Mendenhall Glacier Ice Adventure Tour
Recommended by 99% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Juneau, USA
- 5 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Paddle across Mendenhall Lake, past icebergs and waterfalls, on this guided Alaskan adventure. Explore the Tongass National Forest and hike near Mendenhall Glacier with expert guides. Enjoy breathtaking views and experience wildlife up close. This small-group tour offers a unique and unforgettable wilderness experience.
- Paddle across Mendenhall Lake with expert guides
- Hike near the stunning Mendenhall Glacier
- Spot wildlife and giant waterfalls along the route
- Transportation from downtown Juneau included
What's Included
- Transportation from downtown Juneau
- Expert Wilderness Guides
- Bottled water, snacks, and hot beverage
- Rain Jacket & Pants / Waterproof Boots
- Life Vest / Helmet / Trekking Pole
- Gratuities for your guides
- Photos (feel free to bring a camera)
- Warm layers (beanie, wool socks, gloves and non-cotton layers are recommended)
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Goldbelt Tram490 S Franklin St, Juneau, AK 99801, USA
Meet your tour guide outside of the red GoldBelt Tram Tramway building. They will be holding a blue sign with your tour name. ***ALL NCL ENCORE AND NCL BLISS GUESTS*** Meet your guide in front of your ship on the AJ dock. They will be holding a blue sign with your tour name.***
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
After meeting your tour guide and group in downtown Juneau, benefit from having transportation included, to help you get to the start point with ease.
Traversing the Alaskan wilderness with a guide and small group means no danger of getting lost and fascinating insights along the way.
The first stop is Mendenhall Lake, where you’ll set off in a kayak and paddle along a spectacular route that showcases icebergs, waterfalls, and mountain peaks of Tongass National Forest.
To ensure you see the local landscape from all angles, the trip stops at a remote beach, where you’ll go on an interpretive hike to see glacial scenery up close—including ice caves and moulins.
As the ice is constantly moving, every tour is different, promising an exciting adventure, whenever you go on this tour. The trip then ends right back at a familiar location—the place where you met the group.
Traversing the Alaskan wilderness with a guide and small group means no danger of getting lost and fascinating insights along the way.
The first stop is Mendenhall Lake, where you’ll set off in a kayak and paddle along a spectacular route that showcases icebergs, waterfalls, and mountain peaks of Tongass National Forest.
To ensure you see the local landscape from all angles, the trip stops at a remote beach, where you’ll go on an interpretive hike to see glacial scenery up close—including ice caves and moulins.
As the ice is constantly moving, every tour is different, promising an exciting adventure, whenever you go on this tour. The trip then ends right back at a familiar location—the place where you met the group.
1
Mendenhall Glacier
1 hour • Admission Ticket Included
2
Tongass National Forest
4 hours • Admission Ticket Free
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
- Minimum age 12 years old
- Minimum weight: 90lbs
- Maximum weight: 240lbs
- This tour DOES NOT provide access to walk on glacier ice
- Full use of limbs for up to 2 hours canoe paddling and 1.5 hours of trekking
- Ability to hike over steep uneven terrain for approximately 1-2 miles
- Signed liability waiver
- Not recommended for guests with back or hip problems
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 14 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
Nicole_F
We had an outstanding excursion with Ed & Luke. Communication was great prior to the meet-up. From the moment we connected with Luke, he began educating us on Juneau, glaciers, etc. We had a lovely paddle to view the glacier, then hiked a bit to get a little closer and learn more about the vegetation and rock formations in the area. Ed & Luke were knowledgeable and sprinkled in humor and light-hearted banter. Friends recommended this trip to us, and we’re so glad we did this. Of our three excursions during our cruise, this was by far the best.
Reviews
5.0
based on 1,286 reviews
Paul_K, Oct 2025
To start with pick up was a breeze. Short ride out of town to the lake before getting outfitted with all our gear. There Mason and the guys got us in the canoe. Now this is definitely a bit of a paddle so be prepared but it is totally worth it. We got extremely close to the glacier after paddle across the lake. When there we got out of canoe and talked about glacier and had our “rock talk” which was very interesting then got to “hunt” around for gems. Got some awesome photos with glacier so close in the background. On the paddle back stopped by the massive falls. Unfortunately the porcupines were not around this day but did see a lot of bald eagles. Even the rain at the end didn’t dampen our spirits. This tour was the highlight of our trip.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
We're thrilled to hear we were the highlight of your trip! The effort put into paddling always makes the views that much more special. Mason is the King of Mendenhall. His trips never disappoint! Thank you for the wonderful review.
Larry_L, Sep 2025
This is a must do! My whole family loved the experience. My daughters had no problems with the rowing.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thanks for the review!
Charlotte_R, Sep 2025
Our guides Jordan and Mason made sure we had an awesome experience from the time we were picked up, canoeing to the glacier, hiking near the glacier and return. Safety, fun and expert info were paramount. Then we finished with hot mocha or apple cider. Great experience. Enjoy!
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Jordan and Mason are wonderful guides and some of Alaska's finest! After a paddle with them, a nice, hot beverage is the cherry on top of a beautiful day on the Mendenhall. Thank you so much for the five-star review!
lisakt18, Sep 2025
I’m sure all Liquid Alaska guides are great, but Jordan and Luke take it to a whole new level. They were entertaining and educational. Their knowledge of the glacier, the impacts and changes and the rock formations and evolutions was extraordinary. Above all else they were super nice and friendly.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Luke and Jordan go above and beyond for each of their guests. A trip with them is unparalleled. We're thrilled you had a great time out there. Thank you for the review!
Craig_J, Aug 2025
Amazing tour. Loved the canoe paddle to the Glacier and the Glacier hike was awesome.
Brilliant tour guides. Jonathon and Ed were cracking blokes, helpful and new everything about the place.
Would highly recommend.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Jonathan and Ed are a dynamic duo! Couldn't ask for a better pair to guide you across the lake. We're thrilled you had an exceptional time with them. Thank you for the great review!
Noellie_N, Aug 2025
This excursion was a lot of fun! We met at the Goldbelt Tram and took a van to a parking lot near the Mendenhall Glacier. Then we geared up (they provided rain boots, rain jackets, gloves, helmets, and a dry bag with snacks and water inside) and went in a canoe out across the lake. We went past Nugget Falls, and got gorgeous views of the glacier from the water.
Then we docked to the left of the glacier and hiked so we can get even closer. The guides talked to us a bit about the glacial till and the different types of rocks that were formed by the glacier. Once we were able to take all our photos, we made the journey back. They provided a hot beverage of choice and drove us to the same meeting spot. An amazing trip overall, would highly recommend :)
Shoutout to Rod and Mason for being our guides!! They provided lots of info along the journey and a few jokes as well lol
Response from Host, Aug 2025
A perfect tour led by two perfect guides! It sounds like you had an exceptional time with Rod and Mason. They go above and beyond to make sure each guest receives the experience of a lifetime. Thank you for the great review and for joining us on Mendenhall Lake!
Susan_J, Aug 2025
We had a wonderful paddle to the glacier, and it so well narrarated by Luke and Meg. It was a beautiful peaceful afternoon in nature.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Luke and Meg are the perfect narrators for a glacier paddle, and we are so glad you had a peaceful afternoon out in nature with them. Thanks for joining Liquid Alaska on the lake!
MaryBeth_K, Aug 2025
Expect to paddle hard to reach the Mendelhall Glacier by canoeing but it’s really worth it to see nature at its best and it’s magnificent. The crew which is lead by Rob is awesome and very informative. Highly recommended for those nature lovers out there.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Rod once said to his fellow guides, "Anything worth having is worth working for", and we think that encapsulates the adventure perfectly! A paddle workout is required to be part of the select few that see the glacier so very close. We are glad you toured with us and found the hard paddling to be worth it in the end. Safe travels throughout the rest of your time in Alaska!
Steve_K, Aug 2025
Filled with the best view of the glacier and interesting facts about Juneau. Ed and Rod were excellent guides and very helpful. They kept the tour lighthearted, adventurous, and safe.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Liquid Alaska makes sure you get the very best views of the glacier, and Ed and Rod make sure you have the very best time along the way! We have the best guides in Juneau here at Liquid, and it thrills us that you got to come on tour and have a five-star experience with them. We wish you safe travels throughout the rest of your time in Alaska!
Robert_M, Jul 2025
Meg and Ben were very knowledgeable and made the adventure exciting! Highly recommend for an up close look!
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Meg and Ben are two of the best guides Juneau has to offer! Thank you for the review and for joining us on Mendenhall Lake!
Lisa_D, Jul 2025
We had a fabulous time on this excursion. From the moment we were picked up by Jonathan, we heard about wildlife and history. Upon arrival at the location, another guide by the name of Ed gear up for our adventure. The battle across the water took approximately an hour, then we enjoyed snacks at the Mendenhall glacier site before doing a short hike. It did rain however that is not uncommon for the area. We had a great time and would highly recommend this tour.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Jonathan and Ed are a dynamic duo! Two of the best guides to take you across the lake. Thank you for the great review!
Laura_K, Jul 2025
This was an awesome, unique activity and I’m so glad we did it! The guides were very professional and well organized.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thanks for the glowing review! Liquid Alaska only has the best guides, and we know that each and every one of them maintains top tour quality and standards. We are so glad that you chose to come out and explore the Mendenhall with us today!
Nicole_F, Jul 2025
We had an outstanding excursion with Ed & Luke. Communication was great prior to the meet-up. From the moment we connected with Luke, he began educating us on Juneau, glaciers, etc. We had a lovely paddle to view the glacier, then hiked a bit to get a little closer and learn more about the vegetation and rock formations in the area. Ed & Luke were knowledgeable and sprinkled in humor and light-hearted banter. Friends recommended this trip to us, and we’re so glad we did this. Of our three excursions during our cruise, this was by far the best.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Ed and Luke are a dynamic duo that will deliver a perfect tour every time. They have
acquired a wealth of knowledge that translates well to all guests. We're thrilled they made
this excursion the best one of your trip. Thank you for the review!
Neda_R, Jul 2025
My husband and teenage son had a wonderful time and saw amazing views with their guides John, Luke, and Ben. It was a spectacularly nice day for a canoe trip to Mendenhall Glacier and the waterfall, but they had all the equipment (pants, boots, etc) ready in case it rained. It was just the 2 of them with the 3 guides, and they found the canoeing appropriate for their skill and strength (vacation kayakers who don’t do this regularly). Compared with the crowds at the visitor center, this was a peaceful, more satisfying way to see the glacier and enjoy Alaskan nature!
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Sounds like they lucked out with a private excursion! Couldn't ask for a better day than that opportunity with John, Luke, and Ben. We're thrilled to hear your husband and son had such a great time out there. Thank you for the review and for joining us on Mendenhall Lake!
Ellen_H, Jul 2025
From the greeting at the Tram (with the blue sign, just as we were instructed in emails) to the transfer to Mendenhall Lake, to gearing us up, to our safety demos, Jordan and Rod were friendly, competent, and knowledgable guides. The paddle across the lake was stunning, with built in breaks so we could admire our surroundings, take pics, and rest a bit. I never felt overworked in our 5 mile round trip paddle, but it was some nice exercise for sure. When we got to the glacier, we were outfitted with helmets and walking sticks to make sure we were safe. The walk was informative as we learned about the rocks and vegetation and how a glacier transforms everything around it. And the views- oh my! While our ship did go to Glacier Bay the next day, it couldn’t compare to the closeup experience we got of Mendenhall Glacier on this excursion.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
It sounds like you had a spectacular experience with Rod and Jordan! They work diligently to exceed all expectations and put on the best tour in Juneau. We're thrilled you were no exception and had such a great time with them. Thank you for the glowing review and for joining us on Mendenhall Lake!
Nolan_N, Jul 2025
This was a quality excursion on Mendenhall Lake to a secluded beach with great views of Mendenhall glacier. It does require some physical exertion as everyone paddles and there is a short hike but it was a great experience. Our guides, Jordan and Rod were fantastic.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Two quality guides for one quality excursion! Jordan and Rod will provide a 5 star experience every time. They do a fantastic job at distracting from the effort put into paddling, though the views you're rewarded with are always worth the extra effort! Thank you for the great review and for joining us on the lake!
Jennifer_H, Jul 2025
We had a great time experiencing the glacier. Ed and Rod were very knowledgeable and experienced guides that shared lots of fun facts, which made for a great afternoon!
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Ed and Rod's passion for what they do shines on tour. They are two of the best guides you could ask for! Thank you for this great review!
Diane_K, Jul 2025
A canoe ride, followed by a short hike up as close as we could get to Mendenhall Glacier. The touring company had waterproof pants and jackets for us as well as boots so we didn’t get wet at all. A really great tour. They were very careful about safety and making sure everyone was comfortable with the level of hiking and paddling. They really tried to make things interesting for us, too, talking about the ecology and how the glacier has retreated over the years. Since the canoe was so large, everyone got to paddle which made it easier on each individual person.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Safety is our number one priority here at Liquid Alaska Tours. Our guides take that very seriously while also making the trip fun and enjoyable for all. We're thrilled you had such a great time. Thank you for the review!
Michelle_M, Jul 2025
We had an amazing time. Rod and Izzy were the best. We got a great paddling workout and amazing views of the glacier. The company gear kept us dry. Rod and Izzy are kind, professional and tell silly jokes. It was one of the highlights of our trip.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Rod and Izzy make a one-two punch of professionalism, kindness, and sprinkles of silliness! We’re so glad the gear kept you dry, the views left you in awe, and the paddle gave you a good workout. Thanks for choosing Liquid Alaska, and calling it a highlight of your trip!
Kara_W, Jun 2025
Easy drive from port to the excursion with one of our guides, Jordan. He was great telling us everything we needed to know about Juneau. Mason, the other guide joined us for the canoe ride and hike. Both were excellent, funny and knowledgeable 😁😁
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Jordan and Mason make team work a dream work! Sounds like you had a wonderful time out there with them, and got to take in the beauty of the Mendenhall Glacier! Thanks for touring with Liquid Alaska!
Sheryl_D, Jun 2025
It was a very nice experience but I think the tour is a bit overpriced. Ed & Rod were very nice, funny & knowledgeable, and gave us lots of great information. It was very active & fun. We enjoyed it.
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Ed and Rod are two of Juneau's finest. They stop at nothing to ensure every guest is getting the tour of a lifetime.
Here at Liquid Alaska Tours, we are a small local company, independent from cruise ships. This means we do not offer our excursion through ships themselves allowing us to keep our costs low in comparison to similar excursions. Operating this way also allows us to provide the best gear, guides, and experience you can get in Juneau. Thank you for choosing Liquid Alaska Tours!
Lisa_S, Jun 2025
There is some physical effort required between the canoeing and the short hike to the glacier bit it is definitely worth it. The guides (Noah and Ben M) were great and this may be our top tour ever (and this isn’t recency bias).
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Liquid Alaska has the best guides, the views are worth the effort, and we are stoked that you had the best tour of your life with Ben M and Luke! Thanks for the five-star review!
Crystal_K, Jun 2025
Beautiful scenery as you paddle in a large canoe across Mendenhall Lake and then hike to a beautiful view of the glacier. This activity does require some physical effort to paddle and a short hike. The guides, Rod and Meg, were fabulous and full of information about the glacier, the lake, the wildlife, and the area in general. Highly recommend.
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Rod and Meg are simply fabulous all the time! This tour certainly does require you to put in a little sweat equity, but the beauty and grandeur of the Mendenhall always proves to be worth it. Thank you so much for the five-star review!
Sarah_H, Jun 2025
This was absolutely amazing. Jordan and Ed were first class tour guides, it was very organized, the view of the glacier and proximity to it after canoeing and hiking to see it are unmatched and it’s so fun. We had 9 of us ages 12 to 58 and every one of us had the best time. This is a must do!
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Jordan and Ed are first class guides that make sure everyone in the canoe has a first class seat to experience the beauty of Southeast Alaska. We agree that this tour is fun for all ages, and the memory of a lifetime! Thanks for choosing Liquid Alaska!
Cristy_W, May 2025
We lucked out with the most beautiful day. Even bits of sun! Our guides Mason and Jordan were fantastic. Good information and funny jokes. Felt safe the whole time. It’s a good 5 mile paddle out and back so come prepared for a workout. Standing in front of the glacier (you don’t get to walk on it) is other-earthly.
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Mason and Jordan form a team unlike any other, jokes and information included! It certainly can feel other-worldly to experience the Mendenhall Glacier, and we are thrilled you chose to do it with us!
Jim_P, May 2025
This is the best excursion I have ever experienced in my entire life! It was so peaceful! We ended up being the only ones and our tour guides were absolutely amazing! Izzy, Ed and Ben were the best! I would do this tour over and over again! 1000000/10!
Response from Host, May 2025
We're thrilled to hear of your great experience with Issy, Ed, and Ben! They put on the experience of a lifetime, getting a private tour with them makes it all the better! Thank you for the review.
Betsy_B, May 2025
Incredible journey to the glacier. Meg and Jordan had such a wealth of knowledge about the glacier and the animals and area around it. It was special getting so close to the bottom and being awed by its size!! This is a must do activity!!
Response from Host, May 2025
Mendenhall Glacier is truly impressive, its size and color often leave me speechless. We're glad to hear you had such a great experience with Meg and Jordan. They have worked very hard to put on the best tour in Juneau! Thank you for the review.
Jacob_H, May 2025
Was a good time. One of the more adventurous tours we did on our cruise. The guys running it did a great job and kept us informed and entertained. 👍
Response from Host, May 2025
Thank you for the review! The effort of paddling always makes the views so much sweeter.
Gerald_J, May 2025
Great tour! Once in a lifetime experience! Jonathan and Ed were the best tour guides. Extremely knowledgeable, personable, and a lot of fun. Not only was it beautiful, but it was an educational experience.
Response from Host, May 2025
A tour with Jonathan and Ed is out of this world! Our guides rock, and we are so glad you had a great time with Liquid Alaska!
Laura_P, May 2025
We have done this excursion before and the 2nd time did not disappoint! We brought our daughter and her boyfriend and they absolutely loved it. Jordan and Luke did a great job adding info tidbits! Thanks for making our day in Juneau so memorable. This is a MUST BOOK excursion if you are physically able to do it.
Response from Host, May 2025
Jordan and Luke are a perfect combo to get for a returning guest. The work they have put in to make this an experience of a lifetime is unparalleled. Thank you for joining us for the 2nd time and leaving this great review!
From $376.95
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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Mendenhall Glacier Ice Adventure Tour
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