Hubbard Glacier, Disenchantment Bay (Alaska Part 4)

So, you know how sometimes when you book a tour, cruise or any other kind of adventure, you are not always sure what you are booking. This was exactly the case when we chose this itinerary and saw that it went to the Hubbard Glacier. We really had no clue what we were booking.

The Hubbard Glacier is the largest tidewater glacier on the North American continent. It is located in Alaska and also in Canada’s Yukon Territory. Standing at 1,000 feet above sea level, the glacier stretches 76 miles from its source in the Yukon to the sea at Yakutat Bay and Disenchantment Bay. It is the longest tidewater glacier in Alaska, with an open calving face over 6 miles wide. It has been thickening and advancing toward the Gulf of Alaska since it was first mapped by the International Boundary Commission in 1895. This is in stark contrast with most glaciers, which have thinned and retreated during the last century. If Hubbard Glacier continues to advance, it will close the seaward entrance of Russell Fjord and create the largest glacier-dammed lake on the North American continent. Below is a NASA picture of the glacier. Our shio entered the Disenchantment Bay to witness this beauty.

From Skagway, we headed to the glacier site. Once we arrived, we we were amazed at what we saw. The glacier was different than what we had seen so far in Alaska. Words don’t really describe what you see, so it is best to just share the pictures. Scroll through thru the slideshow below.

Once we arrived at the glacier, they stopped the ship and provided a lot of commentary about the glacier and surrounding area. Then they rotated the ship so that everyone had a chance to see the glacier.

The picture below is an up close view of the glacier. Our ship did not get this close, but you can see a spec in the middle of the picture which is a much smaller boat. The picture gives you a much better sense of just how big the Hubbard Glacier is.

From the Hubbard Glacier, we headed to Icy Strait Point in Hoonah, Alaska. Then it was on to Victoria, BC and then to Seattle to head home. This was incredible experience. If your were wondering if Alaska should be on your bucket list, my answer would be a definite yes!