Description
Journey right up to the edges of Juneau’s most iconic glacier on one of the most hands-on Mendenhall Glacier tours. The Mendenhall Lake Canoe Tour takes you across Mendenhall Lake right up to the face of this magnificent glacier. The ever-changing face of the glacier makes for a unique experience for each tour departure, as the receding glacier could present you with different features on any given day. Mendenhall Lake tours are a rare & unique experience, even with it being one of the most visited glaciers in North America, as the permits to access the water are limited. This guarantees you an incredible off-the-beaten-track experience. The canoe ride across Mendenhall Lake will stun you with natural beauty & occasional wildlife. You’ll paddle past views of Nugget Falls & towering mountains, as well as tern nesting areas.
Your tour begins right from the Mt. Roberts Tram station, where your professional guides will meet you to provide round-trip transportation. Unlike many Mendenhall Glacier tours, your guides will take you from here to the west side of Mendenhall Lake, away from the crowds of the visitor center, to gear up and launch your canoes. Along the way, your guides will regale you with information about Juneau and the surrounding Tongass National Forest. After a safety briefing & instructions from your guide at the trailhead, you will launch your canoes for a 1-hour paddle to the opposite side of the lake. You’ll pass chunks of floating glacial ice & see wildlife as you cruise across the lake. Your knowledgeable guide will share what they know about this quickly receding glacier, the lake, & its history. After your time on the water, you will return to the put-in where a healthy snack will be waiting for you. As you complete your Mendenhall Lake Canoe Tour, you will be returned directly to the cruise docks for easy return to the ship.
For a similar tour that includes hiking and views of the Mendenhall Glacier, consider the Mendenhall Glacier Ice Adventure.
What's Included
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear and bring?
We provide a waterproof jacket, pants, boots, a life jacket, paddling gloves, and a dry bag. We suggest wearing comfortable, non-cotton layers to go underneath your waterproof gear, and it's a good idea to bring a hat, gloves, warm socks, and sunglasses. We also provide bottled water and snacks.
How many guests can attend on this tour?
With a focus on keeping group sizes small, this tour has a guest-to-guide ratio of 10:1.
Is the canoe paddle difficult?
No canoe experience is necessary, but be prepared for an arm workout! Winds can make the paddle moderately strenuous when not blowing in your favor.
Know Before You Book
Quick Facts
Itinerary • 4h 00min • 5 activities
Pick-up is provided from Mount Roberts Tramway near the cruise ship docks in downtown Juneau.
Guides will provide a waterproof jacket, pants, boots, a life jacket, paddling gloves, and a dry bag. After gearing up, they will provide instructions on how to safely and efficiently paddle the canoe.
Enjoy scenic views of the towering mountain peaks & Nugget Falls as you paddle across the scenic and peaceful Mendenhall Lake, before eventually sighting the glacier itself. Your return paddle is just as stunning, being surrounded by the Tongass National Forest.
At the end, you will be given time to remove your gear and enjoy a well-earned snack break and hot beverage before loading back into the vans.
Your guides will return you back to Mount Roberts Tramway near the cruise ship docks for you to either return to your ship or explore nearby downtown Juneau.