Juneau: Taku Glacier Lodge 5-Glacier Flight & Feast

Traveling through Alaska often means seeking out the wild and the wonderful, and this Taku Glacier Lodge 5-Glacier Flight & Feast tour offers a perfect blend of both. While we haven’t personally flown in the floatplane, the detailed descriptions and traveler reviews paint a vivid picture of what to expect—spectacular views, a historic lodge, and a genuine taste of wilderness.

What we really appreciate about this tour is its focus on immersive scenery paired with a comfortable, lodge-side dining experience. The chance to see five glaciers from the comfort of a window seat in a vintage floatplane is a truly memorable highlight. Equally appealing is the chance to relax afterwards at the lodge, savoring a fresh, wild salmon feast while soaking in the views.

One consideration is that the tour’s pacing might be tight for those wanting a slow, leisurely day—after all, it’s a three-hour trip that covers a lot of ground. But for travelers craving a blend of adventure and culture, this tour seems well-suited. It’s especially ideal for those with an interest in glaciers, wildlife, and Alaska’s pioneering spirit.

If you’re looking for a genuine, scenic, and well-rounded Alaskan experience—this tour offers a fantastic mix of adventure and comfort.

Key Points

• Unmatched aerial views of five massive glaciers including Taku, Norris, East Twin, West Twin, and HoleintheWall.
• Historic Taku Glacier Lodge, built in 1923, provides a cozy, authentic setting for dining and relaxing.
• Guaranteed window seats ensure unobstructed vistas of glaciers, icefalls, and rugged peaks.
• Engaging commentary via individual headsets adds educational context to the flight.
• Post-flight, options include self-guided nature walks, relaxing by the hearth, or porch lounging with glacier views.
• Price and value reflect a premium experience but offer substantial scenic and cultural rewards.

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An In-Depth Look at the Experience

The Taku Glacier Lodge tour begins in downtown Juneau at the Wings Airways floatplane base—an accessible starting point with clear instructions and straightforward check-in. Once on site, you’ll board a classic De Havilland Otter floatplane, known for its rugged charm and reliable performance. This aircraft’s large windows and low altitude flying style are perfect for sightseeing.

The Flight: Gliding Over Glaciers

As you lift off from the waterfront, the thrill is immediate. You’ll feel the gentle rush of air and see Juneau’s skyline recede, replaced by the vast, icy wilderness. The flight is narrated via individual headsets, which means you can listen to stories about the glaciers, the landscape, and local geology while soaking in panoramic views.

According to reviews, every seat is a window seat—a huge plus since there are no bad angles. Travelers report being mesmerized by the deep-blue crevasses, icefalls, and towering peaks. These glaciers are in constant motion, and the sight of the mighty Taku Glacier, which is constantly advancing, leaves many visitors in awe. One reviewer noted, “The views of the glaciers from the plane were breathtaking, and the commentary made it even more fascinating.”

Landing at Taku Glacier Lodge

Touching down on the Taku River is a smooth, gentle process, leading you to the historic Taku Glacier Lodge. Built in 1923 and perched directly across from HoleintheWall Glacier, the lodge offers a rare chance to dine in one of Southeast Alaska’s few glacier-view restaurants. The rustic charm of the lodge, combined with its location amid towering ice and forested trails, makes it an authentic Alaskan setting.

The Glacier View Dining Experience

The highlight here is the alpine-style feast featuring wild salmon grilled over alderwood, along with baked beans, coleslaw, pioneer fruit compote, herb biscuits, and sourdough bread. The meal is served with glacier ice-chilled drinks, adding a nice touch of authenticity. A common comment from guests is how delicious the food is, especially considering the remote setting—fresh, wild, and simply prepared.

While dining, you’ll hear stories from lodge staff about Alaskan history—from Mary Joyce’s legendary dogsled journey to the pioneering bush pilots. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with the aroma of smoked salmon filling the air, and the chance to spot local wildlife—black bears often come close to the lawn, adding a wild element to the experience.

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Exploring the Area

After the meal, you have choices: Take a guided nature walk along forested trails, relax by the stone hearth with a hot drink, or simply sit on the porch and soak in the silence and majestic surroundings. Reviewers frequently mention how peaceful and restorative this part of the trip feels, with some calling it a highlight for its tranquility and natural beauty.

The Return Flight

When it’s time to head back, your floatplane will fly over the icefield once more, giving you a final grand view of the glaciers. The slow, scenic flyby leaves lasting impressions of Alaska’s grandeur and wilderness. As you descend back to Juneau, you’ll likely find yourself in awe of what you’ve experienced—an authentic mixture of natural spectacle and human craftsmanship.

Practical Details and What They Mean for You

The tour lasts around three hours, making it a manageable half-day adventure. It departs from downtown Juneau at the Wings Airways floatplane base, which is easy to reach and check-in is straightforward. You’ll want to dress weather-appropriate—layers are best, as mountain air can shift quickly—and bring a camera to capture the spectacular views.

While the tour is priced at a premium, the value lies in the combination of scenic flight, glacier-view dining, and wilderness atmosphere. The experience is especially suited for those who appreciate aerial scenery, history, and wildlife, but it might feel rushed for travelers wanting a slow, unstructured day.

The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or those over 135 kg / 300 lbs, so keep this in mind when booking.

Authentic Experiences and Traveler Sentiments

Multiple reviewers rave about the unobstructed views and the informative commentary. One said, “The views of the glaciers were so close I felt I could reach out and touch the ice.” Others appreciate the historic lodge and its stories, feeling transported back in time.

Some travelers note that wildlife sightings, like black bears, are possible but not guaranteed—adding an exciting wildcard to your adventure. The overall consensus is that this tour offers a unique perspective on Southeast Alaska’s glaciers, blending scenery with storytelling and a taste of pioneering spirit in the lodge.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for adventure-minded travelers who love scenery and history. It suits those who want a compact, high-impact outing without sacrificing comfort or authenticity. It’s also ideal for photographers eager to capture glaciers from above and nature enthusiasts interested in Alaska’s wilderness.

However, if you prefer slow-paced, land-based tours or have mobility concerns, this might not be the best fit. Families with children (check age restrictions) and those comfortable with flying in small aircraft will find it particularly rewarding.

This tour offers a rare combination: an eye-opening flight over five glaciers, a historic lodge meal, and tranquil nature walks—all within a short timeframe. The scenery alone makes it a memorable highlight of any Alaskan trip, especially for those eager to see the glacial landscape up close and personal.

The value lies in the immersive experience—flying low over glaciers, dining with glacier views, and soaking in the silence of the wilderness. While it’s a premium-priced activity, the memories and photos you’ll bring home will be well worth the investment.

If you’re after a full sensory encounter with Alaska’s icy heart, this tour checks many boxes. It’s a fitting choice for travelers craving both adventure and authenticity, wrapped in the comfort of a cozy lodge and the thrill of aerial exploration.

FAQ

What is the duration of the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 3 hours, including flight, dining, and exploration.

Where does the tour start?
It departs from Downtown Juneau at the Wings Airways floatplane base—a straightforward location with clear directions.

Are window seats guaranteed?
Yes, every passenger has a guaranteed window seat, ensuring unobstructed views of the glaciers and landscape.

What kind of aircraft is used?
The flight is in a De Havilland Otter floatplane, a classic and reliable aircraft well-suited for sightseeing.

Is the tour suitable for all travelers?
Not for those with mobility impairments or over 135 kg / 300 lbs, as the tour has weight restrictions. It’s best for those comfortable with small aircraft.

What should I bring?
Bring weather-appropriate clothing and a camera to capture the breathtaking scenery.

Can wildlife sightings happen?
Yes, black bears and other wildlife are sometimes seen, especially near the lodge, but sightings are not guaranteed.

In summary, the Juneau Taku Glacier Lodge 5-Glacier Flight & Feast offers an authentic peek into Alaska’s icy wilderness, blending stunning vistas, historical charm, and wild food in one memorable package. It’s a showcase of what makes Southeast Alaska so uniquely captivating.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby