HEALTH AND SAFETY INFORMATION - UPDATED 3/24/21
The Ultimate Alaskan Experience!
Quick Details
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 if from afar. Our extended Alaska glacier tour gives you ample time to get the best pictures, get your full of glacier water, and do a little dance on the glacier ice itself. Be one of the few to experience the beauty of the Mendenhall Glacier, exclusively and safely.
Your exploration begins at the cruise ship docks in downtown Juneau, where you’re greeted by our professional guides to officially start your adventure. They sweep your small group away on a narrated ride deep into the Tongass National Forest, the largest National Forest in the United States, which is where the Mendenhall Glacier resides. We go directly to the West Glacier parking area 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.
The journey is just as important as the destination, and that’s why we access the glacier via a canoe ride. Anyone in a kayak would be jealous, as we cruise speedily across the lake. As we paddle, you get the chance to experience the serenity of the Alaskan wilderness. Surrounded by steep cliffs, the thundering Nugget Falls, icebergs, and native wildlife; this voyage to the glacier is unforgettable.
Once arriving on the rocky shore next to the glacier, follow your guides on a short hike on glacier moraine to the glacier ice. Strap on your crampons and be one the few to walk on the Mendenhall Glacier. Our professional guides are on the ice every day and thrive on showing off what glacier features the Mendenhall Glacier has to offer.
One of the most unique aspects of our trip is that the glacial environment is in a constant state of movement and change, meaning no one tour is the same as the next. The glacier periodically forms ice caves, blue ice pools, moulins, and other incredible features as it moves and melts. Our expert guides will determine if any such ice features are safe to explore on the day of tour, and may add them to the trip as a bonus.
The Mendenhall Glacier is one of the most visited glaciers in North America and the National Forest Service limits the number of permits allowed on the glacier each year. Be one of the few to actually experience the beauty of the Mendenhall Glacier!
TOUR TIMES BELOW ARE APPROXIMATE
Casey & Joey were awesome tour guides. They were very friendly, knowledgeable of the area, and kept everyone safe while out on the ice and canoe. They also took some of the best photos/videos of us in the ice caves. Pickup/drop off was well organized and made it very easy to find so you don't have to worry about anything other than showing up. They provide all the equipment too.
– Joyce L, TripAdvisorI would definitely give this more stars if it was possible. Ryan and Grant were amazing guides Their insight and knowledge were amazing, they definitely gave you the impression that they loved what they were doing. The weather co-operated and the lake was calm which helped a lot with the canoe trip. The experiences at the glacier were indescribable and I can only recommend for anyone to take this excursion when in Juneau. Thank you for an amazing experience.
– Harald O, TripAdvisorThis was the first thing I booked when I decided to go on an Alaskan cruise. This excursion was the best part of the trip I can't recommend it enough. Our guides Joey and Ryan were very knowledgeable about the entire area and took phenomenal care of everybody on the trip. An amazing experience and very shocking to see how much the glacier had disappeared from May to when we were there in early September. Go experience this unique place while you can.
– justing7870, TripAdvisorAs many others have already stated, this was the highlight of our trip. Ben & Joey were great guides, and if you are booking this through Liquid Alaska, you are supporting small business instead of the cruiseline. Don't think about it, just do it. You won't be disappointed.
– Camper314306, TripAdvisorWith a guaranteed small group, absorb intimate views of the Mendenhall Glacier while paddling across the glacier-fed lake in a custom made canoe.