Norris Adventure: Seaplane, Paddle and Glacier Hike

If you’re dreaming of a true Alaskan escapade, this Norris Adventure in Juneau might be just what you’re looking for. It promises a quick yet comprehensive taste of Alaska’s rugged beauty—combining a scenic seaplane flight, a trek on a glacier, and a fun paddle in a single day. From what we’ve seen in reviews and tour descriptions, it’s a well-rounded experience that packs a punch.

What really catches our eye about this tour is the variety of activities packed into just five hours. You get to see the landscape from above, walk on ice that looks straight out of a postcard, and paddle past floating icebergs—all with a knowledgeable guide by your side. Plus, the small group size (limited to six travelers) seems to promote a more personal, engaging adventure.

That said, it’s not for everyone. You’ll need a decent level of physical fitness and comfort with uneven terrain and paddling. Also, the price tag of around $785 per person isn’t cheap, but considering the inclusions and the unique nature of the trip, many feel it’s worth the cost. If you’re an adventure lover craving an all-in-one Alaskan experience, this tour could be a great fit.

Key Points

• All-in-One Experience: Combines flightseeing, glacier hiking, and paddleboarding in just 5 hours.
• Small Group Size: Limited to 6 travelers, making it more intimate and flexible.
• Includes Gear & Safety: All necessary equipment, rain gear, and instruction are provided.
• Scenic Flight & Stunning Views: The floatplane flight offers breathtaking views of Norris Glacier and Taku Inlet.
• Active but Manageable: Requires moderate physical fitness—paddling, hiking, and walking on uneven terrain.
• Price Reflects Unique Adventure: At $784.98, it’s a premium experience, but many reviews say it’s worth the value.

What to Expect from This Norris Adventure

This tour offers a blend of eye-popping vistas and hands-on exploration that will appeal to those who love diverse outdoor activities. It begins with a scenic floatplane flight that transports you from Juneau to the mouth of Taku Inlet. The flight itself is a highlight—many reviewers mention how stunning and memorable it is, with some describing it as “amazing” and “stunningly beautiful.”

Once you land on the Norris Glacier-fed lake, you’ll gear up for a glacier hike over terrain carved by ice over centuries. The landscape here looks like a moonscape—irregular, textured, and full of crevasses, pools, and moulins. Your guide will assess safety and terrain, so don’t count on seeing every feature like ice caves or moulins—those can’t be guaranteed—but you’ll definitely get to see a good slice of the icy grandeur.

After the hike, it’s time for paddleboarding—but here, it’s more like packrafting, a lightweight, single-person boat. You’ll get a quick lesson on paddling techniques, then set out past floating icebergs towards Norris Glacier. Many reviewers rave about this part, mentioning how magical it is to paddle so close to the glacier while surrounded by ice.

Finally, you’ll beach your boat right on the glacier, giving you a chance to explore on foot. Here’s where the experience gets even more special—walking on the ice, taking in panoramic views of Norris and Taku glaciers, and encountering glacier features like crevasses and moulins. Keep in mind that the amount of time you spend on the ice depends on weather and group pace; it’s not a guaranteed set length.

Once your glacier adventure wraps up, you’ll paddle back to the lake, board the floatplane, and return to Juneau. It’s a full, exhilarating day that covers a lot of ground—literally and figuratively.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Starting Point and Gear Up

You’ll be picked up from a designated meeting spot in Juneau and transported to the main office. Here, you’ll get outfitted with all the gear needed, including rain protection and rubber boots. This preparatory step ensures you’re ready for whatever weather and terrain you encounter.

Scenic Floatplane Flight

The 25-minute flight is a standout part of the experience. Many review comments highlight how the views are “breathtaking” and “worth every penny,” offering aerial vistas of the glaciers and waters below that are hard to beat. It’s a smooth ride, with the entire group able to enjoy the scenery from large windows.

Norris Glacier Exploration

Once you land, your adventure truly begins. Over approximately two and a half hours, you’ll hike over glacial surfaces, paddle among floating ice, and explore the glacier’s edge. The guides do a good job of balancing safety with adventure, but be prepared for uneven terrain and cold conditions.

Glacier Hike and Exploration

The glacier hike isn’t a full-on ice-climbing expedition but more of an accessible walk on the ice, with micro-spikes for traction. You’ll be able to peek into crevasses, walk past icy pools, and take in panoramic views. Several reviews mention how “the tour was amazing” and describe it as “the coolest thing I’ve ever done,” emphasizing how memorable this part is.

Packrafting and On-Ice Exploration

The paddling part is a unique feature here. Outfitted with single-person packrafts, you paddle past icebergs and toward the glacier. Many guests comment on how “stunning” and “magical” it is to be so close to the ice in a boat. The opportunity to land and walk on the glacier itself amplifies this feeling of adventure.

Return & Reflection

After exploring on foot and by boat, you’ll paddle back to the shore, board the plane, and head back to Juneau with plenty of stories and photos. The entire experience is approximately five hours long, making it a manageable day trip for most visitors.

Price and Value

At $784.98 per person, this tour is clearly a premium experience. It includes roundtrip transportation, all gear, snacks, bottled water, safety instructions, and park fees. Many reviewers feel that this price is justified given the variety of activities, personalized small-group setting, and the jaw-dropping scenery.

Those who have taken the tour often highlight how it’s “worth every penny,” especially considering the range of elements involved—flightseeing, glacier walking, and paddling in one trip. It’s an active adventure that offers a comprehensive slice of what makes Alaska so spectacular.

Considering the Price

While it’s not the cheapest option around, the value lies in the multi-activity format and the quality of guides and equipment provided. If you’re someone who appreciates a well-organized, all-inclusive experience with expert guidance, this tour is likely to meet your expectations.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This adventure best suits active travelers, those comfortable with physical activity and uneven terrain. It’s ideal if you’re craving an outdoorsy, multi-faceted experience that combines flying, hiking, and paddling in a single day. The small size and knowledgeable guides also make it appealing for those who value personalized attention and storytelling.

It’s not for pregnant guests, and there are weight restrictions (250 pounds max per person) to ensure safety during the flight and activities. Those with medical conditions or mobility issues might want to consider their comfort level, but overall it’s a flexible yet physically engaging trip.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a truly memorable way to experience Alaska’s wilderness, the Norris Adventure offers a compelling mix of scenery, activity, and adventure. Its highlights—the scenic floatplane ride, the glacier hike, and paddling amid icebergs—are described as “stunningly beautiful” and “amazing” by those who’ve gone.

The small group size, expert guides, and all-inclusiveness make this a well-organized trip that delivers a lot of value for the price. While it’s an active tour that requires a good level of fitness and some comfort with cold and uneven terrain, the payoff is a day filled with awe-inspiring views and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

If you’re someone who loves outdoor adventures and wants to see a different side of Alaska in just a few hours, this tour seems to strike a good balance between thrill and scenery. It’s definitely a memorable way to add some ice, water, and sky to your Alaskan itinerary.

FAQs

Is transportation provided for this tour?
Yes, roundtrip transportation from the meeting point in Juneau is included, including a scenic floatplane flight and van transfers.

What gear do I need to bring?
All necessary paddling and glacier equipment is provided, along with rain gear and rubber boots. When booking, you’ll need to specify your shoe sizes and any medical info in the comments.

How physically demanding is this tour?
The tour requires a moderate fitness level. You’ll paddle for about an hour roundtrip, hike on uneven terrain, and walk on ice. It’s suitable for those comfortable with these activities.

Can I see ice caves or moulins?
While the guides will assess hazards and safety, visiting specific features like ice caves or moulins cannot be guaranteed. The glacier landscape can vary day-to-day.

What is the minimum age?
The minimum age is 10 years old. Children under this age are not permitted for safety reasons.

Are there weight restrictions?
Yes, participants must weigh less than 250 pounds, mainly due to plane capacity.

What about weather?
This trip operates in all weather conditions unless deemed unsafe by the guides. Be prepared for rain, cold, or wind in Alaska.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations less than 24 hours before the trip or due to weather will be refunded or rescheduled.

This tour offers a compelling way to enjoy Alaska’s wilderness, blending adventure, scenery, and a touch of thrill—perfect for those seeking a memorable, active day in nature.