Since 1998, NorthStar Helicopters has been lifting guests above Juneau’s emerald rainforest to set foot on shimmering blue glaciers. Founded by Alaskan aviation pioneer Bob Engelbrecht, the team pairs seasoned pilots with passiona...
Since 1998, NorthStar Helicopters has been lifting guests above Juneau’s emerald rainforest to set foot on shimmering blue glaciers. Founded by Alaskan aviation pioneer Bob Engelbrecht, the team pairs seasoned pilots with passiona...
This glacier helicopter tour consistently delivers what reviewers call "once-in-a-lifetime" experiences, with passengers raving about the entire operation from start to finish. The professionalism stands out immediately—everything runs smoothly, from shuttle pickups to gear distribution (they provide all necessary clothing and equipment). Guides like Ann, Mike, Juan, Logan, and Sue earn specific praise for their knowledge and friendly approach, while pilots get kudos for spectacular flights over mountains, ice fields, and waterfalls. The actual glacier trek is the star attraction, with travelers genuinely blown away by walking on ancient ice, spotting deep blue crevasses, and drinking fresh glacier water. Multiple reviews emphasize this is expensive, but people overwhelmingly say it's worth every penny. One practical tip that comes up: don't over-layer your clothing since you'll warm up quickly during the trek and won't have anywhere to stash extra gear. Fair warning—you need decent fitness levels to fully enjoy this adventure, as the terrain requires active movement and sure footing.
This was the most amazing experience I’ve ever had in my life. My initial helicopter + dog sledding excursion over the Mendenhall Glacier was unfortunately cancelled last minute by a different tour company due to weather conditions, and we were so disheartened since that was supposed to be the highlight of the trip. Unhopeful, we headed over to the excursions booth near our cruise for an alternative, and a very friendly agent (Dallas) helped us book the remaining slots for the Helicopter + Airboating excursion over Taku Glacier with Northstar. And never have I been more grateful to have an excursion cancelled in my life. If you have the budget for it, DEFINITELY do this excursion over dogsledding. It was absolutely INCREDIBLE! We were picked up by a shuttle from our port, which then took us to the helicopter airport. From there, we then took a 20 minute helicopter ride with STUNNING sights of the mountains and river over to the airboat dock. From the dock, we went on a 20-30 minute ride on the airboat, which took many exhilarating twists and turns (and donuts) across the river and (spoiler) ONTO THE ICE! We then had 10 or so minutes to take pictures of the Taku Glacier both up close via the boat and on a nearby sheet of ice. The captain also drove us SUPER close to the glacier and waterfall, providing us with a super close view. We then returned to the dock and were then flown TO THE TOP of THE glacier, where we then were allowed to walk about and touch (would not recommend drink) the glacier water for another 5-10 minutes. From there, we flew back to the airport base (another 20 minute ride) and ended our excursion. Needless to say, every step of this journey was breathtaking, and I’ll undoubtedly be thinking about it for the rest of my life. Northstar service was also absolutely amazing, from the phone operator who helped book our last-minute tour, to the 2 drivers who came to pick us up from our port (and also provided the amazing food + drink recommendations), to the people who helped brief + dress us, to the pilots and captains. Everyone was so friendly and helpful. Thank you all for the experience of a lifetime!
Quynh Nguyen
May 24, 2026
This was the most amazing experience I’ve ever had in my life. My initial helicopter + dog sledding excursion over the Mendenhall Glacier was unfortunately cancelled last minute by a different tour company due to weather conditions, and we were so disheartened since that was supposed to be the highlight of the trip. Unhopeful, we headed over to the excursions booth near our cruise for an alternative, and a very friendly agent (Dallas) helped us book the remaining slots for the Helicopter + Airboating excursion over Taku Glacier with Northstar. And never have I been more grateful to have an excursion cancelled in my life. If you have the budget for it, DEFINITELY do this excursion over dogsledding. It was absolutely INCREDIBLE! We were picked up by a shuttle from our port, which then took us to the helicopter airport. From there, we then took a 20 minute helicopter ride with STUNNING sights of the mountains and river over to the airboat dock. From the dock, we went on a 20-30 minute ride on the airboat, which took many exhilarating twists and turns (and donuts) across the river and (spoiler) ONTO THE ICE! We then had 10 or so minutes to take pictures of the Taku Glacier both up close via the boat and on a nearby sheet of ice. The captain also drove us SUPER close to the glacier and waterfall, providing us with a super close view. We then returned to the dock and were then flown TO THE TOP of THE glacier, where we then were allowed to walk about and touch (would not recommend drink) the glacier water for another 5-10 minutes. From there, we flew back to the airport base (another 20 minute ride) and ended our excursion. Needless to say, every step of this journey was breathtaking, and I’ll undoubtedly be thinking about it for the rest of my life. Northstar service was also absolutely amazing, from the phone operator who helped book our last-minute tour, to the 2 drivers who came to pick us up from our port (and also provided the amazing food + drink recommendations), to the people who helped brief + dress us, to the pilots and captains. Everyone was so friendly and helpful. Thank you all for the experience of a lifetime!
Quynh Nguyen
May 24, 2026