What an amazing experience. The staff were all wonderful, friendly, and knowledgeable. This is a tour that you absolutely need to do if you're in the area. Walking around on a glacier and getting to see it from above will be a core memory that will last a lifetime. It does get chilly up there, make sure you have a scarf and beanie. They do provide you with clean, weather appropriate clothes to wear during the tour, and you even get to scoop up a can of glacier water to drink! read more

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This was an amazing excursion to trek about the Mendenhall Glacier. The helo pilot looked really young (like 16) but he is definitely a pro at flying the helo and landing it on the Glacier with finesse. Our guides were awesome too and didn't make the pace too fast so that all ages in our tour group could participate. Their knowledge about the Glacier and being able to answer questions makes them true professionals. The only thing I noticed is that they don't require a sterile environment when landing back at base as our guides were chatting when we were coming in. The pilot could have pushed ICS, but as much as they push safety, I feel like this is a huge safety item. read more

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**July 2024: Wednesday Visit** I was going to visit Alaska for the first time (on a cruise) and knew that a dog sled ride in the snow was a must, so I diligently researched different places for my experience. My cruise offered a dog sled ride in the forest, but I really wanted my experience to be in the snow and found Northstar Helicopters. The reviews were very positive and after several emails back and forth with them I knew that they'd be great to work with. I booked my excursion about a month out and the customer service has been nothing but amazing. I booked the Juneau Glacier Dog Sled Adventure for one which came to around $730 - this excursion included a pick up/drop off (I chose a location near the cruise ship), safety briefing, helicopter ride to and from the glacier (about 20ish mins each way) as well as a 20ish minute dog sled ride. Everything from start to finish was outstanding. The staff were extremely friendly and professional, and I felt that they valued safety and providing the best experience possible. I'm so glad that I got to checkmark this once in a lifetime experience and maybe if I'm lucky though to return to Alaska I'd love to do it again! FYI - they do take two professional photos of you riding the sled. The photos are $30 or two for $50. Enjoy! read more

I booked the Mendenhall Glacier Tour through my cruise line and it was fabulous!!!! I had the time of my life. They supplied us with boots, rain jacket & pants, and crampons & walking poles (once on the glacier) We left the airport and flew over Herbert Glacier up to the Juneau Icefields. Then we headed down Mendenhall Glacier to the drop off point. Once there we were outfitted with our crampons and walking poles. The glacier was absolutely stunning!!! And the weather was perfect, sunny & in the 60s. I wore fleece lined leggings & and hoodie and very comfortable. We walked around on the glacier and the guides had so much great information about the glacier and the ice fields. They filled our water bottles with fresh glacier water and there was even a stream down the glacier that you could drink straight from!!! Epic experience!!! read more

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Wonderful experience of the Mendenhall Glacier with Northstar helicopters. They had everything and were very professional. Every employee was friendly and helpful. They outfit you in pants, jackets, gloves, fanny pack with water and a protein bar, boots, crampons and walking poles. They were very informative and helpful every step of the way to help and keep you informed. They provided information before boarding, helped with boarding the helicopter and then the guides were right there walking with us on the glacier and giving facts about the Glacier. It was breath taking to be there and see the contrast of the ice and the blue, blue water. I can't recommend this excursion with Northstar enough. read more

Northstar Helicopters - Enjoyed our trip - Tours Near Me - Juneau, Alaska

Sometimes you have to take to the air and sea to discover and see what's around you that you might otherwise miss. A combination helicopter-fast boat tour over and around the Taku Glacier just outside Juneau and the boundaries of the Tongass National Forest can provide you such a once-in-a-lifetime, unforgettable excursion over just one segment of wonderous Alaska. NorthStar Trekking, based at the Juneau International Airport, is the host of this tour.You take off from the Juneau International Airport, fly over Juneau, the Tongass National Forest, and into the mountains and along the glacier. You'll land at a select spot on the edge of the glacier where member of the fast-boat team retrieve you for the water-based portion of your tour. You'll end up on the glacier at the end of the water-based tour for retrieval by the helo for a return trip back to Juneau International Airport. This entire tour takes about 2-3 hours and it well worth the money. The price will vary of course depending on fuel prices and other variables. Go and enjoy! After your tour you can enjoy tasty seafood meals in downtown Juneau and enjoy some of the shops. You'll note some photos of novelties from these shops below. read more

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Fantastic time, enjoyed every minute of it. Matt was very informative and answered all our questions. Gabby was very fun and welcoming. I also left my phone on the glacier right before we got on the helicopter and they found it very quickly and flew it back immediately. Everyone was very welcoming, informative, and made us feel safe, if 6/5 was an option I'd give it. Thank you for a wonderful time. read more

Northstar Helicopters - One of our guides finding my phone. - Tours Near Me - Juneau, Alaska

Omg!!! I had the time of my life here! I came with a group for work and I'm so happy they picked this place! We had so much fun with everyone inside the office, while gearing up, and on the glacier. Extremely professional, had a safety meeting which made people who've never been around a helicopter more aware. Common sense is not so common anymore these days. The staff was extremely helpful, knowledgeable, kind, professional, in a way they're all pretty lovable. I want to come back and bring all my friends and family! read more

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Paid $1100 then got a last second cancellation. Company refused to do anything to accommodate or provide any solutions to our ruined plans. The weather is VFR. I would be understanding if it were IFR or too windy, but just not so. Don't waste your time and have your trip ruined. Clearly they just don't want to work today. Hardly dangerous conditions. read more

Northstar Helicopters - Tours Near Me - Juneau, Alaska

We booked this tour through The Norwegian Jewel. It was a helicopter tour of the Mendenhall Glacier. There's not enough words to describe how wonderful of an experience this was. The staff provides all the training and equipment you need( and it's very safe) The ride up to the glacier was absolutely breathing, we landed on the glacier, we were fitted with ice shoes and were given a walking tour of the glacier . The guides were knowledgeable and friendly and the experience of actually being on the glacier was like no other. The ride up and down was smooth and the views couldn't be beat. We saw many glaciers from afar while on our ship, this tour had us ON the glacier 10/10 We would definitely do this again read more

I cannot recommend Northstar Helicopters enough. We did the helicopter glacier walkabout tour through our cruise ship. Everyone was so friendly and helpful. I would definitely fly with them again. read more

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WOW The best excursion EVER! We did the Juneau Taku Glacier Exploration via Airboat and Helicopter. Absolutely first class all the way. Every single person on the team was wonderful. We fly the helicopter out into the middle of nowhere and land it on a tiny wooden helicopter pad next to an off grid cabin. Then onto the airboat to explore the Taku glacier upclose. Eagles were flying all over the place. It was one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen. Literally out in the middle of nowhere. Just us alone. Then the helicopter takes us and lands on a different glacier where we trekked around and drank the crystal clear water. Do it! read more

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This is by far the best excursion we ever did . It was breath taking to see the glaciers in real life but it couldn't had been done with out the crew from NorthStar . They did amazing job from the minute they picked us up from the cruise till the team at the base and the instructor . Jared our pilot was amazing and very experienced . The team at the dogsled base was super nice and very knowledgeable who gave us the best experience in our life . read more

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Got cancelled at the last minute for "bad weather." We decided to go to the glacier visitor center at that point to at least see the glacier in some way and noticed multiple helicopters going to the glacier. I called to inquire and was told they're now taking people up but our time got cancelled and basically we're SOL. When we talked with them at the check in area earlier they told us all trips were cancelled for the day which obviously wasn't accurate. This was pretty much the only excursion we cared about on this trip and had planned this day so we're left with a whole day of nothing exciting to do. We don't leave until 9 pm and would think they would have some sort of accommodation or plan B, even a shorter trip would be nice. Very disappointing read more

Northstar Helicopters - Tours Near Me - Juneau, Alaska

I did the Mendenhall Glacier Trek as an excursion from an Alaskan Holland America cruise. Matt was our helicopter pilot. He delivered and retrieved us safely with an excellent aerial tour. Stephen and Allen were our guides on top of the glacier. They gave great instructions and ensured our safety while making it fun! They took pictures of you so you could remember the moment. Incredible landscape. Thank you! Laura read more

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June 16, 2023 Great excursion! Originally was to do a helo ride then the dog sledding, but the weather showed a low ceiling of clouds and it was canceled (dog sledding - couldn't get to the dog sledding venue. The alternative was to do this helo and air boat tour. Best excursion of our Alaskan Cruise! I felt safe and relaxed. The staff at the Northstar Helicopters were professional and attentive. The staff of the Air Boat portion of the excursion were also very safety conscious and made for a fun outing. Fun, fast, and our favorite. On the Helicopter ride back, the pilot landed on the Taku glacier and we were able to spend about 10-15 minues walking around and took many pictures. We'll definitely go back and hopefully get to the dog sledding portion. A once in a lifetime experience. Worth the price. Thanks for the memory!! Kudos to Northstar Helicopter and Airboat Alaska!!! read more

While not typical cruisers, we chose an Alaskan cruise for a more economical way of visiting Alaska. As independent adventurers, we felt the excursions they offered from the ship seemed a bit mild, and wanted more. So we decided to look for something more adventurous. We were hesitant to book this excursion due to the cost. Would it be worth it? YES! We were lucky enough to grab a spot on Tracy's helicopter with a local couple, which meant she took us on an extended ride over Eagle Glacier. The ride was smooth and breathtaking. Once on the glacier we were met by our guides, Connor and Lars.They helped us gear up with crampons and helmets, gave us a few pointers on how to approach uphills/downhills, and we were ready to explore. Connor and Lars were knowledgeable as we trekked around Mendenhall Glacier. The views were spectacular. This excursion was a once in a lifetime experience. Every employee was knowledgeable and passionate about what they were doing. Do not hesitate to book with Northstar. You won't be disappointed! read more

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Went on 1 ht tour. Everything was well organized. Staff was friendly and informative. All supplied provided including crampons and snazzy boots. Helicopter ride blew me away. Spectacular experience! read more

Great experience all around for "Heli-mushing." Our pilot Rachel was FANTASTIC and so generous with her time, knowledge, and skill. read more

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I did the Helicopter Glacier Trek and the tour guides were very knowledgeable and they made sure we were being safe. They provided all the gear we needed. They made me feel comfortable as it was my first time trekking a glacier! The Mendenhall glacier is impressive and the tour guides made sure to provided information to highlights special things about the glacier. We got a nice treat to have a taste of glacier water. They also helped with selecting great views for photos and they will gladly help capturing that. I would totally book them again and recommend them! read more

We booked our excursion thru HAL. We did helicopter to Medenhal Glacier with walk about. Everyone from pilot to glacier guides were excellent. Professional & knowledge. Our favorite excursion while in Alaska. Thank you! read more

I am so so so glad I booked this excursion through our cruiseline (Holland America) when we stopped in Juneau. My one to-do on the Alaska cruise was to go on a helicopter ride and land on a glacier! Nobody in my group of 12 wanted to do this, so being the independent woman that I am (kidding LOL), I booked it anyway on my own! And I'm so glad I did! They pick you up close to the port/pier where the boat drops you off at and a shuttle/van comes to pick you up after the attendant gathers all the individuals on the excursion! Our group consisted of 5 people, and they quickly adopted me into their group =). We were driven about 10 mins to Northstar Helicopters, where they give you a locker for your items (which a staff member has to lock and has to open for you, so don't bring anything of value you don't trust them with - I didn't have a problem with my belongings), they give you gear for whatever excursion you are going on (we got waterproof pants and studded boots for our airboat ride and glacier walk). You put everything on and they brief you on safety and the life jackets and off you go! We file into the helicopter - they seat you by weight to balance out the helicopter and off you go! Such a scenic ride through Juneau! You see the river, the basin, the moutains and the snow capped mountains and glaciers! I was a little concerned about motion sickness before I got on, since it was my first helicopter ride, but it was so so smooth! Even smoother than a jumbo commercial jet! Seriously! It was an amazing experience. The driver dropped us off on a platform for our airboat ride - where they exchange your life vest for floating warm life jackets! You'll need it for the cold air on the airboat. The driver glides effortless upstream, avoiding rock and ice, as close as you can get to the Taku glacier! You can touch it! It was amazing to see from the river angle! We spend an hour on the waters and then head back to the platform, to deposit our jackets and put on our life vest thing to go back into the helicopter, where you take off to land on the Taku glacier and can walk and take photos. Amazing! We spent about 10-15 minutes here before we flew back to base! Amazing photos and amazing experience, with friendly staff. I felt safe and got an experience nobody else got from shore! Worth the price you pay for such an expensive excursion because the experience is once in a lifetime and well worth it! Do it! Trust me! We were Wow'ed several times with the view - especially in mid May when the snow still covered the mountain tops. The only thing that would've made the excursion better would be seeing wildlife! read more

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One of the best days of our lives!!! Ben and Troy were our guides and they were absolutely amazing. Luke was our helicopter pilot and made us feel so comfortable. Everything about our Glacier Trek was perfect! Worth every penny!!! We will recommend to everyone we know visiting Alaska. read more

Northstar Helicopters - Tours Near Me - Juneau, Alaska

This was incredible! I'm so glad we did this (helicopter to glacier trek) excursion when our princess cruise stoped in Juneau! This made our trip and was by far one of the coolest things we have ever done. Our guides were Marriah and Bradley while on the glacier and our heli pilot was Ryan....All so great! The company will supply you with all the gear. Just wear warm clothes and socks, and clothes that aren't too tight. This trip is pretty physical and a work out so Be prepared for that, Eat a good meal before going up. There were people in their 60's and they did ok but if you aren't super mobile/ agile this may not be the trip for you. You will literally trek up a glacier for 2 hours. SO COOL! This trip is well worth the $. I would do it again! So beautiful up there. Too hard to put into words... this was a badass trip, So stoked we did this! Best part of our trip. read more

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Aaron and David were our guides on the glacier and were some of the smartest people we have met in our travels of the world. Very cool and knowledgeable about ice flows and climbing and ecology and people's rights...ask about color absorption and Aaron, from California back aways, can use his Chemistry degree and dazzle and confuse you at the same time. Incredible and amazing views, water that is ice cold right out of the crevasse, simply breathtaking! Helicopter ride was a first for us, so fun and not as scary as we fear. Confident and friendly woman pilot have us the bird's eye view of Juneau! read more

Northstar Helicopters - Mendenhall Glacier With Todd & Janet! - Tours Near Me - Juneau, Alaska

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An amazing adventure to the top of a glacier started with Northstar Helicopters! From suiting up to safely boarding the helicopter our trip to the glacier was off to a wonderful start. Adam, the helicopter pilot, provided a well informed, friendly tour up the glacier. James and the other great guide assisted us with putting our clampons on and showing us around. A great memory we will remember until we're old and more grey. Thanks everyone for a wonderful day! read more

There are no words to describe the beauty and enormity of Alaska and one of the best ways to see it is by helicopter. We did a tour and then landed on top of a glacier to hike with their guides. Spectacular! What an unreal, once in a lifetime kind of adventure! Thrilling! read more

What a day, what an experience. From the moment you step into their office the journey begins. A short information session lead to quickly putting on your equipment they provide to keep you safe and warm and walking out the door to the helicopter. Within an hour of walking thru the door you are walking on a glacier. Two guides met us up on the glacier and gave us a tour of the ice mountain. Outside of the need to be able to tolerate the helicopter ride, the tour itself is easy and people of all fitness levels can manage. Would recommend this company to anyone. read more

Northstar Helicopters - Tours Near Me - Juneau, Alaska

We booked this excursion through our cruiseline (Norwegian) and we had a blast! We were hesitant at first because of the price, but all of the reviews stated that even though the cost is steep, it truly is a once in a lifetime experience, and now after the fact I couldn't agree more. From the time we were picked up at the docks, to getting outfitted at their shop, to the helicopter ride, and trekking around the glacier, everything went smoothly and everyone was super friendly, helpful and made it an experience to remember. We felt safe and secure at all times, and would recommend it to anyone who has the means to do it. If you're on the fence - do it while the glaciers are still around! read more

Wow!! This really MADE our cruise! This has got to be one of my TOP excursion experiences ever! It was beyond amazing! We were so in awe of nature's beauty that I don't even remember our pilot's name-but holy crap! SHE WAS OUR FAVORITE! She is totally AWESOME SAUCE! She really made our tour special-super cool attitude and she really really made us feel safe-my husband especially! He's so afraid of flying in small aircrafts! Then once she drops you off onto the glacier the two guides that outfitted us with our crampons (shoe spikes) took us on a guided walk and let us fillip our water bottles with the coldest cleanest glacial water I've ever tasted-so cool!!! Very informative guys and super nix as well. This entire crew really loves their job and you can tell how much respect they have for the environment and Alaska. All I can say is thank you so much for giving us an experience that we will never ever forget! Worth EVERY PENNY! Don't hesitate just do it!! read more

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We went on a trek on Mendenhall Glacier with Northstar and it was the highlight of our 7-day Alaskan cruise! They are super organized when you arrive and provide all the gear you'll need for the trek - water-proof pants, boots, windbreaker/rain coat, and fanny pack filled with a water bottle and a snack for the trip. The helicopter ride was breathtaking, we were extremely lucky and had a ridiculously clear day in Juneau so we could see everything! When we arrived at the glacier we were outfitted with crampons that the crew put on for us, given an ice pick to help us walk on the glacier and then we were off! Our guides were so knowledgeable - both geologists that offered a ton of information on the glacier. They gave us a brief tutorial on how to stay safe walking on the glacier and we all felt like we were in great hands. This was definitely a pricey excursion but absolutely worth the cost! read more

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These guys rock! This was an experience we will never forget. It was so beautiful. Our tour guides were top notch. We always felt safe and trusted the Northstar guys. So glad Keli's Concierge and Tours booked us on this. We were walking on the glacier! The helicopter ride was breathtaking and worth it. Must do. read more

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My wife and I took the Helicopter tour and Glacier walk-about. The nature and beauty of the area is nothing short of spectacular. Alaska truly is great and it is a new destination love. The tour company was very good. I know nothing about helicopters but based on my experience on the custom motorcycle industry I could tell that the helicopter was clean and maintained. You just get that feeling of detail. The equipment was okay. Not worn out but broken in. Definitely usable and high quality "name brand" stuff. The only thing I didn't like was the limited exposure on the glacier. I know its just a walk-about tour. But I don't think I walked more then 250 yards in total. The heli tour was excellent and for me, the saving grace. Cruise ship tourists... This place is totally legit and worth a booking. They are organized and take good care of you. Remember to tip well. read more

Northstar Helicopters - I was awe struck from the power and beauty of the glacier. I had no idea. Spectacular! - Tours Near Me - Juneau, Alaska

We had the most amazing tour! They switched days for us which was so helpful and accommodating. Our pilot was so great... she waited around for the weather to get better because she really wanted us to be able to go. The clouds lifted and we were so excited! The views were breathtaking and landing on two glaciers was once in a lifetime experience. Would highly recommend using Northstar Helicopters for a tour that you will never forget!!! Thanks!!! read more

Alex and Bob were outstanding on our extended Glacier trek and we enjoyed every minute of it. Day starts with gear prep which was only negative experience for me. Staff is used to people who have never put on a pair of mountaineering boots, so if you have outdoor experience, expect a slight patronizing tone when putting on your gear. However, the staff is trained to do what they are told and I understand this. Once you hop in the chopper you get a stunning quick tour of the nearby glaciers and mountains. This was one of the massive highlights of the trip and we didn't even have a foot on the Glacier yet. Once we landed on Mendenhall, the experience is going to depend on your group size, level of comfort/experience, weather and guides. Alex and Bob took us on an amazing climb, walk-about and even found a cool "ice alley" (not official name I'm sure) for us to walk through. Sure, the trek is a lot of money, but if your experience is in any way like ours was, it's worth it. Ask lots of questions and enjoy the fleeting beauty that glaciers are. read more

Glacier walkabout was a highlight of our cruise. Great company and fabulous experience, highly recommend!

AMAZING EXPERIENCE! Did this excursion as part of a cruise tour with Norwegian cruise line. My boyfriend and I did the 2 hour trek. I was afraid it was going to be extremely difficult because I am not fit. I don't ever exercise. Ever. But I was able to do it without much difficulty. I am young and not in bad shape though. Not good shape but not bad. The helicopter ride is amazing. The glacier and the views are amazing as well. EVERYTHING about this tour was perfect. We also got to drink glacier water!! Pictures cannot do it justice. There's no way to capture the beauty but to just be there. Everyone is extremely friendly especially the guides. They're great. I had Dusty as the main guide and Tracy as our pilot. Dusty was EXCELLENT! The other 2 guides we had were also great but I unfortunately do not remember their names. Only thing I would recommend to the company is to somehow wash the clothing or equipment because they really stink like B.O. read more

This is a once in a lifetime experience. From the breathtaking views on the flight to the glacier, to experiencing the wonder of trekking on the ice, Jason and his team took us on a journey that we will never forget. The towering peaks of the mountains and the deep blue colors in the glacier, are just a few of the amazing things you will see. This was the highlight of our Alaskan vacation! read more

Northstar Helicopters - Trekking with NorthStar Trekking - Tours Near Me - Juneau, Alaska

We would have never known about this company had it not been for Brian with airboat alaska. I don't know how they split the fee but it should be 50/50. read more

Every single person we encountered that worked for the company was SUPER nice and very friendly! Gracie met us at the boat, her aunt picked us up in the van (sorry auntie, I can't remember your name, but you totally dealt with all our shenanigans and I remember your husband Larry calling and I can't remember YOUR name! oh and tell all the seagull-Eagles hello from the Texas gals) :) Bo gave us our safety lecture/demonstration and also dealt with our shenanigans. He took us to the airport and handed us over to our FEMALE pilot (Tracy I think), who we also loved! I can't remember her name for sure, but she gave us a super awesome tour over the mountains and then the glacier. Wow! The Mendenhall Glacier is the most incredible work of art by Mother Nature! It is worth every red cent to see it from a helicopter and up close! Then Dylan and Jonathan (I think his name was Jonathan!) were our tour guides. We trekked all over that glacier. They were so patient, respectful and incredibly knowledgeable. We got to climb a glacier while they encouraged us until we finished. It was the most amazing 3 hours of my life. This excursion was the most memorable thing I have ever done and the experience by this company made it that much more enjoyable. I will never ever EVER forget it! Thank you to everyone!!! read more

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