Our 2 Favorite Palmer Helicopter Flights & Tours

The 2 Best Helicopter Flights & Tours in Palmer

Palmer, Alaska, offers some of the most breathtaking aerial views and rugged outdoor adventures in the state. It’s a hub for helicopter tours that take you over massive glaciers and through stunning mountain ranges, all with a focus on authentic experiences. Unlike larger cruise ship excursions or generic sightseeing, these tours provide close-up encounters with Alaska’s wild beauty—whether flying over the Chugach Range or landing on a glacier to meet sled dogs. Palmer’s location means you often get better weather conditions than the more popular coastal towns, making these adventures more reliable and enjoyable.

If you’re craving a taste of the Alaskan wilderness, these helicopter experiences stand out for their combination of scenic flight, unique landings, and interactive elements like dog sledding or wildlife viewing. They’re ideal for travelers who want to see glaciers from above and get a real sense of the state’s raw, icy grandeur. Now, let’s look at the top two choices for helicopter adventures in Palmer, each offering its own special appeal.

1. Anchorage Area: Helicopter and Glacier Dogsled Tour

This helicopter and dogsled tour combines two quintessential Alaskan activities—spectacular glacier views and a real dogsled ride—making it a comprehensive day of adventure. It’s based near Anchorage but is easily accessible from Palmer for those willing to venture a bit outside the city. The tour includes a helicopter flight over the Knik Glacier, Chugach Range, Lake George, and other stunning scenery, followed by a 1-hour dogsled ride on real snow, led by an Iditarod champion team.

What makes this tour stand out is the blend of spectacular aerial scenery and the chance to meet and interact with authentic Alaskan sled dogs. It’s rated very highly with a 4.9/5 based on 35 reviews. Travelers appreciate the amazing scenery and the opportunity to go glacier viewing from a helicopter. One reviewer mentioned that “the crew on the glacier were phenomenal,” particularly the guides sharing fascinating facts about sled dog racing. Although the helicopter pilot could have been more communicative, the dog sledding itself receives glowing praise.

This tour is ideal for those who want to combine scenic flightseeing with an active, hands-on experience. It’s priced at $617 per person, which reflects its comprehensive nature and limited group size. Keep in mind weather can affect operation, so flexible scheduling is advisable.

Bottom Line: For a balanced taste of aerial photography, glacier views, and real Alaskan sled dog action, this tour offers a memorable all-in-one experience.

2. From Palmer: Knik Glacier Helicopter Tour

For a more focused glacier experience at a lower price point, the Knik Glacier Helicopter Tour is a top pick. At just $439 per person and lasting about 1.5 hours, this flight takes you directly to one of Alaska’s largest glaciers. The highlight, of course, is the scenic helicopter ride that offers eagle eye views of the ice fields, snow-capped peaks, and native wildlife.

What sets this tour apart is the sheer scale of the Knik Glacier, which is among the largest in Alaska. The flight offers a winter wonderland landscape with plenty of opportunities for wildlife spotting—salmon, moose, Dall sheep, and even bears can sometimes be seen from the air. The reviews are glowing, with one traveler describing it as “absolutely breathtaking,” and another emphasizing how seamless and well-organized the experience was. Their pilot, David, is praised for his knowledge and friendly demeanor, making the flight both informative and exciting.

This tour is perfect for travelers seeking an immersive glacier experience without the added activity of dogsledding. Its shorter duration and lower price make it more accessible for those with limited time or budget. It’s especially suited for anyone wanting a bird’s-eye view of Alaska’s icy giants and wildlife in their natural habitat.

Bottom Line: The Knik Glacier helicopter tour offers exceptional value for a focused, scenic, and unforgettable glacier adventure.

How to Choose the Right Helicopter Tour in Palmer

Choosing between these tours depends on your interests, budget, and time. If you want a full-day adventure that includes a helicopter ride plus a dogsled experience, the Anchorage area tour is hard to beat. It’s ideal for active travelers eager to try dog sledding on real snow and see glaciers from a helicopter. Expect to spend around 1.5 to 2 hours on the tour, and book early, especially in peak summer months.

On the other hand, if your main goal is to experience the majesty of a large glacier with a shorter, more affordable flight, the Knik Glacier Helicopter Tour is perfect. It offers spectacular scenery and wildlife sightings, making it great for those who prefer a straightforward, awe-inspiring flight.

Consider your fitness level, interest in dog sledding, and budget when making a choice. Both tours are weather-dependent, so flexibility and early booking are recommended.

Final Thoughts

Palmer offers two outstanding helicopter experiences that bring you close to Alaska’s wild beauty. The Anchorage area helicopter and dogsled tour provides a comprehensive adventure with both sky-high glacier views and a hands-on sled dog experience. Meanwhile, the Knik Glacier helicopter tour delivers a spectacular, immersive glacier sighting at a more accessible price point.

If you’re a traveler craving a full Alaska outdoor adventure, the combined experience of the first tour is hard to beat. For those preferring a quick, breathtaking flight to a massive glacier, the second tour is a perfect choice. Either way, booking early is wise to secure your spot—and make sure the weather cooperates. These tours are a fantastic way to see Alaska’s icy giants and rugged landscapes, creating memories that will last a lifetime.