Originally named Glacier City, Girdwood was founded as a gold mining town. As the number of miners increased, a supply camp arose that also supplied a trail stop on the route between Seward and Ship Creek - the latter of which is now known as Anchorage. Today, Girdwood is loved as a unique recreation destination, thanks to a picturesque setting, an extensive network of trails, and the award-winning Alyeska Resort.
Served by: Coastal Classic Train, Glacier Discovery Train
Our reservations agents are happy to assist you in the below hotel. Call Alaska Railroad reservations at 800.544.0552.
Hotel Alyeska
Address: 1000 Arlberg Avenue | Girdwood, AK 99587
Phone: 907.754.2111
Located 40 miles south of Anchorage in Girdwood, the Hotel Alyeska stands alone in Alaska as a premier year-round resort destination. It’s nestled in a lush valley surrounded by mountain peaks, hanging glaciers and water views, offering guests luxurious accommodations and convenient access into the Alaska wilderness.
Amenities:
- Phone
- Television
- Coffee/Tea Maker
- Refrigerator
- Bed Types: 2 Double Beds or 1 King
- Wheelchair Access Shower
- Restaurant
- Business Center
- Fitness Center
- Pool
- Courtesy Van Wheelchair
- Laundry Facility
- Baggage Storage
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Cribs
- Rollaway Beds: $25
Hotel Information:
- Transfers to/from Depot: Yes
- Transfers to/from Airport: Yes - $100
- Distance to Depot: 4 Miles
- Distance to Airport: 40 Miles
- Pick-up Locations: Complimentary shuttle service to/from depot
- ADA Rooms
Add any of the below excursions to your rail itinerary by calling Alaska Railroad reservations at 800.544.0552.
Enjoy a spectacular round-trip helicopter ride into the majestic Chugach Mountains and onto Punch Bowl Glacier, 3,200 feet above sea level. Once there, drive a team of Alaskan huskies across the snowfield. Includes transfer and glacier gear. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise with Salmon & Prime Rib Buffet
Watch for tidewater glaciers and abundant marine wildlife – including humpback whales, orcas, sea lions and more – aboard this six-hour cruise. Includes narration by a National Park Ranger, and an all-you-can-eat salmon and prime rib buffet.
Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise
Embark on a six-hour coastal catamaran cruise featuring Resurrection Bay and Kenai Fjords National Park; get an up-close view of tidewater glaciers and watch for wildlife.
Resurrection Bay Wildlife Cruise with Salmon & Prime Rib Buffet
This five-hour cruise of protected Resurrection Bay includes glacier and wildlife viewing, narration by a National Park Ranger, and an all-you-can-eat salmon and prime rib buffet.
Resurrection Bay Wildlife Cruise to Fox Island
Learn about the rich history of Resurrection Bay while viewing jagged cliffs, alpine glaciers and marine wildlife. A visit to Fox Island and an all-you-can-eat buffet with a National Park Ranger Presentation is included.
This tour is a great way to see Seward in a day. Visit Exit Glacier, pause for lunch at the Resurrection Roadhouse, and enjoy a dog sled ride and tour at the famed Seavey kennel.
The coastal rainforest surrounding Resurrection Bay makes for an incredible backdrop on this 3-hour guided ziplining adventure.
Alaska’s only public aquarium and marine wildlife rescue center. Get up close to the unique sea animals, birds and fish of Alaska.
From Whittier, explore the serenity of Esther Passage, view majestic alpine and tidewater glaciers in College and Harriman Fjord and travel in luxurious comfort aboard the fastest catamarans in Alaska. This five-hour cruise includes a hot lunch, is fully narrated by a Chugach National Forest Service Ranger and offers a no seasickness guarantee.
From Whittier, cruise into magnificent Blackstone Bay, home to seven glaciers and towering waterfalls. Watch for otters, seals, bears, mountain goats and more. Fully narrated by a Chugach National Forest Service Ranger. Includes a hot lunch and backed by a no seasickness guarantee,
Ride the Glacier Discovery Train to the Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop, where you’ll disembark to explore this backcountry paradise only accessible by rail. Includes a guided hike to the glacier overlook with a Chugach National Forest Service Ranger.
Spencer Iceberg & Placer River Float
Experienced guides row you right up to picturesque icebergs and offer stunning views of Spencer Glacier. From there, float the pristine Placer River.
Nowhere else in the world can you: ride a train, sea kayak, hike and explore a glacier all in a day.
Visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, raft amid glacial icebergs, and enjoy a delicious salmon bake in full view of Spencer Glacier.
This rail journey takes you through some of the most scenic areas of the Railbelt: enjoy exceptional views of Trail Glacier, Bartlett Glacier and Spencer Glacier.
