MENDENHALL LAKE CANOE TOUR – JUNEAU, ALASKA

A Perfect Family-Friendly Glacier Adventure in Juneau

The Mendenhall Lake Canoe Tour is Juneau’s premier family-friendly wilderness experience, combining scenic paddling with spectacular glacier views. With a perfect 5.0-star rating on TripAdvisor, this paddle-powered adventure through the Tongass National Forest brings you face-to-face with the magnificent Mendenhall Glacier—perfect for families, nature lovers, and anyone seeking an authentic Alaska experience.

Discover Mendenhall Glacier by Canoe

Located just 12 miles from downtown Juneau, Alaska, Mendenhall Glacier is one of the most accessible glaciers in North America. This 13-mile-long river of ice stretches across Mendenhall Lake, standing half a mile wide with ice up to 1,800 feet deep. While Mendenhall is Alaska’s most visited glacier, our small-group canoe tour offers an intimate perspective that most visitors never experience.

Our professional guides lead you into the serene beauty of the Tongass National Forest toward the towering face of Mendenhall Glacier. This paddle-powered journey takes you past dramatic cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and pristine wilderness while keeping your eyes peeled for native Alaskan wildlife.

Your Juneau Canoe Adventure Begins at the Cruise Docks

Your Mendenhall Lake canoe tour starts conveniently at the cruise ship terminal in downtown Juneau, where you’ll meet your professional wilderness guide. Leave the crowds behind as you enjoy narrated transportation through the Tongass National Forest—the largest National Forest in the United States—to a remote launch site with breathtaking views of the ever-changing Mendenhall Glacier.

Our small group sizes ensure a personal, intimate experience throughout your 4-hour adventure. This is wilderness exploration at its finest, accessible to families and adventurers alike.

Paddling a Canoe in front of the Mendenhall Glacier

Paddle Across Mendenhall Lake – Stunning Wilderness Views

After suiting up in our premium waterproof gear and receiving expert paddling instruction, you’ll launch your canoe across the crystal-clear waters of Mendenhall Lake. Under the guidance of your Wilderness First Responder-certified guide, you’ll glide smoothly across the glacial lake toward the imposing terminus of Mendenhall Glacier.

As you paddle, marvel at the dramatic landscape surrounding you: towering cliffs adorned with nesting Arctic terns, the thundering cascade of massive waterfalls, and pristine alpine wilderness. Watch for bald eagles soaring overhead, mountain goats navigating steep slopes, and shorebirds along the water’s edge.

Your guide expertly navigates to the best viewpoints, bringing you as close as safely possible to the face of Mendenhall Glacier. Experience front-row views of the dramatic “ice falls” where miles of ancient glacial ice flow steeply over the mountainside before cascading down to meet the lake. Witness the glacier’s towering blue crevasses and magnificent ice seracs—nature’s frozen architecture on full display.

Large Iceberg Floating in the Mendenhall Glacier Lake

A Complete Juneau Wilderness Experience

This paddle-driven adventure offers frequent stops for photography and wildlife observation, allowing you to fully absorb the majesty of Alaska’s Tongass National Forest. Your knowledgeable guide shares insights about glacial geology, local ecosystems, and the fascinating natural history of the Juneau area.

Upon returning from your canoe exploration, you’re welcomed back to shore with a warm beverage as you remove your gear. After a scenic drive back to the Juneau cruise ship docks, your adventure concludes—but the memories of paddling beside Alaska’s iconic Mendenhall Glacier will last a lifetime.

Why Choose This Mendenhall Lake Canoe Tour?

• Perfect 5.0-Star Rating – Consistently top-rated on TripAdvisor
• Family-Friendly Adventure – Ideal for nature lovers and families with children 12+
• Paddle-Powered Experience – Authentic, eco-friendly wilderness exploration
• Expert Wilderness Guides – All guides are Wilderness First Responders with 1:10 guide-to-guest ratio
• Small Group Guarantee – Intimate, personalized experience
• All-Inclusive – Complete waterproof gear, snacks, water, hot beverage, and round-trip Juneau transportation
• Convenient Access – Easy pickup from downtown Juneau cruise terminal
• No Experience Required – Perfect for first-time paddlers with expert instruction provided

Perfect for Juneau Cruise Visitors and Alaska Travelers

Whether you’re visiting Juneau on an Alaska cruise or exploring independently, the Mendenhall Lake Canoe Tour offers the perfect balance of adventure and accessibility. At 4 hours total duration with approximately 2 hours of paddling, this tour provides an immersive wilderness experience without the physical demands of more strenuous glacier treks.

This is more than just a canoe ride—it’s an intimate encounter with one of Alaska’s most stunning natural wonders in the heart of the Tongass National Forest. Paddle across glacial waters, photograph dramatic landscapes, spot wildlife, and stand in awe before the massive Mendenhall Glacier.

Book Your Mendenhall Lake Canoe Adventure in Juneau

Experience why this paddle-powered tour has earned its reputation as Juneau’s favorite family-friendly glacier adventure. From the convenience of downtown Juneau to the remote beauty of Mendenhall Lake, every moment of this canoe tour showcases the best of Alaska’s wilderness.

Join us for an unforgettable journey across Mendenhall Lake—where glacier views, wildlife encounters, and Tongass National Forest beauty combine to create the ultimate Juneau adventure.