10 Epic Excursions in Tracy Arm Fjord

Tracy Arm Fjord is a spectacular destination in southeastern Alaska and a must for anyone wishing to experience the natural beauty and wildlife of this part of the world. 

Located just 45 miles southeast of Juneau, this fjord is renowned for its spectacular beauty, which includes towering mountains, cascading waterfalls, diverse wildlife, and, of course, the impressive Sawyer Glaciers.

Naturalist John Muir called Tracy Arm “one of the most dramatically stunning fjords of Southeast Alaska”, and it’s easy to see why.

The beauty and grandeur of the fjord are truly awe-inspiring and make Tracy Arm a must-visit destination in Alaska. 

Whether you’re looking for adventure or simply taking in the stunning scenery, Tracy Arm Fjord has something for everyone.

From wildlife watching to glacier viewing, here are some of the best things to do in Tracy Arm Fjord.

1. View the Sawyer Glaciers

While there are plenty of things to do in Tracy Arm Fjord, one of the main highlights is viewing the Sawyer Glaciers. One of the most famous glaciers in Alaska, the Sawyer Glaciers are actually two separate glaciers: the North and South. The North Sawyer Glacier, often just called Sawyer Glacier, is located at the end of Tracy Arm fjord, which is more easily visible. 

This is the glacier that most boat tours visit. The Sawyer Glaciers are truly awe-inspiring and are among the most active glaciers in Alaska.  Cruise ships do visit the glacier, but most are too big to enter the fjord. However, small boat tours allow you to get up close to the glacier and have stunning views of the surrounding fjord.

2. Watch for Whales

Tracy Arm Fjord is also known for its incredible wildlife viewing and is home to various whale species, including humpback whales, orcas, and gray whales. 

These massive creatures can often be seen breaching and feeding in the fjord’s waters. 

During the summer months, humpback whales migrate to this area, and the best time to see them is from May to September.

3. Float Among Icebergs

Another fantastic way to experience Tracy Arm is to take a boat tour. While cruising through the fjord, you’re guaranteed to pass by icebergs. 

These icebergs range from small pieces to larger chunks as big as multi-story buildings, and it’s a surreal experience to navigate through the icy waters while surrounded by towering ice formations. 

4. Chase Waterfalls (HUGE Ones!)

Tracy Arm Fjord is also home to hundreds of waterfalls, but some of the most impressive are along the narrow channel into the Sawyer Glaciers. 

These huge waterfalls cascade down the steep cliffs into the fjord’s waters—some are over 1,000 feet high! 

While the cruise ships can’t enter the fjord, any small boat or catamaran tour will pass by plenty of these stunning waterfalls and possibly even get close enough that you’ll feel the spray from the water.

5. Sail Through the Fjords

Many cruise ships will cruise by Tracy Arm, but most are too big to sail into the fjord.  A small boat tour is the best way to get a closer view of the waterfalls, icebergs, and wildlife. 

These boat tours are an excellent way to explore Tracy Arm Fjord and offer an experience that’s hard to beat.  While sailing through the fjord, you’ll see whales and waterfalls, take in the spectacular scenery surrounding you, and get a closer look at the massive glaciers.

6. Take a Helicopter Tour and View from Above

For a different perspective, take a helicopter tour to get a bird’s eye view of this part of Alaska. This is an excellent way to see the glaciers and surrounding landscape from above. 

7. Watch for Wildlife

Tracy Arm Fjord is home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears and mountain goats, seals, and sea lions, as well as humpback whales and eagles.  While you may be able to see some animals up close, a good pair of binoculars is also recommended so you can spot mountain goats or black bears in the distance. 

During the summer months, you may be able to spot harbor seals with their young pups or migrating orcas. Whether you’re looking across the water or watching the shores, be sure to look for these amazing creatures during your visit.

8. See Glaciers Calve

One of the most awe-inspiring things to experience in Tracy Arm Fjord is the calving of the glaciers.  This occurs when a large piece of ice breaks off and crashes into the water, often creating a thunderous roar and sending waves throughout the fjord. 

These pieces can be anywhere from small chunks to large sections. The Sawyer Glaciers are active tidewater glaciers, which means that they often calve. The best chance to experience this calving is on a boat tour, where you can get close to the glacier.

9. Take Advantage of Excellent Photo Opportunities

With stunning scenery and abundant wildlife, Tracy Arm Fjord is a photographer’s dream. Be sure to bring your camera and take advantage of the many photo opportunities. 

From the towering glaciers and mountain peaks to the forested canyons and stunning waterfalls, and, of course, the incredible wildlife, there is no shortage of beautiful scenes to capture with your camera. 

10. Count the Shades of Blue in the Glaciers

The Sawyer Glaciers are renowned for their incredible shades of blue. Unlike regular ice, glacial ice is very compact with few air bubbles, so it absorbs all the colors of the spectrum except blue, which it reflects to create the brilliant shades you see. 

The Sawyer Glaciers are an excellent example, with a range of blue shades from turquoise and teal to deep sapphire and cobalt.  Because the shades of blue result from light reflecting off the ice, the glaciers’ colors change depending on the time of day and the weather.

Cloudy days are much better for seeing the glaciers’ blues, as the colors get washed out in bright sunlight. While cloudy and gray days are usually considered poor weather, these are actually the best days to see the brilliant colors and scenery of Tracy Arm Fjord.