9 Best Kayak And Canoe Tours In Juneau

Among Juneau’s top water excursions, several stand-alone favorites blend nature and adventure perfectly. I’m especially impressed by the Mendenhall Glacier Lake Canoe Tour – a compact 2-hour paddle that gets you remarkably close to glacier views without exhausting your day or budget. For more active travelers, the 5.5-hour Mendenhall Glacier Lake Canoe Day Trip and Hike delivers a satisfying mix of paddling and trail exploration.

The authentic 28-foot Tlingit-style canoe used in the Mendenhall Lake Canoe Adventure adds cultural significance to your glacier experience. Wildlife enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the Channel Islands Whale Watching Kayak Adventure, where 6 hours of guided paddling regularly yields sightings of whales, orcas, and rich marine life.

Let’s look at the specifics of each recommended tour.

Key Points

• The Mendenhall Glacier Lake Canoe Tours offer a 5-star rated experience with breathtaking glacier views and a maximum group size of 10 travelers.
• The Mendenhall Glacier Lake Canoe Day Trip and Hike combines canoeing and hiking, providing scenic views of Nugget Waterfall and the glacier’s edge.
• The Mendenhall Lake Canoe Adventure offers an authentic experience in a 28-foot Tlingit-style canoe, with opportunities to see diverse wildlife.
• The Whale Watching Kayak Adventures provide a 6-hour guided tour through Channel Islands State Marine Park, with a chance to spot humpback whales, orcas, and other marine life.
• The Mendenhall Glacier View Sea Kayaking tour offers a 2-hour paddling experience with knowledgeable guides providing commentary on the wildlife and geology.

Mendenhall Glacier Lake Canoe Tour

After docking in Juneau, travelers can embark on the Mendenhall Glacier Lake Canoe Tour, a unique opportunity to explore the stunning landscape up close.

This 5-star rated tour takes visitors onto the glacial lake, providing breathtaking views of the iconic Mendenhall Glacier. With a maximum of 10 travelers per tour, guests receive personalized attention from knowledgeable guides.

The tour includes roundtrip transportation, necessary gear, and light refreshments. Though the tour doesn’t involve hiking, it does require full use of limbs for up to 2 hours of paddling.

Suitable for ages 12 and up, the Mendenhall Glacier Lake Canoe Tour offers an unforgettable Alaskan adventure.

Read our full review: Mendenhall Glacier Lake Canoe Tour Review
Book now: Check availability

Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier Lake Canoe Day Trip and Hike

Travelers seeking a thrilling adventure in Juneau can embark on the Mendenhall Glacier Lake Canoe Day Trip and Hike. This 5.5-hour tour allows participants to paddle across the glacier lake and explore the glacier’s edge.

Along the way, they’ll enjoy stunning mountain and glacier views, including the Nugget Waterfall. The tour includes a snack pack and water, and transportation from downtown Juneau or major hotels.

However, it’s not suitable for those with certain health conditions or low fitness levels. Reviewers praise the knowledgeable guides and the unique experience of canoeing rather than using motorized transport, making this tour a recommended option for fit individuals seeking adventure.

Read our full review: Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier Lake Canoe Day Trip and Hike Review
Book now: Check availability

Mendenhall Lake Canoe Adventure

The Mendenhall Lake Canoe Adventure offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the stunning glacial landscape of Juneau. This 4.6-star rated tour takes guests on a 28-foot Tlingit-style canoe, providing the chance to see arctic terns, eagles, goats, salmon, and even bears.

Along the way, you will navigate past icebergs to the magnificent Mendenhall Glacier and Nugget Falls. While the tour is suitable for those with a moderate fitness level, some reviewers noted concerns about overcrowding and guide experience.

Read our full review: Mendenhall Lake Canoe Adventure Review
Book now: Check availability

Juneau: Channel Islands Whale Watching Kayak Adventure

Embarking on the Juneau: Channel Islands Whale Watching Kayak Adventure, visitors can explore the humpback whale feeding grounds of Southern Alaska.

Priced from €459.07 per person, the 6-hour guided tour takes participants on a journey through the Channel Islands State Marine Park.

Paddling in tandem kayaks, you’ll have the chance to spot humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, porpoises, and more.

The trip includes a stop on a remote island for a snack and kayaking tutorial.

With a maximum group size of 6, this adventure is suitable for all skill levels and offers free cancellation up to 15 days in advance.

Discover the stunning landscapes of Southern Alaska on this unforgettable whale watching kayak tour.

Read our full review: Juneau: Channel Islands Whale Watching Kayak Adventure Review
Book now: Check availability

Mendenhall Glacier View Sea Kayaking

Exploring the stunning landscapes surrounding Juneau, the Mendenhall Glacier View Sea Kayaking tour offers participants a unique opportunity to paddle through the serene waters and witness the majestic Mendenhall Glacier up close.

The 2-hour tour includes transportation, all necessary equipment, and knowledgeable guides who provide commentary on the local wildlife and geology. While the tour doesn’t directly visit the glacier, the views of the impressive icy formation are still breathtaking.

With a maximum of 48 travelers, the tour provides an intimate and personalized experience. However, participants should be aware of the physical requirements and dress appropriately for the weather conditions.

Read our full review: Mendenhall Glacier View Sea Kayaking Review
Book now: Check availability

Juneau Shore Excursion: Mendenhall Glacier Canoe, Paddle and Hike

For those seeking a more immersive experience at Juneau’s Mendenhall Glacier, the Juneau Shore Excursion: Mendenhall Glacier Canoe, Paddle and Hike tour offers an unparalleled opportunity.

The 5.5-hour excursion allows visitors to canoe across Mendenhall Lake, hike along the glacier’s edge, and explore this remarkable wilderness destination. Rated 5-stars by 72 reviewers, the tour includes essential equipment, snacks, and a professional guide.

While the tour is suitable for families, participants must meet age and weight requirements, and possess strong swimming and physical fitness skills. Guests can expect breathtaking views, knowledgeable guides, and an opportunity to get up close with the awe-inspiring Mendenhall Glacier.

Read our full review: Juneau Shore Excursion: Mendenhall Glacier Canoe, Paddle and Hike Review
Book now: Check availability

Mendenhall Glacier Canoe Paddle and Hike

The Mendenhall Glacier Canoe Paddle and Hike tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in Juneau’s stunning natural environment.

Over 5.5 hours, adventurers paddle around the glacier lake, explore the surrounding trails, and spot local wildlife.

With a maximum group size of 12, the personalized experience features knowledgeable guides who provide paddling and safety instructions.

While a strong fitness level is required, the tour’s inclusion of necessary equipment, transportation, and national park fees makes it an accessible way to discover the Mendenhall Glacier.

Travelers consistently praise the breathtaking scenery and the guide’s expertise, though some note the activity time may be shorter than advertised.

Read our full review: Mendenhall Glacier Canoe Paddle and Hike Review
Book now: Check availability

Mendenhall Lake Kayak Tour

Situated on the outskirts of Juneau, the Mendenhall Lake Kayak Tour allows visitors to paddle across the tranquil waters of the glacier-fed lake. Costing $269 per person, this 2-hour tour accommodates up to 12 travelers and includes essential gear like rain jackets and boots.

While the views of the surrounding mountains and Mendenhall Glacier are stunning, some guests have expressed disappointment over limited access to the glacier itself. On top of that, the tour’s height and weight restrictions may exclude taller or larger individuals.

The tour’s knowledgeable guides and overall positive reviews suggest it’s a worthwhile activity for those seeking a scenic paddle in Juneau’s natural beauty.

Read our full review: Mendenhall Lake Kayak Tour Review
Book now: Check availability

Juneau Shore Excursion: Paddle With Whales! Kayak Adventure

Seeking a more thrilling adventure than the tranquil Mendenhall Lake Kayak Tour?

The Juneau Shore Excursion: Paddle With Whales! Kayak Adventure offers a small-group paddling experience to see humpback whales in their natural habitat.

The tour includes a boat journey up the Inside Passage to the whale feeding grounds, where you’ll have the chance to spot these majestic creatures.

Along the way, you’ll enjoy scenic views of glaciers, forests, and mountains, while learning about the local ecosystems and wildlife.

The trip includes all necessary gear and permits, and pickup is available from major hotels in the Mendenhall Valley.

Just be sure you meet the moderate fitness and weight requirements before booking this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Read our full review: Juneau Shore Excursion: Paddle With Whales! Kayak Adventure Review
Book now: Check availability

Sum Up

Juneau offers a variety of top-notch kayak and canoe tours to suit all preferences. From serene paddles on Mendenhall Glacier Lake to exhilarating whale-watching adventures, these tours provide an unforgettable way to explore the stunning natural beauty of the region. Whether you’re a first-time paddler or an experienced adventurer, you’ll find a tour that meets your needs and leaves you with lasting memories of your time in Juneau.