Quick Details
EXPLORE THE MENDENHALL LAKE ON A CANOE ADVENTURE!
Our professional guide leads you into exploring the serenity of the Tongass National Forest towards the Mendenhall Glacier. Voyage past steep cliffs, waterfalls, and icebergs while keeping your eyes peeled for wildlife en route to getting face-to-face with the glacier.
Experience Mendenhall Glacier by Canoe
Your adventure begins in front of your cruise ship, where you meet your professional guide. Step away from the crowds with narrated transportation to a remote part of the Tongass National Forest to get your first views of the breathtaking, ever-changing Mendenhall Glacier. One of the most accessible glaciers in North America, the Mendenhall Glacier is located just 12 miles from downtown Juneau. The 13-mile-long river of ice, which ends on the far side of Mendenhall Lake, is one of Alaska’s gems. A half-mile wide with ice up to 1,800 ft. deep, it’s no surprise that Mendenhall is the most visited glacier in all of Alaska.
Paddling a Canoe in front of the Mendenhall Glacier
Amazing Views
Once suited up in our top-quality gear along with a quick paddle lesson, hop in the canoe and launch across Mendenhall Lake. With the instruction of your guide, you will glide across the lake en route to the toe of the Mendenhall Glacier. Keep an eye on the cliffs decorated with nests of Arctic terns, a giant waterfall, and wildlife while voyaging along beautiful blue icebergs. You will come as close as possible to the face of the Mendenhall Glacier and be rewarded with front-row views of the ?ice falls,? where miles of glacier ice flow steeply over the mountainside, and continue down to melt into the lake in front of you. Your guide will steer the canoe to the best viewpoints of the glacier?s towering blue crevasses and ice seracs.
Large Iceberg Floating in the Mendenhall Glacier Lake
Upon returning from your adventure on the lake, you’re welcomed by a hot beverage as you de-gear from your equipment. After a short drive back to the cruise ship docks, your adventure with us ends, but hopefully with memories that will last a lifetime.
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- Alaskan Wilderness is best seen in a small group with a maximum of 10 guests.
- You will be equipped with our top quality gear to ensure your comfort and safety.
- Each guest is provided a dry bag to be used to store personal belongings while canoeing.
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- Round-trip transportation from the cruise ship terminal
- Bottled water, snacks, and a hot beverage
- Gear/equipment: Rain jacket, rain pants, Xtratuf rain boots, paddling gloves, and a dry bag for personal items.
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- Minimum age: 12 years old
- Minimum weight: 90 lbs.
- Maximum weight: 240 lbs.
- Not recommended for guests with back, shoulder or hip problems
- Pregnant guests are not permitted on this tour
- Full use of limbs for up to two hours of canoeing
- Signed liability waiver
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TOUR TIMES BELOW ARE APPROXIMATE
- 30-minute transport to the glacier launch site
- 15-minute equipment and safety briefing
- 2 hours of canoe paddling
- 15-minute equipment unload and hot beverage
- 30-minute transport back to the cruise ship terminal
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I’ve never been on a canoe, is that okay?
Yes! We’ll teach you what you need to know. No experience is necessary. However, everyone is expected to paddle, including your guide!
Are there restrooms available?
There are restrooms available at the canoe base. You can use them before setting out on your canoe adventure.
Are there any physical restrictions?
The minimum weight is 90 lbs and maximum weight is 240 pounds. This tour is not recommended if you have back, hip, or shoulder problems. 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.
What should I wear?
We’ll supply you with what you need to stay dry (rain pants, rain boots, a rain jacket, paddling gloves, and a dry bag for your things.) You should dress for the weather. We recommend layers, with sunglasses and a beanie if you tend to get cold. Small backpacks are allowed on this tour. We’ll give you a dry bag with water and snacks that can also be used to store your personal belongings.
Can I expect to see any wildlife on this tour?
While we can’t guarantee wildlife, we do commonly see bald eagles, herons, shorebirds, mountain goats, porcupines, and arctic terns on this tour.
Can I take photos?
Yes! Photos are definitely encouraged. We frequently stop to enjoy the glacier, the waterfalls, and the beautiful Alaskan wilderness.