Taku Glacier Lodge
Experience Alaska's wild heart with a scenic floatplane flight to a historic lodge, complete with a delicious salmon feast.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for glacier views
Taku Glacier Lodge
Best Time
Best light for glacier views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience Alaska's wild heart with a scenic floatplane flight to a historic lodge, complete with a delicious salmon feast.
"The number one excursion in Juneau, Alaska is WINGS AIRWAYS and TAKU Lodge!"
🎯 Book Floatplane in Advance
Tours fill up fast! Book your Wings Airways flight to Taku Lodge well ahead of your cruise.
🐻 Wildlife Sightings Possible
Keep an eye out for bears (like Hans!) and other wildlife, but sightings aren't guaranteed.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Scenic Floatplane Flight
Over the Juneau Icefield
Soar over glaciers, snowfields, and waterfalls for breathtaking aerial views of Alaska's rugged beauty.
Historic Taku Glacier Lodge
On the shores of Taku Inlet
Step back in time at this century-old lodge, a registered historic place offering a cozy and authentic Alaskan atmosphere.
Fresh Alaskan Salmon Bake
Taku Glacier Lodge dining hall
Savor a delicious, freshly caught and cooked salmon feast, often prepared over a fire pit, a true taste of Alaska.
Glacier Trail Walk
Near Taku Glacier Lodge
Enjoy a peaceful stroll along a scenic path offering glimpses of the glacier and surrounding temperate rainforest.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Floatplane Adventure Early
Embrace the Remote Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Floatplane in Advance
Tours fill up fast! Book your Wings Airways flight to Taku Lodge well ahead of your cruise.
🐻 Wildlife Sightings Possible
Keep an eye out for bears (like Hans!) and other wildlife, but sightings aren't guaranteed.
💧 Bug Spray Recommended
Mosquitoes can be present on trails. The lodge provides bug spray, but it's good to have your own.
📸 Capture the Views
The flight and lodge offer incredible photo opportunities. Don't forget your camera!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Floatplane in Advance
Tours fill up fast! Book your Wings Airways flight to Taku Lodge well ahead of your cruise.
🐻 Wildlife Sightings Possible
Keep an eye out for bears (like Hans!) and other wildlife, but sightings aren't guaranteed.
💧 Bug Spray Recommended
Mosquitoes can be present on trails. The lodge provides bug spray, but it's good to have your own.
📸 Capture the Views
The flight and lodge offer incredible photo opportunities. Don't forget your camera!
💰 Worth the Splurge
While pricey, many visitors find the Taku Lodge experience to be a highlight and well worth the cost.
🧊 Try the Glacier Ice
Enjoy a drink with authentic glacier ice for a unique Alaskan taste!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Taku Glacier Lodge for its breathtaking floatplane journey, delicious salmon bake, and the unique charm of the historic, remote setting. The experience is often described as a highlight of any Juneau visit, with many finding it well worth the cost despite its premium price point. While wildlife sightings aren't guaranteed, the overall atmosphere and natural beauty leave a lasting positive impression.
"The short 15 min flight offers breathtaking views of glaciers, snowfields and waterfalls. Once at Taku Lodge we were welcomed by the resident dogs (super friendly and didn’t bother us, just loved the planes landing and people visiting ) and short walk up a mild incline walking path to the lodge. There’s a gift shop so if you like souvenirs, you can grab a small cookbook which offers the recipes to every item you have for the salmon bake. Other items were their pretty plates used to serve the food, coffee mugs, T-shirts, ornaments, books about the lodge, and other typical souvenirs (magnets keychains etc. ). While we didn’t see any bears or other wildlife on our visit, we did see hummingbirds feeding while we ate dinner. Three groups before us saw bears.
Upon entering the lodge we were greeted and offered drinks and given the opportunity to walk the grounds and sample the berries grown on the property. Do take advantage of this if you can, they were SO good. The walking path along the glacier trail was peaceful, and offered slight views of the glacier views through the trees while walking along trail beside the lake. We didn’t have issues with mosquitoes but they offered bug spray just in case as they can’t be prevalent on the trails. The meal was generous and delicious, sides included with same generous portions. We loved every moment of our time there. After eating you can take a guided tour on the trail or stay back and soak up the glacier views through before returning to Juneau. This trip and the cost were absolutely worth it. Compared to other offers in Juneau this was by far our favorite and I will definitely go back if we return to Juneau again."
Dawn Miller
"This is a must do when in Juneau!
As a Juneau once long time local, I love visiting Taku Glacier Lodge. The flight and feast is such a treat.
We had great weather by Juneau standards. High cloud cover which allowed for us to see the mountains and glaciers on our flight to and from the Lodge.
Once at the Lodge, we were treated to a relaxing time on the grounds with a salmon bake dinner, drinks, dessert, and viewing Hans the bear making an appearance.
The staff and welcoming and share their wealth of knowledge regarding the history of the Lodge. Pretty wild place. You won’t be disappointed."
Kristen Abt
"We recently booked the Taku Lodge by seaplane excursion and let me tell you that both my wife and I feel this is the best excursion we've ever done! Outstanding views, great home cooked fresh food and plenty off it, friendly staff, amazing views, and a very safe pilot with a very well kept plane. We were hesitant with never being on smaller sea plane but this was so incredibly worth it. We didn't want to leave the lodge because it was just an amazing setting. We would do this again in a heartbeat. Some may find expensive but you get what you pay for!"
Rich Pearson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Taku Glacier Lodge is exclusively accessible by floatplane. Wings Airways offers scenic flights from Juneau, typically taking about 25 minutes, passing over stunning glaciers and the Juneau Icefield. 
For those new to floatplanes, it can be a bit daunting, but pilots are experienced and planes are well-maintained. Many visitors find it incredibly rewarding and safe.
While some flights are around 15 minutes, Wings Airways often opts for a longer 25-minute scenic route to showcase more of the Juneau Icefield.
No, Taku Glacier Lodge is a remote location accessible only by air. There are no roads leading to the lodge.
Several major cruise lines, including Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America Line, and Cunard Line, partner with Wings Airways for Taku Lodge excursions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Taku Glacier Lodge excursion is considered a premium experience and can be expensive. However, reviews suggest the value is high for the unique experience, food, and scenery provided.
Absolutely! Due to limited flight capacity and high demand, booking your floatplane tour to Taku Glacier Lodge well in advance is essential, especially during the summer cruise season.
Tours typically operate during daylight hours throughout the summer season, aligning with cruise ship schedules. It's best to check with Wings Airways for specific tour times.
No, access to Taku Glacier Lodge is exclusively through organized tours, primarily via floatplane with Wings Airways.
While discounts are rare, sometimes local days or special promotions might be available. Following the lodge and Wings Airways on social media could provide updates.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Activities include enjoying a salmon bake, exploring the lodge grounds, walking the glacier trail, interacting with resident dogs, and potentially spotting wildlife like bears.
The highlight is a delicious salmon bake, often cooked over a fire pit. Other fresh, home-cooked Alaskan dishes and desserts are also served.
Yes, bears, including cinnamon bears like Hans, are known to frequent the area. While sightings are common, they are not guaranteed.
As a remote lodge, Taku Glacier Lodge generally has limited or no cell service or Wi-Fi. It's a place to disconnect and enjoy nature.
Dress in layers suitable for Alaskan weather, which can be unpredictable. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for exploring the grounds and trails.
📸 📸 Photography
The scenic floatplane flight over glaciers, the historic lodge itself, the salmon bake, and the surrounding natural beauty offer numerous stunning photo opportunities.
If you're lucky enough to spot bears or other wildlife, maintaining a safe distance is crucial. Telephoto lenses can be helpful for capturing wildlife from afar.
Morning light often provides beautiful illumination for glacier views, while the afternoon can offer good light for lodge and surrounding landscape photography.
Generally, photography is encouraged to capture the experience. However, always be respectful of other guests and any specific guidelines provided by the lodge staff.
Drone usage may be restricted due to wildlife, safety regulations, and the remote nature of the location. It's best to inquire with the lodge or Wings Airways beforehand.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's important to manage expectations regarding wildlife sightings, as they are not guaranteed. However, the overall experience of a remote lodge and a scenic flight provides a memorable and educational outing. Ensure children are comfortable with the idea of a floatplane and enjoy the natural surroundings.
💍 Couples and Honeymooners
Many couples choose Taku Glacier Lodge for special occasions like anniversaries or elopements, drawn to its unique charm and the sense of adventure. The opportunity to disconnect from the everyday and reconnect with each other amidst such natural splendor makes it a highly recommended destination for a memorable getaway.
🚢 Cruise Passengers
Be prepared for an excursion that is often cited as a trip highlight. The combination of a thrilling floatplane ride, stunning glacier views, and a delicious Alaskan meal provides a comprehensive and memorable experience that many passengers feel is well worth the cost.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of Floatplane Travel
+1Many visitors, even those initially hesitant about small aircraft, find the floatplane experience to be incredibly safe and exhilarating. The pilots are seasoned professionals who share insights about the region, enhancing the journey. The views are consistently described as stunning, with glaciers, snowfields, and waterfalls creating an unforgettable spectacle. This mode of transport truly sets the stage for the remote and wild experience that Taku Glacier Lodge offers.
A Taste of Authentic Alaska
+1Beyond the salmon, the lodge offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere where staff often share stories about the history of the lodge and the region. Some visitors even have the chance to sample local berries grown on the property, adding another layer of authentic flavor to their visit. The entire dining experience is designed to immerse you in the spirit of Alaska, making it a truly satisfying part of the excursion.
Wildlife Encounters and Natural Wonders
The surrounding environment also offers opportunities for exploration. A walk along the glacier trail provides peaceful moments amidst the temperate rainforest, with glimpses of the glacier and the serene lake. Even if large wildlife isn't spotted, the vibrant flora, the sound of hummingbirds, and the sheer majesty of the glaciers create a profound connection with nature. The lodge itself, a registered historic place, adds a layer of human history to the wild landscape.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit