There’s something truly magical about standing on a glacier—an ancient, slow-moving river of ice that has shaped our planet for thousands of years. Whether you’re trekking across icy landscapes, looking into hidden ice caves, or witnessing massive ice chunks calve into the sea, glacier tours offer a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Here are five epic glacier experiences you need to add to your bucket list.
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Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina
Located in Los Glaciares National Park, Perito Moreno Glacier is one of the few advancing glaciers in the world. Spanning 97 square miles (250 km²), this stunning ice mass is famous for its towering blue ice walls that frequently calve into Lake Argentino with a thunderous roar.
Tour highlights:
- Walk on the glacier with crampons during a guided mini-trekking tour.
- Witness icebergs breaking off from the glacier on a boat tour.
- View the massive ice wall from various panoramic walkways.
Best time to visit: November to April, when the weather is warmer and the glacier is most active.
Sólheimajökull Glacier, Iceland
Iceland is a land of fire and ice, and Sólheimajökull Glacier is one of the most accessible and breathtaking glaciers to look. Located on the country’s south coast, it’s a fast-changing glacier known for its striking mix of black volcanic ash and bright blue ice.
Tour highlights:
- Take a guided glacier hiking tour with ice axes and crampons.
- Look into stunning ice caves and crevasses.
- Kayak through the glacial lagoon for a unique perspective.
Best time to visit: September to April for ice caves, but hiking tours run year-round.
Fox Glacier, New Zealand
One of the most famous glaciers in New Zealand, Fox Glacier offers a unique experience where the glacier descends into a lush rainforest—one of the only places in the world where this happens.
Tour highlights:
- Take a heli-hike, combining a scenic helicopter flight with an ice walk.
- Visit blue ice caves and tunnels.
- Hike along the valley floor to see the glacier’s dramatic retreat.
Best time to visit: October to March, when conditions are best for heli-hikes.
Athabasca Glacier, Canada
Part of the Columbia Icefield in the Canadian Rockies, Athabasca Glacier is one of the most visited glaciers in North America. It is slowly receding, making now the best time to see this breathtaking icefield.
Tour highlights:
- Ride in a massive Ice Explorer vehicle to the glacier’s surface.
- Walk on the glacier and even drink fresh glacial water.
- Experience the Glacier Skywalk, a glass-floored observation deck above the Sunwapta Valley.
Best time to visit: May to October, when glacier tours operate.
Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand
Another incredible New Zealand glacier, Franz Josef Glacier, offers one of the steepest guided ice walks in the world. Like Fox Glacier, it also extends into a temperate rainforest, creating a surreal landscape.
Tour highlights:
- Take a heli-hike to access the best ice formations.
- Know deep crevasses, blue ice caves, and tunnels.
- Relax in the Franz Josef Glacier Hot Pools after your trek.
Best time to visit: November to March, when heli-hikes are most accessible.
Looking into glaciers is an adventure like no other, offering surreal landscapes and thrilling experiences. Whether you’re hiking across ancient ice, Looking into hidden caves, or soaring above glaciers in a helicopter, these destinations will leave you in awe. Don’t wait too long—climate change is rapidly altering these icy wonders, making now the best time to experience their breathtaking beauty.
FAQs
Which glacier tour is best for beginners?
Athabasca Glacier in Canada offers easy guided tours.
What’s the best time to visit ice caves?
From November to April in Iceland and New Zealand.
Do I need special gear for glacier hikes?
Guides provide crampons and safety gear for tours.
Can I visit glaciers without a tour?
Some, like Perito Moreno, have viewing platforms for self-guided visits.
Are glacier tours safe?
Yes, but always go with a licensed guide for safety.
