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 the opportunity to romp on these rivers of ice. Some also lead trips that include a dogsled ride on the glacier. Note that although 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.

Alaska Seaplanes. Besides daily scheduled air service to 14 Southeast communities, Alaska Seaplanes also offers flightseeing tours and charters to other Southeast destinations. 1873 Shell Simmons Dr., Juneau, Alaska, 99801. 907/789–3331; www.flyalaskaseaplanes.com.

Coastal Helicopters. These helicopters land on several glaciers within the Juneau Icefield during a 1-hour tour; 1.5-hour dog-sled adventures are another popular option. 8995 Yandukin Dr., Juneau, Alaska, 99801. 907/789–5600; 800/789–5610; www.coastalhelicopters.com. $299 for ice field tour, $529 for dogsled.

NorthStar Trekking. No experience is necessary at NorthStar, which has three levels of excellent glacier hikes. The lowest level includes a one-hour interpretive walk while the highest consists of a three-hour hike that includes the chance to practice basic climbing and rope techniques. Dog-sled adventures are also available. Book through your cruise line, or call for prices. Juneau, Alaska, 99801. 907/790–4530; 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. Book through your cruise line or contact the company for pricing. 1650 Maplesden Way, Juneau, Alaska, 99801. 907/789–9501; 877/789–9501; www.temscoair.com.

Ward Air. Take flightseeing trips to Glacier Bay, the Juneau Icefield, Elfin Cove, Tracy Arm, and Pack Creek with Ward Air, or charter a floatplane to access one of the area's remote U.S. Forest Service cabins. 8991 Yandukin Dr., Juneau, Alaska, 99801. 907/789–9150; 800/478–9150; www.wardair.com.

Wings Airways and Taku Glacier Lodge. This Juneau-based company specializes in glacier sightseeing followed by a salmon feast at a remote, historic Alaskan lodge, complete with glacier views in their Taku Lodge Feast & 5 Glacier Discovery Tour—one of the best day trips out of the state capital. The 5 Glacier Discovery Tour is also available as a stand-alone flightseeing trip. 2 Marine Way, Suite 175, Juneau, Alaska, 99801. 907/586–6275; www.wingsairways.com. $225 for glacier tour, $320 for tour/lodge combo.