Helicopter To a Dogsledding Experience

The dogs pull, the helicopter soars. This Juneau adventure combines a glacier landing with a dogsled ride at a remote Herbert Glacier camp, giving you two very different views of Alaska in about three hours. I like the smooth transport from Juneau and the chance to meet a large team of Alaskan huskies in their snowy home. My main caution is simple: the sled ride may feel short for the price.

You can ride the runners or sit comfortably in the sled, so the activity works for both active participants and people who prefer to watch. The small group limit of 12 helps keep things personal, but weather can cancel the whole outing, sometimes close to departure.

At a glance: what makes this tour special

• Helicopter access to Herbert Glacier: Fly from Coastal Helicopters over Juneau’s icefields and land at a remote dogsled camp.
• Real snow dogsledding: Ride behind a team of Alaskan huskies on a glacier, not on a dry-ground track near town.
• Two ways to ride: Take a turn on the runners or remain seated while the dogs do the work.
• Small groups: The maximum is 12 people, although helicopter seating depends on weight and balance.
• Easy Juneau pickup: Transport is offered from downtown, the cruise docks, and selected airport-area hotels.
• Weather matters: Poor visibility or conditions can cancel the flight, with a different date or full refund offered.

Why the helicopter flight is half the adventure

At $727 per person, this is one of Juneau’s costly shore excursions. You are not paying only for the dogsled ride. The price covers round-trip helicopter transport, the flight crew, ground transportation, a musher, boots and rain gear if needed, and access to a remote glacier camp.

That matters because Herbert Glacier is not a place you can casually reach by road. The helicopter turns the journey into part of the experience. You lift off from Coastal Helicopters near Juneau Airport, pass over the Juneau Icefield, and land directly at the camp. On the return, the flight again becomes a scenic tour over the glacier rather than a simple transfer.

I especially like that the setting feels far removed from town. Juneau is surrounded by wild country, but this tour gives you a close look at that isolation. You see broad snowfields and mountain peaks from the air, then step onto the ice and hear the dogs before the sled begins moving.

Clear weather can make the flight extraordinary. Several people describe the return journey as the visual high point, with wide views over the glacier and mountains. In poor weather, the same flight can be delayed or canceled, so you need to accept that the most important part of the tour is also the least predictable.

Meeting in Juneau and getting ready to fly

If you are staying downtown or arriving by cruise ship, the usual meeting place is beneath the cables of the Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tram at 490 South Franklin Street. Look for a Coastal Helicopters representative in bright orange with a yellow sign. Airport-area hotel pickups take place outside the main hotel entrance.

Pickup and drop-off times include the transport period, so check the exact schedule carefully. Cruise passengers need at least 45 minutes between ship arrival and pickup, and another 45 minutes between return and the ship’s all-aboard time. That buffer is sensible in Alaska, where weather and transport can change plans quickly.

Shuttles operate before the flight, with cruise passengers often transported about an hour before departure. For guests at the AJ dock, pickup can be requested at the dock, and the company says this is arranged automatically for the first tour after a ship arrives. You will receive pickup details from the operator.

At the helicopter base, expect a safety briefing, a weight check, and preparation with boots or overshoes. Raincoats are available if conditions call for them. Wear warm layers and rubber-soled shoes, such as athletic shoes or light hiking boots. I would also bring gloves and a hat in your carry-on clothing, since the glacier is cold even when Juneau feels mild.

There is a strict no-bag policy on the flight. Bags brought to the base remain in the tour office, so carry only items you can safely keep with you, such as a phone or camera. If you need a medical bag, mention it when booking.

The 15-minute flight from Coastal Helicopters

The helicopter ride takes about 15 minutes each way, though the total air experience can feel longer because the views begin as soon as you leave the airport. You fly toward Herbert Glacier, with the Juneau Icefield filling the horizon as the aircraft gains height.

Seating is based on weight and balance. The company tries to keep families and friends together, but it cannot promise that. A party may be split between helicopters, although the landings are planned to happen together.

This is an important practical point. You must provide each passenger’s correct weight and select the right passenger category at checkout. Every passenger is weighed at the facility. Incorrect information can lead to delays or cancellation without a refund, so do not guess or use a combined group weight.

The total passenger weight limit is 500 pounds. Lap children are not allowed, and each person needs a full-fare ticket. If you have limited mobility, contact the operator before booking so the staff can discuss how to make the outing more comfortable.

Landing at Herbert Glacier’s dogsled camp

The helicopter lands at a secluded camp on Herbert Glacier, surrounded by mountain peaks and an immense snowfield. The change from aircraft to dogsled is part of the charm. One moment you are looking down on the ice from above. The next, you are standing on it with a team of eager huskies nearby.

The camp is home to roughly 240 dogs, according to one detailed account, with dogs of different ages and sizes. You should have time to meet and pet them, and the dogs are often described as friendly and excited to run. That contact gives the tour a personal quality that a simple scenic flight would not provide.

The musher explains the dogs, the sled, and the work involved in running a team. Guides such as Sam, Peter, Stuart, and Kendra have received especially warm praise for their patience, humor, and care for the animals. Peter, in particular, was described as answering detailed questions about the dogs, glacier conditions, and mushing with real enthusiasm.

You are generally placed in a small sled group, often around four people, with a musher handling the team. One reported setup used 12 dogs pulling the sled. The exact arrangement can vary, but the basic idea remains the same: you sit or take a turn helping from the runners while the musher controls the team.

What the dogsled ride is really like

The dogsled route follows a fixed course around the camp. You may ride on the runners or stay seated in the sled, making this suitable for families and for people who do not want a physically demanding activity.

The huskies are the stars. They are bred and trained to pull, and their excitement before setting off is part of the show. You can expect barking, movement, and a great deal of energy around the camp. The guides also share details about individual dogs, which makes the encounter more memorable than simply taking a quick photo beside a sled.

Here is the catch: the actual riding time may be around 20 minutes, even though the glacier portion is scheduled for about an hour. The sled can stop several times, and some people describe the route as one loop around camp. You may also spend time waiting for the helicopter after the ride.

If you have done a long dogsled expedition in Finland or another northern destination, this may feel more like a sample than a full-day mushing trip. The tour’s strength is the combination of flight, glacier, dogs, and scenery, not the length of time behind the team.

That distinction helps explain the mixed value judgments. If you view this as a helicopter and glacier experience that includes dogsledding, the price can feel justified. If you mainly want an extended sled ride, you may find the outing too brief.

The return flight over the Juneau Icefield

After the dogsled portion, you return to the helicopter for the flight back to Coastal Helicopters. This is not a dull repeat. The route over Herbert Glacier offers another chance to see the icefield from a different angle, and clear skies can produce broad, dramatic views.

Your pilot may provide information during the flight, and the operation is built around safety and weather checks. Several people describe the flight as smooth and professional. That is reassuring if this is your first helicopter ride, though anyone nervous about flying should remember that aircraft seating and routing depend on operating conditions.

Once back at the heliport, the shuttle returns you to the original meeting point. If you are on a cruise, keep your ship schedule in mind and leave the required buffer. The tour ends where you met the transport.

Price, value, and what you are really buying

The $727 price is high, but it includes several costly pieces: aviation, fuel, pilots, glacier access, transport, equipment, and a specialized dogsled camp. You also get an experience that is difficult to duplicate independently from Juneau.

I would judge the value by your priorities. This is a strong choice if you want:

• A first helicopter flight over Alaska
• A glacier landing without arranging separate transport
• Time with working sled dogs
• A small-group outing rather than a large coach excursion
• A memorable family or couple activity

It is less compelling if your main goal is a long dogsled route. The ride can be short, and the waiting period at camp may feel disproportionate after you have paid a premium. The glacier setting makes the experience feel authentic, but the actual mushing is still a brief introduction.

The most satisfied participants tend to treat the full package as the attraction. They value the flight, the ice, the huskies, the guides, and the sense of being far from town. If that sounds like your ideal Alaska day, the cost may feel fair.

Weather, timing, and the risk of disappointment

This tour requires favorable weather. Fog, low cloud, wind, or poor visibility can prevent the helicopter from flying. The company may not make the final call until close to departure, which can be frustrating if you have arranged your day around the outing.

A weather cancellation qualifies for a different time or a full refund. The general cancellation policy is otherwise strict: cancellations or amendments by you are non-refundable. If the minimum number of participants is not reached, the operator offers another date or experience, or a full refund.

Because weather is central to the activity, I would schedule this early in your Juneau stay if possible. That gives you a better chance of moving to another available time if the flight is canceled. Cruise passengers should also avoid booking it too close to departure, even with the required buffer.

The late decision can be hard on a short port visit. One cancellation left people with little time to make other plans. That is not a service failure when weather is unsafe, but it is a real cost in a port where your hours are limited.

Who should book this Juneau adventure?

I would recommend it most strongly to couples, families, and first-time Alaska visitors who want one major experience rather than several smaller activities. Children can enjoy the dogs, and families have reported that the dogsled portion worked well for young children, including a four-year-old.

It also suits people who want a gentle introduction to outdoor adventure. You do not need to operate a sled team for the whole route, and the guides handle the dogs and equipment. You can choose to ride the runners or sit back.

I would be more cautious if you have limited mobility, dislike helicopters, need to carry a substantial medical bag, or expect an extended mushing expedition. Contact Coastal Helicopters before booking if mobility is a concern. The staff may be able to help, but the helicopter, glacier surface, and sled setup place practical limits on access.

Bring a camera and binoculars, but keep your hands free during boarding and follow the crew’s instructions. Warm layers matter more than fashion here. The company supplies boots and rain gear when needed, but you should still arrive prepared for cold, wet conditions.

Should you book the helicopter and dogsled tour?

Book it if you want the full picture: a helicopter flight, a glacier landing, and friendly working huskies in one compact outing. The flight and setting receive the strongest praise, and the staff are repeatedly described as organized, welcoming, and safety-conscious.

Skip it if you are paying $727 mainly for a long sled ride. In that case, the short fixed route and pauses may leave you wishing for more time behind the dogs.

For the right person, this is a memorable splurge. Schedule it early in your Juneau visit, report accurate weights, dress for the glacier, and accept that weather controls the day. If the price fits your budget and the idea of landing on a snowfield by helicopter sounds better than a standard town excursion, I think it is a strong pick.

FAQ

How long does the tour take?

The experience lasts about three hours, including transportation, the helicopter flights, time at the glacier camp, and the dogsled activity.

Where does the helicopter depart?

The helicopter departs from Coastal Helicopters near Juneau Airport and lands at the Herbert Glacier dogsled camp.

Is pickup available in Juneau?

Yes. Pickup is available from several Juneau locations. Downtown cruise passengers and hotel visitors meet under the Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tram, while airport-area hotel pickup takes place outside the hotel lobby entrance.

How long is the helicopter flight?

The listed flight time is about 15 minutes each way. The return flight includes views over Herbert Glacier and the Juneau Icefield.

Can I choose how I ride the dogsled?

Yes. You can choose to ride the runners or sit comfortably in the sled while the dogs pull.

What is the maximum group size?

The tour accepts a maximum of 12 people. Helicopter seating within a party depends on weight and balance, so families may be divided between aircraft.

What should I wear?

Wear warm layers and rubber-soled shoes, such as athletic shoes or light hiking boots. The operator provides boots and raincoats if needed.

Can I bring a bag on the helicopter?

There is a no-bag policy. Bags brought to the base are stored in the tour office until your return. If you have a medical need for a carry-on, mention it when booking.

What happens if the weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather prevents the tour from operating, you will be offered another time or a full refund. The experience is otherwise non-refundable if you cancel or request a change.