The 16 Best Alaska Flightseeing Tours in the Last Frontier

I’ve done three Alaska flightseeing tours in my life, and they have all been absolutely amazing. I’ve flown around Denali, across Wrangell St. Elias National Park, and into Lake Clark National Park. Each one blew my mind and was the biggest joy to experience and photograph.

Inside, I highlight the best Alaska flightseeing adventures in the state. There are surely more, but these are accessible and beautiful, allowing you to experience places and views that others won’t.

You won’t regret a single trip and will long to come back for another!

The Best Alaska Flightseeing Tours To Book During Your Vacation

The following are some of the best Alaska flightseeing adventures you can find. They are in no order, so take your time figuring out which is ideal for you!

1. Denali Flightseeing Tour from Talkeetna

I can say personally this is one of the most incredible and mindblowing experiences you can have in Alaska. We got so lucky and enjoyed a clear day as we circumnavigated Denali from the sky.

flightseeing in alaska around denali national park

Each glacier, ridgeline, and jagged peak was better than the next, and it is easily one of the best Alaska flightseeing tours in the state. We took off from Talkeetna (such a cute town) and spent nearly two hours in the mountains, including landing on a glacier.

You can take multiple tours depending on how long you want to be out and what you want to see. The costs go up (as you can imagine) and vary from $300 per person to $450+ with a glacier landing.

best alaska flightseeing opportunities is from talkeetna

2. Misty Fjords Flightseeing Tour (Ketchikan)

Dive into an epic adventure with our Misty Fjords seaplane tour! This is your ticket to a remote and wild part of Alaska that’s a no-go for the usual roads or crowds. Forget about jostling with the cruise ship mobs—this place is all about raw, untouched beauty, and you’re getting there in style by floatplane.

The plan? Swoop down over stunning untouched tracts of Alaska and top it off with a super cool water landing. Yeah, it’s pretty much the kinda thing you’d brag about later. Get ready to be wowed!

3. Helicopter Tour and Dogsledding (Anchorage)

Explore North Anchorage’s breathtaking landscapes on a unique 90-minute helicopter and dogsled adventure. Glide over the Church Range and Knik Glacier in a helicopter before landing on Troublesome Glacier, where a team of 40 sled dogs awaits to whisk you across the icy expanse for an unforgettable Alaskan journey.

As you traverse this stunning terrain, keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife, including moose and mountain goats.

This tour combines the thrill of a scenic helicopter flight with the traditional Alaskan thrill of dogsledding, offering a spectacular way to experience the beauty and wildlife of Alaska.

4. Juneau Helicopter Tour and Icefield Walk

Embark on an adventurous shore excursion when your ship docks in Juneau, starting with a thrilling helicopter ride over the Juneau Icefield, followed by a landing on Herbert Glacier for a guided exploration on foot.

This unique experience allows you to delve into the remote Alaskan wilderness, learn about the area from your expert pilot, and capture unforgettable moments while walking the ice field. Please note that a shuttle service is available for cruise ship passengers to pick you up one hour before the flight time.

This Alaska shore excursion offers a narrated flight over the ice field and an educational glacier walk, providing an unparalleled adventure in Juneau.

the wavy lines of a glacier

5. Glacier Landing Tour from Girdwood

Become a member of an exclusive circle of adventurers with this Glacier Landing Tour from Girdwood.

This unique experience takes you on a private helicopter flight over the Chugach Mountains, a stunningly glaciated region in North America. Enjoy unparalleled views through the large aircraft windows designed for optimal sightseeing.

The highlight? Landing on ancient ice itself. Here, you’ll step out and explore a glacier up close, an opportunity few can claim. This tour combines the thrill of flight with the awe of touching history frozen in time.

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6. Fly to Katmai National Park and see Brown Bears

Head to Brooks Camp for an unforgettable encounter with Alaska’s iconic bears, enjoyed safely from a viewing platform.

Your journey begins with a scenic floatplane flight, offering stunning views of Alaska’s rugged terrain before touching down on a serene lake. From there, embark on a hike to the bear viewing area, a paradise for photographers eager to capture the majesty of bears in their natural habitat.

This tour, limited to just 7 participants, guarantees a personal and immersive experience. Don’t forget your camera to snap the perfect bear shot and capture the breathtaking aerial views during your flight.

a mama grizzly looks at the camera

7. Explore Lake Clark National Park with Bears (from Anchorage)

In 2021, I took a bear-viewing trip to Lake Clark, and it was one of the most amazing things I’ve ever done. We saw around a dozen bears over our trip, and the views coming in and out were just icing on the cake.

Experience the thrill of landing close to these majestic creatures, spending hours watching them roam freely in their natural habitat. The adventure continues with a hike through untouched wilderness, culminating in a picnic lunch on a secluded beach within the National Park.

Yes, it’s a bit pricey but a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Lake Clark National Park flightseeing

8. Denali Peak Tour from Denali Airport (SUMMER ONLY) or a Winter Summit Flight from Fairbanks

If you’re already at Denali National Park or in the area, this is the closest tour for you. (Talkeetna is about 3+ hours south of Denali’s entrance.) This option will give you incredible views of the Alaskan range but less time around Denali.

Additionally, if you’re in Fairbanks for the aurora, spend your day enjoying ridiculously beautiful views of the tallest mountain in North America. North Alaskan Tour Company offers winter flights from Fairbanks.

Winter rates are the most expensive at $569 per person. But it’s worth it. You’re at eye level with Denali. It’s easily one of the best Alaska flightseeing options.

9. Grand Knik Helicopter Tour (from Palmer)

Experience the majestic glaciers around Anchorage with ease on the Grand Knik Helicopter Tour. Perfect for those lacking the time or expertise for a strenuous expedition, this tour offers breathtaking aerial views and includes two unique landings: an alpine stop and an ice wall exploration.

Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll have the chance to walk on Knik Glacier and possibly spot local wildlife such as mountain goats, Dall sheep, moose, and even bears and wolves in the summer.

With multiple departure times and small group sizes for a more intimate experience, this 2-hour tour with multiple landings is an effortless way to explore nature’s wonders. I highly recommend this as one of the best Alaska flightseeing experiences.

Check out this tour Another option

10. Bear Viewing from Juneau

Experience the bears of Chichagof Island through this epic Alaska flightseeing tour. This peak-season bear viewing trip offers an opportunity to observe bears in their natural setting, particularly while they fish beneath a majestic waterfall.

Depart from Juneau airport and fly over Admiralty Island before landing at a bear viewing site on Chichagof Island. Guests will spend over 2.5 hours watching the bears, followed by a return flight to Juneau that showcases the beauty of the Tongass National Forest.

11. Norris Glacier Hike and Packrafting Adventure (Juneau)

Talk about an epic adventure! You get a flightseeing trip, glacier hike, and pack rafting all in a single day. Overxperience more than most people will in a lifetime!

The adventure kicks off with a picturesque flight towards the Taku Inlet, leading to a landing on a lake fed by the Norris Glacier. Participants will trek across the glacier-sculpted landscape to reach a cove where the pack rafting begins.

Here, adventurers will be equipped with single-person pack rafts and learn paddling techniques from experienced guides. The journey continues as participants paddle towards the Norris Glacier, navigating through a path dotted with icebergs, offering a unique and exhilarating experience.

Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch

12. Reindeer and Helicopter Tour

Fly north out of Fairbanks for amazing views of the Alaskan interior as you go north toward Borealis Basecamp, where you’ll get to hang out with reindeer!

13. Traitors Cove in Ketchikan

Enjoy this three-hour tour to Traitors Cove near Ketchikan, Alaska, which includes visiting a world-class bear viewing facility.

Your adventure begins with a scenic round-trip floatplane flight over the breathtaking Tongass National Forest, complete with personalized, live narration from the pilot—ensuring an immersive experience without the use of recorded tracks.

The tour offers a high chance of spotting black bears, eagles, and salmon in their natural habitat. A gentle nature walk, covering approximately a quarter-mile round trip, allows you to connect with the serene environment.

14. Prince William Sound Tour w/ Glacier Landing (from Girdwood)

Spend 70 minutes flying over one of the most gorgeous landscapes in Alaska. Where the sky meets the snowy mountains. You’ll get acquainted with glaciers, jagged peaks, and blue waters and see views only flights can reach!

It’s one of the best Alaska flightseeing options you have!

evening shot of a glacier in alaska
Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch

15. Fortress of the Bears Pack Creek

Adventure into the heart of the Alaskan wilderness, where you’ll visit the Pack Creek Brown Bear Viewing Area, renowned for having the world’s highest concentration of brown bears. This once-in-a-lifetime day trip includes a mesmerizing floatplane journey over the lush Tongass National Forest and a tranquil kayak paddle across Windfall Harbor.

With a knowledgeable guide leading your small group of no more than ten people, you’ll venture into the forest to watch brown bears in their natural habitat, whether playing in the meadows or skillfully catching salmon in the rivers.

16. Flight Over Wrangell St. Elias National Park

Hope on a flight with Wrangell Mountain Air for an unbelibaly beautiful flight over the largest National Park in the US. Wrangell Mountain Air has a handful of flight options as well as the ability to fly you into the park if you don’t want to drive the McCarthy Road.

Our conditions were a bit cloudy, but it is the only way to see the park that has one road in and out.

Explore all options on your own

Things to Consider When It Comes to the Best Alaska Flightseeing

Weather

As you’re choosing your best Alaska flightseeing adventure, keep in mind that weather can alter or upend your trip. So, being flexible is one of the most important aspects when traveling in the Last Frontier. You might be asked to change your plans if the weather looks iffy.

Putting in some wiggle room before and after your Alaska flightseeing tours might be wise.

Driving time to take-off destination

Everything takes longer in Alaska. First, things are spread apart. Then, you can’t speed because of the danger of wildlife jumping onto the road. For example, Anchorage to Talkeetna doesn’t look too far, but it’s a two-hour-plus drive there.

a camper van driving to alaska

Cost

It’s expensive in Alaska. They have a relatively short tourism season, so they have to make most of their money in a short amount of time. So, this means you’ll spend a good chunk of money when you visit Alaska, but there are ways to make it cheaper.

Ways to keep costs down:

  • Camp
  • Grocery shop
  • Limit your tours

That being said, if you’re going to Alaska, this is not a place to be frugal. Visiting this adventure playground is for those who have saved up and are able to spend money to experience things like these best Alaska flightseeing tours.

Time

Remember that when you visit during summer, your days stretch from the wee morning hours past midnight. So, you have a lot of time to explore and book experiences. However, don’t go overboard and forget to sleep.

sunset over the alaskan mountains
Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch

Where To Stay Before Your Best Alaska Flightseeing Adventure

Anchorage

This is where most of you will fly into and will have the most lodging options. It should be decently affordable and won’t break your bank account.

Talkeetna

It’s a super cute town in between Denali National Park and Anchorage. We spent two nights camping here and loed exploring the town. This is one of the best places to stay before hopping on one of the best Alaska flightseeing tours around Denali.

16 things to do in Talkeetna

Palmer

North of Anchorage, this is a good middle ground if you plan to explore Talkeetna or the Mantanuska Glacier.

Fairbanks

It is the furthest northern city in Alaska, with a sizeable population (and an international airport). There’s not much to do in the immediate area, but you’ll be close to Denali National Park and any adventures toward the Arctic Circle.

Girdwood

A small town south of Anchorage and home to Alyeska Resort. If you’re looking to be far from the hustle and bustle of Alaska’s largest city, this is an excellent place to stay.

virgin creek falls in girdwood alaska
Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch

Juneau

The capital of Alaska, a major cruise hub, and a destination for many outdoor adventures. Most people visit via a cruise, but you’ll need to book a stay if you aren’t!

FAQ: Flightseeing in Alaska

Is Flightseeing in Alaska worth it?

Absolutely! Flightseeing in Alaska ranks as an unforgettable and unique experience, offering breathtaking views that make it a standout activity. It’s accessible to people of all ages, making it a must-do for anyone visiting the state.

Where is the best place to fly into Alaska?

The best place to fly into Alaska for most travelers is Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC), due to its accessibility and proximity to major Alaskan attractions. It serves as a central hub, making it an ideal starting point for exploring the state’s vast landscapes and natural beauty.

Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch

Is a helicopter tour in Alaska worth it?

The Alaska Helicopter Tours comes highly recommended for those visiting Alaska and ranks as a top pick for an unforgettable adventure. Offering a spectacular blend of diverse landscapes, this tour promises an array of sights that are sure to impress any traveler.

With skilled pilots who excel in making the tour both fun and educational by spotting and identifying local wildlife, it’s an experience that stands out. This tour is a must-do for an authentic Alaskan experience.

What is the best time for Denali Flightseeing?

For an optimal Denali flightseeing experience, it’s recommended to schedule your tour from late May to early September, when weather conditions are most favorable.

This unique aerial journey provides an unparalleled perspective on the untouched magnificence and vastness of Denali National Park and its adjacent terrains, making it a memorable adventure for all who visit.

Are Flightseeing Tours safe?

Alaska flightseeing tours are quite safe, but that doesn’t mean that accidents don’t happen. Almost all airline fatalities happen in smaller planes (not commercial jetliners), so the risk is always there. However, with the number of flights that happen each day in Alaska, it’s safe from a percentage viewpoint.

Is it better to fly into Fairbanks or Anchorage?

The majority of people fly into Anchorage as the Kenai Peninsula is easier to navigate and it’s closer to more tourist destinations. Fairbanks is great for visiting in the winter for Northern Lights or if you want to get to Denali National Park or other northern areas quicker.

the alaskan range from a flightseeing trip in denali national park

Why is Denali so hard to see?

As low-pressure systems travel north from the Gulf of Alaska, the moist, cold air they carry encounters the mountain ranges and rises, leading to condensation. This process forms clouds and precipitation within the mountains, frequently obscuring the view of Denali.

TL;DR: The Mountains create their own weather and because it’s so dang tall, the clouds get in the way.

Can I see the northern lights in Denali?

Denali offers an exceptional setting for observing the aurora due to its far northern latitude and the minimal light pollution in the area.

Light pollution, which stems from the overuse of artificial light in towns, cities, and developed regions, tends to obscure the natural darkness of the environment, making places like Denali ideal for clear, unobstructed views of the night sky.

Final Thoughts – Best Alaska Flightseeing

Alaska offers some of the world’s most breathtaking and awe-inspiring flightseeing tours. From soaring over glaciers and fjords to witnessing wildlife in their natural habitat, these tours provide an unforgettable experience that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, exploring Alaska from above is a truly unique and exhilarating way to appreciate the beauty of this rugged and remote wilderness.

So book your ticket, buckle up, and get ready for an adventure like no other on one of the best Alaska flightseeing tours available.

Author: Alec Sills-Trausch

Title: Founder of Explore with Alec

Expertise: Hiking, Backpacking, Photography, and Road Trips

Alec Sills-Trausch is a hiker, backpacker, landscape photographer, and syndicated travel writer. He enjoys showing off the beauty of the world through his photos, videos, and written work on ExploreWithAlec.com. Alec is also a 2x cancer survivor and bone marrow transplant recipient, showing the world that there is a future from this terrible disease.

He lives in Washington, where he gets to enjoy the stunning PNW mountains in addition to all the other places he attempts to visit each year! You can see more work on IG at @AlecOutside