Anchorage: Knik Glacier Helicopter Tour & 3 Landings

Land on Alaska's Knik Glacier: A 2-Hour Helicopter Tour with Three Stops

You fly 30 minutes up the Knik River Valley, then land three times across the glacier system: once on alpine terrain for the full view, once at a 100-foot ice wall where calving happens, and once on the glacier itself where you can walk and explore for 30 minutes. The whole tour takes 2 hours and includes the helicopter flight, all fees, and a guided glacier hike. Wildlife sightings (moose, bears, sheep) are possible but not guaranteed.

Step-by-step itinerary

Helicopter tour with glacier landings

• Fly up Knik River Valley
• Land at alpine glacier viewpoint
• Explore 5-mile wide Knik Glacier
• Land at 100-foot ice wall
• Observe ice calve and surroundings
• Land on Knik Glacier center
• Explore ancient ice and formations

The experience

"You're going to see things most people only dream about," our pilot said as we walked toward the helicopter on the tarmac, and he wasn't exaggerating. The Knik Glacier helicopter tour from Anchorage is built around three separate landings across 2 hours, not a quick flyover, but actual time on the ice and in the valleys where you can stand still and look around. The first 30 minutes is pure flightseeing, following the Knik River Valley as it opens up toward the glacier itself, and if you're paying attention to the ridgelines and the open tundra, you might spot moose, mountain goats, Dall sheep, or even a bear moving through the landscape below.

The first landing puts you on alpine terrain with a direct view of the Knik Glacier: all 5 miles wide and 29 miles long, spread out in front of you like something from another planet. You get 30 minutes there to walk around and let the scale of it sink in. The second stop is at a 100-foot ice wall where the glacier is actively calving, and if you're lucky and patient, you might actually see a chunk of ice break away and crash down. Then comes the part that stays with you: a landing right in the middle of the glacier itself, where you step out onto ancient ice, walk through crevasses, and see the azure melt pools (in summer) and ice formations carved by water, wind and time. Thirty minutes on the glacier, and you're standing in a place that most people will never reach.

One thing to know: in winter (October through April), the glacier landing shifts to next to the glacier rather than on top of it, since snow cover makes the surface unsafe. The ice wall and alpine stops still happen, so you're not losing the core experience, just the specific terrain. Check-in is 45 minutes before departure, and you'll need to leave bags and backpacks behind. There are lockers at the facility, and the restriction exists because of how tight the helicopter cabin is and how important it is that nothing shifts during flight. Dress for Alaska weather. The altitude and wind make it colder than it looks from the ground.

What’s included

Your tour includes the helicopter flight, all taxes and fees, and a guided glacier hike across the three landing zones. Transportation to and from the helipad is wheelchair accessible, and the helicopter itself is wheelchair accessible for boarding.

Information

Lasts 2h, runs every day, 4 start times, from US$ 761.90 per person, with a live guide in English, in groups of up to 12 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery day except Friday: 10:15 and 12:30Friday: 10:15, 11:00, 12:30 and 13:15

GroupUp to 12 · max 9 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (2 to 11 years) · Infant (under 2): free

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Alaska Helicopter Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to land on a glacier and explore it on foot without spending a full day arranging logistics: the 2-hour format fits a single morning or afternoon, and the three separate landings give you real time on the ice rather than a quick pass overhead.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 11 years); Infant (under 2): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the difference between summer and winter tours?

Summer tours land on the glacier itself where you can see melt pools and crevasses. Winter tours (October–April) land next to the glacier due to snow cover, but you still visit the ice wall and alpine terrain.

How much time do you actually spend on the glacier?

About 30 minutes on the glacier itself, plus 30 minutes at the alpine landing and 30 minutes at the ice wall. The remaining time is in-flight.

What can't you bring on the helicopter?

No drones, smoking items (vapes, lighters, e-cigarettes), firearms, or bags and backpacks. Leave them in your vehicle or use the facility lockers.

Do you need to be fit for this tour?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels. You'll be walking on uneven glacier terrain, so comfortable boots and layered clothing matter more than fitness.

What if I'm over 250 pounds?

A comfort surcharge applies for guests over 250 lbs, which blocks an additional seat for safety and comfort. Guests 300 lbs or over need the larger Astar helicopter. Call ahead to confirm availability.

Can infants go on the tour?

Yes, infants can fly but must sit on an adult's lap for the entire flight.

What time should I arrive?

Check in 45 minutes before your scheduled departure. Late arrival may result in a shortened tour or rescheduling with additional costs.

Will you see wildlife?

Moose, mountain goats, Dall sheep, bears and occasionally wolves are in the area, but sightings are not guaranteed.