We Rank Anchorage’s 5 Top Helicopter Flights & Tours

Anchorage is one of the best places in Alaska for helicopter flights and tours, thanks to its proximity to glaciers, rugged mountains, and wilderness.

From soaring over massive ice formations to walking on ancient glaciers, these tours offer a unique way to experience the state’s breathtaking scenery. If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, you’ll find options that suit every interest and budget.

Notably, the Grand Knik Helicopter Tour stands out for its three landings on a glacier, making it perfect for those who want more than just a scenic ride. Meanwhile, the shorter 30-minute flight offers a quick but stunning overview for travelers with limited time.

All these options promise incredible views, local wildlife sightings, and a chance to see Alaska from a fresh perspective.

Below, you’ll find a quick overview of the top helicopter tours, each with its own special features. Whether you’re after a longer expedition with multiple landings or a short thrill ride, this list has something for every explorer. To help you decide, we’ve included details on what makes each tour unique, their value for money, and who they are best suited for.

1. Grand Knik Helicopter Tour – 2 hours 3 landings – ANCHORAGE AREA

This grand tour is perfect for those who want to see Alaska’s glaciers without the strenuous effort of hiking. It lasts around 2 hours and includes three landings—one on an alpine peak, one on an ice wall, and a final stop right on the Knik Glacier itself.

The tour departs from Anchorage and takes you over the stunning Knik River Valley to the glacier, giving you a chance to step out and explore with a knowledgeable guide. The landings are carefully chosen to give visitors a true sense of the scale and beauty of the glacier environment.

What makes this tour stand out is its combination of spectacular aerial views and hands-on exploration. The ability to walk on the glacier, spot mountain goats, Dall sheep, moose, and in summer, possibly bears and wolves, makes it especially appealing for wildlife lovers. The small group size, with fewer people sharing the helicopter, ensures a more intimate experience.

With a perfect rating of 5.0 based on 319 reviews, travelers rave about the safety, friendliness, and stunning scenery. One reviewer noted, “We had an amazing trip with lots of photos and felt very safe.”

Bottom Line: This tour offers a comprehensive, immersive glacier experience in a relatively short time. It’s ideal for travelers wanting maximum glacier interaction without a full-day commitment.

2. Anchorage: Knik Glacier Helicopter Tour with Landing

For those seeking a shorter but equally impressive glacier adventure, the Knik Glacier Helicopter Tour with Landing is a solid choice. At just 1 hour, it delivers a bird’s-eye view of the majestic Knik Glacier and its surrounding peaks. Starting from Anchorage, the tour takes you over the Chugach Range and into the Great Gorge, where the rugged terrain offers incredible scenery.

You’ll also have a chance to land on the Knik Glacier, where you can fill your bottle with pure glacier water and take a walk on 1,000-year-old ice.

What sets this tour apart is its focus on quality over quantity—it concentrates on delivering a high-impact experience with spectacular views of glacial crevasses, waterfalls, and wildlife like moose and bears from above.

Reviews mention the flight as “breathtaking” and the landing as “a highlight.” The tour balances value and adventure effectively, making it a perfect choice if you’re tight on time but still want a memorable glacier experience.

Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers wanting a quick, scenic flight with the chance to walk on a glacier, this tour offers a compact but intense dose of Alaska’s icy wilderness.

3. Anchorage: Grand Knik Glacier Helicopter Tour with Landings

If you’re looking for a luxurious and comprehensive glacier adventure, the Grand Knik Glacier Helicopter Tour with Landings fits the bill. Lasting about 2 hours, this tour includes three remote landings—each offering a different perspective of the glaciers, icebergs, and surrounding peaks.

You’ll fly over the Knik River, then land on a remote mountain peak, giving you a bird’s-eye view of the glacier and its melt pools.

This tour is unique because it combines scenic sightseeing with the chance to explore remote environments and learn about the glacier’s life cycle.

The inclusion of ice melt pools and the chance to see wildlife in a natural setting makes it especially appealing for those interested in geology and ecology. With a high rating of 4.9 from 15 reviews, people highlight the personalized experience and unbeatable views.

Bottom Line: This is an excellent choice for travelers wanting an extended, in-depth glacier exploration with multiple landings and a focus on environmental education.

4. Anchorage: Knik Glacier Helicopter and Paddleboarding Tour

If you’re after adrenaline and water-based fun, the Knik Glacier Helicopter and Paddleboarding Tour is a one-of-a-kind offering. Over 4 hours, you’ll start with a scenic helicopter flight over the glacier, then don a dry suit and jump into a glacial lake—definitely not for the faint of heart.

After the dip, you’ll take a paddleboard out onto the calm, icy waters to enjoy the serenity and silence of this remote landscape.

What makes this tour unique is its combination of scenic flight and active adventure. It’s perfect for those who want to push their limits and experience the freeze of the glacier lake firsthand. Guides are described as knowledgeable and safety-conscious, making this wild experience accessible. The 5-star rating from 6 reviews underscores its popularity among thrill-seekers.

Bottom Line: This is best suited for adventurous travelers who love combining outdoor sports with scenic travel, and are comfortable in cold water environments.

5. Anchorage: 30-min Helicopter Flightseeing Tour

For those with limited time or a desire for a quick but stunning overview, the 30-minute Flightseeing Tour hits the mark. Departing from Girdwood, this short flight focuses on giving you a breathtaking view of glaciers and mountain peaks. It’s ideal if you want to capture great photos or simply get a taste of Alaska’s rugged beauty without a full-day commitment.

The tour is praised for its value, offering plenty of photo opportunities and a chance to see wildlife along the cliffs. One reviewer called it “an unforgettable experience for its brief duration,” which highlights how even a short flight can be packed with incredible sights.

Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers on a tight schedule or those who want to sample Alaska’s scenery from the air, this tour offers a quick but memorable experience.

How to Choose the Right Helicopter Tour in Anchorage

When deciding between these options, consider your budget, available time, and interests. For a full-day glacier adventure with multiple landings, the Grand Knik Helicopter Tour or the Grand Knik Glacier with Landings are excellent choices. If you’re short on time but want immersive glacier experiences, the Knik Glacier with Landing is ideal.

For adventure lovers, the paddleboarding option provides both scenic flight and active fun. Lastly, if you just want a glimpse of Alaska’s terrain, the 30-minute flight offers a quick and beautiful overview.

Booking early is recommended, especially in summer when these tours are most popular. Make sure to choose a tour that matches your fitness level and comfort with cold environments—some involve walking on glaciers or cold water dips.

Final Thoughts

Anchorage offers a fantastic variety of helicopter tours suited for different interests and schedules. If you want an immersive glacier experience, the Grand Knik Helicopter Tour is hard to beat for its combination of scenic views and multiple landings. For those seeking a shorter, impactful flight, the Knik Glacier with Landing delivers stunning visuals in a compact package.

Adventurers and thrill-seekers should consider the paddleboarding combo, while travelers with limited time will enjoy the 30-minute flight.

No matter your choice, these tours promise unforgettable views and new perspectives on Alaska’s incredible wilderness. Be sure to book early, especially in peak summer months, and prepare for a journey that will likely be a highlight of your trip.