College Fjord

In the summer of 1899, railroad magnate Edward H. Harriman organized a two-month expedition along the Alaskan coast.

• Funded as both a scientific mission and personal retreat following medical advice to reduce stress
• Initially planned as a family vacation, but expanded into a major expedition
• Brought together a group of scientists, naturalists, writers, and artists
• Combined scientific discovery with leisure travel

The Harriman Expedition was responsible for naming College Fjord and its surrounding glaciers.

• Glaciers were named after the Ivy League schools attended by expedition members
• Northwest side features glaciers named after women's colleges:
  • Smith
  • Bryn Mawr
  • Vassar
  • Wellesley
  • Barnard
  • Holyoke

Southeast side features glaciers named after men's colleges:

• Harvard
• Yale
• Amherst
• Dartmouth

While some glaciers have retreated over time, Harvard Glacier remains a dominant and active presence.

• Approximately 1.5 miles wide
• Around 225 feet high at its face
• Extends 120 feet below the waterline
• Reaches nearly 24 miles back to the Chugach Icefield
• Continues to advance and actively calve ice into the fjord

College Fjord offers one of the most concentrated displays of tidal glaciers in the world.

• Glaciers descend steeply from surrounding mountains
• Some drop as much as 3,700 feet per mile
• Few places match this density of glacier formations

Wildlife sightings are common throughout the fjord, especially near Harvard Glacier.

• Harbor seals frequently rest on floating ice
• Sea otters gather in groups, grooming and feeding
• Otters can often be seen floating with their pups while observing passing boats

College Fjord is one of the most scenic glacier destinations in Alaska. Located in Prince William Sound, it is a cruise-by destination, not a port stop. The experience is centered around viewing glaciers and wildlife directly from your ship.

View Massive Glaciers

The main highlight of College Fjord is its glacier concentration.

• Home to multiple tidewater and valley glaciers
• Many glaciers are named after Ivy League schools, including:
  • Harvard Glacier
  • Yale Glacier
  • Princeton Glacier

Harvard Glacier is the most notable:

• Largest glacier in the fjord
• Highly active
• Frequently calves large chunks of ice into the water

Watch for Wildlife

Wildlife sightings are common while cruising through the fjord. You may see:

• Sea otters floating in the water
• Harbor seals resting on ice
• Seabirds flying overhead
• Whales in Prince William Sound (occasionally)

Take Photos of the Landscape

College Fjord offers some of the best photography opportunities in Alaska.

Expect:

• Snow-covered mountains
• Towering glaciers
• Deep blue water reflections

Many cruise lines provide:

• Onboard narration
• Educational commentary on geology and history

Tips for the Best Experience

To make the most of your time in College Fjord:

• Go to outer decks or viewing lounges early
• Wear warm layers
• Bring binoculars for closer views
• Have your camera ready for glacier calving and wildlife

What is College Fjord in Alaska?

College Fjord is a scenic glacier-filled fjord located in Prince William Sound, Alaska. It is known for its high concentration of tidewater glaciers and is typically experienced as a cruise-by destination rather than a port stop.

Why is it called College Fjord?

College Fjord was named during the 1899 Harriman Expedition. The glaciers were named after Ivy League and women?s colleges attended by members of the expedition, including Harvard, Yale, Vassar, and Smith.

What is the most famous glacier in College Fjord?

Harvard Glacier is the most famous and largest glacier in College Fjord. It is over a mile wide, highly active, and regularly calves large chunks of ice into the water.