Why The Wings Airways Taku Lodge Seaplane Tour Is tHE Must-Do Glacier Experience in Juneau, Alaska (2025 Guide)
Introduction:
Imagine soaring in a sea plane over a vast, snow capped mountain range only to land at a historic lodge to feast on a fresh salmon lunch cooked over an Alder fire with incredible views over a glacier! Oh and did I mention you might have a chance to see bears?! Juneau is the only U.S. capital city only accessible by boat or plane. Completely surrounded by the Juneau Ice Field and the Coast Mountain range- Juneau offers endless opportunities to experience the natural beauty of Alaska. We embarked on an epic 3 hour journey with Wings Airways Taku Lodge Tour Company in July 2025. Here’s why the Wings Airways Taku Lodge Tour is THE must-do glacier experience in Juneau.
To Explore Wings Airways Tour Offerings
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1. What is the wings airways taku lodge experience?
This 3 hour experience begins in Downtown Juneau within walking distance of the bustling cruise port. The immersive experience begins with boarding a DaHavilland Otters float plane with window seats for each passenger. You will enjoy an automated audio guide of Juneau and the surrounding area as you climb above the remote Alaskan wilderness. Nothing can prepare you for seeing the 1500 mile ice field with a birds eye view including almost 40 minutes of total air flight time. Your flight experience will include 5 different glaciers and air views of the Tongass National Forest before landing on the Taku River. You will spend 2 hours on the Taku Lodge Property and have the opportunity to explore the trails with a guide, bask in the Hole-In-The Wall glacier views and enjoy a Salmon feast prepared and served by the amazing Taku Lodge staff. If you are lucky, you may even have the chance to encounter bears that inhabit the area and watch them devour the scraps of your lunch from the grill pit! You’ll be flown back over the Ice Field for even more stunning views to arrive back in Downtown Juneau.
2. The Highlights of The Taku Lodge Tour
We could not pick just one highlight of this incredible tour because the entire experience was jaw-dropping from start to finish. The Taku Lodge itself and the entire staff offer an exceptional five star experience.
- Flight views over the Alaska wilderness: These views are some of the most spectacular views we have seen in the world. We recommend sitting on the same side of the plane in both directions because you will fly back over seeing different landscapes returning to Juneau. You will fly over 5 different glaciers: Taku Glacier, Norris Glacier, East Tower Glacier, West Tower Glacier and Hole-In-The Wall Glacier which you will witness up close from the Taku Lodge.
“Alaska is at present one of the most wonderful wildernesses left on the earth- and if it is ever spoiled, it will be the greatest piece of vandalism ever committed.“
JOHN MUIR
2. The Taku Lodge Property: As you descend down onto the “runway” of the Taku River, you’ll delight in the beauty of this rustic property. This historic Lodge built in 1923 as a remote hunting and fishing lodge offers some incredible stories told by the staff over your delicious lunch. Rich in history and hosted by 10 summer staff; you will feel like a VIP guest in the remote Alaskan Wilderness. For more information about the History of the Taku Lodge. Your lunch will be served shorty after your arrival but you will have plenty of time to wander the property and take in the stunning views over the Taku River.
3. The Opportunity to see Bears Up Close: We were incredibly lucky to arrive on a day when Hans decided to pay a visit. The staff maintains the upmost safety protocols for both its guests and the bears. We spent the entire visit witnessing his wanderings and getting a little information about his history in the area. Please note that bear sitings are not guaranteed and even without this unique encounter, our time on this tour was more than extraordinary.
3. Alaskan Salmon Bake: What You’ll Eat
Feast is an understatement- this meal is last supper worthy so come VERY hungry! Portions are large and there is even an opportunity for seconds!
The Taku Lodge Tour Menu includes:
- Wild Alaskan Salmon grilled over an open outdoor Alderwood fire. You may also choose chicken if prefer.
- Special Slow Cooked beans
- Fresh Cole-slaw
- Pioneer Fruit Compote: this was one of my favorites! Apples and berries- so YUM!
- Alaska Sour Dough Bread
- Savory Herb Biscuits
- Famous Taku Lounge Ginger Cookies
- Hot Russian Tea
- Coffee
- Lemonade or Water- chilled with actual Glacial Ice!
- Beer and Wine offered at an additional cost
Booking Tips and What You need To Know
Alaskan weather is fickle and rain and low cloud cover are common. We booked our tour a week ahead of time and found good availability however, we recommend booking earlier if you are coming on a cruise. We were actually canceled on the day we were scheduled to embark and Wings Airways will completely refund your costs if they are not able to re-schedule. Trust me, it can be disappointing but they will only fly in safe conditions and when they can offer the highest quality tour. We were able to get a booking the following day and were grateful for the clearer skies and incredible views. Wings Airways run multiple daily offerings on multiple planes so we were grateful for the staff that helped us re-book. Wings Airways offers two different tours: The 5 Glacier Exploration featuring 40 minutes of flight time only ( $275-$325) and the Taku Lodge Feast & 5-Glacier Seaplane Exploration ($425-475).
Book Taku Lodge Feast and 5-Glacier Seaplane Discovery
Disclosure: “This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.”
Why the Taku Lodge Feast & 5-Glacier Exploration is Worth The extra Money
If you have been following our blog, you know that we only spend money on tours when the experience offers exceptional value and we aren’t able to duplicate the experience on a self-explored itinerary. We know… the price tag of this experience hurts the wallet a bit at almost $500 per person after taxes. After we arrived at Taku Lodge, we all looked at each other and said, “Wow, this was so worth every penny!” and we hadn’t even had lunch or seen Hans (the bear) yet! Despite the large group, Wings Airways does an exceptional job organizing and leading you through an authentic Alaskan journey that will live in your memories. So much of Juneau’s natural beauty is free to access so if you are looking for that splurge on that one thing- this is where we recommend spending your money! The 5-Glacier tour would offer you the incredible sky-line views but the value in an additional 2 hours in remote Alaska, close up views of Hole-In-The-Wall Glacier and the opportunity for wild life sitings is well worth the additional $150/$200 for a more immersive experience and an exceptional meal.
What to Wear/Pack:
Wear comfortable shoes/ waterproof boots and bring a raincoat! The weather is always changing so it’s best to be prepared with a warm and waterproof layer. We also recommend bug spray as the forest can get pretty buggy along the nature trails. Camera/Cell phone for pictures are a must and binoculars could be helpful when looking for eagles!
Accessibility and Safety
Wings Airways offers some assistance for guest with mobility limitations but you will need to be able to navigate 5-6 steps to enter and exit the plane. Please reach out for additional assistance in the form of ramps and/or golf cart on the Taku Lodge property.
Wings Airways Commitment to Sustainability
We always love supporting companies that place sustainability at the top of their priorities. Our natural wonders are deteriorating at a rapid pace and Wings Airways has implemented programs and best practices to support conservation sustainability.
Since 2009, Adventure Green Alaska (AGA) has recognized and promoted model Alaska tourism businesses who practice economic, environmental, social and cultural sustainability. Certified by AGA, Wings Airways shares the following Priorities:
Our Sustainability Priorities
- Ensure that all employees understand our sustainability policy
- We will share and protect the historical significance of the aviation industry
- We will share and protect the historical significance of the Juneau Icefield
- We will share and protect the historical significance of the Taku Lodge
- We will share and protect the Juneau Icefield
- We will share and protect the Tongass National Forest
“We understand that our industry has impacts. Our commitment is to do everything in our power to minimize any negative impacts on the local environment and the community. Ensuring every employee feels a part of our sustainability mission allows us to share in the responsibility and as an entire organization. We are constantly learning and commit ourselves to growing our sustainability practices.“
Wings Airways
Conclusion
Booking the Taku Lodge Feast and 5- Glacier Discovery tour may come with a hefty price tag but if you are looking for one iconic Alaskan experience, this tour offers exceptional value and supports one of Juneau’s most reputable local companies. We hope you agree why
