The Grand Knik Tour is an excellent opportunity to see the magic of Alaska's rural wilderness. The tour begins about 50 miles east of Anchorage near the beautiful Knik River.
You'll first fly by helicopter to Lake George, one of the largest glacier-dammed lakes in North America. Here you'll have a good chance to witness the fascinating phenomenon of glacier calving: when huge blocks of ice naturally break off the glacier, often causing a loud cracking sound in the snowy silence. You'll have a half-hour to explore and take photos.
The second landing takes you higher, to an alpine meadow with amazing views of the Knik, Colony, and Cataract Glaciers. On this portion, keep your fingers crossed to see foraging bears, moose, and Dall sheep on the hillside.
The third stop is truly once-in-a-lifetime: your pilot will land the helicopter in the middle of the Knik Glacier! You'll get to see the iconic deep blue glacier ice and melt pools, and learn about how glacier ecology is extremely important to human life all around the world. Here you'll have another half hour to explore!
Please note: This tour option does not include transportation. Guests are required to make their own way to the Alaska Glacier Lodge, located about an hour's drive from Anchorage. For questions on transportation from Anchorage, please contact us. Duration: 2 hours (Departs from the Alaska Glacier Lodge.)
Inclusions:
- Traction overboots
- Expert guided narration
- 3 separate helicopter landings
Requirements:
- Minimum of 2 passengers required to book
- Signed liability waiver (You can sign this on-site during the safety briefing)
- Appropriate clothing (See FAQ for further detail)
- Passenger names and weights are required by the FAA for passenger safety and comfort, as well as weight and balance calculations for flight manifesting. Any passenger whose weight is 250 pounds (113 kilograms) or more fully clothed at the time of departure will have a surcharge fee added to the ticket price at the time of booking.
Duration: 2 hours. This tour includes:
- Scenic flight taking off from the Alaska Glacier Lodge
- Land near the Ice Wall at Lake George Glacier
- Land on an alpine peak for an aeriel view of Knik and other glaciers
- Fly through the Knik Gorge
- Land on the Knik Glacier
- Scenic flight back to the Alaska Glacier Lodge
Meeting Instructions:
- This tour meets at the Alaska Glacier Lodge. Fully detailed instructions are included on your finalized ticket vouchers.
ADA Accessibility of Tour:
- This tour is limited mobility and wheelchair accessible. We accommodate all mobility challenged scenarios. We have staff that will assist in getting in and out of the helicopter as well as in and out of the dogsled. Please leave a comment during checkout if accommodations for collapsible equipment will be required on tour.
What is the seating arrangement in the helicopter?
The pilot balances the helicopter based on the weight and number of passengers. We cannot make any promises for specific seats. If you have a preference, ask the pilot and they will try to accommodate you.
What is the temperature on the glacier?
The average temperature is between 15-20°F cooler than on the ground.
What should I bring?
In addition to weather-appropriate clothing, we recommend bringing sunglasses and an empty water bottle for collecting glacier water (can be stored under your seat). You're welcome to bring a camera as well. Bags, including purses and camera bags, will not be permitted on the helicopter. Loose straps must be worn around your neck. Any other items you wish to have should be carried in your pockets.
What type of clothing should I wear?
SUMMER: sturdy footwear such as hiking/athletic shoes (no heels or open-toed shoes), wind- and waterproof outerwear, warm layer underneath (wool or fleece), winter hat, thin gloves, sunglasses.
WINTER: warm winter boots, thick winter jacket, warm later underneath (wool or fleece), winter hat, thick gloves, sunglasses
Will I see any wildlife or bears on this tour?
Wildlife is abundant in Alaska and sightings are possible on any tour. Typically we see moose, Dall sheep, mountain goats and sometimes bears depending on the time of year. However, this is not a designated wildlife tour and nothing can be guaranteed.
Are there any age restrictions for children?
There are no age restrictions for this tour.
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