Glaciers are one of the natural wonders of the world, formed when snow stays in a single place for long enough to transform into ice. Glaciers move over time, and they’re also a visual reminder of the impact that we as humans are having on the planet. And seeing them up close and personal has the ability to change your life – and your mindset – for the better.
One thing to bear in mind is that you may need to travel somewhere to get a chance of seeing glaciers, to begin with. When this happens, you’ll want to pack appropriately and to settle in for the long haul. That’s because glacier hunting is a commitment, and there’s no guarantee that you’ll even see one.
But if you ask us, it’s still worth doing, and this article will show you just how to go about doing it. Let’s get started.Best ways to see Glaciers
1. Glaciers move, albeit slowly, and they can also increase and decrease in size in different seasons. That’s why it’s a good idea to maximize your chances of seeing a glacier at its best by taking your trip during the winter, where the weather is colder and where the glaciers feel more majestic. You can think of it as being like setting the stage for a performance.
2. Another great way to make sure that you see glaciers in a safe and controlled environment is to hire a guide who has the qualifications and the experience to lead you safely to the best places to see them. Just be sure to check reviews and testimonials to make sure that the person you hire is reliable. It’s worth paying extra for quality.
3. Go on boat
Whether you take a cruise from Vancouver or you base yourself in Alaska, going by boat is a fantastic way for you to get up close and personal with the beautiful glaciers that the northern hemisphere has to offer. Better still, going on a cruise means that you can guarantee that you’ll be traveling in comfort, and the prices can be pretty reasonable so you don’t have to worry about bankrupting yourself, either.
4. Go on a helicopter ride
If you can’t hop on a cruise ship, the next best alternative is to hitch a ride on a helicopter. These are more suited for short-range trips so they won’t work for all glaciers, but it can be a great way to get a bird’s eye view and to see the glaciers from a unique point of view that few people ever get to see them from. Of course, it can also be more expensive to do this.
5. Go by RV
This might sound like an unlikely suggestion, but going by RV means that you’ll be able to control your surroundings and sleep in the comfort of your van while simultaneously having a way to travel and to get around. If you’re in the mainland United States, your best option here is to visit Glacier National Park in Montana, which is home to 35 glaciers at the time of writing.
6. Go with photographers
This might sound like a strange tip too, but there are plenty of professional photographers who go on trips to photograph glaciers to sell the images to nature magazines and stock photography sites. If you hitch a ride with the pros, they’ll know exactly where to go and what to do, and they’ll also know the best place to get a good view of the glaciers.
7. See them both by day and night
Glaciers look totally different depending upon what time of day it is, and so if you get the chance then it’s worth seeing the same glacier both in the daytime and during the night time. You won’t believe how much of a difference it can make, and indeed many people prefer the night trips because they add an extra level of awe to the beauty of nature.
8. Do it quickly
The planet that we live on is under threat, and many of the glaciers that people love to visit are under threat. Because of that, if you want to see glaciers up close and personal then the best thing that you can do is to move quickly so that you see them while you still can. And if you’re particularly dedicated to preserving the environment, you can also search for environmentally-friendly operators.
Conclusion
Now that you know just a few of the best ways to see glaciers, it’s over to you to start planning your travels so that you can take in these accessible natural wonders sooner rather than later. Seeing glaciers up close and personal really is an unforgettable experience, and it can change your life for the better if you’ll let it. Here’s hoping you make some new memories!
