Best Alaska Helicopter Tours
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Alaska’s raw, rugged beauty is unlike anywhere else in the world and the best views are from the sky. Helicopter tours in Alaska offer front-row seats to massive glaciers, snow-covered peaks, emerald fjords, and wildlife you won’t see anywhere else. Whether you’re flying over the vast Juneau Icefield, landing on a glacier near Denali, or exploring the coastline near Seward, these tours are nothing short of spectacular.
What makes these adventures even more memorable are the incredible experiences they include. From walking on ancient ice to riding with a team of sled dogs on a real snowfield, Alaska helicopter tours combine adrenaline with awe. We’ve rounded up the Top Rated 18 Alaska Helicopter Tours that showcase the best of what the Last Frontier has to offer, perfect for cruisers, adventure travelers, and anyone ready to see Alaska from a whole new perspective. When I asked guests on the Pride of America Cruise what other favorite places they took a Helicopter Tour 99% of them said Alaska.
Alaska – Helicopter Tour Preview
Just a few (not all!) of the landmarks you may see on your helicopter tour.
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Witness the raw, untamed beauty of the Last Frontier from a perspective few ever experience. This Alaska helicopter tour preview takes you above towering glaciers, deep icefields, and vast stretches of wilderness where roads can’t reach. From breathtaking views of Denali and dramatic landings on ancient ice to flights over Mendenhall Glacier, Juneau, and the wild landscapes surrounding Skagway and Seward, this video offers a glimpse of the rugged scenery that makes helicopter tours in Alaska truly unforgettable. Whether you’re planning a cruise, a land adventure, or a bucket-list trip, this preview will help you choose the perfect tour for exploring Alaska by air.
1. Helicopter and Glacier Paddle Boarding – PRIVATE
From $1,049.54 per person • 5.0 (32 reviews) (View Helicopter Tour Reviews Here) • Approx. 4 hours total, 30 minutes flight time
For a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that’s as exclusive as it is unforgettable, this private helicopter and paddleboarding experience delivers the best of Alaska’s wild beauty. After a scenic helicopter ride over the stunning Knik Glacier area, you’ll land directly on a mountaintop next to crystal-clear glacial pools. Suit up in a drysuit, grab a paddleboard, and glide across the surreal icy waters surrounded by snow-capped peaks and untouched wilderness.
This fully private tour ensures a quiet, personalized experience far from the crowds. Whether you’re marveling at the glacier from above or floating quietly on the shimmering lake below, this excursion gives you two perspectives of Alaska’s remote beauty that few ever get to see.
- Highlights:
- Private helicopter flight with panoramic glacier views
- Paddleboarding on pristine glacial meltwater lakes
- Dry suits, safety gear, and lunch included
- Moderate fitness required; 18+ only
- Departure Location: Alaska Glacier Lodge, Palmer, AK
- Cancellation: Free up to 24 hours before departure
2. Alaska Helicopter Tour with Glacier Landing – Anchorage Area (60 Minutes)
From $452.17 per person • 4.9 (672 reviews) (View Helicopter Tour Reviews Here) • Approx. 1 hour total, 30 minutes flight time
This popular Anchorage-area helicopter tour takes you on a breathtaking journey over Alaska’s rugged terrain, ending with a glacier landing you’ll never forget. Departing from the scenic Alaska Glacier Lodge, you’ll fly above the winding Knik River, deep gorges, and endless snowcapped peaks before touching down on or near the Knik Glacier, depending on the season.
In summer, step out onto the glacier itself for a guided ice trek across the blue ice. In winter, explore the massive frozen formations around the glacier. Keep your eyes peeled during the flight, you might spot moose, bears, or mountain goats in their natural habitat.
- Highlights:
- Scenic helicopter flight over the Knik River Valley
- Guided glacier hike (summer) or frozen formation walk (winter)
- Multiple daily departures and small-group format
- Wheelchair-accessible tour with locker storage available
- Departure Location: Alaska Glacier Lodge, Palmer, AK
- Cancellation: Free up to 24 hours before departure
What to Pack for a Glacier Tour?
- Waterproof or hiking boots
- Gloves and windproof jacket
- Sunglasses (snow glare!)
- Camera or GoPro (with hand strap)
- Optional: reusable bottle to taste glacier meltwater
3. Juneau Shore Excursion: Helicopter Tour and Guided Icefield Walk
From $425.65 per person • 4.8 (500 reviews) (View Helicopter Tour Reviews Here) • Approx. 2.5 hours total, 27 minutes flight time
If your cruise ship is docking in Juneau, don’t miss this epic shore excursion that combines stunning aerial views with an unforgettable glacier landing. After convenient pickup from your hotel or the cruise terminal, you’ll board a helicopter and soar across the Juneau Icefield, taking in jagged peaks, deep crevasses, and flowing icefalls.
Once you touch down on Herbert Glacier, step out and enjoy a guided glacier walk. Your pilot also serves as your expert guide, sharing fascinating facts about the natural history and unique geology of this icy landscape. Walk where few have set foot and savor crisp glacier air while surrounded by the quiet of the remote Alaskan wilderness.
- Highlights:
- Helicopter flight over the Juneau Icefield and Herbert Glacier
- Expert-guided icefield walk with commentary
- Round-trip transportation included
- ADA accessible options available with advance notice
- Departure Location: Coastal Helicopters, Juneau, AK (cruise terminal & hotel pickup offered)
- Cancellation: Non-refundable once booked
4. Helicopter to a Dogsledding Experience
From $705.65 per person • 4.6 (121 reviews) (View Helicopter Tour Reviews Here) • Approx. 3 hours total, 25–30 minutes flight time
This is the quintessential Alaskan adventure—a helicopter ride and a dog sledding journey rolled into one epic experience. Start your tour by flying high above the ancient glaciers of the Juneau Icefield before landing at a remote, snow-covered dog camp on Herbert Glacier. Surrounded by towering peaks and pristine wilderness, you’ll meet your Alaskan husky team and prepare for an unforgettable ride.
Choose to sit back and enjoy the thrill from the sled or hop on the runners for a hands-on experience. Your musher will guide the team across the snowy terrain while sharing insight into the life of sled dogs and the training that goes into their craft. This is a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in Alaska’s backcountry and experience true wilderness transportation.
- Highlights:
- Round-trip helicopter flight with glacier landing
- Interactive dog mushing ride on a secluded glacier
- Pickup from Juneau cruise port or hotels
- Rain gear and overshoes included for comfort
- Departure Location: Coastal Helicopters, Juneau, AK (shuttle pickup available)
- Cancellation: Non-refundable once booked
What Is a Glacier Landing Like?
Landing on a glacier is unlike any other helicopter tour. You’ll step out onto ancient ice, feel the wind rushing across the icefield, and often hear only the sound of crunching snow beneath your feet. The air is cold, crisp, and incredibly quiet. Some tours give you 15–30 minutes to explore, take photos, or even sip glacier meltwater.
5. Alaska Helicopter and Glacier Dogsled Tour – Anchorage Area
From $629.31 per person • 5.0 (458 reviews) (View Helicopter Tour Reviews Here) • Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes total, 30 minutes flight time
This Anchorage-area helicopter and dogsled tour delivers an unforgettable experience across Alaska’s glaciers and snowfields. Take off from Alaska Glacier Lodge and fly over the Church Range and Knik Glacier, soaking in dramatic views of icebergs, crevasses, and wildlife such as moose, black bears, and mountain goats.
Land on the Troublesome Glacier, where a team of Iditarod champion sled dogs awaits. You’ll ride across real snow in summer, standing on the runners or sitting back on the sled. After your ride, spend time bonding with the dogs and learning firsthand what it’s like to compete in a 1,000-mile race.
- Highlights:
- Round-trip helicopter flight with views of glaciers and wildlife
- Guided glacier dogsled experience with champion mushers
- Time to meet and take photos with the sled dogs
- Overboots provided to keep your shoes dry
- Departure Location: Alaska Glacier Lodge, Palmer, AK
- Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure
6. Grand Knik Helicopter Tour – 3 Landings (Anchorage Area)
From $734.37 per person • 5.0 (336 reviews) (View Helicopter Tour Reviews Here) • Approx. 2 hours total, 30 minutes flight time
This extended Grand Knik helicopter tour is perfect for adventurers who want to explore Alaska’s wild beauty without hours of hiking. Fly over the breathtaking Knik River Valley, then make three unforgettable landings—including a remote alpine site, a dramatic ice wall, and the middle of the Knik Glacier itself.
Your guide will lead you on a short glacier walk and answer questions about the area’s geology, wildlife, and history. Wildlife sightings are common and may include moose, Dall sheep, mountain goats, and in summer, even bears or wolves. This tour is limited to a small group for a more personal, immersive experience.
- Highlights:
- Scenic helicopter flight with three unique landings
- Walk on Knik Glacier with a knowledgeable guide
- Stunning photo opportunities of Alaska’s icy wilderness
- Small group size for an intimate experience
- Departure Location: Alaska Glacier Lodge, Palmer, AK
- Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure
7. Glacier and Mountain Viewing Intro Flight – Seward
From $295.00 per person • 4.9 (38 reviews) (View Helicopter Tour Reviews Here) • Approx. 30 minutes total, 15 minutes flight time
This short but unforgettable intro flight from Seward is perfect for those with limited time who still want to experience the grandeur of Alaska by air. You’ll board a helicopter for a 15-minute scenic flight over Kenai Fjords National Park, Resurrection Bay, and floating icebergs on your way to Godwin Glacier.
Once there, you’ll have about 15 minutes on the glacier to admire the views, capture stunning photos, and soak in the silence and power of Alaska’s icy wilderness. A small-group setup and clear weather days provide incredible visibility of ice calving, glacial crevasses, and snow-capped peaks.
- Highlights:
- Fly over the rugged coastlines and forests of Kenai Fjords
- Land near Godwin Glacier for glacier viewing and photos
- Great option for families or first-time fliers
- Short but stunning—ideal if you’re limited on time
- Departure Location: 2210 Airport Rd, Seward, AK
- Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure
8. Helicopter Glacier & Dog Sledding Adventure Tour – Seward
From $615.00 per person • 4.9 (140 reviews) (View Helicopter Tour Reviews Here) • Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes total, 15 minutes flight time
Take part in an iconic Alaska dogsledding adventure with the added thrill of a helicopter ride over the Godwin Glacier. After a 15-minute scenic flight, you’ll land on the glacier at a summer dog sled camp and meet a team of 25 energetic huskies. Learn about Alaska’s state sport before heading out on a 2-mile sled ride with a professional musher.
This experience includes time to interact with the dogs, take in 360-degree views of the rugged terrain, and enjoy a combination of flightseeing, wildlife spotting, and dogsledding – all packed into an easy 90-minute excursion.
- Highlights:
- Round-trip helicopter ride from Seward to Godwin Glacier
- Dogsled ride across snowfields with experienced mushers
- Learn the history of dog mushing and enjoy puppy time
- Overboots provided to keep your feet dry
- Departure Location: 2210 Airport Rd, Seward, AK
- Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure
9. Helicopter to a Dogsledding Experience with Glacier Landing – Juneau
From $834.88 per person • 4.7 (56 reviews) (View Helicopter Tour Reviews Here) • Approx. 3 hours 30 minutes total, 25–30 minutes flight time
Make the most of your time in Juneau with a once-in-a-lifetime combo tour featuring dog sledding, a helicopter ride, and an icefield walk. After taking off from Juneau, soar over the Herbert Glacier and land at a secluded glacier dog camp. There, meet your musher and team of huskies for a 40-minute sledding adventure across the pristine snow.
Afterward, hop back in the helicopter and fly to a lower part of the glacier, where you’ll land again for a guided ice walk. From start to finish, this adventure captures the very best of Alaska’s wild beauty.
- Highlights:
- Round-trip helicopter flight over the Juneau Icefield
- Ride a dog sled across Herbert Glacier
- Glacier landing with time to walk, take photos, and drink fresh glacial water
- Includes transportation, boots, and raincoats if needed
- Departure Location: Pickup from several Juneau hotels and cruise terminals
- Cancellation: Non-refundable experience
10. Bear Glacier Signature Helicopter Flight & Landing – Seward
From $545.00 per person • 5.0 (25 reviews) (View Helicopter Tour Reviews Here) • Approx. 45 minutes total, 45 minutes flight time
If you’re looking for a jaw-dropping aerial adventure, this signature helicopter flight out of Seward delivers. You’ll soar over Kenai Fjords National Park, gliding past rugged coastlines, ancient glaciers, and towering waterfalls. The star attractions are Bear Glacier, with its massive house-sized icebergs, and Aialik Glacier, where ice cliffs tumble dramatically into the ocean.
The entire flight is 45 minutes of non-stop scenery, with your pilot guiding the journey and pointing out wildlife, glacial formations, and highlights along the way. A perfect experience for travelers short on time but big on views.
- Highlights:
- Full 45-minute helicopter flight over Kenai Fjords National Park
- See Bear Glacier’s icy lagoon and Aialik Glacier’s dramatic icefalls
- Possible sightings of mountain goats, waterfalls, and turquoise bays
- Small group flight with only 2 to 6 passengers for a personal experience
- Departure Location: 2210 Airport Rd, Seward, AK
- Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour
11. Alaska Helicopter and Glacier Dogsled Tour – Seward Area
From $616.97 per person • 5.0 (3 reviews) (View Helicopter Tour Reviews Here) • Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes total, 20 minutes flight time
If you’re visiting Seward and want a truly authentic Alaskan adventure, this tour combines a thrilling helicopter ride with a hands-on dog sledding experience across a real snow-covered glacier – even in the middle of summer. The dogsledding is run by none other than 6-time Iditarod Champion Dallas Seavey’s team, making this a bucket-list experience for sledding fans.
You’ll fly over Resurrection Bay and glacier landscapes, enjoy a 25-minute sled ride, and spend quality time with the huskies for photos and cuddles. Whether you want to mush your own team or relax in the sled, this tour offers flexibility, fun, and world-class scenery.
- Highlights:
- Meet and mush with a championship dog team on real snow
- Enjoy a 20-minute round-trip scenic flight from Seward
- Spend 1 hour at the glacier with dogs and handlers
- Great pre- or post-cruise activity with multiple daily departures
- Departure Location: 11385 Seward Hwy, Seward, AK
- Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour
12. Helicopter Glacier Dogsled Tour + Lower Glacier Landing – Anchorage Area
From $900.63 per person • 5.0 (181 reviews) (View Helicopter Tour Reviews Here) • Approx. 2 hours total, 30 minutes flight time
For travelers looking to pack multiple iconic Alaskan experiences into one unforgettable tour, this combo is hard to beat. Departing from the Anchorage area, you’ll fly over stunning glaciers and icefields before landing on snow to meet a team of Alaskan huskies. Enjoy a thrilling dogsled ride, followed by a second landing on a lower glacier for a guided walk among crevasses and melt pools.
This is the full package: a scenic flight, a glacier hike, and a dogsledding adventure, all in the span of a couple hours. Whether you’re chasing thrills or photo ops, this one hits every highlight.
- Highlights:
- Helicopter flightseeing over breathtaking glaciers
- Ride a sled pulled by real Alaskan huskies
- Guided glacier walk at a second landing site
- Small group experience (max 12 travelers)
- Departure Location: Alaska Glacier Lodge, 29979 E Knik River Rd, Palmer, AK
- Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour
13. Summer Glacier Dogsledding Tour from Girdwood
From $782.00 per person • 4.9 (173 reviews) (View Helicopter Tour Reviews Here) • Approx. 2 hours total
This summer-only tour is an iconic Alaska adventure combining a helicopter flight and a thrilling dogsled ride atop Punchbowl Glacier. Depart from Girdwood and fly to a remote base camp managed by the legendary Seavey family, known for their Iditarod champions. Meet your team of friendly huskies and mushers, then glide across the snow-covered glacier surrounded by dramatic peaks. You’ll even get a chance to drive the sled yourself.
This tour is great for families, dog lovers, and anyone looking for an authentic taste of Alaska’s wild spirit—just minutes from Anchorage.
- Highlights:
- 15-minute scenic helicopter flight each way
- Dogsledding with Iditarod champion mushers
- Photo ops while driving the sled or playing with the huskies
- Gear provided: rain jacket, fleece gloves, overboots
- Departure Location: 599 Mt Hood Dr, Girdwood, AK
- Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour
14. Glacier Landing Tour from Girdwood
From $677.00 per person • 4.9 (131 reviews) (View Helicopter Tour Reviews Here) • Approx. 1 hour total
This breathtaking flight takes you over the rugged Chugach Mountains, one of the most glaciated regions in North America. Soar above dramatic peaks and winding ice fields in a state-of-the-art helicopter with panoramic windows—then land directly on an ancient glacier for an unforgettable walk on the ice. This tour is ideal for those wanting a true bucket-list experience in a short timeframe.
You’ll enjoy personalized attention on this small-group tour with hotel pickup available in Girdwood.
- Highlights:
- Private glacier landing with time to explore
- 45-minute scenic helicopter flight
- Fly over Chugach National Forest and its towering peaks
- Small-group experience with a focus on comfort and views
- Departure Location: 599 Mt Hood Dr, Girdwood, AK
- Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour
15. Grand View Tour – Seward Scenic Flight
From $675.00 per person • 5.0 (10 reviews) (View Helicopter Tour Reviews Here) • Approx. 1 hour total
If you’re looking to take in Alaska’s untouched wilderness from the sky, the Grand View Tour from Seward delivers one of the most breathtaking experiences available. This one-hour scenic helicopter flight covers some of the region’s most dramatic landscapes, including Resurrection Bay, Bear Glacier, Aialik Bay, and the expansive Harding Icefield.
Along the way, your pilot-guide will help you spot Alaska’s wild residents – moose, bears, mountain goats, whales, and even calving glaciers are frequently seen from above. With small-group seating and customizable routes based on your preferences and weather, this is a great choice for travelers seeking a truly immersive aerial adventure.
- Highlights:
- One full hour of scenic flightseeing over glaciers and fjords
- Wildlife viewing opportunities from the air
- Panoramic views of Kenai Fjords National Park and Chugach National Forest
- Excellent for nature photography and personalized experiences
- Departure Location: 2210 Airport Rd, Seward, AK
- Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour
16. Prince William Sound Tour with Glacier Landing – From Girdwood
From $787.00 per person • 4.9 (56 reviews) (View Helicopter Tour Reviews Here) • Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes
Discover one of the most glacier-dense regions in North America on this extended flightseeing tour from Girdwood. This journey takes you high above the Chugach Mountains, across icy valleys and deep fjords, and over the stunning Prince William Sound – all before landing on a remote glacier for a truly unforgettable walk on ancient ice.
This tour offers a perfect blend of aerial adventure and on-foot exploration, giving photographers and wildlife lovers a chance to experience the grandeur of Alaska from multiple angles. Expect to see seals, otters, dramatic tidewater glaciers, and endless snow-covered peaks.
- Highlights:
- Over 1 hour of flight time over Chugach National Forest and Prince William Sound
- Land on a glacier and explore the icy terrain with your pilot-guide
- Great opportunity for wildlife sightings and aerial photography
- Round-trip transfers from Girdwood hotels available
- Departure Location: 599 Mt Hood Dr, Girdwood, AK
- Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour
17. 30-Minute Flightseeing Tour from Girdwood
From $505.00 per person • 5.0 (10 reviews) (View Helicopter Tour Reviews Here) • Approx. 30 minutes
For a shorter but spectacular way to witness Alaska’s raw beauty, this 30-minute flightseeing tour from Girdwood delivers unbeatable aerial views of Chugach National Forest, towering glaciers, and the untamed wilderness below. It’s a perfect experience for photographers, wildlife watchers, or anyone short on time but looking to make the most of their visit.
Every seat offers unobstructed views, so bring your camera and get ready to spot moose, bears, and endless alpine peaks from above. The flight is smooth and narrated by your pilot, who highlights natural landmarks and glacier formations along the way.
- Highlights:
- Incredible aerial views of glaciers and mountains from the Chugach Range
- Great wildlife viewing opportunities from the air
- Ideal for nature lovers and photographers
- Round-trip transfers from Girdwood hotels available
- Departure Location: Girdwood, Anchorage, AK
- Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour
18. Bear Glacier 30-Minute Scenic Helicopter Flight
From $425.00 per person • 4.8 (9 reviews) (View Helicopter Tour Reviews Here) • Approx. 30 minutes
This quick and stunning flight from Seward to Bear Glacier is an unforgettable way to experience the raw scale of Alaska’s glaciers and coastal terrain. You’ll soar above Resurrection Bay, taking in towering peaks, waterfalls, and possibly spotting whales or seals from the sky. The highlight? A close flyover of Bear Glacier, the largest in Kenai Fjords National Park, where you’ll witness massive icebergs and glacial moraines from a bird’s-eye view.
It’s a perfect tour for those wanting a shorter flight with maximum visual impact and expert narration from your pilot along the way.
- Highlights:
- Scenic helicopter ride over Resurrection Bay and Bear Glacier
- Great opportunity for spotting icebergs, marine life, and coastal cliffs
- Pilot narration through provided headsets
- Small group experience with excellent photo opportunities
- Departure Location: Seward, AK
- Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour
Alaska Helicopter Tour Comparison Table – Best Glacier Landings, Prices & Departure Cities – Tour Recap
| Tour Title | Departure Location | Price (USD) | Duration | Flight Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glacier Paddle Boarding – PRIVATE | Palmer | $1,049.54 | 4 hrs | 30 min |
| Anchorage Glacier Landing | Palmer | $452.17 | 1 hr | 30 min |
| Juneau Icefield Walk | Juneau | $425.65 | 2.5 hrs | 27 min |
| Dogsledding Experience – Juneau | Juneau | $705.65 | 3 hrs | 30 min |
| Glacier Dogsled Tour – Anchorage Area | Palmer | $629.31 | 1.5 hrs | 30 min |
| Grand Knik Tour – 3 Landings | Palmer | $734.37 | 2 hrs | 30 min |
| Intro Flight – Seward | Seward | $295.00 | 30 min | 15 min |
| Glacier & Dog Sledding – Seward | Seward | $615.00 | 1.5 hrs | 15 min |
| Dogsled + Glacier Landing – Juneau | Juneau | $834.88 | 3.5 hrs | 30 min |
| Bear Glacier Signature Flight | Seward | $545.00 | 45 min | 45 min |
| Glacier Dogsled – Seward Area | Seward | $616.97 | 1.5 hrs | 20 min |
| Dogsled + Glacier Walk – Anchorage Area | Palmer | $900.63 | 2 hrs | 30 min |
| Summer Dogsledding – Girdwood | Girdwood | $782.00 | 2 hrs | 15 min |
| Glacier Landing – Girdwood | Girdwood | $677.00 | 1 hr | 45 min |
| Grand View Flight – Seward | Seward | $675.00 | 1 hr | 1 hr |
| Prince William Sound + Glacier | Girdwood | $787.00 | 1.5 hrs | 1 hr+ |
| 30-Min Flightseeing – Girdwood | Girdwood | $505.00 | 30 min | 30 min |
| Bear Glacier 30-Min Flight | Seward | $425.00 | 30 min | 30 min |
Ready to See Alaska from the Sky?
Whether you’re looking to walk on a glacier, race across snowfields with a team of huskies, or simply soak in jaw-dropping views from above, Alaska’s helicopter tours offer something for every kind of traveler. These once-in-a-lifetime experiences let you access remote wilderness, stunning ice formations, and wildlife you’d never see from the road.
Spots are limited and tours often sell out fast, especially in summer.
If one (or more!) of these caught your eye, don’t wait!, book your Alaskan helicopter adventure today and get ready for views you’ll never forget.
Alaska from Above: Glacial Frontiers, Native Legends, and Hollywood Adventure
Helicopter tours over Alaska offer a front-row seat to some of Earth’s last wild frontiers. With soaring peaks, calving glaciers, and hidden valleys, these flights take you over landscapes rich in native heritage and famous as backdrops to survival stories and cinematic adventures.
Where Ice, Mountains, and Cultures Collide
- The glaciers you’ll land on or fly over – like Mendenhall, Ruth, or Knik – aren’t just geological wonders. They are constantly changing rivers of ice that have shaped the land for thousands of years and hold spiritual meaning for Indigenous peoples including the Tlingit, Dena’ina, and Yup’ik.
- Denali, the tallest mountain in North America, has been a sacred place for centuries. Known as “The High One,” it has inspired generations of Native Alaskans and modern explorers alike. Helicopter tours in the Denali region offer incredible views of this towering peak and its surrounding glaciers.
- Prince William Sound and the Chugach Mountains, often seen on scenic flights, were historically traveled by Alutiiq communities. Their oral histories and survival stories are woven into the landscape you fly above.
- Many glacier areas once served as routes for gold prospectors during Alaska’s Klondike and Gold Rush era. Remnants of mining camps and isolated trails still dot the landscape.
Alaska on Film and in the Wild
Alaska’s untamed beauty and sense of danger have made it a natural set for documentaries, survival shows, and Hollywood films.
- Into the Wild (2007), based on a true story, was partially filmed in Alaska. The dramatic wilderness surrounding Denali and the remote Stampede Trail area help capture the spirit of isolation and freedom.
- The Proposal (2009), starring Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds, takes place in Sitka, Alaska, and while it was largely filmed in British Columbia, many helicopter shots capturing dramatic mountain backdrops were inspired by real Alaskan views.
- National Geographic and Discovery Channel documentaries often use helicopters to film moose, bears, glaciers, and calving icebergs in action, showcasing the same flight paths now offered to adventurous travelers.
- Reality shows like Deadliest Catch and Life Below Zero highlight the challenges of surviving in Alaska’s extreme conditions, adding to the fascination with its remote and rugged terrain.
Alaska Helicopter Tour FAQ
Question: Where do Alaska helicopter tours depart from?
Answer: Most Alaska helicopter tours depart from Juneau, Skagway, Anchorage, or Denali National Park. Some tours also operate from Seward, Talkeetna, or cruise ship ports during summer.
Question: Do Alaska helicopter tours land on glaciers?
Answer: Yes. One of the highlights of Alaska tours is landing on real, active glaciers like Mendenhall, Taku, Ruth, or Matanuska. Many tours include 15–30 minutes of walk-around time on the ice.
Question: How long are Alaska helicopter tours?
Answer: Flights range from 30 minutes to over 2 hours, depending on the location and package. Tours with glacier landings or dog sled rides tend to be longer.
Question: What can I expect to see on an Alaska helicopter tour?
Answer: You’ll see towering mountain peaks, massive glaciers, frozen rivers, alpine valleys, and sometimes wildlife like bears or mountain goats. Some flights include icefalls and crevasses up close.
Question: Are dog sledding helicopter tours available in Alaska?
Answer: Yes. During summer, many tours combine glacier landings with a dog sledding adventure on snow-covered icefields. It’s a bucket-list experience offered in Juneau, Skagway, and Denali.
Question: What should I wear on a glacier helicopter tour?
Answer: Dress in warm layers, wear waterproof boots if possible, and bring gloves, a hat, and sunglasses. Tour operators usually provide ice boots or cleats for walking on the glacier.
Question: Is it safe to land on glaciers in Alaska?
Answer: Yes. Helicopter landings are conducted by experienced pilots with FAA certification, and landing zones are carefully selected for safety and stability. Weather is constantly monitored.
Question: When is the best time of year to take an Alaska helicopter tour?
Answer: May through September is the peak season, offering the best flying conditions, glacier access, and milder temperatures. Some Anchorage and Denali flights operate into early October.
Question: Are Alaska helicopter tours suitable for cruise passengers?
Answer: Yes. Many glacier and dog sled tours are designed for shore excursions, with quick departures from Juneau, Skagway, or Seward cruise ports. These tours often coordinate with cruise ship schedules.
Question: Can I bring a camera or phone on the tour?
Answer: Definitely. Photography is encouraged, especially during landings. Make sure your gear is secure and protected from cold or moisture—glacier conditions can be slippery and wet.
