Grand Knik

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 [email protected].

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 [email protected]

✅ Your Tour is Confirmed!

We’re excited to fly with you and share this unforgettable glacier experience.

📍 Departure Location- 1 Hour North of Anchorage

Alaska Glacier Lodge

29979 E Knik River Road

Palmer, AK 99645

⏰ Check-In

Please arrive 45 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time.

A photo I.D. is required for all adult guests at check-in.

🧊 What to Bring / Dress For

Glacier conditions are cooler than in town — please dress in layers and sturdy closed-toe footwear.

In winter, warm boots, gloves, and a hat are recommended.

🎒 Bags & Personal Items

For safety, backpacks and bags are not permitted on the helicopter.

Phones/cameras, water bottles, and small personal items are welcome.

🚫 Not Allowed

Drones • Bear Spray • Lighters • Battery Packs • Firearms

⚖️ Passenger Weights

All guests are discreetly weighed at check-in for weight and balance purposes. Seating is assigned based on weights and cannot be pre-selected. Under-reporting weight may result in additional surcharges, cancellation of the booking without refund, or rescheduling subject to an additional fee.

🚁 Helicopters

We fly Robinson R44, R66, and AStar helicopters.

Aircraft type is not guaranteed unless a private helicopter is booked.

Groups of 2+ may be split between aircraft but will remain together on tour.

🧭 Etiquette & Safety

Your safety is our top priority. Flights may be delayed or rescheduled if weather conditions change.

Your pilot will select the safest landing area and route based on weather and FAA flight restrictions.

Please return to the helicopter promptly when instructed by your pilot to avoid delays or additional charges.

🏦 Did you reserve your tour with a deposit?

The outstanding balance will be processed three days before your scheduled tour.

If you have any questions before your tour, visit our FAQ page or call us at 907-272-7777 — we’re available 7 days a week.

Thank you for choosing to fly with us — we look forward to sharing this adventure with you!

The Alaska Helicopter Tours Team