Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier Canoe Paddle and Hike

Travelers looking to combine adventure with awe-inspiring scenery in Juneau will find this guided Canoe Paddle and Hike Tour at Mendenhall Glacier offers a compelling mix. This experience is designed for those who want more than just a scenic drive or quick photo stop — it’s about getting close to the glacier and its surroundings in a way that’s both active and deeply memorable.

What we love about this tour is how it balances adventure and education. The guides, praised for their knowledge and humor, help you understand the glacier’s features and natural history, making the experience not only exciting but also enriching. Plus, paddling across the Mendenhall Lake to the glacier’s edge provides a unique vantage point you simply can’t get from a bus or boat tour.

One thing to consider is the moderate to strenuous nature of the tour, which involves paddling up to 7 miles in canoes and a hike on uneven rocky terrain. It’s best suited for active travelers or those comfortable with outdoor activities.

This tour is ideal for adventure-minded visitors who want genuine, up-close encounters with Alaska’s iconic glacier, and don’t mind a bit of physical effort to get there.

Key Points

• Active exploration: Combines canoeing and hiking for an immersive day in nature.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable and humorous guides enhance the experience.
• Stunning scenery: Glacier views, mountain vistas, and waterfalls like Nugget Falls.
• Authentic adventure: Paddle through icy waters and explore the glacier’s ever-changing face.
• Good value: Includes gear, water, snacks, and transportation, making it a hassle-free day.
• Physical challenge: Suitable for those comfortable with moderate outdoor activity levels.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary: A Day of Wilderness Wonder

This tour begins with convenient pickups either from downtown Juneau or hotels in the Mendenhall Valley, where you’ll board a comfortable, climate-controlled van. The journey to the starting point of your adventure is straightforward, with the guides providing a relaxed and informative transfer.

Once at the Mendenhall Glacier Lake, you’ll receive a brief paddle instruction from your guides, who are experienced and attentive. Your group will load into large canoes, typically accommodating 8 to 12 people, with the guidance of 1 or 2 guides. The pace is relaxed but steady, giving everyone a chance to get comfortable on the water.

Paddling across the cool, glacial lake is a highlight. As you glide past Arctic Tern nesting grounds, you’ll notice the mist rising from Nugget Falls — a captivating sight and sound that adds to the magic of the moment. Expect to see calved icebergs, which drift by as you approach the glacier’s edge, offering a surreal scene of floating ice and shimmering blue ice cliffs.

The guides will help you land on a small beach near the glacier, where you’ll take a break — refueling with the included snack pack and water. The break is a great time to soak in the scenery, listen to your guide’s insights, and prepare for the next phase.

After landing, your group will hike across rocky terrain to the glacier’s edge. This part of the adventure allows you to explore the ancient ice landscape, marveling at the constantly changing glacier features. The guides are skilled at pointing out noteworthy ice formations and explaining how glaciers shape the landscape.

The return paddle is equally rewarding, often with the wind at your back, which makes for a less strenuous journey back across the lake. Once back on shore, you’ll gear down, hop into the van, and head back to Juneau or your hotel.

What’s Included and What You Should Know

The tour includes all necessary gear, waterproof clothing, and the snack pack to keep your energy up. Transportation from a downtown meeting point or your hotel in the Mendenhall Valley is also covered, simplifying logistics.

The group size is limited to 12 participants, which ensures personalized attention and a more intimate experience. The tour runs about 5.5 hours, mostly in the morning, making it easy to fit into a full day of sightseeing.

You’ll want to bring warm, comfortable outdoor clothing, socks, and be prepared for weather that can shift from clear skies to rain. The tour takes place rain or shine, and the weather conditions may affect visibility and the overall experience, but rest assured, the scenery remains impressive in all conditions.

The Experience: What Visitors Say

Reviewers consistently highlight the guiding team as a major strength, mentioning how Abby and Taylor provided both knowledgeable and fun commentary, making the day lively and informative. One traveler remarked that guides had “a great sense of humor,” which helped lighten the physical effort involved.

Many guests appreciate the close-up views of the glacier. As one reviewer noted, “We got right up to the glacier, which was incredible,” emphasizing how rare and special such an experience is. Others enjoyed paddling past calved icebergs and feeling the cool breeze from the glacier’s ice face, which truly feels like a privileged peek into a glacial world.

The hiking portion was also well-reviewed. Several travelers expressed amazement at the changing ice formations, with one describing the landscape as “an ancient wilderness of ice.” While some wished they could go further up the glacier, the land-based exploration still provided a meaningful glimpse into the glacier’s natural beauty.

Of course, the physical demands draw comments—some found the paddling a good workout, with one saying, “I still felt my shoulders the next day,” which highlights the importance of being comfortable with moderate activity. For less active travelers, the tour might be more challenging, but for those who enjoy outdoor exertion, it’s part of the fun.

Value and Practical Considerations

At $377 per person, the tour offers good value considering the inclusion of gear, transportation, guides, snacks, and a memorable close-up experience with the glacier. Compared to other options like helicopter rides or boat tours, this activity provides a more hands-on and authentic encounter with Juneau’s iconic ice feature.

The tour’s limited group size enhances the overall experience, allowing for personalized attention and a more relaxed pace. The small group setting also encourages camaraderie among travelers, often leading to engaging conversations and shared awe at the scenery.

However, it’s worth noting that the moderate to strenuous nature of the trip means it’s best suited for fit travelers. If you have mobility issues, recent surgeries, or health concerns, this might not be the best fit. Also, since it’s a rain or shine outing, packing appropriate clothing is essential.

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Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers who want more than just sightseeing — those eager to actively engage with Alaska’s natural landscape. It’s especially suited for adventurous types who enjoy paddling, hiking, and exploring remote wilderness areas.

Nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and those curious about glaciers will find this a rewarding adventure. It’s also ideal for travelers who appreciate guides with local knowledge and a touch of humor to enhance the day.

On the flip side, if you prefer a more relaxed, less physically demanding tour or are traveling with very young children, this might be too intense. Similarly, those with specific health considerations should check the physical requirements beforehand.

The Sum Up

The Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier Canoe Paddle and Hike combines the thrill of paddling through icy waters with the wonder of walking at the glacier’s edge. It offers an authentic, active way to experience one of Alaska’s most famous natural features, guided by professionals who know how to make the day both safe and engaging.

For adventure-seekers and nature lovers, this tour delivers a rare opportunity to get close to the glacier’s face and explore its surroundings firsthand. The scenic beauty, combined with expert guidance, makes it a worthwhile splurge for those wanting more than just surface-level sightseeing.

It’s best suited for travelers comfortable with outdoor activities, eager to learn, and ready to enjoy a physically engaging day. If that sounds like your kind of adventure, this tour promises a memorable, hands-on journey into Alaska’s icy heart.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes transfers from a downtown Juneau meeting point or your hotel in the Mendenhall Valley, making logistics simple.

What should I bring?
Bring warm clothing, comfortable outdoor attire, socks, and be prepared for rain. The tour provides waterproof gear, but layering is recommended.

How strenuous is this tour?
It is considered moderate to strenuous due to paddling up to 7 miles and hiking on rocky terrain, so it’s best suited for active travelers.

Can children participate?
This tour is not suitable for children under 12 years old, mainly because of the physical demands involved.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Yes, reviews highlight how guides like Abby and Taylor are both informative and fun, significantly enriching the experience.

What kind of scenery will I see?
Expect mountain views, glacier faces, calved icebergs, Nugget Falls, and the mist rising from the falls, all creating a stunning natural tableau.

What is included in the price?
The fee covers gear, waterproof clothing, transportation, snacks, water, and the canoe paddle and hike.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour runs rain or shine. Weather may affect visibility or terrain, but the experience remains rewarding.

How long does the tour last?
Expect about 5.5 hours, mostly in the morning, including transfers, paddling, hiking, and breaks.

In summary, if you’re seeking a genuine, active, and scenic experience at one of Alaska’s most iconic sights, this Mendenhall Glacier tour offers excellent value and unforgettable moments. It’s a chance to connect with the rugged wilderness, learn from expert guides, and come away with stories to tell for years.

You can check availability for your dates here: