Taku Lodge Feast
& 5-Glacier Discovery

Your adventure begins the moment the floats leave the water. As you climb toward the southern reaches of the Juneau Icefield, five glaciers come into view — each unique, each magnificent. From the smooth sweep of the Norris to the mighty face of the Taku, the largest glacier in the Icefield, this flight showcases more glaciers than any other flightseeing tour in Alaska. Every turn offers a new perspective of nature’s power, movement, and grace.

Your pilot lands gently on the Taku River beside the lodge — a place accessible only by air. Built in 1923 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the lodge has welcomed adventurers for more than a century.  Here, surrounded by 24 acres of protected wilderness, you’ll breathe in the scent of salmon grilling over an open fire and hear tales of Mary Joyce, the pioneering Alaskan whose 1,000-mile dogsled journey brought this place to fame. Her spirit of courage and curiosity still fills the air.

During your two hours at the lodge, you can choose how to enjoy your time: Take a guided interpretive nature walk, relax by the fire pit with a glass of wine, sip coffee as you gaze at the glacier, or simply watch the river flow by — peaceful, personal, and full of wonder.  Wild black bears occasionally wander through the property, offering unforgettable glimpses of true Alaskan wilderness.

When it’s time to depart, your floatplane returns for your water takeoff over the wilderness you’ve just touched, circling back along the glacier route for one last look at three of the mighty ice rivers below — a breathtaking finale that feels both humbling and uplifting.

The meal is served approximately 1 hour after the tour departure time. Everything on the menu is made from scratch!

• Wild Alaskan Salmon cooked over an outdoor alderwood fire
• (Chicken as an alternative)
• Special Slow-Cooked Baked Beans
• Fresh Coleslaw
• Pioneer Fruit Compote
• Alaskan Sourdough Bread
• Savory Herb Biscuits
• Famous Taku Lodge Ginger Cookies
• Hot Russian Tea
• Coffee
• Lemonade or water (chilled with actual glacier ice)
• Beer and Wine (available at a minimal cost)

• What to Wear: Layers are key — light jacket or fleece, comfortable pants, and closed-toe shoes.
• Accessibility: Minimal walking required; assistance available for boarding and disembarking.
• Children: Reduced rates for ages 2–12; lap infants under 2 fly free.
• Weather: Flights operate only when safe and visually rewarding — quality is our promise.

Your timely return is our priority, and we are experts at it! You can rest assured that we are committed to ensuring you never miss the next leg of your journey.

Uniquely, no — there’s no road access to this remote wilderness private property. The Taku Glacier Lodge is accessible only by Wings Airways floatplane, making it one of Alaska’s most unique and sought-after destinations. From time to time, supplies may be delivered by private jet boat, but the trip is long and highly weather-dependent — another reason we rely on flight as the most reliable and breathtaking way to travel. Located just 30 air miles from downtown Juneau, the flight itself is the ultimate journey — crossing mountains, glaciers, and rivers into a world apart. Though technically still within Juneau’s city limits, this experience perfectly illustrates Alaska’s vastness and individuality. Separated by rugged terrain and the mighty Taku River, our destination is extraordinary in every way — a place accessible only by air and imagination.

We always say the Taku Lodge experience is so much more than a meal — but we also pour our hearts into the meal, because food brings people together and helps tell our story. You’ll enjoy fresh wild Alaskan salmon grilled over an open alderwood fire — a method unchanged for generations — along with homemade side dishes, family recipes, and beverages chilled with glacier ice. It’s hearty, delicious, and deeply rooted in Alaska’s culinary tradition. Chicken is also available for guests who prefer an alternative — no one should miss out because of a single menu item. One thing is certain: with the incredible flavors, warm hospitality, and generous servings, no one has ever left the Taku Glacier Lodge hungry!

Absolutely — in fact, this is the only “glacier-view dining” experience in all of Southeast Alaska. Across the Taku River stands the Hole-In-The-Wall Glacier, a luminous wall of blue ice that glows differently with every shift in light. Few places on earth offer such a perfect pairing — a warm meal, wild bears wandering nearby, and a living glacier in full view.

The two hours you’ll spend at the lodge are far more than a meal — they’re an immersive experience. With a balance of structured time and freedom, this is your chance to shape the moment however you wish. Take a guided interpretive nature walk, relax by the fire pit with a glass of wine, sip coffee as you gaze at the glacier, or simply watch the river flow by. Every option offers a peaceful, personal, and wonder-filled glimpse into the heart of Alaska.

Absolutely — they’re 100% wild! For generations, the bears have learned that the 24 acres surrounding the lodge are a peaceful sanctuary. Because no hunting is allowed, and consistent human activity, black bears often wander through the property, while more reclusive brown bears tend to stay farther upriver. Our staff are trained in safe viewing practices, and we maintain a relationship of mutual respect — never feeding or interfering with the bears’ natural behavior. Watching them roam freely is one of the unforgettable highlights of the lodge experience.

Guests consistently tell us that their Wings Airways experience was the highlight of their Alaska trip — a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see glaciers up close and, for many, to land at a private wilderness lodge that’s been welcoming adventurers for over a century. We understand that this is a premium experience, and we strive to make every moment worth far more than the price of admission. From the quality of our aircraft and pilots to the depth of what you’ll see and feel, our goal is to deliver something truly meaningful, memorable, and worthy of your investment — time well invested, in every sense.

Most of our wild, sustainable Alaskan salmon is caught right out of the Taku River, one of Southeast Alaska’s healthiest salmon runs. Depending on the season, we may also source from nearby coastal communities to ensure every fish is fresh from the saltwater. We proudly serve wild Coho (Silver) salmon — never farmed — prepared with care, tradition, and love for Alaska’s local harvest.

Very little is required. The walk from the dock to the lodge is just a few steps, and we also offer a comfortable ride on our “jitney” — an all-terrain golf cart for anyone who prefers not to walk. Guests are welcome to explore gentle, optional nature trails through the forest or simply relax on the property. Benches and shaded seating areas are always available. It’s your time — spend it however feels best.

Yes — always. Every guest enjoys a guaranteed window seat for uninterrupted views of Alaska’s wild beauty. No one misses out. Whether you’re capturing photos of the glaciers or simply taking it all in, every seat is a front-row view of one of the world’s most extraordinary landscapes.

Yes — absolutely. All of our tours are carefully scheduled around cruise ship arrivals and departures. We monitor ship schedules daily and plan accordingly to ensure you’re back on time. Wings Airways proudly offers a Back-On-Time Guarantee — in the unlikely event of a delay due to weather or a mechanical issue. Your timely return is always our priority. In the highly unlikely case, we’ll make sure you’re reunited with your ship or itinerary at no cost to you.

We sure do — this is Southeast Alaska, after all! A little rain doesn’t stop us or the locals who live here in the heart of the Tongass National Forest. In fact, glacier blues appear even more vibrant on overcast days, which photographers love. If conditions are otherwise safe and offer good visibility, your flight will still operate. Rain or shine, Alaska never disappoints. Our philosophy is that if it is a safe tour and a quality flightseeing experience we will fly!

Absolutely! We welcome guests of all ages. Wings Airways is the only aviation operator in Southeast Alaska that offers children’s rates — available for ages 2 to 12. We value the family experience!  Children under 2 fly at no cost as lap babies. It’s a truly multigenerational experience. Families love that every seat has a window view, and the stories shared during the narration keep guests of all ages engaged. It’s an unforgettable adventure for kids, parents, and grandparents alike.

Yes, and we take extra care to make the experience smooth and comfortable. Guests need to take a few steps into the plane, but our team assists every passenger during boarding and deplaning. At the Taku Glacier Lodge, walking is minimal and optional — you can relax by the fire, stroll the gentle pathways, or simply enjoy the glacier view. We’ve proudly welcomed guests celebrating everything from first birthdays to 90th!  For safety, a minimal level of mobility is required to step into the aircraft. Please contact us in advance if you have questions — we’ll do everything possible to make your experience seamless.

Bring your camera, phone, or anything you have to capture the experience. Anything larger than a small purse or strapped camera bag can come along and be kept in the cargo area. FAA regulations require that larger bags or backpacks be stored in the aircraft’s cargo area during flight. We also offer secure storage in our welcome lounge for items you’d prefer to leave behind — shopping bags, coats, or extra gear can be safely stored and reclaimed when you return. The views are unforgettable, and your camera will be busy.  Surprisingly, we don’t recommend binoculars. The scale of what you’ll see is vast, and we encourage you to take it all in without narrowing your focus. Binoculars are available at the Taku Lodge, where they’re most useful. For safety, no smoking, bear spray, or firearms of any kind are allowed on our aircraft or at the lodge.

What you’re seeing is nature at work. As glaciers move, they grind against surrounding mountains, collecting rocks, sand, and sediment. This debris creates streaks and dark patches across the ice — visible reminders that glaciers are powerful sculptors of the landscape. From above, this mix of ice and earth tells the story of Alaska’s wild and restless geology.