Lisa
CandyThanks Candy. It was an amazing experience.
Anita
I love your post. Your photos are stunning. I think it’s a place many people would love to visit including myself. Thanks for sharing.
Lisa
AnitaThanks Anita. It is definitely a stunning place and so worth visiting.