Anchorage is an ideal hub for spectacular helicopter tours thanks to its proximity to the Chugach Mountains and Knik Glacier. Unlike simple sightseeing, these flights offer authentic, up-close encounters with Alaska’s icy terrain and rugged wilderness. Whether you’re seeking a quiet moment on ancient ice, a thrilling climb, or a scenic flight with wildlife sightings, Anchorage’s helicopter tours deliver on all counts. Many tours include landing on glaciers, giving you a chance to step onto ice that’s over a thousand years old, or even paddleboarding and ice climbing for those craving a more active adventure.
What makes Anchorage stand out is the combination of stunning scenery and the variety of experiences available. Some tours focus on guided glacier walks, others on adrenaline-pumping ice climbing, and some offer remote landings with wildlife or glacier exploration. To help you choose, this guide covers four of the best helicopter flights and tours in Anchorage, each with its own unique appeal. From half-hour scenic flights to full-day glacier adventures, you’ll find options suited for all levels of thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike.
Quick Overview
Our list features a mix of scenic helicopter tours with glacier landings, multi-landing expeditions, and adventure-filled options like paddleboarding and ice climbing. These experiences are designed to give you a genuine taste of Alaska’s wild geography. For a comprehensive look at each, check out the following tours:
- The Anchorage: Knik Glacier Helicopter Tour with Landing offers a 1-hour flight ending on millennia-old ice.
- The Anchorage: Grand Knik Glacier Helicopter Tour with Landings provides three remote landings over two hours.
- For those wanting a mix of scenery and activity, the Knik Glacier Helicopter and Paddleboarding Tour combines a helicopter flight with paddleboarding in icy waters.
- If you’re after an adrenaline rush, the Knik Glacier Helicopter and Ice Climbing Tour offers a guided ice-climbing experience on a glacier face.
Now, let’s dive into what each tour offers in more detail.
1. Anchorage: Knik Glacier Helicopter Tour with Landing
This 1-hour helicopter tour offers an authentic Alaskan experience with a landing on Knik Glacier. Starting from the Alaska Glacier Lodge, you’ll fly over the great Chugach Range and the Knik Glacier, with dramatic views of crevasses, waterfalls, and glacial rivers. The highlight is walking on 1,000-year-old ice, which is as close as you can get to stepping into a frozen history book.
What makes this tour stand out is the personalized glacier walk and the chance to fill your water bottle with glacier water—a literal taste of Alaska. The pilots and guides are praised for their knowledge and helpfulness, making even wintery days full of sunshine memorable. Many reviews mention how engaging the guides are, often sharing insights about local wildlife like moose and bears seen from above.
This tour is ideal for travelers wanting a quick but immersive glacier experience, with plenty of photo opportunities and a sense of being truly in the wilderness. The price of $452 reflects the exclusive experience of landing on glacier ice, making it a good value for such a unique adventure.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting a short, impactful glacier experience, with expert guides and stunning scenery.
2. Anchorage: Grand Knik Glacier Helicopter Tour with Landings
This 2-hour helicopter tour takes you beyond a single landing, offering three different remote spots over the course of the trip. Departing from Alaska Glacier Lodge, you’ll fly over glaciers, icebergs, and alpine landscapes, with three separate landings at notable points: a glacier, Lake George, and Chugach Mountains.
What makes this tour distinct is the variety of landings—each location offers a new perspective and a chance to explore without hiking. You’ll get to see melt pools and learn about the glacier’s life cycle directly from guides who point out local wildlife. The helicopter allows access to areas inaccessible by foot, making it ideal for those interested in extensive glacier exploration without the physical effort.
Guests describe this as a seamless combination of sightseeing and adventure, with some noting it’s a magnificent way to see Alaska’s icy heart. The cost of $720 is on the higher side, but the multiple landings and comprehensive experience justify the price—especially for photographers or nature lovers.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice if you want multiple glacier landings and a comprehensive scenic overview in a single tour.
3. Anchorage: Knik Glacier Helicopter and Paddleboarding Tour
This 4-hour tour combines a scenic helicopter flight with a chance to paddleboard on icy, tranquil waters. It starts with a flight over Knik Glacier, giving you sweeping views of glacial crevasses and ice formations. After landing, you’ll don a dry suit and step into a calm glacial lake—an adrenaline-pumping moment that’s as memorable as it is invigorating.
The highlight here is the paddleboarding itself. Guides are described as knowledgeable and safety-conscious, helping even beginners enjoy gliding across the icy waters. The stillness of the lake and the silence of the icy surroundings make for a peaceful experience. Many reviewers mention how unique and serene this activity is, with some calling it “the ultimate adrenaline rush.”
Priced at $1,029, this tour is best suited for adventure enthusiasts comfortable with cold water and physical activity. The combo of flight and paddleboarding offers excellent value for those wanting a full-day, active experience.
Bottom Line: For thrill-seekers looking for a combination of scenic flight and water adventure in a remote setting.
4. Anchorage: Knik Glacier Helicopter and Ice Climbing Tour
This 4-hour adventure pairs a scenic helicopter flight with guided ice climbing on a glacier face. Starting at the Knik River Lodge, you’ll fly over the glacier before being taken to a climbable ice wall, where guides help you scale the vertical ice features. Lunch is included next to the glacier, making this both a culinary and physical challenge.
What sets this tour apart is the focus on ice climbing, a rare activity in the tourism world. You can customize the difficulty level to suit your skill, and the guides are experienced in managing different climber needs. The scenic helicopter flight provides breathtaking views of the glacier, adding to the overall sense of adventure.
Guests describe this as an unforgettable, hands-on experience that’s perfect for adventure travelers craving a physical challenge amid stunning scenery. At $1,029, it offers value through the combination of flight, climbing, and a unique perspective on Alaska’s icy landscapes.
Bottom Line: Best for active travelers who want to climb on ice and see Alaska from above with a guided, personalized approach.
How to Choose
When selecting the best helicopter tour in Anchorage, consider your budget, time availability, and interests. If a quick but impactful glacier walk appeals, the Knik Glacier Helicopter Tour with Landing offers a great introduction. For those wanting multiple landings and a broader view of the terrain, the Grand Knik Glacier Tour is the way to go.
Adventurers seeking a full day of active fun might prefer the Paddleboarding Tour, while adrenaline junkies should consider the Ice Climbing for a true physical challenge.
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak summer months, as these tours are popular and may fill quickly. Check availability and consider your fitness level, interests, and desired experience to make the best choice.
Final Thoughts
Anchorage’s helicopter tours span a range of experiences, from breathtaking glacier landings to thrilling ice climbing. For a short, impactful adventure, the Knik Glacier Helicopter Tour with Landing can be perfect, especially if you want to combine scenic viewing with a walk on ancient ice. For those wanting more variety and exploration, the Grand Knik Glacier Tour delivers multiple landings and expansive views.
Active travelers will enjoy the Paddleboarding and Ice Climbing options, which push the boundaries of typical sightseeing. Whichever you choose, booking early and preparing for the cold will ensure you get the most out of your Alaskan helicopter adventure.