Prince William Sound Helicopter Tour

About the Tour

This glacier Heli tour stands out as our longest and most amazing tour. Our Alaska helicopter tour with glacier landing will provide you with simply unbelievable views. The Alaska arial tours last for 1 hour and 45 minutes, and gives you a stunning view of five Alaskan glaciers. You’ll get the chance to view the Knik, Colony, Lake George, Eklutna, and Whiteout Glaciers, all included in the glacier Heli tours.

We’ll also take you further south into Prince William Sound. Here, you’ll see Harriman, Serpentine, Barry, and Surprise Glaciers, all cascading into Harriman Fjord. A highlight of the tour is a 30-minute landing on one of these glaciers. Priced at $895 per person with a two person minimum. Discover the thrills and beauty of Alaska.

Prince William Sound Helicopter tour availability

See availability and choose a time for your tour. Or read on to find out more about the Prince William Sound Helicopter Tour with Heli Alaska, Inc.

Tour Quick Links

Jump ahead to find out more about each of the points of interest on your Prince William Sound Helicopter Tour with Heli Alaska. This Alaska helicopter tour with its glacier landing introduces you to the stunning Chugach State Park. We’ll cover several magnificent glaciers along our journey, each offering unique views and characteristics. Don’t miss the excellent photography opportunities. We’ll also detail our exciting tour route and share information about other exciting activities available in the region. So buckle up, and get ready for an unforgettable Alaskan adventure tour.

What is Prince William Sound?

Imagine a place where the majestic Kenai Peninsula meets the vibrant Gulf of Alaska. That’s where you’ll find Prince William Sound. Nestled along the Gulf’s southern coast, this wide gulf is adorned with numerous islands that shelter it from the North Pacific Ocean. Among them, Montague and Hinchinbrook Islands are the largest. They stretch from Chenega in the West all the way to Cordova in the East. Prince William Sound boasts an astounding 3,800 miles (6115 km) of coastline, which is wider than the entire U.S.A. So, join us and book your helicopter ride to glacier’s in Alaska today.

What is a Sound anyway?

A sound is a smaller body of water typically linked to the sea or ocean. Yet, there’s some ambiguity about what exactly constitutes a sound. It could refer to an inlet, deeper than a bight and wider than a fjord, or it could be likened to a strait, a narrow sea or channel nestled between two bodies of land.

To the North of Prince William Sound you’ll find the beautiful Chugach State Park and the expansive Chugach National Forest. Holding second place only to the colossal Tongass National Forest in Alaska, which spans an impressive 17 million acres, the Chugach National Forest unfolds over an astounding 6.9 million acres. To give you some perspective, Tongass National Forest is larger than ten U.S. states combined.

Prince William Sound, however, is a hub for aquatic life in Alaska. Home to a variety of marine creatures including whales, sea otters, sea lions, harbor seals, and seabirds, it’s a thriving ecosystem teeming with life. There’s a world of nature waiting to be explored in these waters. All of these can be found and pictured on our Alaska helicopter glacier tour.

History of Prince Willam Sound

Let’s take a step back in history to the time of Captain James Cook. In 1778, he initially named the area ‘Sandwich Sound’ in honor of his patron, the Earl of Sandwich, who had just been appointed as the First Lord of the British Admiralty. Captain Cook’s legacy includes three exploratory voyages between 1768 and 1779, spanning from the Pacific Ocean to New Zealand. Notably, he was the first European to reach the Eastern coast of Australia. Additionally, he completed the first recorded circumnavigation of New Zealand and was the first European to make contact with the Hawaiian Islands.

Later that same year, 1778, the Sound underwent a name change. It was rechristened in honor of King George III’s third son, Prince William Henry. Just 13 years old at the time and serving as a midshipman in the Royal Navy, Prince William Henry lent his name to what we now know as Prince William Sound.

Exploring Prince Willam Sound

In 1790, the explorer Salvador Hidalgo ventured into Prince William Sound. His exploration had a lasting impact, with several places within the region still bearing names he bestowed, such as Port Valdez, Port Gravina, and Cordova. Landing in Cordova, Hidalgo took a significant step – he claimed the land in the name of the King of Spain.

The worlds 2nd largest earthquake

On March 27, 1964, the Good Friday earthquake shook the area. This magnitude 9.2 megathrust earthquake, which lasted four minutes and thirty-eight seconds, was a force to be reckoned with. To date, it stands as the most powerful earthquake in North American history. Its enormous tremors triggered a 27-foot (8.2 m) tsunami, devastating the town of Chenega and obliterating Valdez. Globally, this earthquake remains the second most potent ever recorded.

The crown for the most powerful earthquake, however, goes to the Great Chilean earthquake of 1960 in Valdivia. With its epicenter near Lumaco, this quake sent tsunamis rippling outwards, reaching southern Chile, Hawaii, Japan, the Philippines, eastern New Zealand, southeast Australia, and the Aleutian Islands.

Your landing on a glacier

Walking on glaciers in Alaska is an extraordinary experience, but slipping on the ice? Not so much! So, when we land, your pilot will equip your shoes with crampons for safe exploration. We’ve set aside plenty of time for you to capture stunning photos or videos, wander the icy expanse, admire the vibrant glacial pools, or simply soak in the breathtaking surroundings.

Remember, we’re in Alaska’s Arctic environment, and it can get chilly. So, please pack appropriate attire for your glacier landing.

For those seeking a thrill, consider a dip in the ultimate plunge pool. We guarantee that jumping into icy glacier water is a one-of-a-kind experience. If you’re up for it, don’t forget to bring a change of clothes or a towel. Alternatively, you could indulge in a glacial mud mask – an experience that often costs more than $35 per jar in the shops. Your glacier visit promises an authentic Alaskan experience, from the mud to the mesmerizing views.

Chugach State Park

Video from AlaskaStateParks: Chugach State Park borders Alaska’s largest city, the Municipality of Anchorage, and is a 495,000-acre dream-come-true for outdoor enthusiasts. Once you’ve visited Chugach State Park, you will understand why Alaskans rarely leave the state in summer.

Our Prince William Sound Tour lets you experience our helicopter rides in the region of Anchorage Alaska. Our route meanders through the eastern side of Chugach State Park before extending over southcentral Alaska’s southern coast and into the grandeur of Prince William Sound. Sprawling over 495,204 acres or 2,004 square kilometers, Chugach State Park is an oasis in the south-central coastal region of Alaska. It offers a myriad of experiences, from tranquil meditation to exhilarating sports, appealing to both locals and tourists. Managed by Alaska State Parks and the Alaska Department of Natural Resources, the park safeguards the native wildlife and their habitats for future generations. The Chugach Mountains, renowned for their wild forests and glaciers, are a sight to behold. Bordering the park directly to the east, you’ll find the Chugach National Forest.

Ranking as the third-largest State Park in the U.S., Chugach is only surpassed by California’s Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and Alaska’s own Wood-Tikchik State Park. Chugach State Park could fit New York City, Chicago, and Los Angeles comfortably within its boundaries.

Recreation in Chugach State Park

Chugach State Park holds a unique distinction as the world’s largest wilderness area in close proximity to a major city. While Alaska does have wilder expanses, none can compete with the accessibility and array of activities offered in Chugach State Park. With 280 miles of trails at your disposal from 16 trailheads, the park opens up a world of outdoor adventures. Whether it’s hiking, biking, horseback riding, Scenic helicopter touring, hunting, fishing, camping, gold-panning, ATV riding, snowmobiling, glacier viewing, or photography, there’s something for everyone. Get a bird’s eye view of your next Alaskan adventure tour with a Heli Alaska, Inc tour.

The Chugach Mountains and Glaciers offer a spectacular backdrop for photography enthusiasts. The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife and unique landscapes. It houses nearly all mammalian species found in Alaska- more than 45 species. Studies indicate that the park spread over 495,000 acres, is home to over 1,000 moose, 40 brown bears, 80 black bears, 2,000 Dall sheep, a wolf pack, and populations of lynx, beavers, river otters, foxes, and mountain goats.

Knik vs Prince William Sound Tours

Our Prince William Sound Scenic Helicopter Tour from Anchorage, which offers some of the best hikes in Alaska, provides a stunning view of nine distinct glaciers, including four that you won’t see on our Heli Alaska Knik Glacier Tour. Unique to this journey are the Harriman, Serpentine, Barry, and Surprise Glaciers. On both helitours, you’ll soar above the Knik, Colony, Lake George, Eklutna, and Whiteout Glaciers, capturing the splendor of these icy giants from an unrivaled vantage point.

Harriman Glacier

PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND TOUR ONLY

The Harriman Glacier, stretching 8 miles or 13 km long, graces the northwest region of Prince William Sound. Its end point, or terminus, nestles at the head of Harriman Fjord. Among the nine named glaciers flowing into this fjord, the Harriman stands out. Its name stems from the 1899 Harriman Alaska Expedition, in honor of Edward H. Harriman. Harriman, an affluent American financier and railroad magnate, funded the journey. Born in New York, Harriman provided for a complete refit of the luxury steamer SS George W. Elder, stretching 250 feet or 76 meters, for the expedition. This Alaska trip brought eminent scientists and naturalists to the coastline to catalog its rich variety of flora and fauna.

Why did Harriman head north?

In early 1899, one of America’s most influential men, Edward H. Harriman, was diagnosed with exhaustion. His doctor’s prescription? A lengthy vacation. Thus, Harriman set his sights north, to Alaska, initially to hunt Kodiak bears. Some speculated he was also eyeing new railroad prospects. Either way, the Harriman expedition was underway.

The Harriman Glacier is a tidewater glacier, its terminal edge extending directly into the sea. Towering an estimated 300 feet or 91m above Harriman Fjord, this glacier’s face is an awe-inspiring sight. It’s sustained by several unnamed feeder glaciers nestled in the mountains, to the north of Whittier along the coast.

Whittier, a town of just over 270 people and the site of the former U.S. Army’s Camp Sullivan, is located roughly 58 miles (93 km) southeast of Anchorage. Uniquely, it’s only accessible over land via the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, North America’s second-longest highway tunnel. At an impressive 13,300 feet in length, this tunnel also holds the title as the longest combined rail and highway tunnel on the continent.

Serpentine Glacier

PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND TOUR ONLY

Nestled inland, north of Harriman Fjord and northeast of Harriman Glacier, lies the Serpentine Glacier. This glacier, named during the Harriman Expedition of 1899, is surrounded by Mount Gilbert to the north and Mount Muir to the west. Thanks to the high precipitation rates and mountainous terrain of the Chugach region, this area hosts the most extensive glaciated terrain in Alaska.

Three great names in geology and Alaskan exploration grace the area around the Serpentine Glacier: Harriman, Gilbert, and Muir. Mount Gilbert has earned honors both nationally and beyond Earth. Besides Alaska’s Mount Gilbert, there are lunar and Martian craters named for him, along with another Mount Gilbert in California.

John Muir made his first Alaskan visit before the Harriman Expedition, but he joined them aboard the SS George W. Elder in 1899. Muir holds a prominent place as the first of many distinguished scientists and naturalists to explore the Gulf of Alaska. His pioneering research introduced this extraordinary region to the world, contributing significantly to the Harriman Expedition. Muir’s final journey to Glacier Bay was as part of this expedition. Despite his misgivings about the grandeur of the event, he participated and is considered a cornerstone in the early science of glaciology.

Barry Glacier

PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND TOUR ONLY

North of Harriman Fjord, you’ll find Barry Glacier. This glacier stretches 16 miles or 25 km, running southwest from its accumulation zone to its toe in the northeast of the fjord. The National Tsunami Warning Center has identified Barry Glacier as a Landslide and Tsunami Hazard. Owing to the current melting, a slow-motion landslide, which has been centuries in the making, is now more likely. Chunli Dai from The Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center at Ohio State University has commented, ‘We are measuring this loss of land before the tsunami occurs.’

From 2010 to 2017, researchers estimate the slope shifted about 120 meters, and climate change is quickening this process. Before 2006, the thinning rate was less than three feet or a meter per year. Now, the melting rate has surged to about 130 ft or 40 meters per year. Simulations show that a collapse would trigger a tsunami wave reaching 32 feet or nearly 10 meters. Due to this ongoing threat, the State of Alaska has placed restrictions on travel in the area.

Captain Edwin F. Glen named the glacier in 1898 after Colonel Thomas Henry Barry. Glen was a member of an expedition tasked with charting a route to the Klondike gold fields from this area.

Surprise Glacier

PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND TOUR ONLY

Get ready to witness the most active tidewater glacier in Prince William Sound – the Surprise Glacier. Best known for its frequent calving, the Surprise Glacier is a major tourist attraction in the Gulf. This spectacular phenomenon, where enormous blocks of ice break off and crash into the waters of Prince William Sound, is a sight to behold. Accompanied by thunderous cracking sounds, these ice blocks create potentially dangerous waves upon impact. From the secure vantage point of our Alaska helicopter ride, you’ll have the perfect spot to safely marvel at this breathtaking spectacle. Among the 100 named glaciers in Prince William Sound, the Surprise Glacier is a must-see. This glacier, like many others in the area, owes its name to the members of the 1899 Harriman Alaska Expedition.

Knik Glacier

PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND & KNIK GLACIER TOUR

Located in the northern reaches of the Chugach Mountains, east of Anchorage, the Knik Glacier is a frozen wonderland. Spanning an average of over 25 miles (40 km) in length and over 5 miles (8 km) in width, the glacier’s icy expanse is roughly four times the size of Manhattan Island. Scientists estimate that this monumental wall of ice, the Knik Glacier, reaches a thickness of about 400 feet (120 m). That’s the equivalent of a 28-story building made entirely of ice. That’s around half the height of the Eiffel Tower and 20% taller than Niagara Falls.

The terminus of the Knik Glacier stretches across 5 miles. As the glacier calves, it forms icebergs that plunge into the lake below, leaving behind vast floating chunks of ice visible from above. While the glacier itself is inaccessible by road, intrepid visitors can reach it via helicopter, plane, or boat.

In winter, some adventurous fat bike riders and hikers, typically donned in snowshoes, embark on an 8-mile journey across the land to reach the glacier. However, none of these methods provide the same comprehensive access and sweeping views as Alaska arial tours. Walking on glaciers in Alaska is great, but getting a unique birds-eye-perspective is truly unbelievable

The term ‘Knik’ is derived from the Inupiaq word ‘igniq’, meaning ‘fire’. To delve deeper into the wonders of the Knik Glacier, you can visit www.alaska.org.

Colony Glacier

PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND & KNIK GLACIER TOUR

Nestled to the south of Knik Glacier is Colony Glacier, also known as “Diltishi Bena Li’a,” sitting at an altitude of 1037 feet (316 meters). This glacier is a sight to behold, as it frequently calves ice into Inner Lake George. Eastward, the imposing Mount Gilbert, standing tall at 9638 feet (2938 meters), overlooks the glacier. This peak was named in honor of Grove Karl Gilbert, who was a part of the Harriman Expedition that explored the area in 1899 while serving the U.S. Geological Survey.

As you observe the glacier, you may notice a distinct line of debris marking the place where two ice flows converge. This formation, known as a moraine, consists of rock and soil transported by the merging ice flows. The presence of this moraine delineates the different pressures exerted by each side of the flow, a fascinating demonstration of glacial geomorphology.

Inner Lake George

PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND & KNIK GLACIER TOUR

Calving into Lake George

During our helitours, we have the privilege of witnessing the occasional calving of Colony Glacier, where the glacier’s edge dramatically meets Lake George. The steep face of the glacier showcases a breathtaking sequence of icefalls, akin to waterfalls in a river. The surrounding landscapes envelop us with awe-inspiring vistas, including magnificent waterfalls, vibrant green slopes, and jaw-dropping scenery. In this remarkable setting, photographers are presented with unparalleled opportunities to capture the sheer beauty of Colony Glacier and its surroundings. The combination of these natural wonders ensures an ideal backdrop for capturing stunning photographs that encapsulate the pristine essence of this remarkable environment.

The self-dumping glacier

Lake George, once the largest glacier-dammed lake in North America, holds a fascinating history. For nearly five decades, from year to year, it experienced regular self-dumping. The outlet connecting Lake George to the Knik River would become obstructed by the advancing Knik Glacier during the winter months. As winter progressed, the lake would fill with glacial meltwater and calving ice. However, when summer arrived, the relentless pressure of the meltwater would rupture the Knik Glacier ice dam, unleashing a colossal torrent as Lake George swiftly drained into the Knik River. Recognizing the significance of this natural phenomenon, the United States designated Lake George as a National Natural Landmark in 1967.

Film from Alaska Film Archives – UAF

Historical footage from the Alaska Film Archives captures the captivating moment when the Knik Glacier gave way, allowing the meltwater from Lake George to surge into the Knik River. This natural occurrence unleashed an immense volume of water, possibly in the range of thousands, if not millions, of gallons. Sadly, due to the effects of global warming, this extraordinary event has not occurred since 1967. The receding Knik Glacier no longer forms a dam that holds back Lake George, making it uncertain if the lake will ever self-empty again. The video provided above features excerpts from AAF-10633, sourced from the Stewart’s Photo Shop collection. For further details, please visit the Alaska Film Archives directly.

Lake George Glacier

PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND & KNIK GLACIER TOUR

Located south of Colony Glacier and the once self-emptying Lake George is the Lake George Glacier. Embraced by the majestic Chugach Mountains, it rests at an elevation of 2644 feet (805m). Situated southwest of the Colony Glacier, the two are separated by the prominent Crown Peak, towering at an impressive height of 6000 feet (1820m). Most glaciers around the world are subjected to shifts and melting. The Lake George Glacier exhibits a relatively stable state, maintaining a mostly static nature with a distinct and abrupt terminus. Being landlocked and partially shielded from the mass balance issues faced by other glaciers, it has managed to achieve a certain level of stability by comparison.

Eklutna Glacier

PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND & KNIK GLACIER TOUR

Northwest of Lake George Glacier lies the land-terminating Eklutna Glacier, locally known as “Idlu Bena Li’a.” This glacier plays a crucial role as the primary source of freshwater for Eklutna Lake and serves as the origin of drinking water for the city of Anchorage, Alaska. Eklutna Glacier boasts a dual-branch structure, with its main section flowing northward and a second, steeper channel originating from the west. Stretching across 6 miles (10 km) in length, the glacier elevates from 1900 feet (580 m) to an impressive 6889 feet (2100 m) in the upper accumulation zone. This remarkable glacier offers a unique and awe-inspiring sight during both the Knik Glacier and Prince William Sound Tours.

Regrettably, Eklutna Glacier is undergoing a significant reduction in size due to the escalating global temperatures observed year after year. This in a negative mass balance for the glacier, with the amount of annual melting exceeding its ability to regenerate during the winter months. This will have severe consequences, leading to a decline in the freshwater supply for Eklutna Lake and the nearly 300,000 people residing in Anchorage.

Adding to this challenge is the presence of the Eklutna Hydroelectric Project. This hydroelectric facility, generating 40 megawatts of power, serves the energy needs of more than 24,000 residents in the Anchorage area, which also offers some of the best hikes in Alaska. Notably, it stands as the most cost-effective renewable energy provider in southcentral Alaska. For further details about the Eklutna Hydroelectric Project, you can visit their website at Eklutna Hydro.

Lake Eklutna

Eklutna Lake, known as Idlu Bena in the Dena’ina language, is a picturesque lake spanning 3,520 acres (1,423 hectares) in the Municipality of Anchorage, Alaska. With a width of approximately 1 mile (1.6 km) and a length of 7 miles (11 km), it graces the landscape with its impressive size. The origins of its name can be traced back to Russian traders who explored the region during the 18th century under the leadership of Aleksandr Baranov. “Eklutna” translates to “lake near a place where there are many ferns,” paying homage to the lush flora in the vicinity. Notably, Eklutna Lake is the second-largest lake in Alaska, with only Kilbuck Lake, spanning 4,314 acres (1,744 hectares), surpassing it in size. Kilbuck Lake is situated approximately 5 miles (8 km) northeast of Eklutna Lake within the Municipality of Greater Anchorage.

Whiteout Glacier

PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND & KNIK GLACIER TOUR

The Whiteout Glacier, in conjunction with the nearby Whiteout Peak, holds significance in the history of mountaineering and military training in Alaska. In 1963, the Mountaineering Club of Alaska constructed the Whiteout Glacier Cabin as part of the Eklutna Traverse route. This cabin served as a refuge for travelers seeking shelter before ascending the challenging 6,818 feet (2,078 meters) Whiteout Peak. Over time, the cabin’s name was changed to Hans Hut, and Alaska’s Digital Archive has preserved three decades’ worth of traveler’s notes from the cabin’s journal. To explore more about this historical site, you can visit the Alaska Digital Archive.

From the 1950s to the mid-1970s, the Whiteout and Eklutna Glaciers played a role in military training activities. The U.S. military utilized these glaciers as training grounds for honing skills in cross-country skiing, rappelling, and glacier travel safety, particularly in preparation for potential arctic warfare scenarios. The Alaskan winter provided an ideal testing environment for the military, given the Cold War tensions. This was due to the need to be prepared for potential conflicts in Northern Europe, building upon the experiences gained during World War II.

Photography during your trip

Having a private helicopter ride to glacier’s can open many opportunities for photography. Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the world’s most densely glaciated region on the Prince William Sound Tour. This Alaska helicopter excursion takes you soaring over eight magnificent glaciers. Glaciers are a remarkable testament to the relentless forces of nature, and witnessing their grandeur firsthand is truly awe-inspiring. While glacial calving, the process of ice breaking off into the water, is a captivating sight, please note that we cannot guarantee its occurrence on every tour. However, certain times of the year are more favorable for observing this phenomenon. Our trip is one of the best helicopter experience days you can find in Alaska for photography.

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For photography enthusiasts seeking the best opportunities to capture specific shots or wildlife during your tour, we recommend connecting with our Chief Pilot, Robert. As an experienced photographer himself, he possesses valuable insights and expertise that can greatly enhance your photography experience. In fact, Robert might even be your guide during the tour, offering valuable guidance and assistance to help you capture the most stunning shots. To learn more and discuss your photography interests, please feel free to reach out to us by sending a message through our contact page.

Your Prince William Sound Tour flight

We have partnerships with community businesses in the Mat-Su Valley. Our tours can start or end at our hangar, the Mat-Su Resort dock, or the back lawn at Lake Lucille Inn, providing convenient and accessible locations for our guests. To find our hangar visit our contact page or call us for further details.

Take the Prince William Sound Tour aboard one of Heli Alaska’s R44 helicopters through the awe-inspiring landscapes of Chugach State Park. Our skilled pilots are exceptional guides, possessing extensive knowledge of the area, its wildlife, glaciers, and rich history. Whats more cloudy days offer equally breathtaking experiences compared to sunny ones. In fact, overcast days often provide the most dramatic and captivating views, showcasing the immense beauty of the surroundings.

Our Location:

Hanger #4,

4130 West Aviation Ave.,

Wasilla, Alaska

Booking your Prince William Sound tour

Is the Prince William Sound Tour the perfect addition to your Alaskan adventure? It is simple to book online or over the phone with Heli Alaska for your private helicopter rides in Anchorage, Alaska today. Use our website’s automated booking system today. Choose passenger numbers and dates for your flight. Easily book on a mobile device or desktop computer. Do you have further questions? Don’t hesitate to contact us.

Please let us know if anyone on your Alaska trip is concerned about flying. We are more than happy to talk passengers through the tour. Alternatively, where possible, we can make arrangements to improve the experience you have. Feel free to get in contact if you have any questions about this using the contact page. We love flying and think you will too. However, we understand everyone is different, so we will be happy to assist you wherever possible.

Do you feel the Prince William Sound Tour is not quite what you want? Or if you’d like to discuss customizing your helicopter experience days, Give us a call, and we’d be happy to accommodate your needs.

Prince William Sound Helicopter Tour availability

See availability and choose a time for your tour. Or read on to find out more about the Prince William Sound Helicopter Tour with Heli Alaska, Inc.

Our Location:

Hanger #4,

4130 West Aviation Ave.,

Wasilla, Alaska