- A Favorite for Families and Nature Lovers
- May 5th – September 29th, 2024
With a guaranteed small group, absorb intimate views of the Mendenhall Glacier while paddling across the glacier-fed lake in a custom made canoe.
Quick Details
EXPLORE JUNEAU'S MENDENHALL GLACIER ON THIS TOUR!
The Mendenhall Glacier is a 13-mile-long river of flowing ice. It is 1,800 ft. deep and a half-mile wide and even though it is the most visited glacier in Alaska, most people only see it from afar. Our extended Alaska glacier tour gives you ample time for pictures and exploration while trekking with your guides directly in front of the glacier ice. Be one of the few to experience the remote beauty of the Mendenhall Glacier, as only 1% of all visitors to the glacier will be able to have this experience. This immersive guided tour brings you into the Alaskan wilderness and face to face with the glacier ice.
Mendenhall Glacier Lake at Sunrise
Getting to Mendenhall Glacier
Your exploration begins at the cruise ship docks in downtown Juneau, where you’re greeted by our professional guides to officially start your adventure. Your group size will be limited to enhance the experience of this excursion. You will be carried away on a narrated van ride deep into the Tongass National Forest, the largest National Forest in the United States, which is where the Mendenhall Glacier resides. You will go directly to the West side of Mendenhall Lake where your equipment and safety gear awaits you. After getting suited up, your guides teach you how to paddle safely and efficiently across the Mendenhall Lake.
Safety Instructions by Professional Guides
Paddle Across Mendenhall Lake
The journey is just as important as the destination and that’s why we access the area directly in front of the glacier via a canoe ride across Mendenhall Lake. As you cruise speedily across the lake you will pass icebergs and wildlife. You will experience the serenity of the Alaskan wilderness throughout the entire tour. Surrounded by steep cliffs, the thundering Nugget Falls, icebergs, and native wildlife; this voyage to the glacier is unforgettable.
Paddling a Canoe in front of the Mendenhall Glacier
Explore Mendenhall Glacier
Once arriving on the rocky shore next to the glacier, your guides will lead you on an exploration trek around the rocky moraine to view the glacier up close. This excursion brings you right in front of the glacier for front-row exploration of the quickly-receding glacial ice. One of the most unique aspects of our trip is the constant state of movement and change to the ice caves and wilderness area on this tour, meaning no one tour is the same as the next.
Hiking on the Mendenhall Glacier Moraine
The Mendenhall Glacier is one of the most visited glaciers in North America and the United States Forest Service limits the number of permits allowed in this area each year. We invite you to join the exclusive group of visitors who get to experience the beauty of the Mendenhall Glacier so closely and uniquely!
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- Liquid Alaska’s group sizes are small and personal.
- We provide 1:8 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 sunglasses
- Due to the dynamic and changing nature of the glacier, viewing ice caves cannot be guaranteed and should never be expected. Your guide will help you find the best (and safest) features of the glacier on any given day.
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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 1.5 hours 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?
Due to recent flooding and glacial ice erosion, this tour no longer includes walking on the glacier. Instead, the tour will explore the areas directly in front of the glacier.
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.