7 Best Flightseeing Tours in Alaska

So, you’re planning that bucket list trip to the Last Frontier and you keep hearing that flightseeing in Alaska is the thing to do. It really is! 

Flightseeing in Alaska gives you a rare chance to see and truly grasp the scale and shape of the landscape (glaciers, hidden valleys, and remote peaks) that aren’t visible any other way.

But with so many options out there, how do you even begin to choose?

I’ve got you covered. I’ve been lucky enough to take more flightseeing trips in Alaska than I can count on both hands. It’s my favorite activity to splurge on!

Most of my time in the air has been in small bush planes over Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, but I’ve also flown twice around Denali and even up into the Arctic Circle.

For flightseeing tours, Alaska is hard to beat. I’ll share some of my favorites that give you real-deal access to places you can’t drive to, hike to, or even see unless you’re in the air, so you can figure out what’s actually worth doing and what fits into your plans.

What Is The Best Flightseeing Tour In Alaska?

I’ve got a few favorites, but remember, Alaska is huge so your best bet is to choose something that’s within reach of the area you’ll already be visiting.

There isn’t one “best” flightseeing tour, but flightseeing in Denali is the most popular option.

It really depends on where you’ll be, what you’re into, and what your budget looks like. Some focus on glaciers, others on wildlife, and a few pack in a little of everything.

My advice is to pick one that fits naturally into your route and gets you excited.

These tours aren’t cheap, so it’s worth choosing one that works with your plans and feels like the right kind of adventure for you.

1. Denali Peak Sightseeing by Plane

⭐️ 5/5 stars, more than 400 reviews, ⌛️ Tour Length: 60-70 min, ➡️ BOOK NOW
📍Flights based out of Denali NP area

If I had to pick the most unforgettable experience from my trip to Alaska last summer, it would be this flightseeing tour with Denali Air. The weather was ideal, which made the experience top-notch.

I went on this flight with my two kids, ages 11 and 14 at the time. Before we boarded, we gathered around a giant map to go over the flight path, which made the whole thing feel more exciting. Being a visual learner, I appreciate this addition to the experience. 

Once we were in the air, it was quite literally nonstop jaw-dropping views of the Alaska Range, and we saw Denali from multiple angles, clear as day. What is especially cool is that the entire flight takes place within park boundaries.

Our pilot, Bob, made the experience even better with his narration, calm presence, and surprisingly great taste in in-flight music.

If you’re staying near the park entrance, this is hands-down the flight to book.

Denali Air has been flying since 1970 and operates right from the park entrance, so it’s incredibly convenient if you’re already in the area. Plus, they provide complimentary transportation to and from your hotel near the park.

3. Jewels of the Wrangells Tour

⌛️ Tour Length: 120 minutes, ➡️ BOOK NOW 📍Flights based out of the McCarthy Air Strip

If you’re heading to McCarthy or Kennecott, I can’t recommend a flightseeing tour with Wrangell Mountain Air enough! Many of us locals believe that Wrangell-St. Elias NP has the best scenery in all of Alaska.

I’ve been flightseeing in this area since 2008, and at this point, I rarely visit without getting up in the air. I’ve never had a bad flight, even when the weather isn’t perfect. The views never disappoint plus there’s so much ground to cover it won’t ever get old!

Wrangell–St. Elias is the largest national park in the country, and the scale of it is impossible to grasp until you’ve seen it from above. I will never forget my first flight tour in Wrangell-St. Elias National park which was a 30-minute flight to get dropped off at Iceberg Lake for backcountry camping.

This two-hour tour is the one to book if you want to really take it all in. But if you don’t have that much time, a shorter 50-minute flight gets you over the glaciers and mountains, too!

Depending on conditions, you might fly over the Bagley Icefield, spot towering volcanoes, or catch a glimpse of gorgeous Icy Bay where glaciers meet the sea – the water is so vibrant blue here. 

You’ll see peaks that rise straight out of the coastal plain, waterfalls tumbling down remote valleys, and glacier systems so massive you’ll be pinching yourself.

The pilots at Wrangell Mountain Air are incredibly skilled and know this landscape inside and out. Every flight feels like a front-row seat to one of Alaska’s wildest corners.

4. Misty Fjords Seaplane Tour

⭐️ 5/5 stars, more than 200 reviews, ⌛️ Tour Length: 2 hours 30 min, ➡️ BOOK NOW ,📍Flights based out Ketchikan

Headed to Ketchikan? This one is for you! If you want an intimate and unforgettable way to experience Alaska’s Misty Fjords, Island Wings Air Service offers a standout seaplane tour. 

This float plane trip begins right in Ketchikan and takes you over the pristine wilderness of the Misty Fjords National Monument. You’ll get panoramic views of towering granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and gorgeous alpine lakes. 

A highlight of the tour is the water landing, where you can step out onto a remote lake or bay and truly enjoy the tranquility of the untouched landscape.

You’ll enjoy the small group setting, which makes this a more personal exploration of one of Alaska’s most beautiful coastal regions.

5. Alaska Helicopter & Glacier Dogsled Tour, Anchorage Area

⭐️ 5/5 stars, more than 400 reviews, ⌛️ Tour Length: 1 hours 30 min, ➡️ BOOK NOW ,📍Flights based out Palmer, AK

Staying in the Anchorage area and looking for a bucket list experience? This one is a true Alaska adventure! If you’ve always wanted to fly in a helicopter, check this one out! 

This is a helicopter and glacier dogsled tour just outside of Anchorage, and it is going down in your memory book for life.

You’ll start with a scenic flight over the Chugach Mountains and Knik Glacier. Then you’ll land on the snow-covered Troublesome Glacier where you’re greeted by a team of energetic huskies and seasoned mushers, many with Iditarod experience. It’s SO much fun!

Then you even have the chance to ride the sled or stand on the runners and mush, depending on your comfort level. The dogs are friendly and clearly love what they do, and the mushers are full of stories about life on the glacier and the sport of dog sledding. 

After the ride, there’s time to interact with the dogs and take in the surroundings before the helicopter returns you to the base.

6. Peak Season Bear Viewing By Seaplane

⭐️ 5/5 stars, more than 200 reviews, ⌛️ Tour Length: 2 hours 30 min, ➡️ BOOK NOW ,📍Flights based out of Juneau, AK

This tour checks off two Alaska bucket list experiences in one adventure: flightseeing and brown bear viewing!

If you’re in Juneau between mid-July and early September and want to witness Alaska’s brown bears in their natural habitat, this floatplane-accessed tour to Waterfall Creek on Chichagof Island is a must. 

It’s a 30-minute flight over Admiralty Island to Chichagof Island that offers awesome views over the Tongass National Forest and the Inside Passage! After you arrive, you’ll step into shallow water and take a short walk to the bear viewing area. 

Here, during the peak salmon run, brown bears gather to fish at the base of a picturesque waterfall. Your guides will provide cool info about bear behavior and also ensure a safe, respectful distance is maintained. You’ll get a few hours observing the bears.

This tour includes all necessary permits, rain gear, rubber boots, and lunch. It’s a truly rare and unique opportunity! 

7. Norris Adventure: Seaplane, Paddle, and Glacier Hike

⭐️ 5/5 stars, ⌛️ Tour Length: 5 hours, ➡️ BOOK NOW ,📍Flights based out of Juneau, AK

This tour from Juneau manages to fit a floatplane ride, glacier trekking, and packrafting into one wild and memorable day—and somehow, it works.

If you’re the kind of traveler who wants to do a lot without feeling rushed (like me), this one nails it.

The floatplane flight offers an aerial view of the Juneau Icefield before dropping you near Norris Glacier. From there, it’s a short hike to a glacial lake where you’ll gear up, hop in your packraft, and paddle toward the ice. 

The scenery here is unreal! Once on the glacier, you’ll strap on microspikes and follow your guide across surreal blue ice, exploring crevasses and melt pools along the way. 

The group size is small (just six people), so it’s an intimate, personalized tour. All gear is included! Just show up ready for an adventure that covers serious ground.

What is the Best Flightseeing Tour Around Anchorage?

If you’re based in Anchorage and want to flightsee without traveling far, you’ve got a few standout options. The Alaska Helicopter & Glacier Dogsled Tour is one of the best in the area. 

You’ll get incredible views flying over the Chugach Mountains and land on a remote glacier to go dogsledding with an Iditarod team. It’s one of those experiences that feels straight out of a movie.

Another great option is driving two hours north to Talkeetna. The Denali tours here are top-tier and include the chance to land on the Ruth Glacier if conditions allow. It’s an easy day trip from Anchorage and gives you the chance to see Denali up close.

So yes, you don’t have to go far from Anchorage to have a true Alaska flightseeing adventure—some of the best tours are right in the region.

Is a helicopter ride in Alaska worth it?

Yes, a helicopter ride in Alaska is absolutely worth it. A helicopter can fly over glaciers, mountains, and wild terrain you can’t reach any other way. Most helicopter tours even land on glaciers, letting you step onto the ice. 

Whether you’re flying in Juneau, Denali, or Girdwood, there are several tour options, and the views are unreal. The experience will be unforgettable!

What to Expect on a Flightseeing Tour in Alaska

✔️ Everyone gets a window seat
These small planes and helicopters usually seat 5–10 people, and the views are great no matter where you sit.

✔️ Weather can shift plans
Low ceilings, fog, or wind may change your route or cancel the trip. It’s all part of flying in Alaska, so try to be flexible. Check the policies for your tour prior to booking.

✔️ Dress for the elements
Even in summer, it can be chilly on a glacier. Wear layers, and bring sunglasses for the glare off the ice.

✔️ Motion sensitivity: If you’re prone to airsickness, consider taking something beforehand. I carry ginger chews and wear peppermint essential oil on my wrists. I have only ever experienced motion sickness on one flightseeing tour, and it only lasted a couple of minutes.

✔️ Not a fan of small planes?
Let your pilot know if you’re nervous. They do this every day and are great at easing first-time jitters.

✔️ Bring your camera, but also just look
Sometimes the best photos are the ones you take with your eyes. Trust me, you won’t forget what you see up there!

My Favorite Flightseeing Tour in Alaska

If I had to choose just one, flying with Denali Air is my personal recent favorite because the conditions were perfect, and the experience with my kids made it unforgettable.

I surprised my kids with the Denali Air flight, and even though they’ve flown in quite a few bush planes over the years, this one stood out. Watching their faces as we soared past huge peaks and got crystal-clear views of Denali was a moment I’ll always hold onto.

If you’re thinking about giving someone an experience instead of a thing, this is an incredible option. Just a heads-up—flights like this book up quickly, especially during the busy season, so it’s smart to plan ahead.