Dolly Varden Tours - Shore Excursions for Independent Travelers

"Thank you all for the fantastic float trip. It was a great experience. Your personal attention was great. I am sending some pictures we took. Hope you enjoy. Thanks again."

Barbara and Paul Pearson

Tony and Shannon Badella

JNU-205 Dog Mushing/Sledding &

Glacier Helicopter Tour (2008)

Imagine yourself on top of a glacier driving a dog team!

A Family Friendly Tour

You will be picked up at your cruise ship dock and transported to the heliport where you will start this very special adventure. The helicopter flight is only one part of this legendary experience that includes flying over the Juneau Ice Field to the dog camp, a kennel tour and the dogsled ride. When you take off, glaciers are seemingly within arm's reach. Glacier-carved mountains will unfold in front of your eyes as you embark on your flight to the camp. When you arrive at your destination, you will share this adventure with 80 Alaskan huskies and hear unique personal accounts of the Iditarod, back country experiences and have an opportunity to ask questions.

FEEL THE EXCITEMENT as the team is hooked up, then….YOU'RE OFF! Imagine yourself standing on the runners of a dog sled with a team of huskies loping across the ancient snowfields nestled among the peaks of the vast Juneau Icefield. The lure of the trail and the thrill of driving a dog team creates this "ULTIMATE EXPERIENCE!" The actual tour is approximately 1.5 hours from lifting off at the heliport to return. You will need to allow a total of 3 hours for transportation to and from the cruise ship dock.

WHAT TO WEAR: Dress warmly and in layers. The temperature on the glacier is usually 10 - 15 degrees cooler than in town. You will be outfitted with a glacier over-boot and rain pants prior to embarking on your trip.. Don't forget your sunglasses! Hats and gloves are available when you arrive at your destination should you forget to bring yours. Remember to bring your camera and plenty of film. These tours are for EVERYONE. No minimum fitness level is required.

Book this adventure in advance so you won’t be disappointed. This excursion is limited to ONLY 6 passengers per hour. This excursion must be paid in full at the time of the booking.

PLEASE NOTE: Passenger names and weights are required by the FAA for weight and balance calculations and flight manifesting. To ensure your safety and comfort, passengers weighing 250 pounds or more will be reserved extra space on board the helicopter and will be required to pay for an additional 1/2 seat.

Frequently Asked Questions About this tour

What is the difference between the JNU-205 and the JNU-215 helicopter dog sledding tour? Here are the differences:

JNU-205 picks you up at the end of your cruise ship dock whereas with the JNU-215 you are met at the Mt. Roberts Tramway parking lot in the middle of the cruise ship - a short walk from any of the cruise ships

JNU-205 goes to the dog camp on the Herbert Glacier whereas JNU-215 goes to the dog camp on the Mendenhall Glacier.

JNU-205 takes 1 helicopter with a maximum of 6 passengers; JNU-215 takes 2 to 4 helicopters at a time with a maximum of 6 passengers in each helicopter.

Are there special rates for children?

No - all prices are per seat

What if our combined weights are under the 250 lb limit - if one person weighs 260 lbs and another person in our group weighs 100 lbs - do we still have to pay the extra "over 250 lb fee" ?

Yes you still pay the additional fee. It is per person, not combined weights.

Can we all drive the sled?

Yes, everyone who wants to will have an opportunity to drive the sled.

What happens if our trip is cancelled due to weather or safety conditions?

If a trip is cancelled due to weather conditions we will try to have you rescheduled. If that does not work or there are no other times available you will be refunded in full. The weather is something no one can control.

You must always either meet your tour or call them depending on what your voucher indicates. Since weather conditions in Juneau may not be the same as on the glacier you CAN NOT assume that a trip will be cancelled just because it is rainy or cloudy where you are.

You may be offered an alternate trip. If you decide to accept the offer, you will be credited the difference in the 2 trips.