NorthStar Trekking
NorthStar Trekking
5
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Full view
About
NorthStar Helicopters provides many Helicopter tours including Glacier Trekking, Glacier Dog Sledding, and Taku River Airboating. We are committed to providing outdoor adventures that are tailored to the interests and abilities of each guest, with safety as our foremost priority. By employing an extremely professional and knowledgeable staff, utilizing the highest quality gear, and operating in accordance with our high safety standards, we continue to lead the industry in efficiency, reliability, and excellence.
Juneau, United States
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2023
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NorthStar Trekking
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(91 reviews)
(25 reviews)
(21 reviews)
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
498 reviews
Excellent
472
Very good
11
Average
2
Poor
3
Terrible
10
Sightseer779040
287 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
When we booked this I will say that we were hesitant to shell out that kind of money and were hoping it was worth it. Let me tell you, it is so WORTH IT!!! Despite the steep price tag we had an excursion of a lifetime here. We did the 1 hour glacier trek with helicopter tour. They send you instructions on where to meet by the Mt Roberts tram building. They shuttle you in a van to their office next to the airport. Be sure to print out your ticket because they collect that as you arrive. They give you boots, pants, a jacket, and a fanny pack. They give you a bag to keep the rest of your things in while you are away on the excursion. The fanny pack is relatively large, plus there isn’t much room in the helicopter for much more than just yourself anyway. They go off of the weight and sizes that you input on the website when booking to give you supplies as well as assign you a spot in the helicopter based on weight. You have plenty of time at the office to go for a bathroom break, organize your things and get dressed. They go over a safety briefing with you and are more than willing to answer any questions you have about the trip. The helicopter fits 6 people/guests plus the pilot. 2 in the front row and 4 in the back row. It is quite cozy so get ready to be real comfortable with your neighbors in the helicopter with you. Our pilot was Harry who was amazing. He made us feel safe and pointed out interesting landmarks along the way. The views on the helicopter ride over to the glacier (about 15-20 minutes) were worth the price tag alone. It was so grand and jaw dropping. There are no words to describe it, just speechless at the beauty. We all agreed this ride in the helicopter was the best part of the entire trip and cruise. You see huge glacier ice fields, mountains, snow, rocks, and just majestic beauty. You land on the glacier to their camp they have set up. You get outfitted with ice cleats on your boots as well as some ski poles. Tommy and Cody were our glacier guides and they were very patient and kind. They made sure no one was falling behind and stopped to talk at some notable glacier tidbits. You got to see some flowing water, some crevice’s, and how blue some of the glacier and water looks. They are more than willing to take your picture as well. They provide you with a water bottle and a granola bar for the trip. However they encourage you to dump out the water bottle so you can fill it up with glacier water! We tried the glacier water and I will say it definitely just tastes like normal water, but it is cool to say you have tried it! You also get to feel some glacier silt which is like soft sand/dirt. You learn a little bit about the glaciers but the experience is really about taking it all in as you walk around and admire the scenery. You also get to say that you walked on a glacier! Once your hour is done, your helicopter comes back to pick you up. On the ride back however you do take the short way back to the airport and it is only about a 10 minute ride. Less grandeur of a ride but still very very cool. Then you have more time to get organized and undressed again before you take a ride back in the van back to the parking lot of the tram. Overall I can highly highly recommend North star helicopters for your Juneau excursion. They definitely have things down pat and know what they are doing. Everyone we encountered was very friendly and welcoming. This excursion was definitely worth it and had our jaws on the ground basically the entire time. Absolutely amazing from start to finish. If you are hesitant to spend the money here, I will say do it. Because I felt the same way initially, and now I have absolutely have no regrets.
Written October 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gonzalo D
5 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Best experience EVER!
Don’t hesitate to book with them.
Isabella and James were fantastic as our tour guides.
Book the helicopter glacier trek in advanced, it sold out quickly. You won’t regret!!
Don’t hesitate to book with them.
Isabella and James were fantastic as our tour guides.
Book the helicopter glacier trek in advanced, it sold out quickly. You won’t regret!!
Written October 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Morgan K
1 contribution
Sep 2023 • Solo
My husband and I went out on the 2 hour trek and helicopter tour. It was amazing, even in the rain! It ended up clearing up too! Our guide was super sweet and knowledgeable and we even got to explore some new spots she hadn't been to yet. Highly recommend! Our only complaint was that they asked us to get there an hour prior to the start time and we were waiting around, but better early than late!
Written September 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris
Cambridge, UK132 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
We did the extended ~5 hour tour to the Medenhall glacier.
The experience, beginning with pickup from the ship terminal, through to equipmtment fitting and then the helicopter flight to the glacier was perfectly organised. Our pilot tried to give us the best views of the area, despite the low cloud on the day.
Our guide on the glacier was great - we explored several features of the ice field as well as having a go at ice climbing with crampons and axes - great fun, if a little scary!
Definitely worth spending longer on the glacier if you itinerary will allow.
The experience, beginning with pickup from the ship terminal, through to equipmtment fitting and then the helicopter flight to the glacier was perfectly organised. Our pilot tried to give us the best views of the area, despite the low cloud on the day.
Our guide on the glacier was great - we explored several features of the ice field as well as having a go at ice climbing with crampons and axes - great fun, if a little scary!
Definitely worth spending longer on the glacier if you itinerary will allow.
Written September 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Randy W
2 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
We booked the Helicopter Flightseeing & Glacier Trek and I am still in awe over this experience. Our guides were very knowledgeable and a lot of fun. The areas they took us were breath taking. This is most defiantly something I would do again. I will be telling everyone about this.
Written September 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
snowpolarbear
Portland, OR16 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Very wonderful helicopter ride with our pilot Lee. He did an extraordinary job. Don't hesitate to pick NorthStar trekking.
Written September 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SpeedyMeow
Orlando, FL1 contribution
Aug 2023 • Couples
We scheduled a morning tour and it was canceled due to weather, so 10/10 for safety!! Don’t put me in a helicopter unless you’re sure it’s safe. Rebooked for afternoon when it cleared and views were amazing. Glacier trekking guides were patient, informative and showed us some awesome glacier features. Had to keep pinching myself to know it was all real!
Written September 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Libby E
Carson City, NV6 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Booked Helicopter and dog sledding thru NorthStar on a glacier to ensure snow April 2023 for trip Aug. Two days prior, they cancelled trip due to lack of snow. Full refund but the only company that has dog camp on Mendenhall Glacier while others land other glaciers Had to book thru cruise so cost $200 more but worth it last minute. Just book w/Temsco Helicopters and save money and stress!
Written September 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Auntie C
Gillingham, UK67 contributions
Jun 2023 • Solo
My Everest moment! Despite the rain this was brilliant thanks to all the staff from the kitting out team, the helicopter pilot through to the amazing and helpful guides on the glacier. Safety was always No.1 priority and assistance on the ice was brilliant. Thanks for the wonderful photo guys! Recommend this trip 1000%!
Written August 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barbara C
14 contributions
Aug 2023 • Solo
I did the 2 hour glacier hike, and it was outstanding. The helicopter ride was breathtaking. The trek on the glacier was amazing. The guides, Tom and Sabrina, were very knowledgeable and fun. The scenery from the heli and while on the glacier was spectacular. Would definitely like to do again some day! On a scale of 1-10 it was a 10+. Worth every dime.
Written August 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TMW
31 contributions
How is the weather usually doing the 4:00 pm Helicopter Glacier Trek in early July? Is there more of a chance of it being canceled doing it later in the day? Also, when choosing the 4:00 tour, do you pick up from the cruise port at that time, or sooner and start the tour at 4:00? I will probably be getting back from another excursion around 3:30.
NorthStar Helicopters
Juneau, AK
Hello! Thank you for reaching out!
When you book a tour with NorthStar, your tour time is also your pick-up time. If you book through your cruiseship, then, yes, we will pick you up right at the dock. If you book directly with us or through a third party vendor, your pick-up locations and options will vary.
Unfortunately, our weather is difficult to predict and there is no time of day that it is more or less likely to cloud and cause weather cancellations. I can assure you that we want to fly as much as you do, and our only reason for weather cancellation would be out of concern for the safety of our guests and team. Safety, at NorthStar, will always be our priority.
I hope this helps and we will see you soon! Take care,
Cait
Brian O
Dyer, IN85 contributions
What cruise line did all of you go with? I'm going on NCL and I wanted to know if my glacier trek excursion will be this company or another. Also, how long were you all on the glacier?
SoCal Beach Mom
5 contributions
Booked through NCL cruise line. The excursion descriptions are pretty accurate. Our time was about 30 min or less on the glacier because we also did the airboat and heli tour. It was in the description and we knew ahead of time when we booked the excursion. We opted for this tour rather than a 2-3 hour glacier trek.
Mark48328
Waterford, MI166 contributions
Going in June 2018 on Princess. Does the walk about take you to glacier pools and streams which you can drink from. What do you see behind the flats in the pictures?
Mark48328
Waterford, MI166 contributions
... clarification ...what do you see ‘beyond’ the flat areas in the pictures on the walk about....
What is your cancellation policy due to weather?
Shannon H
Juneau, AK
Hello, In response to your question regarding our cancellation policy, if your tour is cancelled due to weather, you will be refunded in full. Thank you for asking and we hope to see you soon in Juneau.
Susan M
Dix Hills, NY38 contributions
Hello. I will be doing the level 2 trek on August 13th with my husband. What should we wear? I've heard "dress in layers", but does that mean long underwear, jeans, and snow pants? Long underwear and jeans? What type of gloves/headwear should I wear?
Shannon H
Juneau, AK
Hello. Dress in layers means different things to people from varied climates, so we appreciate your concern here. For some, it means long underwear, to others, a long sleeve shirt and comfortable hiking pants, such as jeans.
To better assist you with preparations for your tour with us, we recommend that you pack what is appropriate for you in a temperature range of about 45 - 60 degrees fahrenheit and rainy. Rain is expected and anything warmer than this is a treat.
We provide rain and wind protective jacket and pants, however they do not provide much warmth, so at least a fleece or mid-layer of sort is advised. Also provided by us are a light pair of fleece gloves and a helmet, however some do prefer a hat underneath of additional warmth.
We hope this is helpful and welcome any additional questions. Thanks again and we look forward to seeing you soon.
Tripfilip
Chennai District, India61 contributions
hello!
i would like to book a tour with you for this june-
we are coming in on the emerald Princess.
what is the smallest group that you take?
does the no of people on the group make a difference on the cost?
Jessica W
California106 contributions
We booked through our cruise line, Celebrity Cruises. They will provide all the information you need however highly recommend booking early. We tried shopping around and found either the prices were comparable or either the tour groups set aside all there availabilities for the cruise ships and there were no secular openings. And then when we tried to book through the cruise line they were already booked up. Once onboard I went to the excursion desk and asked to be put on a cancellation list, fortunately at the very last minute we were able to squeeze in so if you really have your heart set on this recommend booking as early as possible! Depending on the excursion (ours required a helicopter ride to the glacier) the groups can be very limited as you have to fit into a helicopter with guides. I do not believe the number of your group will make a difference. Hope this helps:)
Jonny B
Broxbourne, UK2 contributions
I'm from the UK and unable to request a brochure via your website. Is it possible to request one sent to the UK or if possible would it possible to know the rough price for the Extended Helicopter Glacier Trek?
Many thanks
Jonny
Shannon H
Juneau, AK
Hi Johnny, thanks for your interest in the Extended Trek. If you get us your email address we can send an electronic copy otherwise we would be happy to send you a paper copy. We can be reached via email at info@ email address on our website.
hawkinlady
Naples, Florida23 contributions
I am unable to locate your "cancellation" policy on your website. I will be arriving via cruise ship (Celebrity-Infinity) but on my last cruise to Alaska on Holland weather would not allow us to port in Juneau, nor Ketchikan .. huge storm! I had booked via the cruise line for a helicopter/glacier trek but of course it was cancelled and my money was credited back to me. I am very excited to plan a second try at this adventure, but am concerned I will loose my money if the ship doesn't go into port when it is scheduled. I want to do this SO much !
thanks ... looking forward to hearing from you. I sent a reservation request to your website.
Shannon H
Juneau, AK
Thanks for checking with us on this. If weather cancels the tour or if your ship can't make it into port than you tour would be 100% refunded. Feel free to give us a call with any other questions. Our toll free number is 866.590.4530.
CDCurtis
Seattle, WA31 contributions
Hi!
What is the age range for these tours? We have family from 4 - 70 traveling with us.
Thanks,
C-
Shannon H
Juneau, AK
Thanks for your interest in our trekking tours. We do have minimum age limits on all three tours but no max age. The Level 1 Walkabout has a minimum age of 8. The Level 2 Trek minimum age is 12 and the Level 3 Extended Trek is 14. Let me know if you have any other questions 866.590.4530