Juneau

Flightseeing

Several local companies operate helicopter flightseeing trips to the spectacular glaciers flowing from Juneau Icefield. Most have booths along the downtown cruise-ship dock. All include a touchdown on a glacier, providing guests of almost all ages and abilities a chance to romp on these rivers of ice. Some also lead trips that include a dogsled ride on the glacier, an increasingly popular tourist pastime. Helicopter tours in Juneau have a controversial history due to noise complaints from residents. Note that though we recommend the best companies, even some of the most experienced pilots have had accidents; always ask a carrier about its recent safety record before booking a trip.

Coastal Helicopters. These helicopters land on several glaciers within the Juneau Icefield. 8995 Yandukin Dr., Juneau, AK, 99801. 907/789-5600 or 800/789-5610. info@coastalhelicopters.com. www.coastalhelicopters.com.

ERA Helicopters. Flying out of Douglas, ERA Helicopters has a fully narrated one-hour trip that includes landing on the Norris or Taku glacier. 6910 N. Douglas Hwy., Juneau, AK, 99801. 907/586-2030 or 800/843-1947. contact@eraflightseeing.com. www.eraflightseeing.com.

NorthStar Trekking. No experience is necessary at NorthStar Trekking, which has three levels of excellent glacier hikes. The lowest level includes a one-hour interpretive walk while the highest consists of a four-hour hike that includes the chance to practice basic climbing and rope techniques. 1910 Renshaw Way, Juneau, AK, 99801. 907/790-4530. info@northstartrekking.com. www.northstartrekking.com.

Temsco Helicopters. The self-proclaimed pioneers of Alaska glacier helicopter touring, Temsco Helicopters offers glacier tours, dogsled adventures, and year-round flightseeing. 1650 Maplesden Way, Juneau, AK, 99801. 907/789-9501 or 877/789-9501. www.temscoair.com.

Ward Air. Take flightseeing trips to Glacier Bay, the Juneau Icefield, Tracy Arm, and Pack Creek with Ward Air. 8991 Yandukin Dr., Juneau, AK, 99801. 907/789-9150 or 800/478-9150. Reservations@WardAir.com. www.wardair.com.

Wings Airways and Taku Glacier Lodge. This Juneau-based company specializes in tours of the surrounding ice fields and the Taku Flight & Feast ride, on which a salmon feast awaits you at a classic Alaskan cabin, complete with glacier views—one of the best day trips out of the state capital. 2 Marine Way, Suite 175, Juneau, AK, 99801. 907/586-6275. info@wingsairways.com. www.wingsairways.com.

More Sports and Outdoors

• Biking
• Boating, Canoeing, and Kayaking
• Climbing Gym
• Cross-Country Skiing
• Downhill Skiing
• Fishing

• Flightseeing
• Gold Panning
• Golf
• Hiking
• Sightseeing and Glaciers
• Whale-Watching