Norris Adventure: Seaplane, Paddle and Glacier Hike

Juneau , United States

Norris Adventure: Seaplane, Paddle and Glacier Hike

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(12 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Experience 3 iconic Alaskan adventures—flightseeing, glacier hiking, and packrafting—all in just 5 hours!
This Packraft adventure begins with a scenic flight that will head towards the mouth of the Taku Inlet. After landing on the Norris Glacier fed lake, hike over the glacially carved terrain to a cove where your packraft awaits. From here, you will be outfitted in single person packrafts and introduced paddling techniques by your guides. Once you launch your packraft, your paddle to the glacier will take you past ice bergs to the Norris Glacier.
As you approach the glacier, prepare to beach your boat right on the Norris Glacier. Trade out paddles for micro-spikes and explore the moonscape-like area of the glacier all by foot and get panoramic views of Norris and Taku glaciers. Look for crevasses, glacier pools, moulins, and other incredible ice features. Upon completion of your glacier hike, paddle back to shore. Your floatplane awaits to take you back to Juneau.

Available options

Norris Adventure: Seaplane, Paddle and Glacier Hike

Pickup included

What's included

Bottled water

Roundtrip van and floatplane transportation

Snacks

Paddling and safety instructions

Rain gear and rubber boots

Forest Service Fees

All necessary paddling and glacier equipment

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Guests will be transported from pick up location to main office. At the main office guests will be outfitted in gear and have a chance to use the restrooms.

Stop 2

Transport to the floatplane pond, followed by a 25 minute scenic flight to the Norris Glacier.

Stop 3

During the Norris Glacier adventure, guests will hike, packraft, and trek on the glacier's surface. Following this experience, a floatplane will transport guests back to Juneau.

Stop 4

Guests will return to the main office to de-gear and be transported back to pick up location.

What's not included

Guide Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

11 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness

Clients will be outfitted in single passenger packrafts.

A specific amount of time on the ice cannot be guaranteed. The amount of time on the glacier is dependent on the group's pace and weather conditions.

Visiting specific features such as ice caves, moulins, etc. cannot be guaranteed. Your guide will assess potential hazards on the trip to determine if a particular area is safe to trek upon or enter.

Clients must be able and conditioned to paddle 1 hour roundtrip, know how to swim, and hike on uneven terrain up to 2 miles.

Minimum age is 10 years old. There is a weight restriction of 250 pounds per participant due to plane carrying capacity.

Minimum requirement to operate this tour is 4 guests. With group departures we try to maximize our trip capacity and subsequently may need to alter the time to accommodate additional customers. If your trip's departure time changes we will notify you as soon as possible.

Due to the inherent risks involved in this type of tour, pregnant guests are not permitted to participate.

This trip operates in all weather conditions (barring unsafe conditions, to be determined by ABAK) – please dressing appropriately.

Clients must disclose information regarding pertinent medical conditions/history, allergies and any type of restriction or limitation that might introduce a higher degree of challenge on this trip.

RELEASE OF LIABILITY/ASSUMPTION OF RISK FORM: Every participant on the trip must sign a Release of Liability/Assumption of Risk form at the start of the trip. Alterations and/or deletions to the waiver are not permitted.

Safety harnesses fit up to 42 inch waist size and 28" inch leg size. Not able to accommodate larger waist/leg sizes.

You must include the following in the comments section when booking: raingear & shoe sizes for each passenger, (for adult men and women, S-XXL and youth, S-L) and any pertinent medical information. Smallest shoe size that can be accommodated is Youth 2 and largest is Adult 14.

Maximum weight is 250 lbs per person

Meeting point

Located at the base of the Mt. Roberts Tramway, the C-Sign is ABAK’s primary downtown meeting location for cruise passengers and clients staying in the downtown area.

About Juneau

Juneau, the capital of Alaska, is a unique blend of rugged wilderness and vibrant city life. Nestled between the Gastineau Channel and towering mountains, it offers stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and abundant outdoor adventures. As the only U.S. state capital accessible only by boat or plane, Juneau provides a sense of remoteness and untouched wilderness that is truly unparalleled.

Top Attractions

Mendenhall Glacier

Mendenhall Glacier is one of Juneau's most iconic natural attractions. This massive river of ice is surrounded by lush forests and offers stunning views, hiking trails, and opportunities for wildlife viewing.

Nature 2-4 hours Free (Visitor Center has a small fee for some exhibits)

Juneau-Douglas City Museum

The Juneau-Douglas City Museum offers a fascinating look into the history and culture of Juneau and the surrounding region. Housed in a historic building, the museum features exhibits on the Gold Rush, Native Alaskan heritage, and the city's development.

Historical 1-2 hours Free (donations appreciated)

Tracy Arm Fjord

Tracy Arm Fjord is a breathtaking natural wonder located about 70 miles south of Juneau. This stunning fjord is home to towering waterfalls, glaciers, and an abundance of wildlife, including seals, bears, and bald eagles.

Nature Full day Varies by tour operator (typically $150-$250 per person)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Alaskan King Crab

A delicacy in Alaska, Alaskan King Crab is known for its sweet and tender meat. It is typically steamed or boiled and served with butter or in crab dishes like crab legs or crab cakes.

Dinner Gluten-free, but check for any allergens in sauces or accompaniments.

Salmon

Alaskan salmon is renowned for its freshness and flavor. It can be grilled, baked, or smoked and is often served with local sides like roasted vegetables or wild rice.

Dinner Gluten-free, but check for any allergens in sauces or accompaniments.

Bannock

A traditional Alaskan bread made with flour, baking powder, and water, often cooked over an open fire. It can be sweet or savory and is a staple in Alaskan cuisine.

Snack Vegetarian, but may contain gluten.

Popular Activities

Hiking Kayaking Wildlife viewing Scenic boat tours Visiting museums and cultural attractions Enjoying local cuisine and shopping Visiting the Juneau-Douglas City Museum Attending local festivals and events

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season in Juneau, offering the warmest weather and the best conditions for outdoor activities. The long daylight hours, known as the 'Midnight Sun,' provide ample time for exploration. Wildlife is active, and the city hosts numerous festivals and events.

10°C to 18°C 50°F to 64°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish, Tagalog
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Alaska Time Zone (AKT, UTC-9)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Juneau is generally a safe city for visitors, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure, especially in crowded areas.
• Use licensed and reputable tour operators for outdoor activities and adventures.
• Let someone know your plans and expected return time when exploring the wilderness or hiking in remote areas.

Getting there

By air

Juneau International Airport • 12 km (7.5 miles) from city center

Getting around

Public transport

The Juneau Transit System offers affordable and convenient bus service throughout the city. Buses are well-maintained and frequent, making it easy to get around without a car.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Juneau Taxi

Rentals

Car, Bike

Neighborhoods

Downtown Juneau West Juneau North Douglas

Day trips

Tracy Arm Fjord

113 km (70 miles) • Full day

Glacier Bay National Park

160 km (100 miles) • Full day

Glacier Bay National Park is a stunning natural wonder located about 100 miles west of Juneau. The park is home to numerous glaciers, mountains, and wildlife, including whales, bears, and bald eagles.

Admiralty Island National Monument

48 km (30 miles) • Full day

Admiralty Island National Monument is a stunning natural wonder located about 30 miles south of Juneau. The island is home to the largest concentration of bald eagles in the world, as well as a variety of other wildlife, including bears, seals, and whales.

Festivals

Alaska Folk Festival • April Juneau Jazz & Classics Music Festival • June Juneau WhaleFest • November

Pro tips

Pack layers and waterproof clothing, as weather in Juneau can be unpredictable and change rapidly.
Book tours and accommodations in advance, especially during the summer tourist season, as they can fill up quickly.
Bring a camera and binoculars for wildlife viewing and photography, as Juneau is home to a variety of unique and majestic animals.
Try local Alaskan cuisine, including fresh seafood, game, and unique dishes like bannock and akutaq.
Explore the city's museums and cultural attractions to learn about the rich history and heritage of Juneau and the surrounding region.