Juneau Dog Sled World & Taku Glacier Helicopter Adventure

Photo of HELICOPTER IN FRONT OF TAKU GLACIER

This truly Alaskan adventure gives you the rare opportunity to mush your own dogsled team across a snow-capped glacier in Juneau's backyard.

Begin your adventure with a helicopter flightseeing trip over the Juneau Icefield, one of nature's most beautiful landscapes that is accessible only by air. You'll soar over the Taku Glacier, which is the only advancing glacier in Southeast Alaska and recognized as the deepest and thickest temperate glacier known in the world.

Experience the unique thrill of zipping across a glacier behind a team of huskies. Our exclusive dogsled camp is located on the picturesque middle branch of the Norris Glacier. You'll learn the tricks of the trade from seasoned veterans of the legendary Alaskan Iditarod Race. Master the all-important commands of Hike! Gee! & Haw!

Forget horsepower, this tour is about dog power!

Please note: Persons weighing 250lbs or more must pay an additional $115 surcharge for safety reasons. Please purchase the "250lbs+ Adult" ticket if this is the case. Child prices are the same as adult prices. Children under the age of 2 are not permitted on this tour.

Duration: 3.25 hours (Flight time: 45 minutes. Dogsled/glacier time: 1 hour)

Inclusions:

Roundtrip transportation
Traction overboots
Water and hot beverages are available at the helicopter base
Secure bag check area to store their items

Requirements:

Guests must be comfortable walking short distances on uneven and occasionally icy surfaces
No bags, iPads, tablets, selfie sticks, or drones are allowed in the aircraft
Dress in layers and sunglasses are highly recommended
Children under the age of 2 are not permitted on this tour
Signed liability waiver

Duration: 3.25 hours. Tour times below are approximate:

15~20 minutes - transfer to Douglas heliport
35~40 minutes - gearing up, restroom and safety briefing
15~20 minutes - helicopter flightseeing over Juneau Icefield
1 hour - glacier landing and dogsledding experience
10~15 minutes - flight back to the heliport
20 minutes - arrive at heliport, de-gear and visit the gift shop
15~20 minutes - transfer back from the heliport to dock

Meeting Instructions:

This tour meets in front of the Mt. Robert's Tramway building. Fully detailed instructions are included on your finalized ticket vouchers.

ADA Accessibility of Tour:

This tour is not wheelchair or limited mobility accessible.

Can I pet and play with the sled dogs?

Yes, the dogs love human interaction and the musher's will let you get close and snuggly with their team.

Do I get to drive the dogsled?

You will be given the opportunity to run the sled alongside our professional musher if you wish.

How many passengers ride in the sled together?

Each sled can accomodate 4 guests.

How many passengers ride in the helicopter together?

There is a maximum of 6 passengers per helicopter. If your party is larger than 6 passengers, multiple helicopters will take your group and land at the dog sled camp together.

What is the seating arrangement in the helicopter?

There are two front seats and four rear seats; FAA safety guidelines require seating positions to be assigned based on weight and balance of all passengers for each helicopter.

What is the temperature on the glacier?

The average temperature is between 15-20°F cooler than on the ground

Will I see any wildlife or bears on this tour?

Wildlife is abundant in Southeast Alaska and sightings are possible on any tour, however this is not a designated wildlife tour and nothing can be guaranteed.

Are there any age restrictions for children?

Children under the age of 2 are not permitted on this tour.

Can I bring a backpack?

All bags must be stored at the helicopter base and are not allowed on tour. Due to safety protocol, we do not allow selfie sticks, iPads, or drones on this tour.

Can I bring my own food or drink?

Food and drink are not allowed during this tour.

Are food and drink included?

Water and hot beverages are available at the helicopter base, no food or drink is provided while on tour.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

For safety reasons, service animals are not allowed on this tour.

Are there child prices?

Adult and child prices are the same for this tour.

Are there any physical requirements for this tour?

Guests must be comfortable walking short distances on uneven and occasionally icy surfaces.

What type of clothing should I wear?

Layered clothing, hats, gloves and sunglasses are strongly recommended.

Not seeing answers to your questions?

Check out other frequently asked questions here!

Customer Reviews

Sep 2019 - Harriet C.

We had an absolutely blast! First, we were very lucky to have clear skies, so our helicopter ride (though cramped) was beautiful, you could see everything, and the first sight of the Taku Glacier takes your breath away. Our musher Ryan had a great team, all the dogs were so friendly! He also was very patient to answer all of our question, regarding living at the camp, breeding the dogs, and the challenges involved. It was an unforgettable experience.

Aug 2019 - Lori C.

Saved $$$ by booking through Alaska Excursions instead of our cruise ship; same tour and it was fantastic!

Aug 2019 - Wendell V.

We want to thank Alex for the awesome helicopter ride and Magda for the one in a lifetime dog sled experience!

Aug 2019 - Willy M.

This excursion was our favorite! From the helicopter pilot to the view, just perfect! The dogs were so friendly and it is amazing how much they enjoy to take you on the sled!

Aug 2019 - Marc L.

Absolutely incredible!

Jun 2019 - Janice M.

It was AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!

May 2019 - Joyce N.

The experience of a lifetime! Great people behind this tour including the helicopter pilot with his tour commentary and the people at the dog camp...also, the dogs! After mushing, they were so friendly and loved to be petted. Absolutely awesome time!

Aug 2018 - Neil H.

the highlight of our trip.....what a blast!

Jul 2018 - Katharina S.

The flight was wonderful and everything was well organized.The camp was also amazing and the musher Tim and also the couple were extremely nice and did such a good job with the dogs .We enyoyed every minute !!

Jun 2018 - Sangmi K.

It is once in a lifetime experience...it is definitely a must to do in Alaska. We were in good hands with Orin, helicopter pilot and Joan, dog sled guide. They were very welcoming and informative.

May 2018 - John C.

Once in a lifetime excursion we will never forget. Hosts were very hospitable, on time, informative and patient as they let us take as much time as we wanted on the glacier and with the puppies. Even the pictures show the incredible beauty but the helicopter experience is simply icing on the cake (pardon the pun). I am not affiliated in any way with the tour company and decided to book outside the cruise line to save a few bucks. No regrets, One would be a fool to pass up on the opportunity at most any price. Thank you ASE and Northstar Helicopters. Sincerely, John and Lisa

Jul 2017 - Paul C.

Phenomenal. A must do. Everything about it was great.

Jun 2017 - Gordon K.

Great adventure and one of those must do bucket list items.

Sep 2016 - Brenda B.

That was the BEST excursion I have ever been on! The staff are amazing showing their care, knowledge and love for the dogs - I was utterly amazed and totally in awe of the setting and whole set-up. Also the office staff (Justin?) were excellent with their communication I was contacted and offered alternative mushing when Taku was closed then switched to another glacier and sent a refund within days for the difference. Well done! I would recommend you time and time again. Thanks for a great day. Brenda B

Sep 2016 - Sue G.

This was a most awesome adventure. I highly recommend it. Worth every penny. The views from the helicopter were exceptional and the experience in the dog camp was amazing. Our guide explained to us that they provide this service for the tourists during the summer so he doesn't have to work during the winter and can concentrate on training for the Iditarod race. The dogs truly love their job and handler and are well cared for.

May 2016 - Karen H.

So much fun. Loved it. Wish it were all day. Such nice people.