Juneau: Taku Lodge Seaplane Tour & Glacier Salmon Feast

Summary

Seaplane ride from Juneau to Taku Glacier Lodge with salmon feast

You’ll fly by seaplane from Juneau over five glaciers before landing beside Taku Glacier Lodge for a wild salmon feast. With two hours to explore forest trails or relax on the porch—plus possible black bear sightings—you’ll feel both thrill and calm in Alaska’s wilderness. Window seats guaranteed and lunch included make this an experience that lingers long after you’re back in town.

What’s the experience like?

I almost missed the floatplane check-in because I stopped for coffee—turns out, nerves make me crave caffeine. The dock was busier than I expected, with folks shuffling gear and a faint smell of river mixed with engine oil. Our pilot, Chris, grinned and said not to worry about the drizzle (“It’s just Juneau being Juneau”). I squeezed into my window seat (they’re all window seats, which is kind of brilliant) and as we lifted off, the headphones kicked in with stories about the glaciers below. Honestly, I didn’t catch every word—I was too busy gawking at those blue cracks slicing through white ice fields.

The flight to Taku Glacier Lodge is short but feels longer in a good way. The plane vibrates just enough to remind you you’re flying low over wilderness. We skimmed past five glaciers—Taku looked like it went on forever—and then suddenly we were gliding down onto the river. The lodge itself is old wood and smells like campfire smoke and something sweet I couldn’t place at first (later found out it’s their homemade bread). Lunch was wild Alaskan salmon grilled outside while we watched—one of the staff flipped fish with this easy confidence. A black bear wandered by near the edge of the trees; nobody panicked, just pointed quietly. My hands still smelled like cedar from leaning on the porch railing.

I walked a bit along the forest trail after eating too much—moss everywhere, soft underfoot, and that weird quiet you only get far from roads. Some folks joined a nature walk with one of the guides (I overheard her explaining glacial silt), but I just wanted to sit and watch light shift across Hole-In-The-Wall Glacier. On the flight back to Juneau, everyone was quieter. Maybe full bellies or maybe just letting it all sink in; either way, I kept thinking about that first cold breath stepping off the plane by the riverbank.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Seaplane flight and lodge visit

• Depart Juneau by floatplane
• Enjoy 25-minute glacier flightseeing
• Land at Taku Glacier Lodge
• Feast on wild Alaska salmon meal
• Explore forest trails or join nature walk
• Relax on lodge porch and watch for bears
• Return flight past glaciers to Juneau

Top questions

How long is the Taku Lodge seaplane tour from Juneau?

The tour lasts about 3 hours total, including flights and time at Taku Glacier Lodge.

Is food included at Taku Glacier Lodge?

Yes, a wild Alaskan salmon meal with homemade sides is included during your stay at the lodge.

Are there guaranteed window seats on the seaplane?

Yes, every passenger has a guaranteed window seat for glacier viewing during both flights.

Can you see black bears at Taku Glacier Lodge?

Black bears are often seen nearby during visits to Taku Glacier Lodge.

How many glaciers do you see on this day trip from Juneau?

You’ll fly over five massive glaciers during this seaplane tour between Juneau and Taku Lodge.

Is transportation from downtown Juneau included?

The tour departs directly from downtown Juneau’s waterfront by floatplane; pickup details are provided after booking.

What should I wear for this glacier excursion?

Layered clothing and comfortable walking shoes are recommended due to changing weather conditions.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip seaplane flights with guaranteed window seats and audio narration, two hours exploring private grounds at historic Taku Glacier Lodge, a wild Alaskan salmon meal with homemade sides (and drinks chilled with glacier ice), plus chances for guided nature walks or relaxing on the porch before returning to downtown Juneau.