Expert: Michael Donaldson - 7/29/2006

Question
Hi Michael. We're going on a cruise to Alaska for the first time. The choices on land/tour excursions are overwhelming. I've been told if we do just one thing, do a helicopter tour over a glacier. My question is, where in Alaska is the glacier viewing best? Our choices are Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, Denali or McKinley leaving from Talkeetna. Any advantage between helicopters or flightseeing? Is the landing on the glacier worth the extra hundred each? Anyway, what's the bottom line, best choice? Thanks so much. Barbara

Answer
Hi Barbara!  

Sounds like you have a nice trip planned, and those are great questions...I'll see if I can help you any.

I'm a little hesitant on picking the "best" place to view glaciers, since the locations you named are ALL great in their own way - some have mountain glaciers, others have tidewater glaciers. They're all so impressive, so beautiful, and so large...but truthfully, once you've seen one or two from the air, there's no telling them apart. So with THAT in mind, the choice is yours Barbara...you would truly not be disappointed taking a chopper or airplace flight over ANY of them.

As far as going by plane or chopper (I've only flown over a few glaciers by airplane), either one has advantages and disadvantages - you'll see more glaciers and cover more area by plane, but you'll fly lower by chopper to get up close and personal to one. But if you're looking for a recommendation, I would highly suggest a chopper ride and then definitely land on one, but ONLY if you're able to get out and walk around.  I've climbed and even spent a night on Gulkana Glacier and it was an experience I'll never forget!  

So bottom line choice in MY opinion?  Denali or Glacier Bay glaciers the 'best' choice; fly by chopper; and pay the extra to land IF you can get out and stroll around.  Hope that helps you some.  If you have any other questions or concerns, let me know Barbara.  Have a wonderful time up in "God's Playground" and bring plenty of film!

 Michael Donaldson