If you’re visiting Juneau and looking to experience Alaska’s breathtaking wilderness firsthand, the Mendenhall Glacier Adventure Tour offers an excellent option. Priced at $377 per person and lasting about five hours, this tour combines scenic transport, hands-on glacier exploration, and a bit of paddling adventure. Guides from Liquid Alaska Tours lead the way, making sure you get the most out of this memorable day.
What we love most? First, the combination of a scenic drive through the Tongass National Forest—the largest national forest in the U.S.—and the chance to get up close to the glacier with expert guides. Second, the canoeing across a glacier-fed lake surrounded by towering mountains and waterfalls makes the experience both authentic and exhilarating.
A potential consideration? The tour’s physical activity level means it might not be suitable for everyone—especially those with limited mobility, certain weight restrictions, or pregnant travelers. Still, if you’re comfortable with moderate outdoor activity, this is a fantastic way to see Alaska’s wild side.
This tour is perfect for travelers seeking a balance of adventure, natural beauty, and expert guidance. It appeals especially to those eager to explore beyond typical sightseeing, seeing the landscape and wildlife of Alaska’s iconic glacier environment.
Key Points
- All-Inclusive Experience: Gear, transportation, and expert guides are included, providing excellent value.
- Close-Up Glacier Exploration: Trek on rocky moraine and explore the glacier with guides who are passionate about sharing their knowledge.
- Unique Paddling Adventure: Canoe across a glacier-fed lake—no paddling experience needed, just teamwork.
- Authentic Wilderness: Surrounded by mountains, waterfalls, and the constantly moving glacier—no two tours are exactly alike.
- Practical Preparation: All weather conditions are possible, so dress warmly and bring essentials like sunglasses and gloves.
- Limited Mobility Notice: Not recommended for individuals with mobility issues or certain health restrictions.
An In-Depth Look at the Mendenhall Glacier Adventure Tour
Starting Point and Transportation
Your trip begins right at the cruise ship docks in Juneau, where guides will meet you promptly—either at AJ Dock or outside the red Goldbelt Tramway building, depending on your cruise line. This clear, organized meeting setup ensures you won’t waste time figuring out where to go, especially after a long journey. Expect a comfortable van ride through Tongass National Forest, offering a gentle introduction to the region’s natural beauty. Guides often add a layer of storytelling and commentary, helping you understand what makes this landscape so distinctive. The drive itself is a highlight, as it transitions from the town’s bustle to the quiet majesty of towering trees and mountain views.
Preparing for the Adventure
Once at the lake, you’ll meet your second guide—who will assist with gear fitting. Expect to get outfitted with a rain jacket, rain pants, and rain boots, along with paddling gloves, a life jacket, helmet, dry bag, and trekking poles. All these items contribute to a safe and comfortable experience, regardless of weather or terrain. The guides are attentive and professional, walking everyone through safety instructions and paddling techniques. Since paddling is a team effort, even novices can join in without worry.
Canoe Across Mendenhall Lake
The highlight for many is the canoeing adventure across Mendenhall Lake, a serene body fed directly from the glacier. The wind coming off the glacier—often called “the wind’s greeting”—reminds you of the raw power of nature. The lake is framed by dramatic mountains and the thunderous Nugget Falls, providing a perfect backdrop for photos and quiet reflection. The guides encourage a relaxed pace, making sure everyone feels comfortable paddling, whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned paddler. Many reviews note how smoothly the trip runs, with guides like Biko and Jordan going out of their way to make it enjoyable.
More Great Tours NearbyApproaching the Glacier
Once ashore, you’ll embark on a short but rewarding hike to the glacier. Your guides share stories about the area’s history and geology, enriching your understanding of this dynamic environment. The trail is manageable but involves walking on uneven rocky terrain, so wear sturdy footwear and be prepared for varying weather conditions. The walk offers peaceful vistas and the chance to absorb the quiet majesty of the wilderness.
Exploring the Glacier
Arriving at the rocky moraine next to the glacier, you’ll follow guides on an exploration trek to get a close look at the ice. This part of the trip is what makes it truly special—being able to stand right next to a constantly moving sheet of ice and see firsthand how glaciers shape the landscape. Guides thrive on sharing their knowledge, pointing out features like crevasses, blue ice, and debris that tell the story of the glacier’s ongoing evolution. The changing environment ensures that no two visits are alike, adding an element of unpredictability.
Returning and Reflecting
After soaking in the views and exploring the glacier’s edge, you’ll paddle back across the lake, savoring the last moments with the glacier in sight. The guides then provide a hot beverage to warm you up, making for a cozy conclusion to your adventure. The return drive to Juneau is relaxed, often accompanied by more storytelling or questions about Alaska.
Authenticity, Value, and Authentic Experience
This tour’s strength lies in its authenticity—you’re not just viewing the glacier from afar but actively engaging with the environment through paddling, hiking, and close-up viewing. The all-inclusive approach ensures you don’t need to worry about gear or logistics, which is a big plus for many travelers. Plus, the professional guides consistently earn praise for their knowledge and friendly manner, making the experience both educational and enjoyable.
Considerations and Practical Tips
While this tour is well-organized and includes all necessary gear, it does require some physical activity—hiking, paddling, and walking on uneven ground—so it’s not suitable for those with mobility issues or certain health restrictions. The tour also operates in all weather conditions, which means you should come prepared with warm, layered clothing, sunglasses, and gloves. The possibility of high winds or sudden weather changes might lead to cancellation, but this is a rare occurrence and reflects the tour’s commitment to safety.
Who Will Love This Tour?
If you’re a traveler who enjoys hands-on experiences, learning from passionate guides, and witnessing iconic landscapes up close, this tour hits the mark. It’s especially appealing if you want more than just a photo from the viewpoint—this is about being in the environment, paddling on a glacier-fed lake, and walking among ice and rock. Reviewers describe it as a “trip of a lifetime” and praise the professionalism and friendliness of guides like Biko and Jordan.
The Sum Up
The Juneau Mendenhall Glacier Adventure Tour offers a well-rounded, immersive experience for those eager to explore Alaska’s wild natural beauty. Combining scenic drives, paddling, hiking, and glacier close-ups, the tour delivers authentic encounters that resonate long after your trip ends. The inclusion of gear, expert guides, and safety measures make it a confident choice for most active travelers.
This tour shines brightest for visitors seeking to connect with the landscape in a meaningful way—rather than just viewing from a distance. The stunning scenery, combined with knowledgeable guides who share insights along the way, creates a memorable adventure. While it might not be suited for travelers with mobility constraints or those uncomfortable with physical activity, for most others, this offers fantastic value and an authentic Alaskan experience.
In short, if you want to see, feel, and understand Alaska’s glaciers beyond just the surface, this tour will likely be one of your trip’s highlights. Expect awe-inspiring scenery, engaging guides, and a sense of adventure that captures the spirit of Alaska.
FAQ
Is transportation from the cruise ship included?
Yes, the tour provides roundtrip transportation from Juneau’s cruise ship terminals, making it convenient and stress-free to start your adventure.
What should I wear for this tour?
Bring warm clothing, including layers, sunglasses, a hat, and gloves. Since the weather can be unpredictable, dressing in moisture-wicking and waterproof layers is recommended.
Can anyone participate?
This tour is not recommended for children under 12, pregnant women, those with mobility issues, or individuals over 243 lbs (110 kg) or under 88 lbs (40 kg). It involves walking on uneven terrain and paddling.
What is included in the price?
The fee covers all gear (rain gear, boots, helmets, dry bags), guides, permits, snacks, bottled water, and hot beverages at the end of the trip.
What happens in bad weather?
The tour operates rain or shine, but high winds or severe weather may cause cancellations for safety reasons. In such cases, a full refund applies.
How physically demanding is the tour?
It involves paddling, hiking, and walking on rocky terrain, so some physical fitness is needed. It’s suitable for those comfortable with outdoor activities but not for those with limited mobility.
How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes about five hours, including transport, paddling, hiking, and glacier exploration, making it an ideal half-day adventure.