Tips for the Juneau Dog Sledding & Glacier Helicopter Tour

There’s simply nothing better than traveling to awe-inspiring destinations that invite you to explore, experience, and embrace as much as you can. Juneau in Alaska is no different, and it’s a snowy paradise playground. 

There’s no use beating around the bush, or in this case, icefield. Alaska and its capital, Juneau, should be at the top of your to-visit list. And not just for the captivating glaciers, majestic volcanoes, and fairytale-like mountain meadows — although those are awesome. 

But, among the many scenic highlights of the great Alaskan wilderness, many exciting tours are ready to take you on the ride of your life. That’s precisely what you’re in for with a dog sledding tour and glacier helicopter flight in Juneau. 

Keep reading to dive into the experience, gain insights on what to wear and pack, and even get some top tips to make your tour extra memorable.

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The Basics | Juneau Dog Sledding Excursion and Helicopter Glacier Tour

If there’s one thing to know about these two activities, prepare for a whirlwind of emotions and unbelievable sights. For everything else, read below.

Why Choose a Dog Sledding and Helicopter Glacier Tour?

This Alaskan excursion is a no-brainer if you want an authentic, exciting wintery activity that combines fluffy, friendly doggos and a captivating aerial tour. Having the opportunity to get up close with Alaskan sled dogs while visiting a dog camp already ticks off many boxes.

As if that’s not reason enough, the thrill of lifting off from a helicopter base and setting off to witness the Juneau Icefield and its highlights is magical. Of course, what you’ll see is deliciously distinct for every unique Alaskan adventure. 

Going on an Alaskan cruise? Check out these top cruise tips!

How to Go on a Dog Sled and Sightseeing Helicopter Glacier Tour?

There are many ways to create memories alongside a pack of Alaskan huskies with the excitement of an imminent helicopter tour. You can choose to do it solo with the help of the various helicopter companies and dogsled teams.

Alternatively, you can book a guided tour through operators like Viator or GetYourGuide. Another option is to book a spot on an ocean cruise through companies like Norwegian Cruise Lines. 

You can include several shore excursions in your ship’s itinerary as part of your cruise. These allow you to disembark from the cruise ship and take a shore excursion (or two or three). One of the most popular is a dog sled and glacier tour.

What to Expect While Dog Sledding and on a Glacier Helicopter Ride

Before getting to the technical details of this adventure, let’s talk about what you can expect from this amazing experience. 

Kicking off the tour, you’ll leave from a private waterfront heliport on Douglas Island for the first of multiple chances for epic Insta snapshots. Soaring over the mesmerizing and thought-provoking Juneau Icefield, the first destination is a glacier dog camp on the imposing Norris Glacier.

This glacier rests in a remote part of the Coastal Wilderness, and it’s only accessible via helicopter or a strenuous hike. Popular highlights to watch out for while flying over the ice field towards the glacier include the equally eye-catching Mendenhall Glacier. 

Delivering everything you’d expect from a helicopter flight, the bird’s eye view of the surroundings will stick with you long after the tour ends.

Approaching the middle branch of the Norris Glacier, the helicopter will make a glacier landing, which is already very exciting if this is your first time. As you make your way to the dog sledding camp, take advantage of the oodles of sightseeing spots. These include wondrous icefalls, intimidating rock formations, and a vibrant, untamed wilderness.

Arriving at the camp, roughly an hour of time is dedicated to exploring and interacting. This is the perfect chance to speak to an actual dogsled musher and members of a dogsled team while you hear unique personal accounts from seasoned veterans. These rugged veterans are a wealth of information about the legendary Alaskan Iditarod and Yukon Quest dog races.

The ultimate highlight of this part of the tour is hands down, having time to engage with the incredible team of huskies used for sledding. These furballs make exploring the snow-capped glacier a genuinely unforgettable experience.

Of course, there are many photo opportunities before your sledding departure time. 

Alongside the mandatory safety briefing and a guide to the sled configuration, you’ll learn how to communicate with the fuzzy, eager team. This includes how to command the sled dogs effectively and a kennel tour. Make sure to check the strapping on your glacier boots. 

It’s time to set off.

What makes this experience unique is your chance to give it a shot and assume control, settling into the shoes of a professional musher. You’ll take the lead from the musher’s position, safely control and direct your sled dogs as you traverse short distances. 

On the other hand, if you want to get the blood pumping, riding on the runners while your professional musher takes over is something else. At the signal, the friendly furballs shed their cuddly personas and get down to business, zipping across the icy landscape at an incredible pace.

Once your snowy trip is over, enjoy the final moments as you say thank you and get in a last snuggle with the once-again fantastically friendly huskies. Finally, you’re in for another Instagram-worthy ride on the same helicopter back to the waterfront dock. 

Remember to stop by the gift shop before leaving to snatch up that special souvenir of an unbelievable time. 

The Finer Details | Juneau Dog Sled Ride & Scenic Helicopter Flight

Sounds pretty awesome, but what about the nitty-gritty details? Glad you asked. It’s time to look closer at the finer details of your Juneau escapade.

How Long Is the Tour?

Depending on weather conditions, the tour lasts for an estimated three and a half hours. This includes a flight time of roughly 30 minutes and one hour of interaction time at the dog sled camp.

What to Wear and Pack for the Tour?

One of the most important aspects of planning before heading on this captivating trip is knowing what to wear and what to pack. 

First, arrive fully clothed and at an appropriate time before the helicopter departure time. Remember that you’re in Alaska, and as such, temperatures might not be in your favor if you come unprepared.

These are some essentials to wear for your tour:

• Layered clothing: When visiting Alaska, wearing layered clothing outdoors is non-negotiable. This includes a base layer like this thermal top. Following this, add a mid-fleece top and an outer layer like this jacket. Add a top layer for extra heat.

• Gloves: Freezing hands might be the devil’s playground, which is why it is essential to invest in quality, insulated thermal gloves.

• Hats: To keep your noggin warm, wear a thick beanie or hat that helps prevent unwanted headaches from the cold.

• Glasses: Reducing eye dryness and protecting against UV rays are necessary when on the glacier. Don’t forget a pair of suitable sunglasses.

• Hiking boots/glacier boots: Although you won’t be hiking much, it’s best to wear durable hiking or glacier boots.

• Layered socks: This can be a lifesaver. Consider wearing two or three sock layers, ensuring no frosty toes.

What Can’t You Bring on the Tour?

Similar to other popular excursions, there are a few no-go items you can’t bring along. Here’s a quick look at what you’ll have to leave behind:

• Loose items: Due to safety reasons, loose items that you can’t carry on your person will have to be checked into the safe storage provided at the helicopter base. Remember that cameras that are safely attached to your body may be allowed.

• Backpacks: Helicopter safety protocols prohibit the use of backpacks on trips.

Other Important Information

What else should you know about your dog sledding and glacier traversing adventure? Unfortunately, group seating onboard the helicopter isn’t guaranteed, and due to weight, balance, and safety, if you’re traveling with friends or family, you might end up on different flights.

This also depends on how many passengers are scheduled for a specific flight. Because of weight and balance limitations, guests who weigh more than 250 lbs will be charged an additional rate. Even though group seating isn’t guaranteed, groups will be kept together for the glacier portion of the tour. 

Weather conditions play a significant role in this trip, and as such, this tour is only available from early May to August. 

This excursion has a moderate activity level and is not recommended for guests with limited mobility. That said, this tour is family-friendly, with an age requirement of at least two years old, and is the ideal way to make memories with your loved ones.

Last but not least, pricing and cancellations. Adult and child prices are the same; you can find more information here. You can cancel or reschedule your tour up to 48 hours before your arrival at the Juneau port, and should your tour run late, most cruise operators will wait according to the delay.

Frequently Asked Questions | Juneau, Alaska Helicopter and Dogsled Tours

While we’ve covered a lot already, you might still have some unanswered questions. Below are answers to a variety of the most common queries.

Is Dog Sledding in Alaska Worth It?

Yes. A thousand times, yes. Not only is this excursion something you’ll never forget, but it’s a once-in-a-lifetime activity that gives you such a fresh perspective on Alaskan heritage. And don’t forget – fluffy, snowy Alaskan huskies.

Is Dog Sledding Scary?

Like any other outdoor activity, dog sledding in Juneau can be intimidating, but this differs from person to person. That said, if you are afraid of dogs, don’t have the proper clothing, or are scared of accelerating speeds, this might not be for you.

Is Dog Sledding Bumpy?

Regardless of where you go sledding, whether it’s the Herbert Glacier or Norris Glacier, expect your Juneau glacier dog sledding adventure to be a bit bumpy. Of course, terrains differ, and some parts will be smoother than others.

How Fast can Sled Dogs Run?

On average, sled dogs travel at speeds from 10 to 20 miles per hour. This means you can expect to cover several miles as part of your adventure. However, most sled dog operators will limit speeds to between six and eight miles per hour. 

This is also dependent on the sled setup. This tour uses a combination sled configuration, which also affects the traveling speed.

How Many Dogs Pull a Dog Sled?

You can expect to see a team of between 10 and 12 sled dogs at the helm of your sled. These canine athletes are bred and trained their entire lives to ensure your safety, so sit back and enjoy.

Final Thoughts | Juneau, Alaska Helicopter and Glacier Dogsled Tour

There’s a certain magic that happens on a speeding dog sled across alpine glaciers that can’t be put into words. Ultimately, what you take from this adventure is your own, but with this guide, you’ve got a little teaser of one of the most exciting Alaskan activities.

Serving up a taste of what to expect, the great Alaskan Wilderness awaits. So, strap on your outdoor boots, prep your camera, and prepare for an adventure that’s in a league of its own.

Next Read: If you just can’t get enough of winter wonderlands, add these winter destinations to your bucket list.

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