If you’re taking an Alaskan cruise and want the ultimate bucket list experience, look no further than the helicopter and dog sledding Juneau excursion. This adventure combines a scenic helicopter ride over towering peaks and icy landscapes with an unforgettable ride across a glacier led by a team of Alaskan huskies. It’s worth every penny and truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Here’s everything you need to know about booking this excursion and what to expect.
A Long-Awaited Adventure
This was an excursion I had dreamed of for years. I actually tried to book it two summers ago, but Alaska’s unpredictable weather had other plans—thick fog rolled in, and my tour was canceled. While disappointing at the time, it gave me the perfect excuse to book another Alaskan cruise and try again.
Booking the Excursion
On my most recent trip, I sailed on the Discovery Princess and booked the Glacier Helicopter with Dog Sledding tour through Shore Excursions Group. This excursion sells out quickly, so booking early is essential. I highly recommend Shore Excursions Group because their prices are better than booking directly through the cruise line, and they guarantee you’ll return to the ship on time.
Checking In
Finding the meeting point in Juneau was simple. Our group met right in front of The Golden Tram, just steps from the ship. From there, a private van drove us a short distance to the helicopter base. Check-in was quick and organized—they weighed us, gave safety instructions, and handed out special snow boots that slip over regular sneakers. No need to pack anything extra, which is great when space in your suitcase is limited.
The Helicopter Ride
I was thrilled to be seated right next to the pilot in the front row. As soon as we lifted off, the views were breathtaking—lush green forests, jagged mountain peaks, and endless stretches of ice and snow. Flying toward Hubbard Glacier felt surreal. I had tears in my eyes as I listened to the pilot over my headset, the hum of the blades carrying us deeper into Alaska’s untouched wilderness.
The Dog Sledding Camp
From above, the dog sledding camp looked like a tiny speck against the vast glacier. After landing, we were greeted by the staff and, of course, the excited huskies. The sleds were set up with seats in front and a standing position in the back, so everyone got a chance to experience both.
Riding across the glacier behind a team of huskies was pure exhilaration. Their paws kicked up flurries of snow as we glided across the ice, stopping several times to take photos and interact with the dogs. Meeting the husky puppies afterward was a heartwarming highlight—their playful kisses were the perfect ending to an unforgettable ride. We spent about 30–45 minutes at camp, which gave us plenty of time to soak it all in and capture memories on camera.
Extended Glacier Landing
Since I booked the extended tour, our helicopter made a second landing on another part of the glacier. This section was more rugged, with deep blue channels of meltwater weaving through the ice. The pilot encouraged us to kneel by one of the streams and drink straight from the source—the water was crisp, cold, and unlike anything I’d ever tasted. I even filled a small thermos to bring a piece of the glacier home with me.
It was noticeably colder here, so bringing a warm jacket, hat, and gloves is a must—even on a sunny day in Juneau. I had underestimated the chill and regretted leaving some of my warmer layers behind.
The Experience Overall
The entire excursion lasted around four hours, and the extended version cost $995. While it’s definitely a splurge, the combination of flightseeing, dog sledding, and walking on a glacier made it absolutely worth it. It was one of the most incredible travel experiences I’ve ever had, and if your cruise stops in Juneau, this is the excursion you don’t want to miss.
Tips for the Helicopter & Dog Sledding Excursion
- Bring a warm jacket, hat, and gloves—even if Juneau feels warm.
- You can’t bring bags; everything must fit in your pockets.
- Bring your sunglasses, as the glare from the snow is really strong.
- Wear a jacket with plenty of pockets for your phone, snacks, and extras.
- Bring a camera with a strap so you can keep it secure. You cannot bring a camera bag.
- Wear sneakers—no need for special footwear.
- Eat a snack beforehand; the excitement makes it easy to forget!
- If you get motion sickness, take Dramamine as a precaution.
- Book dinner for around 6:30 p.m. if your tour is in the afternoon—you’ll have time to return and freshen up.
- Try to book a tour to Hubbard Glacier rather than Mendenhall, which can sometimes flood and cause cancellations.
Final Thoughts
From soaring over glaciers to racing across the ice with huskies and sipping pure glacier water, this excursion was everything I had imagined and more. It’s the ultimate bucket list adventure in Juneau and one I’ll never forget. If you’re planning an Alaskan cruise, make this experience a priority—you’ll come away with memories that will last a lifetime.
Sondra Barker
