All of our adventures begin on a pristine mountain lake. Board a Bush plane and watch the spray peel off the floats as we lift off and climb up the Snow River . Hanging glaciers cling to the sides of the valley as we gain altitude to reveal the Sargent Icefield, a seemingly endless expanse of white. After cresting a mountain ridge at 5,000 feet we begin our decent, gliding over yawning crevasses and cascading ice falls. Touching down on Johnstone Lake, you are met by your experienced guide and climb into a stable ocean kayak to paddle amongst the icebergs. Keep an eye out for dozens of harbor seals that inhabit the lake. Spend time in a magical world of wind-sculpted icebergs, surrounded by rainforest and glaciers. The flight home takes us out over the Gulf of Alaska, along its rugged coast filled with bird rookeries, steep fjords and historic World War II embattlements. We descend over the scenic Port of Seward returning to Bear Lake.

About Excelsior Glacier

Glaciers that terminate in lakes versus glaciers that terminate in oceans:
Glaciers that dump into fresh water lakes produce mammoth ice bergs that are long lived compared to tidal glaciers whose bergs are broken down into small chunks (Bergy bits and brash ice) by the relatively warm water and tide and surf action. The benefit to the kayaker is that they get to paddle among monsterous icebergs, some over 100 feet high. Another bennifit to paddling in a fresh water glacier lake is that there is no surf action and only rare wind generated waves.

Who is this adventure suitable for?

We use sea kayaks which are inherently stable, comfortable to paddle and instantly enjoyable, even for the total novice. This adventure is also appropriate for the guest who chooses not to do the paddle part of the tour but would rather just drink in the wonder of the place or focus on hiking and/or photography. It is suitable for children above the age of 9.

What about bad weather?

Because the lake is at sea level and approachable by a valley we do not experience many "no-fly" weather days. You are equipped with rain gear and rubber boots so you stay dry. A fully equipped camp is set up shoreside for any emergencies. The Lodge is a short flight away in case of any delays.

What should you bring?

Guest should come dressed in layers, synthetic and wool materials are preferred, cotton should be avoided if at all possible. Hat and gloves, off trail foot wear, multiple socks, small day pack and camera are important.

We provide rubber boots, rain/wind jackets with hood and rain/wind pants, neoprene gloves and personal flotation devices (PFD)

Facilities

At the base camp at the glacier lake we have two unisex flush toilets in privacy tents. Bushes and cat holes are available along the lake shoreline, 200 feet above water line.

Gift Shop

Yes, we have tee shirts, hats, jackets, CD's and photographs available.

3 hour Glacier Lake Hike $295

Enjoy strolling along the glacier lake's shore, playing with the icebergs, watching for harbor seals. An easy hike takes you to a 1,500-foot cascading waterfall. Wind and water sculpted ice make photographic opportunities endless. Colors and scale challenge your perceptions. This 3-hour tour includes 1 - 1 ½ hours of flight seeing, 2 hours for lunch, lakeshore exploration and photography with a professional guide . This tour does not include any kayaking. This tour does not require any experience and is moderate in its physical requirement.

5 hour Glacier Lake Paddle $375

After a spectacular flightseeing trip you are met by one of our friendly and knowledgeable guides lakeside. A brief lesson in kayaking and you set off to paddle to the face of the 30 mile long Excelsior Glacier. As you paddle among icebergs larger than buildings your sense of power, scale and significance is challenged. Keep an eye out for harbor seals that cool off on the ice cakes. Beach the kayaks and enjoy a delicious lunch and hot drinks while your guide describes the natural history of the of the just recently exposed retreating glacier. This 5-hour tour includes 1 - 1 ½ hours of flightseeing, 2 hours paddling on the glacier lake with a professional guide and 1 ½ hours for lunch and lakeshore exploration and photography. This tour does not require any experience and is moderate in its physical requirement.

8 hour Glacier Lake Paddle and Hike $445

Spend more time in this incredible location with a hike further up the glacier to a point where we can actually climb up on the ice sheet and explore its surface. Learn more about glaciology from you guide. This tour is a bit more physical and requires the participants to be comfortable in activities similar to climbing five flights of stairs. Available only on early departures.

Overnight Glacier Lake Paddle, Hike and Camp $499

This is an overnight extension of the 8-hour Glacier Lake Paddle and Hike Adventure. Enjoy the ambience of the glacial valley, listen to it moan through the night as it slowly pushes its mass down the slope. Experience the mind numbing silence of this remote and desolate place. Share your paddling stories and listen to other's tales while enjoying a gourmet meal around the campfire. Snuggle into a warm sleeping bag to wake the next morning to a delicious breakfast and more paddling and exploring. This tour does not require any experience and is moderate in its physical requirement.

Overnight Glacier Lake Paddle, Hike and Camp and Ocean Paddle $595

Spend the night on the glacier lakeshore then break camp the next morning for the kayak trip of a lifetime. You paddle through a maze of icebergs that dwarf your tiny flotilla. Paddling is easy as the current of the Johnstone River propels you downstream from glacier to sea. Paddle past sea lion haul outs and shore bird rookeries. Watch for sea otters munching on their lunches that they've stacked on their stomachs. Explore the rugged Gulf coast where mountains have been thrust heavenward right out of the sea. Watch for mountain goat perched on the lofty ridges above, paddle past spawning salmon and nesting eagles. Lush grasslands, fields of wild iris, lupine and fireweed surround you. Your kayak journey ends in a protective cove where you are met by the hosts of our mountain lake, Eventyr Lodge. Peel off your kayak gear and enjoy a refreshing sauna and hot drink. After a delicious meal your floatplane whisks you away for the scenic flight back to Seward, tracing your kayak trip, gliding over fjords and glaciers and landing back at Bear Lake.

Multi-Overnight Glacier Lake Paddle and Ocean Paddle starting at $695

This is an extension of the above adventure. You worked so hard to get here, relax and enjoy this wonderland for a little while. Spend the day fishing for trout or salmon, explore the ocean shore, and hike up to the high alpine lakes and meadows. Spend more time kayaking the ocean shore. Fish for halibut and salmon out of your kayak. You are housed in cozy tents with warm sleeping bags. Fall asleep to the soothing sounds of the burbling creek. Home cooked meals are served at the cabin perched on the bluff overlooking the lake. Hot showers and flush toilets make you feel right at home. Unwind in the sauna. Custom itineraries are available for extended stays. Guests always comment that they wished they had more time to spend here.