Kind Reader, if you’re looking for an adventurous way to explore Skagway, Alaska, you may want to consider taking a helicopter tour. Skagway is a picturesque town located in southeast Alaska, surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, glaciers, and snow-capped mountains. A helicopter tour can be a thrilling and unforgettable experience, offering breathtaking views and a unique perspective of this beautiful region. In this article, we’ll explore the highlights and benefits of helicopter tours in Skagway, Alaska.
Best Helicopter Tours in Skagway, Alaska: An Unforgettable Experience
One of the best ways to explore Skagway, Alaska’s picturesque glaciers, and stunning mountains is through a helicopter tour. The tour allows you to witness the beauty of the Last Frontier state without spending hours of hiking. Plus, the aerial view from the helicopter adds a whole new dimension to the experience. Here are some of the best helicopter tours to try when you are in Skagway, Alaska:
1. Glacier Discovery by Helicopter from Skagway
The Glacier Discovery by Helicopter from Skagway tour is a two-hour tour that lets you have a glimpse of the Alaska-Pacific coastal mountain range, their glaciers and waterfalls. You will fly over the glaciers, Yukon’s granite cliffs, and waterfalls before landing on top of a glacier. From there, you can take a walk or hike on the ice or sip hot cocoa while enjoying the breathtaking view. During the flight, passengers can enjoy breathtaking aerial views of the mesmerizing Skagway mountains.
2. Skagway Glacier Discovery by Helicopter
The Skagway Glacier Discovery by Helicopter tour is a scenic 1.5-hour helicopter ride of the city’s stunning scenery, glaciers, and lush forests. The flight takes the passengers over glaciers, snow-capped mountains, and the Chilkat Range before landing on top of a glacier. During the landing, visitors can walk, explore, and take photos of the surrounding scenery.
3. Yukon Discovery Tour
If you want to explore the vastness of the Yukon territory, then the Yukon Discovery Tour is for you. The tour combines helicopter flight with sightseeing through the Yukon landscape. This tour takes passengers on a scenic helicopter ride over the Chilkat Range, Takshanuk Mountains before flying over Yukon’s icefields and Grand Pacific Glacier. The flight ends at a secluded alpine lake, where passengers can enjoy a campfire lunch and take a dip into the cold water.
4. Dogsledding on a Glacier by Helicopter
The Dogsledding on a Glacier by Helicopter tour is a three-hour experience that combines two of Alaska’s iconic activities. The tour starts with a scenic helicopter ride to the Meade Glacier where dogsled guides and their faithful companions meet, then take guests on an invigorating dogsledding ride to the bottom of the glacier. The tour ends with a delicious hot lunch at Mushers Camp before heading back to Skagway.
5. The Glacier Bay and Indian River Tour
The Glacier Bay and Indian River Tour take the passengers over the Taiya River Valley. The flight continues towards the Glacier Bay National Park which is part of UNESCO’s World Heritage List. The helicopter tour offers a bird’s-eye view of the famous park and its glaciers. The helicopter will also fly over the historic Tlingit village of Hoonah nestled in the green tongue of land that extends from Chichagof Island.
6. Skagway Helicopter and Hike Excursion
The Skagway Helicopter and Hike Excursion is a 7-hour tour that combines hiking and helicopter sightseeing. The tour starts with a 15-minute helicopter flight above the Skagway mountain range before taking tourists on a guided hike through the Upper Dewey Lake Trail. The tour ends with a helicopter ride back to the Skagway heliport.
7. Skagway Glacier and Dog Sledding Adventure via Helicopter
The Skagway Glacier and Dog Sledding Adventure via Helicopter tour is a 2.5-hour tour that starts with a 15-minute helicopter ride over the white-capped mountains before landing on a glacier. The passengers will be transported to a dog camp where they will embark on a dog-sledding ride with trained mushers and their dogs. Afterward, visitors can interact with the dogs and ask questions about sled dog sports before flying back to the Skagway heliport.
Helicopter Tours in Skagway Alaska: A Breathtaking Experience
If you want to experience the most breathtaking views of Alaska, then you should take one of the helicopter tours in Skagway Alaska. This town is a popular destination for adventurous tourists who want to experience the beauty of the Alaskan wilderness from a bird’s eye view. Skagway is located in the northwestern part of Alaska, and it is well-known for its Gold Rush history, stunning glaciers, and mountains.
The Benefits of Taking a Helicopter Tour in Skagway Alaska
There are many benefits to taking a helicopter tour in Skagway Alaska. Firstly, you will get a unique perspective of this beautiful place that you simply cannot get from the ground. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the stunning natural scenery, such as the cascading glaciers, the snow-capped mountains, and the beautiful forests. Secondly, you will get to experience the thrill of flying in a helicopter, which is an adventure in itself. And finally, you will be able to access remote and inaccessible areas that would be otherwise impossible to reach.
The Most Popular Helicopter Tours in Skagway Alaska
Skagway is home to some of the best helicopter tours in Alaska, and you can enjoy different types of tours depending on your interests and budget. Here are some of the most popular helicopter tours in Skagway Alaska:
| No | Helicopter Tours |
|---|---|
| 1 | Glacier Discovery Tour |
| 2 | Dog Sledding and Glacier Flightseeing Tour |
| 3 | Fjord Flightseeing |
| 4 | Denver Glacier Adventure by Helicopter |
What To Expect From a Skagway Alaska Helicopter Tour
When you take a helicopter tour in Skagway Alaska, you should expect to have an unforgettable experience surrounded by stunning natural scenery. The tour will start with a safety briefing, and then you will board the helicopter with your pilot and any other passengers. You should dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes as you may have to walk on uneven terrain. You will be provided with a headset so that you can communicate with your pilot and listen to informative commentary and music during the tour. The tour will usually last between 20 to 60 minutes depending on the package you choose.
| No | Information |
|---|---|
| 1 | Location |
| 2 | Tour Duration |
| 3 | Price Range |
| 4 | Number of Passengers per Tour |
| 5 | Highlights of Tour |
| 6 | Availability |
Best Helicopter Tours in Skagway, Alaska
If you’re planning a trip to Alaska, there’s no better way to see the vast landscapes than by taking a helicopter tour. Skagway, located on the coast of Southeast Alaska, is an excellent place to start your adventure. With so many tour companies to choose from, it can be challenging to decide which one to go with. To make your decision easier, we rounded up the best helicopter tours in Skagway, Alaska, based on their customer reviews, experience, and spectacular locations.
The Top-Rated Tour Companies
After doing extensive research, we found that the best helicopter tour companies in Skagway, Alaska, are Pinnacle Helicopters, Temsco Helicopters, and Skagway Heli Tours. Each of these companies offers unique experiences that cater to different preferences, ranging from scenic flights to glacier landings.
Scenic Flights
If you want to take in the views without landing, a scenic flight is an excellent option. Two popular routes are the coastal flight and the Yukon and Glacier Discovery flight. The coastal flight offers breathtaking views of the Lynn Canal, while the Yukon and Glacier Discovery flight takes you to view the unparalleled beauty of glaciers in the Yukon Territory.
| No | Top Scenic Flights in Skagway, Alaska |
|---|---|
| 1 | Coastal Helicopter Tour |
| 2 | Yukon and Glacier Discovery Helicopter Tour |
Landing Tours
If you want to step onto a glacier and experience the vastness of Alaska, landing tours are perfect for you. You will have time to explore and take photos while surrounded by stunning scenery. Two popular landing tours are the Meade Glacier and Remote Alaskan Landing tours.
| No | Top Landing Tours in Skagway, Alaska |
|---|---|
| 1 | Meade Glacier Helicopter Tour |
| 2 | Remote Alaskan Landing Helicopter Tour |
Best Time to Take Helicopter Tours in Skagway Alaska
Skagway in Alaska offers helicopter tours throughout the year except in bad weather. But, depending on your travel plans and what you are hoping to see, the best time of the year to take a helicopter tour in Skagway might differ.
Summer (June to August)
June through August is the peak season for those who want to go on Helicopter tours of Skagway. During this time, the sun shines for longer hours, providing more daylight for tours, wildlife spotting and exploring. Most of the tours in Skagway operate between May to September. Glacier landings and icefield tours are most popular during this time. On the downside, prices are high during this season and so are the crowds. It’s best to book your helicopter tour in advance if you’re planning a summer visit to Skagway.
Winter (November to March)
Helicopter tours in Skagway are affordable during the winter months, i.e., November to March because of the decreased demand due to the cold and darkness. However, don’t let the dark days and the chilly winds stop you from exploring the breathtaking wilderness of Alaska. You can experience the Northern Lights during December and January, making your helicopter tour even more memorable. Winter also has a certain charm to it, and the rates of the tours are a steal compared to the peak season booking prices.
Experience the Beauty of Glaciers Up Close
If you are searching for an unforgettable adventure, then a helicopter tour of Skagway’s glaciers is the perfect option for you. With impressive multi-colored facets, remarkable crevasses, and towering spires of ice, this glacier experience is surely remarkable in your life. The most exciting part of it all is landing on the glacier and stepping out of the helicopter onto the ice.
Surprise Glacier
Taking a tour of the exquisite Surprise Glacier located in the Glacier Bay National Park is one of the best things tourists can do while in Skagway. The beauty of this glacier is simply breathtaking! Tourists get to watch tidewater glaciers from the helicopter and see how icebergs are formed.
Davidson Glacier
The Davidson Glacier is one of the most accessible glaciers in Alaska. This is a private glacier in Skagway, and it’s named after famous geologist G.B. Davidson. This helicopter ride to the Davidson Glacier is a magnificent experience one can have, and it is a lifetime experience.
Best Time for Helicopter Tours Skagway Alaska
If you want to experience the beauty of Alaska, taking a helicopter tour is one of the best options. Skagway Alaska is a great place to experience it, but the best time to take a helicopter tour in Skagway Alaska is from mid-May to mid-September. During this time, the temperature is pleasant, and the days are long.
Mid-May to Mid-June
The best time to see Skagway during spring is from mid-May to mid-June. Everything is in bloom, and you can see the snow-capped mountains and the green forests. The temperature during this time ranges from 45°F to 60°F.
July and August
July and August are the peak tourist seasons in Alaska, and the best time to take a helicopter tour. The average temperature during this time ranges from 60°F to 70°F, and the days are long. You can see the glaciers and wildlife during this time.
It is important to note that the weather in Alaska can be unpredictable. Always check the weather forecast before you book your helicopter tour.
Best Time to Experience Helicopter Tours Skagway Alaska
A helicopter tour in Skagway, Alaska, is one of the most sought-after experiences of a lifetime. But while the scenic beauty of this place remains intact throughout the year, there are some specific times that will offer you the best views. Here are the two best seasons to experience helicopter tours Skagway, Alaska:
Summer Season (May to September)
The months from May to September fall under summer season in Skagway, and it’s the most popular time for helicopter tours. During this season, the days are longest; hence you will get more daylight to enjoy the aerial sights of glaciers, mountains, waterfalls and everything else that the tour offers. Moreover, the weather remains clear and bright, offering unobstructed views.
Winter Season (November to March)
The winter season in Skagway, which falls between November to March, is another best time to witness the helicopter tours. The landscape and sky of this place become icy and crystal clear in this season, and it’s an ideal time to enjoy the stunning Northern lights from above. During this time, the Skagway Helicopter Tour providers offer exclusive winter packages, making it an even more unique and unforgettable experience of a lifetime.
Additional Tip:
While these two seasons offer the best view for helicopter tours in Skagway, it’s advisable to avoid the peak season as the availability of tour slots gets filled quickly. Hence it’s always wise to plan your trip in advance.
Helicopter Tours Skagway Alaska FAQs
1. Are helicopter tours accessible for everyone?
Helicopter tours are accessible for most individuals. However, certain restrictions apply for safety purposes. Guests with medical conditions, mobility issues or who are pregnant may have some limitations.
2. What’s the ideal time for a helicopter tour?
The prime time for a helicopter tour is during the daytime. Nonetheless, you can also book a scenic flight during the nighttime to see the Northern Lights.
3. What is the best attire for a helicopter tour?
Guests should always dress for comfort. You may want to wear layers to prepare for variable weather conditions. Additionally, closed-toe shoes are highly recommended.
4. How long are helicopter tours?
The length of helicopter tours may vary, but you can expect them to last from around 20 minutes to an hour depending on the package you choose.
5. Can we take photos onboard?
Yes, you can bring your mobile phone, camera, or any other recording device to capture your stunning views and memories.
6. Are there any weight restrictions?
Yes, helicopters have limited capacity, and weight limits are in effect for safety reasons. Each passenger’s weight may vary depending on the helicopter size and seating arrangements. Passengers are weighed during check-in and any necessary adjustments will be made to the seating configurations and/or an upgrade may be offered.
7. Can we bring food and drink on the helicopter?
No, it is not advisable to bring food or drink in the helicopter for safety reasons, even if they are in spill-proof containers. You will not be allowed to eat or drink while in the helicopter.
8. Is motion sickness common during a helicopter tour?
It depends on the individual, but motion sickness is generally not a common occurrence. However, some guests have reported mild nausea. If you are concerned about the effects of motion sickness, you may wish to take over-the-counter medication or consult with your physician.
9. Is there an age requirement?
While age requirements may vary by operator, most helicopter companies require children to be at least two years old to participate in the tour. This is mainly because of the size of the child’s head in relation to the helmet required for the flight.
10. Can a person with a fear of heights go on a helicopter tour?
It varies per individual, but if you have a considerable fear of heights, you may want to consider another way to experience the beauty of Skagway, Alaska. If you’re unsure, you can discuss your concerns with the operator, and they may provide some advice or alternative options.
11. Are helicopter tours safe?
Yes, helicopter tours are generally safe. Nevertheless, it is important to follow all safety procedures and listen to your pilot’s instructions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
12. Is there a chance that our tour may be canceled due to bad weather?
Yes, your helicopter tour may be canceled due to unfavorable weather conditions. The operator will contact you via phone or email if this occurs. In the event of a cancellation, you can reschedule your tour or ask for a refund.
13. Can we tip our pilot?
It is not required, but if you enjoyed your tour, you are welcome to tip your pilot as customary in Alaska.
14. Is it possible to book a private helicopter tour?
Yes, it is often possible to book a private helicopter tour. Please contact your helicopter tour operator to inquire about a private tour.
15. How far in advance should we book our helicopter tour?
It is advisable to book your helicopter tour at least a few weeks in advance to guarantee availability. However, we recommend booking as early as possible to secure the tour and preferred date.
Looking for an exciting way to experience the beauty of Alaska? Consider taking one of the many helicopter tours in Skagway, Alaska. With tours that range from glacier landings to dog sledding, there is an adventure waiting for everyone.
Thanks for Joining Us in the Skies above Skagway, Kind Reader
We hope that this article has inspired you to book a helicopter tour of Skagway, Alaska, and explore this beautiful part of the world from a breathtaking perspective. Whether you’re looking for a thrilling adventure or just want to take in the natural beauty of this area, there’s no better way to experience it all than from the air. We encourage you to visit us again for more travel inspiration, and in the meantime, happy exploring!
