juneau alaska helicopter and dogsled tours

Glacier Dog Sledding & Helicopter Flightseeing

Juneau tours, what to expect.

Take a thrilling dog sledding tour in Juneau that combines the best of both worlds: dog sledding and glacier flightseeing tour by helicopter.

Enjoy breathtaking views of the Juneau Icefield as you soar over glaciers and picturesque mountain peaks. Your adventure begins with convenient pickup from the main cruise ship terminal in Juneau, followed by a scenic helicopter ride to Herbert Glacier.

let’s go over the details

Arriving at the glacier.

At the dog sledding camp, you’ll meet the Alaskan huskies who live on the glacier, learn from experienced mushers and dog handlers, and take a kennel tour. The ultimate highlight of this tour is the dog sled ride itself! Feel the rush of excitement as the eager team of huskies takes off and you drive the sled over the snow.

After the sled ride, take advantage of photo opportunities and enjoy a scenic helicopter flight over the glaciers before being returned to the cruise ship terminal. With a duration of just under 3 hours, including 30 minutes of flight time and 60 minutes on the glacier, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience not to be missed.

Note: A $150 surcharge applies for passengers weighing 250lbs or more for safety reasons. Child prices are the same as adult prices. Departure time must be at least 50 minutes after cruise ship arrival. Check the ship’s itinerary and select the appropriate time.

• Roundtrip transportation
• Traction overboots
• Restrooms are available at the helicopter base.

Requirements

• Guests are required to enter the aircraft with little to no assistance. For safety reasons, they must be able to walk a minimum of about 200 ft and navigate two 18′ steps into the aircraft on their own. 
• Guests should wear comfortable shoes and dress in warm layers. Hat, gloves, sunglasses, waterproof outer layer and cameras are recommended
• Guests must be comfortable walking short distances on uneven and occasionally icy surfaces
• Signed liability waiver

DURATION & ITINERARY

2:45 hours. Tour times below are approximate:

• 30 minutes –  for transfer from downtown to helicopter base and back (15 minutes each way)
• 30 minute – safety briefing and tour preparation
• 30 minutes – helicopter time round trip (15 minutes each way)
• 1 hour at dog camp with 20-25 minutes of active mushing
• 15 minutes to return glacier boots, visit giftshop, and enjoy complementary coffee and tea

Important Notes & Reminders

• This is a weather dependent tour up to the sole discretion of the tour operator.
• Seating in the helicopter is determined by weight and balance, and is at the sole discretion of the tour operator.
• Federal Aviation Administration regulations require that all children 24 months and older on any aircraft must occupy their own seat which must be paid for. All children under 24 months of age are considered a lap child and fly free of charge.
• Due to security reasons, no bag of any kind, canes, crutches, extendable devises such as umbrellas or go-pro sticks, water bottles, I-pads or tablets are allowed on the helicopter. There are lockers at base to store anything that can’t be taken on the aircraft.
• Parental Consent forms: A parental consent form is required for all passengers ages 12 to 17 who will be participating on any tour unaccompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Children under the age of 12 are not permitted to fly without a parent or legal guardian.

dog sledding & helicopter tour

Faq’s, what's the difference between skagway and juneau tours.

We strive to provide uniformity across our operations with an emphasis on safety and guest comfort. Both locations offer similar flight, glacier, and mushing time. We recommend booking your glacier dog sledding tour in the location and the time that best accommodates the additional activities that you wish to pursue while in port that day.

How much time should I allocate for Glacier Dog Sledding in Juneau?

In Juneau taking into consideration a provided round trip transportation to and from downtown to the airport, you will wish to allocate 2 hours and 45 minutes to ensure that you do not overlap into any additional activities you have planned.

When should I make my reservation?

How do we go dogsledding on snow in the summer.

The Glaciers lay within the Tongass National Forest, originating within the 1,500 square mile Juneau Icefield, blanketing the Coast Mountains for 100 miles along the U.S. Canada border from Juneau to Skagway.

When is Glacier Dogsledding Available?

Dogsledding operations run the middle of May through late August. We work with three helicopter companies to offer you the greatest selection of days and times for your adventure. In Skagway you may receive transportation and contact information from TEMSCO Helicopters.

How do I book?

How do i get there, what can i bring.

Due to helicopter operations, bags and additional items are not allowed on board the aircraft.  All personal items that you wish to bring to camp, such as your camera and rain jacket, must be carried on your person.  Secure storage is provided at the heliport.

What Should I Wear?

What should i not bring.

You should not bring anything that you will not need while away from the heliport, where secure storage is provided. No handheld tablets are allowed in the aircraft and the use of ‘extender sticks’ are not permissible.

Will there be puppies?

While we hope there will be, we do not guarantee puppies as they are the product of a natural process and one that we do not promote unless Musher’s have them planned in their individual kennel plans.

How many dogs pull the sled, how many people will be riding; may I drive the sled?

How does the tour timeline breakdown, are your operations ada accessible.

We pride our operations on the personal effort and assistance put forth by our staff in ensuring the guest experience. You must be physically capable of loading and unloading from the aircraft, under your own power, with our dedicated crew standing by to offer instruction and assistance. Due to helicopter operations, walkers, canes, and wheelchairs are not allowed around, on board or to be stowed in the aircraft.

What if I want to visit the sled dogs but not the helicopter?

Our sister company Gold Rush Dog Tours offers dry land mushing tours in the beautiful Sheep Creek Valley in Juneau. Here you can visit with mushers, sled dogs, puppies and go on a Cart ride with the team.

Book Your Dog sledding & Helicopter expedition today

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Prime Time Helicopter Dog Sledding

• Fly in a helicopter over the Juneau Icefield
• Land on a glacier and climb aboard a dog sled
• Get pulled across the ancient snowfields by a team of huskies
• combines the unrivaled beauty of touring Alaska's vast winter wilderness via helicopter with standing on the runners of a dog sled as you cruise over the ice on a traditional dog-powered vehicle
• an ideal combination of high-flying exploration and authentic Alaskan dog sledding

Juneau Dog Sledding & Helicopter Tour

Imagine flying in a helicopter over the Juneau Icefield as Alaska's scenic beauty passes by the windows. Next, you land on a glacier and climb aboard a dog sled, with a team of huskies pulling you across the ancient snowfields nestled among the peaks of the vast Juneau Icefield. This is your Alaskan helicopter dog sledding adventure.

Enjoy an authentic Juneau helicopter dog sledding excursion that combines the unrivaled beauty of touring Alaska's vast winter wilderness via helicopter with standing on the runners of a dog sled as you cruise over the ice on a traditional dog-powered vehicle.

Your experienced pilot will fly you over the colossal ice fields and formations, deep blue crevasses, and luminous ice rivers of Alaska while pointing out the once-in-a-lifetime views below. Upon landing at your destination, it's time to take part in Alaska's favorite sport: dog sledding. Glacier-carved peaks open up before you as you approach the dozens of sled dogs, pups, and staff at the dog sled camp.

Upon arriving at the dog camp, the helpful and professional staff will provide you with training and instructions on the finer points of dog sledding, stories about the famous Iditarod race, and a chance to ask questions before the team is hooked up. Then, you're off in the sled to enjoy the incredible atmosphere as the dogs power you through the crisp Alaskan snow.

Before your helicopter takes you back to base and civilization, make sure to get some pictures with the Alaskan sled dogs in their snowy territory.

Experience approximately 30 minutes of roundtrip flying time over the frozen glaciers and breathtaking scenery of Alaska, about 30 minutes with the mushers at the dog camp located on the Juneau Icefield, and approximately 30 minutes of sled time to give everyone a chance to ride the sled.

This Juneau dog sledding & helicopter tour is an ideal combination of high-flying exploration and authentic Alaskan dog sledding. It's the experience of a lifetime for animal lovers in a picturesque winter wonderland. Book your Juneau shore excursion tour today because space is limited.

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Juneau Dog Sled World & Glacier Helicopter Adventure

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• Reviews (26)

Excursion Overview

An exciting ride across the norris glacier.

This truly Alaskan adventure gives you the rare opportunity to mush your own dogsled team across a snow-capped glacier in Juneau's backyard. Begin your adventure with a helicopter flightseeing trip over the Juneau Icefield, one of nature's most beautiful landscapes that is accessible only by air. You'll soar over the Taku Glacier, which is the only advancing glacier in Southeast Alaska and recognized as the deepest and thickest temperate glacier known in the world. Experience the unique thrill of zipping across a glacier behind a team of huskies. Our exclusive dogsled camp is located on the picturesque middle branch of the Norris Glacier. You'll learn the tricks of the trade from seasoned veterans of the legendary Alaskan Iditarod Race. Master the all-important commands of Hike! Gee! & Haw! Forget horsepower, this tour is about dog power!

Reporting Accurate Weights

Please report proper weights of all guests (including the weight of clothes and boots). Inputting improper weights, or selecting the wrong passenger type can lead to cancellation without refund. Please be aware that every guest is individually weighed at the helicopter base.

Things You Need to Know

Inclusions:.

• Roundtrip transportation
• Traction overboots
• Water and hot beverages are available at the helicopter base
• Secure bag check area to store their items

Requirements:

• Guests must be comfortable walking short distances on uneven and occasionally icy surfaces
• No bags, iPads, tablets, selfie sticks, or drones are allowed in the aircraft
• Dress in layers and sunglasses are highly recommended
• Signed liability waiver
• Persons weighing 250 lbs or more must pay an additional $150 surcharge for safety reasons. Please purchase the "250lbs+ Adult" ticket if this is the case.
• Child prices are the same as adult prices. Children under the age of 2 are not permitted on this tour.

Duration: 3.25 hours (Roundtrip from cruise ship terminal.)

• 15~20 minutes - transfer to Douglas heliport
• 35~40 minutes - gearing up, restroom and safety briefing
• 15~20 minutes - helicopter flightseeing over Juneau Icefield
• 1 hour - glacier landing and dogsledding experience
• 10~15 minutes - flight back to the heliport
• 20 minutes - arrive at heliport, de-gear and visit the gift shop
• 15~20 minutes - transfer back from the heliport to dock

Meeting Instructions:

• This tour meets in front of the Goldbelt Mt. Robert's Tramway building. Fully detailed instructions are included on your finalized ticket vouchers.

ADA Accessibility of Tour:

• This tour is not wheelchair or limited mobility accessible.

Refund Policy:

• You may cancel for any reason up to seven (7) days prior to the date of the tour for a full refund.
• Please see our Refund Policy Page for complete details.

Tours can be canceled for any reason up until seven (7) days prior to the date of the tour for a full refund unless otherwise noted on the individual tour product page in the Things to Know section. To cancel a tour, please use the cancelation request link within your e-ticket that was emailed to you OR send an email to  [email protected] with the following information:

- Order number

- Tour you are canceling

- Number of passengers you wish to cancel

Within 0-7 days before the tour date, cancelations are eligible for a full refund only in the following scenarios:

- The tour is canceled by the tour operator for any reason (for example: bad weather or mechanical issue)

- You experience a medical emergency during this window and can provide documentation (documentation must be submitted within 30 days to receive a refund)

- Your ship changes port itineraries causing you to miss an excursion

All refunds are processed through Alaska Shore Excursions, and will not be processed through any cruise line or local tour provider. Refunds will appear under Alaska Shore Excursions on your bank/credit card statement. Credit card refunds are processed within 10 business days of the request. Exceptions to the refund policy include multi-day packages and some day tours. Please refer to the specific refund policy listed on the individual tour product page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the dogs love human interaction and the mushers will let you get close and snuggly with their team.

Usually, guests have the opportunity to meet young Alaskan Husky puppies on this tour. However, this is not guaranteed as it depends on when new litters are born, vet appointments, the mushers' schedules, and so on.

You will be given the opportunity to run the sled alongside our professional musher if you wish.

Each sled can accommodate 4 guests.

There is a maximum of 6 passengers per helicopter. If your party is larger than 6 passengers, multiple helicopters will take your group and land at the dog sled camp together.

There are two front seats and four rear seats; FAA safety guidelines require seating positions to be assigned based on the weight and balance of all passengers for each helicopter.

The average temperature is between 15-20°F cooler than on the ground

Wildlife is abundant in Southeast Alaska and sightings are possible on any tour, however, this is not a designated wildlife tour and nothing can be guaranteed.

Children under the age of 2 are not permitted on this tour.

All bags must be stored at the helicopter base and are not allowed on tour. Due to safety protocol, we do not allow selfie sticks, iPads, or drones on this tour.

Food and drink are not allowed during this tour.

Water and hot beverages are available at the helicopter base, no food or drink is provided while on tour.

For safety reasons, service animals are not allowed on this tour.

Adult and child prices are the same for this tour.

Guests must be comfortable walking short distances on uneven and occasionally icy surfaces.

Layered clothing, hats, gloves, and sunglasses are strongly recommended.

Check out other frequently asked questions  here !

Guest Reviews

On aug 2023.

This was the one thing that was on my must do list. It exceeded my expectations. I absolutely loved it. Was not looking forward to the helicopter flight but it was so spectacular I forgot to be scared. Everything was done very professionally and fun as well. We were lucky to spend time with some 2 week old pups as well. The dogs were amazing and this will remain as one of my best days ever.

An amazing adventure - once in a lifetime experience that did not disappoint. My only wish is that it lasted longer!

On Jun 2023

This was an awesome experience for me and my 14-year-old daughter! It's a one-of-a-kind opportunity to see the Alaskan glaciers, snow-filled mountains and vast wilderness during the smooth and safe helicopter ride, long enough to appreciate the panoramic views. Landing in the middle of the icy wilderness and meeting the mushers and the dogs was just incredible - my daughter absolutely loved it and will remember for the rest of her life! This was "real Alaska" the way she imagined, and she got to "touch it and live it" - in her words!

You wonderful ladies have it down perfect!! From start to finish this helicopter ride and dog sled was truly OUTSTANDING!! We had Katie for a pilot, super fun and knowledgeable ! The dogs and Musher are incredible! Dogs just want to pull you and will bark and bark until they are hitched to sled. Mushers are so so friendly and kind and want to know all about you. Thank you for a perfect excursion. I will highly recommend this to anyone coming to Alaska.

This was the highlight of our family cruise to Alaska. The team was professional and informative. The experience was much more than we had ever expected.

• Reviews Showing: 26

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Duration: 3.25 hours

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Passenger (Ages 2+): $ 689.00

250lbs+ Passenger: $ 839.00

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Shore Excursion Details

Dogsled & glacier adventure by helicopter, juneau, alaska.

Added to Favourites!

• 3 1/4 hrs Estimate Duration

Depart from a private waterfront heliport on Douglas Island and soar over the massive Juneau Icefield on your way to a glacier dog camp. This authentic Alaskan adventure gives you the rare opportunity to mush your own dog sled team across a snow capped glacier. Learn the tricks of the trade from seasoned veterans of the legendary Alaskan Iditarod and Yukon Quest sled dog races. Master the all important commands of hike, gee and haw!

Experience the unique thrill of zipping across a pristine glacier with a team of friendly Alaskan sled dogs while enjoying the fresh mountain air and scenic vistas. The exclusive dog sled camp is located on the picturesque middle branch of the Norris Glacier. On your way there, you'll be amazed by a wondrous flightseeing trip over the vast Juneau Icefield. View spectacular icefalls, rock formations and untamed wilderness. Accessible only by air, this region is filled with lush forests, glassy alpine lakes, jagged mountain peaks and awe-inspiring glaciers.

Need to Know:

Check out the, activity attributes, excursion type:.

Flight Tours

Activity level:.

• 3 Challenging

Helicopter Glacier Dogsled Adventure

Quick Details

• Hour Glass Duration: 3.25 hours
• User Ages: 2+ years old
• Info Activity Level: Easy/moderate

The Bucket-list Alaskan Adventure

Upon arrival at our seaside base on Douglas Island, you will be outfitted with glacier overboots and a floatation device. Our professional staff will provide a thorough safety briefing before helping you load into one of our A-Star helicopters.

Your pilot will choose one of many scenic routes to fly you to our dog camp, providing stunning views of the Tongass National Forest and Juneau Icefield along the way on your very own Juneau helicopter tour. You might even get lucky enough to spot wildlife or a calving glacier!

Upon landing at our dog camp, you will be greeted by your guide, a professional musher with years of experience dog sledding in Alaska. Our guides are eager to share their lifestyle and teach you the basics of dogsled handling and dog commands, along with leading you on an exciting mush for up to two miles.

You will be mushing with Alaskan sled dogs raised in the interior of Alaska. You will be able to observe, firsthand, how the dogs respond to the tour guides with love, a wagging tail, and an unshakable desire to take guests with them down the trail.

You will have a full hour on the glacier  and the opportunity to view your dogsledding photos before the helicopters return for your gorgeous flight back to base. There will be a brief opportunity to visit our gift shop before our comfortable vans escort you back to your pickup location.

Please see FAQ’s page for general information about our tours and safety, here .

• Chevron down Duration
• The total tour duration is 3.25 hours
• Tour includes approximately 30 minutes of helicopter time and 1 hour on the glacier
• Please book your tour at least one hour after your ship’s arrival time. The tour should conclude no less than 45 minutes before your ship’s departure time. If your ship’s port time changes after you have booked your tour, please contact us.
• Chevron down Highlights

Enjoy a bird’s-eye view of up to four glaciers and the world’s largest temperate rainforest en-route to dog camp.

Learn the history and basics of dog sledding from professional Iditarod and Yukon Quest dog racers.

Mush across a snow-capped glacier behind a team of well-cared-for, excitable sled dogs.

• Chevron down Requirements
• Must be at least 2 years old to participate.
• For liability reasons, our NorthStar employees cannot lift guests into or out of the helicopter. Our staff will be there to assist, though guests are responsible for handling these steps on their own.
• Chevron down Provided

We will provide over boots that comfortably fit over your shoes.

• Chevron down How to Prepare

You should dress for a 10-15°F temperature decrease from sea-level (at the cruise ship docks) to the glacier. We recommend that you dress in long socks, warm layers, and sunglasses.

• Chevron down Baggage Policy

NorthStar’s policies prohibit the following items on our aircraft/tour:

• Bags or cases of any kind
• iPads or tablets, tripods
• Selfie sticks or other extendible items
• Chevron down Surcharge Policy

Due to weight and balance limitations, as well as guest safety and comfort, passengers weighing 250 pounds (113kg or 18 Stone) or more will be charged an additional $150.00 to reserve adequate space on board the helicopter. Total weight includes shoes and clothing. Surcharge must be paid at time of booking.

• Chevron down Aircraft Seating

We arrange seating based on the weight, balance, safety, and comfort of the whole departure, and cannot guarantee that we will be able to keep groups together on the aircraft. Please note that we will do everything possible to keep groups together for the flight portion of the tour, but we are sometimes required to split a group between multiple helicopters. All groups will be together for the glacier portion of the tour.

• Chevron down Cancellation Policy

If you decide to cancel more than 24 hours before departure, you will receive a refund minus a 10% cancellation fee. If you cancel less than 24 hours before departure, you will not receive a refund.

• Chevron down Weather Cancellations

Weather in Juneau can often be overcast and rainy. Decisions to operate tours are based on safety and tour quality. Should we decide not to operate your scheduled tour we will do our best to reschedule. If this is not possible, you will be refunded in full. In most cases we will not make the decision to cancel a tour until within an hour of departure, as the weather can quickly change and we do not want to preemptively cancel a tour – if it is at all possible it will run.

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• Info Moderate
• User 8+ years old
• Hour Glass 3.25 hours

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Charter & Contract Services

Supporting your aviation needs with highly skilled professionals and a diverse fleet of helicopters. Serving Alaska since 1958.

Send a booking request to start your adventure with TEMSCO Helicopters.

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The 6 best Alaska cruise shore excursions — from heli-hiking to whale watching

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There are some cruise destinations — Barcelona, for instance, or Venice — where you really don’t need to sign up for shore excursions . You can just walk off the ship and head to the major attractions on your own.

For the most part, the ports of Alaska aren’t like that.

To get the most out of an Alaska cruise , you’ll want to sign up for a tour in most if not all of the ports you visit. And not just any old tour. You’ll be looking for the best Alaska shore excursions that get you out into the Alaska backcountry.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG’s cruise newsletter.

In Alaska, many of the biggest “attractions” — breathtaking mountain landscapes, glaciers, fjords, breaching whales and feeding bears, for instance — are related to the Great Outdoors. As a result, many of the best Alaska shore excursions for cruisers are found outside of the towns where ships stop. If you just stay in the towns and explore on your own, you’ll miss a big part of what Alaska is all about.

Related: The best Alaska cruise for every type of traveler  

Picking the best Alaska shore excursions

People who know me know that I love talking about Alaska port towns. This isn’t just because I spent more than two decades writing about Alaska and other cruise destinations for major newspapers. For many years, I was the co-author of Frommer’s “Alaska Cruises & Ports of Call” guide. In researching nearly half a dozen editions of that book, I spent many days exploring each of the major cruise ports in the state. I’ve tried a large number of the shore excursions in places such as Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan. I’ve also poked around these towns a lot on my own.

As noted above, my biggest message to anyone planning an Alaska cruise is to get out of the towns . Sign up for something — a hike, a rafting trip, a train ride, a fishing outing — that gets you out into Alaska’s spectacular outdoor settings.

But I also have a few specific, top-line pro tips when you’re thinking about the best Alaska shore excursions:

• Get up in the air . It’ll be expensive. We’re talking $250 or more per person. But there’s nothing like seeing the grandeur of Alaska from a helicopter or floatplane. The Juneau Icefield, in particular, is a sight to behold. It covers around 1,500 square miles. You can see it on a flightseeing tour from Juneau, with some tours including landings on the ice.
• Don’t miss the whales. Even if you’re not a big wildlife person, you’ll be mesmerized by the humpback whales of Alaska. They are huge (at up to 52 feet, longer than a Greyhound bus), and there are boat tours that will get you up close to them. The best places to do this are out of Juneau and also Icy Strait Point if your ship stops there.
• Splurge for a trip to Misty Fjords National Monument . This glacier-carved wilderness area, not far from Ketchikan, is another don’t-miss sight. It’s everything you think of when you think of Alaska: icy blue lakes, waterfalls, snow-capped peaks and glacial valleys. The only way to get there is on a boat or floatplane tour, and they typically start at over $200 a person.

Unfortunately, as you can see from the above, many of the most spectacular excursions in Alaskan ports are expensive. But Alaska is not a place to skimp. Alaska is a place where you may want to budget almost as much per person for your shore excursions as you do for your cabin.

That said, you don’t have to splurge for a big outing at every call. In Juneau, for instance, you can get an outdoor experience with a relatively inexpensive trip to the nearby Mendenhall Glacier. It’s just 12 miles from the cruise ship docks and reachable by bus or taxi. The bus will set you back an astounding $45 per person, round-trip, which I find an intolerable gouge (but … it is what it is). If you have a few people, you’re probably better off with a taxi, which runs around $35 each way. For two or three people traveling together, it’s not all that pricey a trip.

Either way you do it, you’ll find some nice hiking trails around Mendenhall Glacier and a visitor center. There’s a creek there, too, where I’ve sometimes seen salmon running. One time, I even saw a bear. Speaking of which: A bear is something you think you want to see in Alaska until you actually see one. Then you’re just hoping you don’t get eaten.

Related: The best Alaska cruises for couples

I should also be clear that the towns themselves aren’t devoid of attractions. While I highly encourage Alaska-bound cruisers to get out into the wilderness, there are plenty of worthwhile things to do in each of the main port towns.

In Juneau, food tours have become popular; think King crab bisque and Alaska salmon. The Alaska State Museum is beautiful and worth a visit. Skagway is like a Gold Rush-themed movie set. You should at least walk its main street (Broadway), with its wooden-board sidewalks. If you’re a craft beer fan, like me , you also might want to sample a Spruce Tip Blonde Ale at the Skagway Brewing Company. It’s made with Sitka spruce tips picked locally in the spring.

In Ketchikan, you should save a few minutes to stroll up Creek Street, along Ketchikan Creek, where you might spot salmon running. It’s the ultimate Alaska selfie spot.

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How to book the best Alaska shore excursions

The simplest way to book an Alaska shore excursion is through your cruise line. You check a box on an online form before sailing or while on board, and — poof! — it’s all arranged. They send a ticket to your room, and when you walk off the ship, a tour guide will be waiting for you.

Another way to go is to book directly with a tour operator in one of the ports. Many of the tour operators you’ll find in Alaskan ports are the same tour operators that operate the ship-sponsored excursions. Often, the tours that the local tour operators will sell you are the same tours that the cruise lines are selling you, at the same price . Shopping around isn’t necessarily going to get you anywhere.

Indeed, in some cases, the cruise lines own the tour operators in Alaska ports, or at least a piece of them. For instance, the parent company of Princess Cruises and Holland America  is a part-owner of Skagway’s big attraction, the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway.

That said, you can sometimes get discounts by calling a tour operator directly. I’ve had some luck with that over the years. It’s hit or miss.

Related: 8 tips for booking the best cruise shore excursion for your money

The 6 best Alaska shore excursions

Below, I’ve listed six of my all-time favorite Alaska shore excursions. These all are tours that you’ll find in the tour lineups at every major cruise line that operates in Alaska. That said, different lines sometimes have different names for these tours — and sometimes different pricing.

For the listings below, I’ve used the tour names and pricing listed in the current tour sheets at Princess, which along with sister line Holland America, is the biggest cruise operator in Alaska.

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Dog-sledding and glacier adventure by helicopter

Cost: $669.95 per person

Port where available: Juneau

For those with a hefty bankroll, this might be the ultimate Alaska shore excursion. Combining helicopter flightseeing over the seemingly endless Juneau Icefield with a landing on a glacier for dog sledding, it hits two of Alaska’s most iconic experiences.

It’s also insanely expensive, as I know from firsthand experience. I once took my entire family of five on this excursion, dropping more than $2,000 in the process. That’s a huge chunk of change for an outing that lasts three hours.

But I’ll tell you this: I don’t regret doing it. Not one bit. For starters, the views of the Juneau Icefield as you fly to and from the dog-sledding camp are incredible (assuming the weather cooperates). But the real joy was seeing my three young girls interacting with the teams of Alaskan huskies that live at the camp.

Once you arrive at the camp, you’ll meet the dogs and their mushers, see where they live, get a quick tutorial in mushing, and then head out for a spin around the camp on a dog-pulled sled.

Related: These are the best times to visit Alaska

Whale watching and wildlife quest

Cost: $189.95

If it’s Alaska’s famous humpback whales that you want to see, you’ll want to book a whale-watching tour. The waters around Juneau are particularly known for humpback whales — so much so that the operator of this excursion offers a whale-sighting guarantee.

Setting off from the Juneau harbor in a whale-watching boat, you’ll cruise to nearby areas to see not just humpback whales but harbor seals and sea lions, too. You might even spot a killer whale or porpoise.

The boat used for this excursion has both inside and outdoor viewing areas. The trips last about four hours, including transfer time from your cruise ship to the whale-watching boat.

Related: The ultimate list of Alaska cruise tips  

Note that if you have a big enough group, it sometimes pays to arrange a private boat out of Juneau to take you to see humpback whales. Many lines offer a private boat charter for whale watching as a tour option, or you can arrange one through a local company.

Klondike rock climbing and rappelling

Cost: $119.95

Port where available: Skagway

If you’re like me, you may be a little terrified at the idea of climbing the sheer face of a rock cliff. But don’t let that scare you away from this 3 1/4-hour tour. It’s a hoot.

Experienced climbing guides will meet you at your ship and drive you up the Klondike Highway to an area of granite cliffs that’s the perfect playground for beginner and more seasoned climbers alike. Upon arrival, the guides provide you with all the gear you need — climbing shoes, helmets and harnesses — for a safe scramble up a 70-foot-high wall. They’ll also offer plenty of instruction (and encouragement) plus a snack of trail mix and hot chocolate.

If it all sounds a bit daunting, know that you don’t need any experience at climbing to do it; I sure didn’t have any when I tried it, nor did my young daughters, who absolutely loved it. There are multiple routes up the cliffs, some perfect for beginners. After making it to the top, you’ll rappel back down — an entirely different kind of thrill.

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White Pass & Yukon Route Railway ride

Cost: $149.95

Call it the iconic attraction of Skagway, Alaska. A ride into the mountains on this narrow-gauge railroad is the tour everybody takes when visiting the Gold Rush town-turned-tourist hub. And for good reason. It offers an easy way to get deep into the Great Alaskan Outdoors.

Truth be told, I’m a fan of more active excursions. But for someone who isn’t going to hike, bike, horseback ride or raft their way through the wilderness around Skagway (there are tours for all of those things, too), a ride on the White Pass & Yukon Railway is one of the best ways to get a glimpse of the area’s classic Alaskan scenery.

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From the comfort of a vintage rail car, you’ll get stunning views of mountains, gorges, glacial rivers and waterfalls as you climb nearly 3,000 feet to the summit of White Pass — the headwaters to the mighty Yukon River. Designated an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, the 20-mile route is a marvel in its own right, with improbably steep grades at times and segments that pass over soaring wooden trestles and around tight, cliff-hanging curves.

Heli-hike and rail adventure

Cost: $399.95

This is another tour with a sky-high cost. But, in my opinion, it’s well worth the money. Indeed, it’s one of my all-time favorite Alaska shore excursions.

The five-hour, Skagway-based outing begins with a transfer from your ship to a nearby helicopter pad, where you’ll find a helicopter waiting to whisk you high into the surrounding Sawtooth Mountain Range.

On a quick flight to your destination — a mountain trail in the Tongass National Forest — you’ll get spectacular views of the mountains and Goat Lake. You’ll land at Glacier Station, a remote mountain helicopter pad alongside the White Pass & Yukon Railway tracks. From there, you’ll set off on a two- to six-mile guided wilderness hike on a trail along the Skagway River. The highlight of the hike: a magnificent view of Laughton Glacier.

Returning to Glacier Station, you’ll end the day with a ride back to Skagway on the White Pass & Yukon Railway, which makes a special stop to pick you up.

Misty Fjords National Monument by seaplane

Cost: $299.95

Port where available: Ketchikan

There’s nothing that says Alaska quite like a trip in a floatplane. And, if you’re going to do a floatplane ride, there’s nowhere better than in Ketchikan. You’ll find a small armada of floatplanes waiting to take you to nearby Misty Fjords National Monument.

Misty Fjords is one of those quintessential Alaska destinations that’s so beautiful you just want to cry. That is, if it’s not too “misty” to see it. It got its name for a reason. The area is often shrouded in clouds and drizzly rain. Ketchikan is known as one of the rainiest places in North America, with over 13 feet of rain each year. So, yeah, bring a rain jacket.

But, also get ready for lovely views of glacier-carved fjords, cliffs and rock walls jutting thousands of feet out of the ocean. The whole thing is covered with temperate rainforests and features huge waterfalls (thanks to all that rain). It’s definitely a sight to see.

Note that there often are two versions of this tour available: One that is about two hours in length and only includes flightseeing and a slightly longer version that includes a water landing within Misty Fjord National Monument.

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Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.