Juneau: Helicopter & Dogsledding Tour with Glacier Landing

Summary

Dogsled across Herbert Glacier then land to explore blue ice

You’ll fly by helicopter over Juneau’s wild coast to Herbert Glacier, mush your own dog sled team across open snow with real Alaskan guides, then land again to walk right on exposed glacier ice—maybe even taste pure glacier water if you’re lucky. Meeting the dogs is unforgettable; flying back feels like waking from a dream you’ll want to relive.

What’s the experience like?

I still laugh thinking about how awkward I was when I first met the dog team up on Herbert Glacier. The mushers—real Alaskans, weathered but kind—just handed me the harness and said, “You ready?” I wasn’t, honestly. The dogs were already yipping, their breath puffing in the cold air. Our guide, Jamie, grinned and told us to crouch down so the puppies could say hi first. One licked my glove and I nearly lost my balance. Didn’t expect to feel so giddy before we’d even started.

The helicopter ride out from Juneau was loud but smooth, with that weird feeling in your stomach when you lift off. Through the headset, Jamie pointed out Nugget Falls below—looked tiny from up there—and then suddenly we were flying over endless white. Landing on Herbert Glacier felt like stepping onto another planet; it’s all crunching snow underfoot and this sharp, clean smell you don’t get anywhere else. The wind cut through my jacket but I didn’t care because we were about to mush a real sled team across a mile and a half of open glacier.

Driving the sled was wilder than I thought—fast, bumpy, sometimes just pure noise as the dogs barked and pulled. At one point Jamie shouted something about “letting them run,” but honestly I was too busy holding on. Afterward we got to meet all the dogs (and yes, more puppies), which was probably my favorite part. There’s something grounding about looking into those bright eyes after all that adrenaline.

The last bit surprised me most: another quick hop in the chopper down to where blue glacier ice is exposed. We clambered out, boots crunching on ancient ice—Jamie filled a bottle with glacier water and passed it around. Coldest thing I’ve ever tasted, almost sweet? It’s hard to describe. We wandered around a bit while our pilot explained how glaciers move (I only half-listened—I was distracted by the colors in the ice). On the way back toward Juneau’s coast, everything looked different somehow.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Helicopter, dogsledding, and glacier walk

• Check in and safety briefing
• Get outfitted with glacier boots
• Enjoy dog sled ride on glacier
• Meet dogs and puppies
• Helicopter flight to glacier landing
• Explore glacier and drink fresh water
• Helicopter tour over Juneau coast

Top questions

How long does the Juneau helicopter & dogsledding tour take?

The main activities last about 60-70 minutes at dog camp plus time for helicopter flights and check-in; allow several hours including transfers.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included if you provide your hotel name at booking; cruise port pickup is also available.

What should I wear for Herbert Glacier dogsledding?

Dress warmly in layers with rubber-soled shoes or light hiking boots; overshoes and raincoats are provided as needed.

Can children join this Juneau helicopter & dogsledding tour?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels; specialized infant seats are available upon request.

Will I get to meet or interact with the sled dogs?

Yes—you’ll meet both adult sled dogs and puppies at camp before or after your ride across Herbert Glacier.

What happens if bad weather cancels my tour?

If canceled due to weather conditions, you can reschedule or receive a full refund according to policy.

Are bags allowed on this helicopter tour?

No-bag policy applies; bags are stored safely at base unless needed for medical reasons noted at booking.

How many people are on each booking?

A maximum of 16 people per booking is allowed for this experience.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip helicopter flights from Juneau with live commentary onboard, a full dog sledding adventure on Herbert Glacier (about 40 minutes mushing), time meeting both sled dogs and puppies at camp, an additional landing right on exposed glacier ice where you can explore with your pilot-guide—and convenient hotel or cruise port pickup before heading back into town.