Half-Day Guided Kayak Tour on Knik River
Overview
New in 2023!
Experience Alaska on the original roads and routes aka its rivers and lakes. This tour transverses one of the most sublime landscapes and panoramic views in all of Southcentral Alaska and the Mat Su Valley. You will find salmon swimming under your paddle craft as they migrate to their spawning grounds. Also, expect to see ducks and eagles fly overhead and maybe even find a moose standing in the water eating a meal.
This tour starts by paddling across Jim Lake and then a short overland portage into Jim Creek.
Finally, exit on the beach of the Knik River that flows from the Knik Glacier, and while there get some pictures with the glacier in the background. The Knik Glacier is the headwaters of the Knik River and is the largest glacier in Southcentral Alaska. After this brief pause to take some photos, and view the scenery, we will continue our paddle down the Kink River to our exit point of the old Knik River Bridge.
What's Included
- All basic paddling gear including life jacket, paddle, and paddle craft
- Your choice of a Kayak or Stand Up Paddle board
- All basic Paddling Equipment in Provided
Meeting Location
GX47+QVG Butte
AK, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Book Online
Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free
Palmer
30 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Jim Lake
2 hours Admission Ticket Free
Knik Glacier
30 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Knik River
1 hour Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Must be able to carry 50 LBS
- Must be able to walk on uneven and muddy ground
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Children 10 and under can ride along in a parent or guardian boat.
- Lap children are a one to one ratio, with their adult, other children can come but will be required to sit in their own seat on the paddle craft.
- This is tour is beginner kayakers; however, you need to be comfortable with paddling your own kayak through cold water, waves, and wind, and with walking though mud.
- You will get wet on this tour.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (12)
Q: Are there any weight restrictions for kayaking?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-383326P1
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 12 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
Similar Tours & Activities
Join us for an easygoing nature walk with breathtaking views, right in the heart of Alaska's Chugach State Park, at the Eagle River Nature Center....
$89
Nathan is a professional portrait photographer by trade, which is something you’d be hard pressed to find on any other Aurora tour in Fairbanks. He...
$385
The Glacier Canoe Paddle and Hike is our most sought-after adventure. Your journey begins at the Mendenhall Lake, where a canoe guide will provide paddle...
$429
Guided Airboat Tour
In half a day (4-4.5 hours), we will take you from Homer to the end of the road and beyond, deep into Alaska’s wilderness. We...
$500
Join us for an easygoing nature walk with breathtaking views, right in the heart of Alaska's Chugach State Park, at the Eagle River Nature Center....
$89
Nathan is a professional portrait photographer by trade, which is something you’d be hard pressed to find on any other Aurora tour in Fairbanks. He...
$385
The Glacier Canoe Paddle and Hike is our most sought-after adventure. Your journey begins at the Mendenhall Lake, where a canoe guide will provide paddle...
$429
In half a day (4-4.5 hours), we will take you from Homer to the end of the road and beyond, deep into Alaska’s wilderness. We...
$500
Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Anchorage Trolley's Deluxe City Tour
Step aboard Anchorage Trolley’s Deluxe City Tour for a one-of-a-kind adventure that goes far beyond sightseeing. Over the course of 1.5 to 2 hours, you’ll...
$50
Anchorage Trolley's 1-Hour City Tour
All Aboard, Anchorage’s favorite city tour! Hop on our fully narrated trolley tour as we travel 15 miles through Anchorage's most scenic and historic sites....
$25
This experience takes you to the only underground GOLD mine tour in the state of Alaska. Underground Juneau Gold is a unique tour of what...
$99
Experience the Big Outdoors and Portage Glacier Cruise! See the amazing beauty that surrounds Anchorage. This special tour does not follow any set route. Nor...
$220
Step aboard Anchorage Trolley’s Deluxe City Tour for a one-of-a-kind adventure that goes far beyond sightseeing. Over the course of 1.5 to 2 hours, you’ll...
$50
All Aboard, Anchorage’s favorite city tour! Hop on our fully narrated trolley tour as we travel 15 miles through Anchorage's most scenic and historic sites....
$25
This experience takes you to the only underground GOLD mine tour in the state of Alaska. Underground Juneau Gold is a unique tour of what...
$99
Experience the Big Outdoors and Portage Glacier Cruise! See the amazing beauty that surrounds Anchorage. This special tour does not follow any set route. Nor...
$220
Frequently Asked Questions (12)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
Filter by:
The maximum weight capacity for kayaking is 340 lbs / 154 kg.
Nov 2021No experience is necessary! Beginners are welcome on all of our kayak tours. Most of our guests have never been in a sea kayak before. Anyone in average physical condition may join a kayak tour. If you can hike or bike, you can paddle our sea kayaks. You do not need any swimming skills either.
The only prerequisite is a healthy spirit of curiosity and adventure.
Regardless of age or skill level you will find that our expeditions offer enough flexibility to make your experience with us safe and rewarding. We will show you proper sea kayaking technique and water safety before leaving the beach. And your expert guides will be with you throughout the adventure to give you pointers and improve your skills.
Sep 2022Your safety is City Balloon Tours’s number one concern. In general, sea kayaking is safer than most other outdoor pursuits, even bicycling.
Jan 2023If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (AKST).
- This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- All basic paddling gear including life jacket, paddle, and paddle craft.
- Your choice of a Kayak or Stand Up Paddle board.
- All basic Paddling Equipment in Provided.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Half-Day Guided Kayak Tour on Knik River is as follows:
- Service animals allowed
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Must be able to carry 50 LBS
- Must be able to walk on uneven and muddy ground
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Half-Day Guided Kayak Tour on Knik River will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- All basic paddling gear including life jacket, paddle, and paddle craft
- Your choice of a Kayak or Stand Up Paddle board
- All basic Paddling Equipment in Provided
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Must be able to carry 50 LBS
- Must be able to walk on uneven and muddy ground
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Children 10 and under can ride along in a parent or guardian boat.
- Lap children are a one to one ratio, with their adult, other children can come but will be required to sit in their own seat on the paddle craft.
- This is tour is beginner kayakers; however, you need to be comfortable with paddling your own kayak through cold water, waves, and wind, and with walking though mud.
- You will get wet on this tour.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
