Adventure Collective
null - Anchorage

Grand Knik Tour

Palmereasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

1–2 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for most travelers with basic mobility; no strenuous activity required

Overview

Discover the stunning landscapes of Alaska with the Grand Knik Tour, a private helicopter experience that offers spectacular views of glaciers, mountains, and wilderness. Elevate your adventure and create unforgettable memories high above the rugged terrain.

Air Activities
Palmer, Alaska

Grand Knik Tour

2 Hours 3 Landings! - YEAR ROUND

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Adventure Photos

Grand Knik Tour photo 1

About This Adventure

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Alaska on the Grand Knik Tour! This unforgettable helicopter adventure takes you to the stunning Lake George Glacier, where you can witness massive ice calving, explore alpine meadows with wildlife sightings, and land on the Knik Glacier to marvel at azure melt pools. A truly unique journey!

Grand Knik Tour

Duration

2 hours

About

This is one of our staff favorites as you have time to really experience the stunning beauty of the area by combining three activities. Fly by helicopter to Lake George Glacier. As the helicopter descents you’ll realize the scale of the glacier ice wall; everything out here is XXL size! See this glacier actively calving from the 100ft ice wall right in front of you. Some of the chunks are the size of trucks! You will have a half hour to explore as you take in the massive size of the ice and take pictures.

For your second landing, you will fly high above to an alpine meadow where you will have a unique birds eye view of the massive Knik glacier below, with Colony and Cataract glacier across Lake George. There is a good chance we’ll see bears foraging along the hillsides during the flight (summer). We almost always see moose and Dall sheep.

Finally, your grande adventure has you flying to the middle of the Knik Glacier for a third landing at the azure colored melt pools. See the deep blue ice, and learn about the life cycle of glaciers and why they are so important to human life across the globe. You will have another half hour to safely explore the glacier with your experienced pilot / guide. Don't forget your water bottle so you can fill it up with that crystal clear glacier water! (summer*) An adventure you will be telling friends and family about for years to come!

WINTER (September 20 - May 1) *During the winter months, the Glacier Landing is not on top (due to the snow cover) but next to the glacier. There are no blue melt pools (these are frozen)

Tour Highlights:

  • Flight over the majestic Chugach Range, Knik Glacier, Lake George and more
  • Land next to Lake George Glacier to view the100ft ice wall actively calving
  • Land on a remote high Alpine Peak for a birds eye view of the mighty Knik Glacier
  • Fly down the Great Gorge of the Knik, awarded National Landmark status for its beauty -Land on the Knik Glacier near the massive melt pools (summer) WINTER - Land next to the huge Knik Glacier for a chance to interact between the tall pillars of ice.
  • Small group size, very personal tour
  • Excellent chances of seeing wildlife

Total tour time: 2 hours Flight time: approximately 30 minutes

6% ONLINE BOOKING FEE applied to any reservations made online. To avoid this fee please call 907-272-7777 to book directly

TYPES OF HELICOPTERS WE FLY

Alaska Helicopter Tours has multiple 3 passenger Robinson 44s and ASTAR helicopters. We do not guarantee what type of helicopter you will be flying in due to weight and balance. If you would like a specific helicopter a private tour can be purchased. Please call for assistance in booking groups larger than 9 passengers or for additional helicopter options.

RECOMMENDED TO BRING/WEAR SUMMER (May 1 - September 19)

  • Sturdy footwear like hiking boots or athletic shoes, no heels or open toe shoes please
  • Wind & waterproof outer layer
  • Warm layer like wool or fleece
  • Hat that covers your ears
  • Thin gloves
  • Sunglasses
  • Empty Water bottle for Glacier Water

WINTER (September 20 - May 1)

  • Warm winter boots
  • Thick Winter Jacket
  • Warm under layer like wool or fleece
  • Hat that covers your ears
  • Thick gloves
  • Sunglasses

PROHIBITED ITEMS BEAR SPRAY LIGHTERS BATTERY PACKS LOADED GUNS LOOSE STRAPS - Purse or camera straps need to be placed around your neck BACKPACKS/BAGS ARE NOT PERMITTED ON THE HELICOPTER Please put all items you wish to bring with you into your pockets. Water bottles can be held or placed under the seat while in flight.

PHOTO PACKAGE ADD-ON Alaska Helicopter Tours pilots are equipped with a camera to take candid shots of you while you are experiencing your tour as well as an external Go Pro to take footage of your flight. A link to these photos and videos will be uploaded to you via email which can take up to 7 days. If you have questions about these after the 7 day mark, please email photos@alaskahelicoptertours.com.

PASSENGER WEIGHTS To safely balance the weight distribution of the aircraft, it’s essential that we have accurate weights for all guests. We request your weight at the time of booking so we can plan how to combine parties on the same flight and map out seating. When you check-in at our base for your flight, we confirm all passenger weights by weighing you at that time. If we are unable to fly a guest due to an inaccurate weight provided at the time of booking, no refund will be made.

Weight and balance of helicopters is an important part of our safety program. Seating is assigned based on weight and balance following guidelines which have been approved by the FAA. We cannot guarantee seats as the weight of guests must be balanced within the aircraft.

Please note that each guest weighing 250 lbs. or more must pay a $150 comfort surcharge to block off an additional seat for weight and balance purposes. Any gusts 300lbs or more must call our reservations team to make the Reservation to secure the larger Astar Helicopter.

Our pilots will deliver the best viewing experience they can, in the safest manner possible, under the current local weather conditions. We cannot guarantee what you will see on your tour and we must abide by any FAA issued regulations such as temporary flight restrictions that may be in place at the time of flying.

CANCELLATION POLICY If you need to cancel you will receive a full refund on tours cancelled 72 hours or more prior to departure date. Bookings cancelled 72 hours or less are non-refundable but you have the option to reschedule for any future date. If you do not show up or are late for your tour without notifying us 24 hours prior to departure you will forfeit any payments. If we need to cancel due to weather or other safety related matters we will of course refund you 100%. ALL CANCELLATION REQUESTS MUST BE SENT VIA EMAIL TO RESERVATIONS@ALASKAHELICOPTERTOURS.COM

Adventure Tips

Dress in Layers

Alaska's weather can change quickly; wearing layers keeps you comfortable during the flight.

Bring a Camera with a Zoom Lens

Capture close-up shots of glaciers and wildlife from the helicopter with a good zoom lens.

Book in Advance

Private helicopter tours are popular, so reserve your spot early to secure your preferred dates.

Secure Loose Items

Hold onto hats, sunglasses, or loose gear to prevent them from flying away during the flight.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Bald eagles
  • Mountain goats

History

The Knik River area has been historically significant to Alaska Native tribes and played a role during the Klondike Gold Rush as a remote access route.

Conservation

Alaska Helicopter Tours emphasizes eco-friendly practices, ensuring minimal disturbance to wildlife and natural habitats during aerial tours.

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Adventure Hotspots in Anchorage

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Warm Clothing

Essential

Layered warm clothing helps you stay comfortable in cool to cold temperatures at high altitude.

spring|null|null|winter specific

Sun Protection

Essential

Sunscreen and sunglasses protect against strong UV rays at higher elevations.

summer|null|null|null specific

Camera with Extra Batteries

Capture stunning aerial views and ensure extra power for prolonged photography sessions.

all specific

Lip Balm

Keep lips moisturized in cold or dry air during the flight.

winter|spring|summer|fall specific