Quick Details
Adult
Ages 18+
$ 359
Minor
Ages 12-17
$ 359
EXPLORE JUNEAU'S MENDENHALL GLACIER ON THIS TOUR!
Experience Juneau’s #1 Rated Mendenhall Glacier Tour
The Mendenhall Glacier Ice Adventure is a premier human-powered expedition that brings you face-to-face with one of Alaska’s most spectacular natural wonders. As the #1 ranked tour in Juneau on TripAdvisor for five consecutive years, this immersive Mendenhall Glacier tour offers an exclusive experience that only 1% of glacier visitors will ever enjoy.
About Mendenhall Glacier
Located in the heart of the Tongass National Forest near Juneau, Alaska, Mendenhall Glacier is a breathtaking 13-mile-long river of flowing ice. At 1,800 feet deep and half a mile wide, this magnificent glacier is Alaska’s most visited—yet most visitors only view it from a distance. Our extended glacier tour gives you ample time for photography and exploration while trekking with expert guides directly in front of the glacier’s towering ice face.
Mendenhall Glacier Lake at Sunrise
Your Mendenhall Glacier Tour Begins in Downtown Juneau
Your wilderness adventure starts at the cruise ship docks in downtown Juneau, where our professional guides welcome you to begin your journey. We maintain small, intimate group sizes to ensure a personalized experience throughout your excursion.
Board our comfortable transport for a narrated ride deep into the Tongass National Forest—the largest National Forest in the United States and home to Mendenhall Glacier. Your destination: the west side of Mendenhall Lake, where your paddling equipment and safety gear await.
After a comprehensive safety briefing, our guides will teach you proper canoeing techniques to navigate Mendenhall Lake safely and efficiently.
Safety Instructions by Professional Guides
Canoe Across Mendenhall Lake – A Human-Powered Adventure
The journey to Mendenhall Glacier is as remarkable as the destination itself. This human-powered tour accesses the area directly in front of the glacier via canoe across the pristine waters of Mendenhall Lake. As you paddle across the glacial lake, you’ll be surrounded by the raw beauty of Alaska’s wilderness.
Experience the profound serenity of the Tongass National Forest throughout your paddle. Towering cliffs rise around you, the thundering cascade of Nugget Falls echoes across the water, and native Alaskan wildlife may make an appearance. This voyage through Juneau’s backcountry is truly unforgettable.
Paddling a Canoe in front of the Mendenhall Glacier
Explore the Mendenhall Glacier Moraine
Upon reaching the rocky shore adjacent to Mendenhall Glacier, your guides lead you on an exploration trek across the dramatic moraine landscape. This Juneau glacier tour brings you right to the glacier’s edge for unparalleled, front-row access to the massive glacial ice formation.
As you traverse the rocky terrain, you’ll witness the dynamic power of this ancient glacier up close—a perspective few visitors to Juneau, Alaska will ever experience. Our expert guides share insights about glacial geology, climate dynamics, and the unique ecosystem thriving in this remote corner of the Tongass National Forest.
Why Choose This Mendenhall Glacier Tour in Juneau?
- #1 Ranked Juneau Tour – Five consecutive years on TripAdvisor
- Human-Powered Adventure – Authentic wilderness experience without motorized transport on the lake
- Exclusive Access – Only 1% of Mendenhall Glacier visitors get this close
- Expert Wilderness Guides – All guides are Wilderness First Responders
- Small Group Experience – 1:8 guide-to-guest ratio for safety and personalization
- All-Inclusive – Complete waterproof gear, healthy snacks, water, and round-trip transportation from Juneau cruise docks
- Prime Location – Easy access from downtown Juneau for cruise ship passengers
Book Your Mendenhall Glacier Ice Adventure Today
Whether you’re visiting Juneau on an Alaska cruise or exploring the state independently, the Mendenhall Glacier Ice Adventure offers an authentic wilderness experience in the Tongass National Forest. This award-winning tour combines physical adventure with natural beauty, creating memories that last a lifetime.
Experience why this human-powered expedition has earned its reputation as Juneau’s premier glacier tour. Paddle across Mendenhall Lake, trek the glacier moraine, and stand face-to-face with one of Alaska’s most magnificent natural wonders.
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- Liquid Alaska’s group sizes are small and personal.
- We provide 1:7 guide to guest ratio for your enjoyment and safety.
- All of our guides are Wilderness First Responders.
- No canoe experience necessary
- This is an all-inclusive tour. We provide everything you need to be safe and dry.
- Please remember to dress for the weather. We suggest wearing comfortable, non-cotton layers. If it is cooler, please bring a hat, gloves, and wear warm socks. If there is sun, please bring sunglasse
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- Round-trip transportation
- Professional guides
- Gear: Waterproof jacket/pants/boots, life jacket, paddling gloves, helmet, trekking pole and a dry bag
- US Forest Service Permits
- Bottled water, snacks, and hot beverage
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- Minimum age: 12 years old
- Minimum weight: 90 lbs.
- Maximum weight: 240 lbs.
- Not recommended for guests with back or hip problems
- Pregnant guests will not be allowed on this tour
- Full use of limbs for up to 2 hours of canoe paddling and 1 hour of hiking
- Ability to hike over steep, uneven terrain for approximately 1-2 miles
- Signed liability waiver
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TOUR TIMES BELOW ARE APPROXIMATE
- 30-minute transport to the glacier launch site
- 30-minute equipment and safety briefing
- 1-hour lake canoe paddle
- 1-hour moraine trek and exploration
- 1-hour lake canoe paddle
- 30 minutes gear offload and snack break
- 30 minutes transport to cruise ship terminal
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How close will we get to the glacier?
The tour will explore the areas directly in front of the glacier, both by land and water, up to a few hundred yards as determined safe by our guides.
Are there any physical restrictions?
The minimum weight is 90 lbs and maximum weight is 240 pounds. You should be able to paddle for about 2.5 hours, though we’ll take frequent breaks to take photographs and enjoy the beautiful views. This tour is not recommended if you have back, hip, or shoulder problems.
Are there restrooms available?
There are restrooms available at the base. You can use them before setting out on your glacier adventure.
Do I have to paddle?
Yes, each guest is expected to paddle, along with your guide.
What should I wear?
Depending on the weather, we suggest wearing light layers and bringing gloves. We’ll supply rain jackets, boots, and pants to help you stay dry. You can also bring a small backpack.
Can I expect to see any wildlife on this tour?
While we can’t guarantee wildlife, we do commonly see bald eagles, herons, shorebirds, waterfowl, and arctic terns on this tour.
Is any food included?
Yes, we provide a bottle of water, a snack, and a warm beverage at the end of the tour.