Mendenhall Glacier Canoe Paddle and Hike Juneau
Recommended by 99% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Juneau, USA
- 5 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Overview
Experience Mendenhall Glacier by land and water under the supervision of a guide who knows the area well on a combo-adventure tour from Juneau. First, hop into a canoe at Mendenhall Lake and paddle around luminescent blue icebergs and past cliffs and waterfalls toward Mendenhall Glacier. No matter your paddling or hiking experience, a guide prepares you for each step. Hotel pickup is included for added convenience.
- Perfect for adventure-seeking paddlers of all experience levels
- Paddle safely, with a guide to lead the way
- All equipment, including rain gear and rubber boots, will be provided
- Hotel pickup included for added convenience
What's Included
- Bottled water
- Snacks
- Professional guide
- All necessary paddling equipment
- Rain gear and rubber boots
- National Park fees
- Paddling and safety instructions
- Gratuities
Meeting and Pickup
You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup
What To Expect
1
Above & Beyond Alaska
2
Mendenhall Glacier
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a strong physical fitness level
- Age minimum of 12 years and older only
- Please note, this tour requires a minimum of 4 to operate. If minimum requirement is not met, reservation is subject to change or cancellation.
- Maximum weight 250 pounds
- You must include the following in the comments section when booking: raingear & shoe sizes for each passenger, (for adult men and women, S-XXL and youth, S-L) and any pertinent medical information. Smallest shoe size that can be accommodated is Youth 2 and largest is Adult 14.
- All clients will be outfitted in 8 person or 12 person canoes, with 1 to 2 guides depending on the group size.
- All clients must be in physically fit condition and capable of paddling 5-6 miles and hiking about 2 miles roundtrip. All clients must know how to swim.
- Due to the inherent risks involved, we do not permit pregnant guests to participant.
- With group departures we try to maximize our trip capacity and subsequently may need to alter the time to accommodate additional customers. If your trip's departure time changes we will notify you as soon as possible.
- Glacier Access and feature exploration: The Mendenhall Glacier is receding daily. Because the glacier is in a state of constant change, not all features may be present or accessible. We will explore the edges of the glacier safely from the bedrock. This tour does not include trekking on the glacier.
- A specific amount of time exploring the edge of the glacier cannot be guaranteed. The amount of time at the glacier is dependent on the group's pace and weather conditions
- Clients must disclose information regarding pertinent medical conditions/history, allergies and any type of restriction or limitation that might introduce a higher degree of challenge on this trip.
- RELEASE OF LIABILITY/ASSUMPTION OF RISK FORM: Every participant on the trip must sign a Release of Liability/Assumption of Risk form at the start of the trip. Alterations and/or deletions to the waiver are not permitted.
- Maximum weight is 250 lbs per person
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Patricia_L
This was an amazing time. Levi and Grant were great. They were so knowledgeable, they provided so much information on the current state of the glaciers.
The trip is challenging ,you canoe across the lake in all kinds of weather.
So worth it when you get so close to the glaciers, it was a humbling experience
Would recommend this trip if you are willing to do your part, not everyone paddled in my group so it made it hard
I can not say enough about Grant and Levi, they put our safety first, and made it fun.
Reviews
4.9
based on 198 reviews
James_V, May 2025
Very fun adventure, rain gear, including boots are provided to keep you dry. Guides are very informative about the glacier and Juneau area.
Response from Host, May 2025
Hi James! Thank you for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear you had a fun adventure and learned a lot from our knowledgeable guides. We appreciate you making us part of your time in Alaska.
Martha_H, Sep 2024
We had a fantastic time canoeing across Mendenhall Lake then hiking near the Glacier. Dan was a wonderful, knowledgeable, and thoughtful guide who really made our experience memorable.
Response from Host, Sep 2024
We’re so glad to hear that you had a fantastic time canoeing across Mendenhall Lake and hiking near the glacier! It sounds like Dan did a wonderful job of making your experience memorable. Thank you for taking the time to share your positive feedback. We hope to see you again soon!
Simonne_C, Aug 2024
The whole experience was worth every penny! A small hike to the lake to get on our canoes and paddle our way to the Mendenhall glacier area and what a site. We even got off and hiked some more to get a closer look to the glaciers and mountains. And a nice workout too with a view!!!
Response from Host, Sep 2024
Thank you for sharing your positive experience with us! It's wonderful that you were able to get up close to the glacier and mountains. We appreciate your recommendation and hope to see you again soon!
bdeadder, Jul 2024
Even though it rained the entire time, we were appreciative of the rain gear and boots that were provided for us! This was a workout ... we paddled for about an hour to get near the Glacier and an hour back. We were beat but enjoyed our day!
Response from Host, Jul 2024
Thank you for taking the time to write us such an honest review. We recognize that experiencing our trip in the rain isn't ideal, but it is still a special experience to enjoy the Tongass National Rainforest on a rainy day:) We appreciate that you still had a blast with your guides and enjoyed the content of our tour, we look forward to seeing you again soon!
Bhavik, May 2024
It was an awesome experience and must do if you want to see the beauty of glacier in close. Views during canoeing were totally worth it . It was well organised and we had lot of fun and memories
Response from Host, May 2024
Thank you for such a positive review Bhavik! We are so glad to hear that you enjoyed your time out on the water with us and that we gave you some great memories to take home:)
Richard_D, Aug 2023
Two great guides pushed and mush'd us. They were very informative on both the water and for the short hike. Their office was friendly and super responsive.
Response from Host, Aug 2023
Thank you for the positive review, Richard! We hope to see you again for future adventures!
Renee_T, Jun 2023
This is not a 4-6 hour trip. The actual activity is maybe 3 hours at best. The other times are waiting for people to arrive, fitting gears (less than 10 minutes).
We rode the van to the west glacier trail head. The canoeing was fun. About 1 hrs to the glacier. We tested and bathroom break (behind rocks). Because of receding glacier, the viewing from a far is about 20-30 minutes. Then we row back. That's about 30-40 minutes. I was instructed to be at the pick up point around 0800. I got back from the trip, return gear, use the bathroom and in van to the drop off point by 1345.
It is closer view of glacier than looking at it from the visitor center. There is significantly less carbon foot print than those helicopter,/ sea plane tour. But it didn't add much for 300+ than the view with binocularat the visitor center. There is NO longer trek on the Mendenhall glacier.
Would I recommend it to my family. No at this time when there is significant receding of glacier. The view not that much from the visitor center
Response from Host, Jun 2023
Thank you for your input Renee! The recession of Mendenhall Glacier is quite unfortunate. However, we are providing trips to Norris Glacier in which you physically trek on the ice. If you are ever back in Juneau, please consider joining us on the Fly-In Norris Glacier Hike and Packraft adventure! We hope you had a wonderful time in Juneau!
Deanna_W, Aug 2022
We had a blast!!! We were reminded that we need to start exercising because our arms got tired during the canoe part, but the canoe was full so it allowed for enough small breaks. The guides were super fun and informative. I would highly recommend. I would also recommend taking or wearing socks as you need to wear the water boots they provide.
Patricia_L, Aug 2022
This was an amazing time. Levi and Grant were great. They were so knowledgeable, they provided so much information on the current state of the glaciers.
The trip is challenging ,you canoe across the lake in all kinds of weather.
So worth it when you get so close to the glaciers, it was a humbling experience
Would recommend this trip if you are willing to do your part, not everyone paddled in my group so it made it hard
I can not say enough about Grant and Levi, they put our safety first, and made it fun.
Lanetta_R, Jul 2022
Grant and Hally were AMAZING guides. They were so knowledgeable about the area and the glacier. The company provides everything you will need for your trip. We were worried because it wasn’t a sunny day, but sun plus glacier apparently equals bad wind. Our overcast day was perfect weather. Such a great day.
Anonymous, Jul 2022
What an awesome experience. After paddling across the lake, turning the bend, and seeing the glacier so close, we felt so small and humble. It was emotional and none of us expected that. Nature is always more beautiful and this day trip met all of our expectations. The group was small (8) and we could tell that our guides (Abbey & Cash) really cared about our experience. They shared important facts and showed us actual dates and details about how the glacier has changed since the industrial revolution and how it is getting smaller. Our group made up four of the eight and we all agreed it was definitely the highlight of our week in Juneau.
Adam_L, May 2022
Awesome experience. The tour guides were knowledgeable and were friendly. Saw many great sites on and in the glacier. Thank you.
Marcus_G, Aug 2021
What an incredible experience! The tour guides were fantastic! It was a totally immersive, personalized experience, even being in a group.
Todd_W, Jul 2021
Great experience all around. The canoe in was easy with great views. We explored an ice cave under the glacier, the top of the glacier, and had a terrific time. Above and beyond Alaska was an above and beyond experience.
Erica_F, Aug 2019
Fantastic experience! We loved the canoe paddle and glacier trek. The guides were friendly and knowledgeable.
Heather O, Aug 2019
This was a good day and good opportunity to explore the glacier. However, I expected this to be quite physical and the only activity that was really strenuous was paddling the canoe with 6 people that had never canoed! In addition, our group size was 11, which was too much waiting around once everyone went up to take pictures, etc. Overall, I would do it again - but with some adjustments this could be the perfect day out! Would be better with smaller groups and paired by experience.
Road166082, Aug 2019
Mel & El were awesome. They were always excited, passionate and eager to help and guide us. You made it special. Thank you.
covenof9, Jul 2019
The ice caves were not open when we were there but the rest of the trip was amazing! We had a beautiful day with no rain to paddle in which gave us the fastest time across the lake, saw crevices and glacial rivers, we even saw an Eagle pluck a baby Seagull off the bluffs of the lake. It was spectacular! Thanks to Whisper and Jacque, it was a great time!
Sandy T, Jun 2019
Matt, Justin and Casey were excellent guides! Extremely experienced, knowledgeable and fun! While it was a bit strenuous it was well worth it! This is a highly recommended trip!
Marcelo G, Oct 2017
Awesome! Spectacular.
All cast are very friendly and let you very comfortable with instructions and their experience. They really know what they are doing.
They give to you the appropriate equipment and clothes to enjoy all adventure.
I extremely recommend!
Debra B, Sep 2017
Canoe ride was great and the ability to walk on the glacier was fabulous. Being able to walk and actually see the conduits were spectacular. Pictures do not do the blue ice justice.
Francine Z, Aug 2017
This canoe and glacier trek was the highlight of my Alaska trip
The guide was careful and knowledgeable and lots of fun.
After a beautiful canoe trip to the glacier 7 paddlers in one canoe which made to easy to paddle
We went through an ice tunnel up to the glacier
Equipment was provided and we climbed all over the ice
The contours and blues colors in the ice were stunning. This trip is worth every penny!!!
mimafamilia, Jul 2017
We did this tour in May 2017, it was great! To me and my husband it has been one of the best experiences in our life. Paddling thru the lake, and then arriving to the glacier to get inside of the caves, to then go hiking on top of the glacier was amazing!!!!!! Every part of the tour was worth the effort to get to one of the most beautiful places ever! the scenery was breathless, it is unbelievable how beautiful it is! In addition to that our guides were great, we felt very lucky to had them assigned to our tour, they were very experienced and knowledgeable. Elliott Sofhauser was the main guide and he was very smart and made us feel very confident about safety, he along with Sarah Galvin were explaining us geographical information about the glacier that was very valuable . Then, the company who provided the tour is very well organized and had everything pretty well arranged, in terms of equipment, safety, transportation, snacks, everything was very perfectly planned. Another great thing was safety, we felt absolutely secure with the guides, they were very qualified and assessed the risks all the time.
Elizabeth D, Jun 2017
Our family of 5 - children ages 11, 13 and 15 - had a wonderful time with Adam! The canoe trip was beautiful, the trek and the glacier climb was amazing! Everyone loved it and was the favorite part of our vacation. So glad we did it! Don't forget to bring gloves -but everything else is provided. Dress is layers, as you can get pretty warm canoeing - but climbing the glacier got a little chilly.
THEODORE T, Jun 2017
AMAZING tour, breathtaking views! Our guides were great. There was a 30-minute row from shore to glacier, and it was moderate work but our group of 14 including 2 guides was great. The ice caves were the highlight for me, but the hike to the crevasses above was a close second. Highly recommend this booking.
Reyna B, May 2017
This tour was amazing. My husband and I went via canoe to reach the ice cave then hiked Mendehall Glacier and drank some glacier water. It was fabulous. Our guides were awesome and very helpful.
Lisa B, Sep 2016
WE had an amazing time. Elliott was our guide and he was great! I felt safe the whole time! His assistant I'm sorry I can't remember his name was great as well. They made everyone feel comfortable and experience something that not many people in the world will ever experience. The ICE CAVE was gorgeous and of course the canoe to the glacier itself was breath taking. I recommend this excursion to anyone that wants to experience something different. It is pretty challenging actually trekking on the glacier, but Elliott was all about safety and preparation. It would say go for it if you can before the Mendenhall glacier is gone!
Steve M, Sep 2016
A must do if you love the outdoors and a beautiful glacier. Sam our guide was great and took very good care of everyone in the group. We all agreed he made the experience a trip to remember for ever. The company had all the equipment that was needed to climb,stay dry and be safe. Everything was in great condition and good working order. The guides are responsible for setting up snacks and equipment so you don't spend all your time at the shop and more time on the glacier. From phone calls direct to vendor/beyondak and the guides everyone was great and highly recommend this tour.
JenniferM_E, Sep 2016
This was by far my favorite excursion while visiting Alaska. It was about an hour canoe paddle to the glacier. We got to trek around for about 1.5hrs and was about 45min canoe trip back. Our group was pretty fit so the sooner we got to the glacier the more time we had to trek around. Was definitely worth the money. The guides are down to earth and overall was a positive experience.
Stephen_L, Aug 2016
A once in a lifetime experience. To walk around a glacier and beneath into an ice cave was an awesome experience. Our tour guide Aaron? was everything we could ask for in a guide.
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