Mendenhall Glacier Ice Adventure Tour

Mendenhall Glacier is best seen from the water, where the ice, mountains, waterfalls, and drifting icebergs come together in one grand view. This tour takes you across Mendenhall Lake by large canoe, then onto a remote beach for a close look at the glacier and its rocky surroundings. The paddle is the main event, not a short ride before the sightseeing begins.

I like the way the outing combines exercise with real time in the forest, and I like the small-group format, capped at 14 people. Guides such as Jordan, Mason, Rod, Meg, Luke, Ed, and Jonathan are praised for mixing glacier facts, wildlife knowledge, safety, and good humor. The tradeoff is clear: at $376.95 per person, this is an expensive Juneau excursion, and you need the strength for about two hours of paddling and up to 1.5 hours of hiking.

Key points to know before booking

• The five-mile paddle earns the view: Expect to paddle across Mendenhall Lake and back, with rest stops for photos and scenery.
• You get close to the glacier, but not onto it: The hike reaches the rocky moraine and nearby glacial features, but glacier ice access is not included.
• Rain gear is supplied: Waterproof jacket, pants, boots, life vest, helmet, trekking pole, snacks, water, and a hot drink are included.
• The setting is unusually quiet: The route moves away from the busy visitor-center experience and into the Tongass National Forest.
• This is a real physical outing: You must handle steep, uneven ground for about 1 to 2 miles and paddle with full use of your limbs.
• Book well ahead: The tour averages about 95 days of advance booking, with a maximum of 14 people.

The best reason to choose this Mendenhall Glacier tour

Juneau offers several ways to see Mendenhall Glacier. You can visit the popular visitor area, take a short walk, or view the ice from a distance. This outing takes more work, but it gives you a different angle and a quieter sense of place.

The canoe moves across Mendenhall Lake toward the glacier, with mountain peaks rising around the water. Along the way, you pass icebergs and waterfalls, including views toward Nugget Falls. On a clear day, the water gives you a broad view that is hard to get from shore.

The effort changes the experience. You are not simply stepping off a bus, taking a picture, and moving on. You help power the boat across the lake, pause to take in the view, and then walk over rough ground near the ice. Several people describe the paddle as a good workout, but also say the close view makes it worthwhile.

That balance matters. If you want a gentle sightseeing ride, this is the wrong choice. If you like active outings and want to earn your glacier view, the format makes good sense.

Meeting in downtown Juneau and gearing up

The tour begins at the Goldbelt Tram, at 490 South Franklin Street in downtown Juneau. Transportation from there is included, so you do not need to arrange a separate ride to Mendenhall Lake. The outing returns to the same meeting point at the end.

The short drive also gives the guide a chance to talk about Juneau, local wildlife, and the area ahead. Guides named in the supplied feedback include Jordan, Mason, Rod, Meg, Luke, Ed, Jonathan, Ben, Izzy, Noah, and others. Your exact guide team will depend on the date, but the company places strong attention on safety briefings and practical instruction.

At the lake, you receive the required equipment. The provided kit includes a rain jacket and pants, waterproof boots, life vest, helmet, and trekking pole. Bottled water, snacks, and a hot beverage are also included.

You still need to bring warm layers. A beanie, wool socks, gloves, and non-cotton clothing are specifically recommended. Juneau rain can arrive at any time, and waterproof outerwear protects you from the wet, but it does not replace insulation.

Paddling across Mendenhall Lake

The canoe crossing takes about an hour in each direction, though timing can vary. Everyone helps paddle, which spreads the work across the group. The canoe is large enough that the effort is shared, but you should still expect a serious session on the water.

The route is the heart of the trip. You paddle toward Mendenhall Glacier while watching the ice, mountains, forest, and waterfalls change position around you. Rest breaks allow you to take photos and catch your breath. Guides also use the pauses to explain the lake, the glacier, wildlife, and the effects of glacial movement.

Several specific guide teams receive praise for keeping the mood relaxed. Jordan and Rod are noted for well-timed breaks and clear safety direction. Mason and Jordan are described as funny and informative. Rod and Izzy are remembered for silly jokes, while Luke and Meg are associated with a calm, well-narrated paddle.

Do not read that as a promise of a private canoe or a quiet day every time. The group limit is 14, and the mood depends partly on the people sharing the boat. Still, the small maximum keeps the outing more personal than a large coach excursion.

Wildlife is possible, not guaranteed. Bald eagles have been seen along the route, and porcupines may appear near the falls, though one outing found the eagles but not the porcupines. Keep your camera ready, but let the guide set the pace and distance around animals.

The rocky shore near Mendenhall Glacier

After crossing the lake, the group reaches a remote beach or shoreline area. From there, you begin the walking portion toward the glacier. The included glacier stop lasts about an hour, with time to explore the rocky moraine and study the ice from nearby.

This is where the tour gains its sense of discovery. You walk among glacial till, rock formations, and vegetation shaped by retreating ice. Guides explain how the glacier has changed the ground and how the ice continues to move. Depending on conditions, you may see glacial features such as ice caves and moulins from a safe viewing area.

The wording matters: you do not walk on the glacier. This is a hike near Mendenhall Glacier, not an ice-trekking tour. The moving ice means the exact view changes over time, and guides must make safety decisions based on current conditions.

The walking surface is rocky and uneven, with some steep sections. The stated requirement is the ability to hike about 1 to 2 miles over steep, uneven ground. Trekking poles and helmets are supplied, but the gear does not remove the need for steady footing.

The glacier stop also offers the strongest photo opportunity of the day. The ice is close enough to dominate the view, while the water, beach, and surrounding peaks provide a wider frame. You can take pictures during the hike and from the shore, but photos are not included as a service, so bring your own camera or phone.

What the guides add to the experience

A good guide matters here because the tour is active, weather-sensitive, and tied to a changing natural setting. The strongest guide comments focus on three things: safety, clear information, and a light touch.

Guides explain the glacier’s retreat, the rocks left behind by the ice, nearby plants, local wildlife, and the broader setting in Juneau. They also keep track of paddling breaks, gear, uneven ground, and the pace of the group.

Names repeatedly associated with especially warm feedback include Jordan, Mason, Rod, Meg, Luke, Ed, and Jonathan. Guests describe Jordan and Ed as first-class guides, Rod and Meg as full of useful information, and Luke and Jordan as especially strong at combining facts with humor. Guide assignments can change, so book for the structure of the tour rather than for a particular person.

The best part of the guiding is that the facts connect directly to what you are seeing. Instead of hearing a general talk about glaciers, you can examine glacial rocks underfoot and look at the retreating ice ahead. That makes the science easier to remember.

Weather, gear, and comfort

Juneau is wet, and rain is part of the planning. The tour provides rain jackets, rain pants, and waterproof boots, which can make the difference between an enjoyable outing and a cold one. One outing included rain near the end but still finished comfortably because the group had the right equipment.

Warm layers remain your responsibility. Wear non-cotton clothing, and bring a beanie, gloves, and wool socks. Cotton holds moisture and can leave you chilled during the paddle or hike.

A hot beverage at the end is a small but welcome touch. The drink may be hot mocha or apple cider, depending on what is offered that day. After several hours outside, it gives you a comfortable finish before the ride back to downtown Juneau.

The tour requires a signed liability waiver. It is not recommended if you have back or hip problems, and you need full use of your limbs for the paddling and trekking portions. The minimum age is 12, with a minimum weight of 90 pounds and a maximum of 240 pounds.

Is $376.95 a fair price?

At $376.95 per person, this tour is not cheap. The price makes more sense when you count what is bundled into the day: transportation from downtown Juneau, trained wilderness guides, paddling equipment, rain gear, waterproof boots, safety equipment, snacks, water, and a hot drink.

You are also paying for a small-group wilderness outing rather than a basic ride to a viewpoint. The experience lasts about five hours and includes roughly five miles of paddling plus a guided hike. For an active day that combines transport, equipment, interpretation, and close glacier views, the package has real value.

Still, the cost may feel high if your main goal is simply to see Mendenhall Glacier. A shorter shore visit will require less money and much less physical effort. This tour earns its price only if you want the paddle, the remote shoreline, the guide-led geology, and the chance to spend most of the day outdoors.

I would also remember that weather can affect the experience. The views may be dramatic in rain, but gray skies can reduce visibility. The company may cancel for poor weather, in which case you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

Who should book this outing?

I would choose this tour if you enjoy active sightseeing, do not mind getting wet, and want more than a quick glacier photo. It suits families with physically fit teenagers, couples, solo visitors, and small groups looking for a memorable day outside Juneau.

It is especially good for people who like nature interpretation. The guides explain how ice changes rock, soil, plants, and water, so the walk becomes more than a scenic stop. You also get time to look for wildlife and listen to the forest rather than rushing from one viewpoint to another.

Think twice if you have back or hip trouble, dislike paddling, or find steep rocky ground difficult. The group does not simply sit in a boat. You paddle for up to two hours and hike for about 1.5 hours, with an overall walking distance of roughly 1 to 2 miles over uneven terrain.

The tour is also not suitable if walking on glacier ice is your main goal. You get close to Mendenhall Glacier, but access onto the ice is specifically not included.

Booking advice and final call

This outing is often booked about 95 days ahead, so reserve early if it fits your Juneau schedule. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund, except when the company cancels because of weather or too few bookings.

I would book it for the combination of paddling, close glacier views, forest, waterfalls, and guide-led learning. I would skip it only if you want a low-effort sightseeing stop or if the $376.95 price is hard to justify.

For fit visitors who want to work for the view, this is one of Juneau’s more rewarding ways to meet Mendenhall Glacier. The paddle takes effort, but it also gives the day a sense of purpose, and the hot drink at the end feels well earned.

FAQ

How long does the Mendenhall Glacier Ice Adventure Tour last?

The tour lasts approximately five hours, including transportation, paddling across Mendenhall Lake, the glacier-area hike, and the return trip to downtown Juneau.

Where does the tour meet?

You meet at the Goldbelt Tram at 490 South Franklin Street in Juneau, Alaska. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Is transportation included?

Yes. Transportation from downtown Juneau to Mendenhall Lake and back to the meeting point is included.

Do I get to walk on Mendenhall Glacier?

No. The tour takes you near the glacier and onto the rocky moraine area, but it does not provide access to walk on the glacier ice.

How physically demanding is the tour?

You need full use of your limbs for up to two hours of canoe paddling and about 1.5 hours of trekking. You should also be able to hike 1 to 2 miles over steep, uneven ground.

What equipment and food are included?

The tour includes rain jacket and pants, waterproof boots, life vest, helmet, trekking pole, bottled water, snacks, and a hot beverage. You should bring warm layers, including a beanie, wool socks, gloves, and non-cotton clothing.

Can children join the tour?

The minimum age is 12. Participants must also weigh at least 90 pounds and no more than 240 pounds.