Juneau: Helicopter & Dogsledding on Herbert Glacier

Summary

Juneau glacier flight meets real dogsledding with huskies

You’ll fly by helicopter over Juneau’s glaciers before landing on Herbert Glacier for a real dogsled ride with Alaskan huskies. Meet local mushers, feel the cold air on your face, and listen to nothing but sled runners on snow. It’s not just scenery — it’s laughter, nerves, and moments that stick with you long after you leave Alaska.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t really know what to expect when we got picked up in Juneau — I mean, I’d seen photos of the Herbert Glacier, but nothing prepares you for that first moment the helicopter lifts off. The sound is this low thrum in your chest, and then suddenly the city just drops away and it’s all blue ice and white fields below. Our pilot, who grew up around here, pointed out Nugget Falls as we passed (I think I barely caught it — too busy staring at the way the glacier twists like marble).

Landing on the glacier felt almost fake at first, like stepping into a movie set. The air was so sharp and cold it made my nose tingle. We met the mushers right away — one of them, Jamie, introduced us to her team of Alaskan huskies (she remembered every dog’s name; I forgot half of them instantly). The dogs were barking and jumping around, eager to run. There was this wet fur smell mixed with snow and something almost metallic from the sled runners scraping ice. Jamie let me try standing on the runners for a bit — honestly, I was nervous but she just grinned and said “you’ll be fine.” She was right.

The actual dogsled ride? Hard to explain — it’s quiet except for the panting dogs and the sled gliding over snow. At one point I looked up and realized how small we were compared to these mountains. My friend tried to say thank you in Tlingit (Li laughed when he butchered it), which broke whatever tension there was. On the way back in the helicopter, everyone went quiet for a while — maybe just taking it all in or maybe tired from grinning so much. I still think about that view out over Juneau as we circled back toward town.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Helicopter flight and dogsled ride

• Depart from airport
• Land at Herbert Glacier Dog Sled camp
• Meet Alaskan huskies at camp
• Enjoy dogsled ride on snowfields
• Choose to ride runners or sled
• Helicopter tour over Herbert Glacier
• Return to Coastal Helicopter heliport

Top questions

How long is the helicopter & dogsledding tour from Juneau?

The exact duration isn’t listed, but plan several hours including transport from Juneau to Herbert Glacier camp and back.

Is hotel pickup included for this Juneau glacier tour?

Yes, transportation to and from facilities is included in your booking.

Can cruise ship passengers join this tour?

Yes, cruise ship passengers can join; shuttle pickup is one hour before listed flight time.

Do I need special clothing or boots for Herbert Glacier?

Dress warmly in layers; rubber-soled shoes are best. Overshoes and raincoats are provided if needed.

Are children allowed on this helicopter & dogsledding experience?

Specialized infant seats are available; each passenger must have their own seat (no lap children).

What happens if weather cancels my glacier flight?

If canceled due to poor weather you’ll be offered an alternative time or full refund.

Can people with limited mobility join this tour?

Please contact Coastal Helicopters directly—they aim to make tours comfortable and accessible for all guests.

Is there a weight limit or requirement?

Yes—each passenger will be weighed at check-in; accurate weights must be reported when booking.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip helicopter flights over Juneau’s glaciers with pickup from your location, boots and raincoats if needed for glacier weather, a full dog mushing experience guided by local mushers on Herbert Glacier, plus all transport between facilities before returning back into town together.