Wings Airways & the Taku Glacier Lodge

Operating from the downtown Juneau waterfront, Wings Airways & the Taku Glacier Lodge has established itself as a premier provider of seaplane tours in Southeast Alaska. This operator specializes in combining the thrill of floatplane aviation with intimate encounters with the region's vast glacial landscapes and remote wilderness. The company's high customer ratings reflect a consistent delivery of memorable experiences, centered around two primary offerings: a multi-glacier flightseeing tour and an extended excursion that includes a visit and meal at the historic Taku Glacier Lodge.

The Positive Aspects of the Experience

For many travelers, particularly those arriving on cruise ships, the convenience offered by this travel agency is a significant advantage. Its office is located at 2 Marine Way, just a short walk from the main docks, eliminating the need for lengthy bus transfers that are common with other excursions. This accessibility allows customers to maximize their time in port. Customer feedback frequently highlights the efficiency and friendliness of the ground staff, with some recounting how employees went to extraordinary lengths to accommodate last-minute bookings, ensuring no one missed out on a potential flight.

The core of the Wings Airways experience is undoubtedly the flight itself. The company operates a fleet of five de Havilland DHC-3 Otter floatplanes, classic and rugged aircraft well-suited for Alaskan conditions. These planes have been modernized with quieter, more reliable turbine engines and advanced GPS-based avionics for enhanced safety. A key feature praised by nearly all visitors is the guarantee of a window seat for every passenger, ensuring unobstructed views of the immense Juneau Icefield and its outflowing glaciers. Pilots, often lauded for their professionalism and skill, provide narration throughout the flight, pointing out landmarks like the Norris, Taku, and Twin Glaciers. Passengers consistently describe the aerial views as breathtaking and transformative, stating that seeing the scale and deep blue crevasses of the glaciers from above is an unparalleled experience.

The Taku Glacier Lodge Excursion

Beyond the standard flightseeing tours, the company's signature offering is the "Taku Lodge Feast & 5-Glacier Seaplane Discovery." This three-hour tour combines the scenic flight with a two-hour stop at the Taku Glacier Lodge. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the lodge was originally built in 1923 and offers a rustic yet comfortable setting directly across the river from the advancing Taku Glacier. This part of the journey provides a deeper immersion into the Alaskan wilderness.

Upon landing on the Taku River, guests are treated to a salmon bake that consistently receives rave reviews. The wild Alaskan king salmon is grilled over an open alder wood fire, and the meal includes a variety of homemade side dishes. Many visitors have called it the best salmon they have ever had, a significant compliment in a region known for its seafood. The experience is often enhanced by local wildlife; black bears are frequently attracted to the smell of the grill, offering guests a chance to observe them from a safe distance. After the meal, guests can participate in a guided nature walk through the old-growth Tongass National Forest or simply relax and absorb the tranquility of the remote location.

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations

While the feedback for Wings Airways is overwhelmingly positive, potential customers should be aware of a few factors. The primary consideration is the cost. Several reviews note that the excursions are pricey, positioning them as a premium activity rather than a budget-friendly option. However, the same reviewers almost unanimously conclude that the experience provides excellent value for the money, falling into the category of a "you get what you pay for" investment. This is a key point for travelers planning their Alaska vacation packages.

Another factor is the inherent unpredictability of Alaskan weather. All scenic flights are weather-dependent, and cancellations or delays can occur, particularly on days with low visibility or high winds. While the company is proactive in communicating these issues and offering alternatives, travelers should maintain a degree of flexibility in their schedules. A third, more minor point is seat allocation. While everyone gets a window seat, the coveted co-pilot spot is limited. As with any small aircraft tour, specific seating cannot always be guaranteed, which was a minor point of disappointment for one customer.

Summary of Tour Options

Wings Airways structures its services to cater to different schedules and interests, solidifying its role in local tourism.

• 5-Glacier Seaplane Exploration: This is a 40-minute pure flightseeing experience that takes passengers over five distinct glaciers of the Juneau Icefield, including the five-mile-wide Taku Glacier. It is an ideal choice for those with limited time who still want to witness the grandeur of the glaciers from the air.
• Taku Lodge Feast & 5-Glacier Seaplane Discovery: The more comprehensive 3-hour tour includes the glacier flight plus a two-hour stop at the historic lodge for the salmon bake and wilderness immersion. This is the company's hallmark adventure travel experience.

In conclusion, Wings Airways & the Taku Glacier Lodge provides a high-caliber, well-organized, and deeply impressive tour service. Its strengths lie in its exceptional customer service, convenient location for cruise passengers, reliable and well-maintained aircraft, and the unique, historic charm of the Taku Glacier Lodge. While the price point is in the upper range for Juneau excursions, the overwhelmingly positive feedback suggests that for most, it is a worthwhile expenditure for an unforgettable Alaskan memory.