Mendenhall Glacier Ice Adventure Tour
Recommended by 99% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Juneau, USA
- 5 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Why travelers loved this
·
Explore our promoted experiences
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.
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.
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 1,386 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Izzy_M, Jul 2026
This was a really fun and energetic day out. The guides Joe and Elymus were very knowledgeable and funny. The gear was well organized and in good condition. The canoe trip was hard work but totally worth it. This trip is not for anyone with back or shoulder problems, everyone has to paddle- no exceptions.
Overall it was a brilliant excursion thanks to Joe and Elymus!!
Catherine_M, Jul 2026
Had a great time with the family on this excursion. Mike and Elisha were knowledgeable about the area and they made sure we were safe with their instructions and all the equipment was provided even snacks and drinks. If you want a fun and active experience, this is it.
Vinona_B, Jul 2026
Incredible. Fun and good exercise. Beautiful scenery, learned a ton and laughed with our guides Hannah and Sophie. They were very professional, skilled and helpful. Dress in layers. The rain didn’t stop us from enjoying the full experience
Jennifer_S, Jul 2026
My husband and I booked this tour with my nephew as a highlight for our trip to Alaska. We absolutely love to connect with nature and this tour offered us something no one else could- the opportunity to get up close to Mendenhall Glacier, away from the crowds, and appreciate the true majesty of Alaska.
What made this tour amazing was the crew. When Mike, crew leader, met us at the pick-up point, he was very honest about the katabatic winds and how sunny days increase the winds to be very, very strong. He shared it would be a hard paddle and no other tourists had signed up so we would have to work hard.
We were determined to work hard for the reward. Mike called the owner and, going above and beyond, they called in some additional experienced paddle guides to make the trip happen (at their cost, not ours).
These four men (Mike, Joe, Brady, and Elisha) were incredible! Positive spirits, enjoyable company, we got to know them as we all paddled hard to make it to the beach next to Mendenhall Glacier. Wow- it was worth it!!!
Joe led us on a beach hike around the bend and explained to us the geography and fauna we were seeing. As we got to the other side we had an up-close and surreal moment in front of the glacier. We had it all to ourselves and it was an impactful moment we will always remember.
On the paddle back we visited Nugget Falls and saw the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center from the water. We were literally the only boat on the lake surrounded by birds and nature. The quiet stillness and just being immersed in this beautiful area was an experience we will never forget.
We are extremely grateful to this crew for their professionalism and this company for ensuring we had a safe tour even at the cost of hiring two additional crew members to make this experience for us happen. We hope this review will help to bring this great company business because good people deserve to have good things happen to them.
Thank you to Mike, Joe, Brady, Elisha (and the boss) for allowing us to make a memory that will always stay with us.
Stanley_C, Jul 2026
Took a wonderful paddling and hiking trip to Mendenhall glacier with Cortland and Brady. Pick up went smoothly despite the rainy weather. Rain jacket, rain pants, gloves, boots and life jacket all provided for. They gave routine paddling breaks to give our arms a break. Cortland’s “dad jokes” kept the mood light. Hiking through the “desolation zone” to Mendenhall glacier was other worldly. After a hot chocolate to celebrate our excursion, we were taken back to the cruise ship with plenty of time to spare.
Samantha_F, Jul 2026
This excursion was an absolute 10/10 and easily one of the highlights of our trip. It felt like stepping into the pages of a National Geographic magazine. We spent about an hour paddling by canoe to the glacier, hiked for around 30 minutes to get even closer, and then made the hour long paddle back. We even got to get up close to Nugget Falls! Cortland was an absolute GOAT of a guide, and Hannah was an incredible captain who navigated the canoe through the wind like a pro.
Afterward, they offered hot chocolate, coffee, apple cider, or their Mendenhall Mocha (AKA half coffee/half hot chocolate). My family is still talking about that mocha. It was the perfect way to warm up after an unforgettable adventure. I couldn’t recommend this experience more.
Jean_S, Jul 2026
This was a fantastic adventure. Our guides, Elymus and Elisha, was great - very friendly, informative and interacted well with the group. The experience of being up close to the Mendenhall glacier was awesome.
Ferdinand_F, Jun 2026
It was a great way to get very close to Mendenhall Glacier, and our tour guides Elemis and Sophie were fantastic! The combination of canoeing and hiking was a lot of fun, especially for our teenage boys.
Jesse_K, Jun 2026
This is a great tour. Unbelievable scenery. Very beautiful. We really enjoyed canoeing across Mendenhall Lake. Our tour guides were Elymus and Brady and they were awesome. Great guides,
very knowledgeable about the area and they were also hilarious. Lots of fun. Great tour.
Highly recommend
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for the glowing recommendation! We're thrilled you had a great time with Elymus and Brady on tour. Thank you for choosing Liquid Alaksa Tours!
Katie_L, Jun 2026
This tour was a huge highlight of our time in Alaska. We decided to book this tour instead of going through the cruise line and I'm so glad we did. We are not experienced with canoeing or hiking but had no issues with either. We couldn't have gotten any closer to the Mendenhall Glacier than we did with this tour. The views we got canoeing and hiking were absolutely incredible. We made such good time we even got to row right next to Nugget Falls. Our guides, Cortland and Elisha, were so much fun and made our time even more exciting and informative. They have such a great sense of humor that kept the mood light and fun the entire time. The entire tour from start to finish was so well planned and executed. We are so thankful for this core memory on our trip!
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for the glowing 5-star review! We are so glad that our glacier tour was a seamless, stress-free highlight of your vacation. Cortland and Elisha are an amazing duo, and they’ll love hearing that their humor and planning made your trek to the glacier and Nugget Falls so memorable. Thanks for choosing Liquid Alaska Tours!
David_P, Jun 2026
Great tour guides: energetic and knowledgeable. Enjoyed being with small group canoing across the lake.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
All of our tour guides bring and energy, a passion, and an enthusiasm that makes the paddle that much better! Thank you for the kind review!
Carrie_L, Jun 2026
Wow! What an incredible experience. Our family had an amazing adventure with our awesome tour guides, Cortland and Elimus. They both were super friendly, engaging and knowledgeable. We enjoyed canoeing across the gorgeous lake, seeing nugget falls and then the grand finale of the breath taking, Mendenhall Glacier. We can’t thank Cortland and Elimus enough for giving us a once in a lifetime experience.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
We are thrilled to hear your family had such an amazing adventure! It is wonderful that Cortland and Elymus helped make your time on the lake, at the falls, and up at the glacier so memorable. Thank you for choosing Liquid Alaska Tours!
Yuri_Q, Jun 2026
Excellent guides who made the experience memorable, pleasant, and safe for all. Highly recommended. They made everyone feel safe, welcomed, and showed great skills and a caring tone.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for the kind words! We are delighted to hear that our team provided such a welcoming and safe experience. It is our goal to ensure every guest feels well cared for, and we appreciate your high recommendation. Thank you for choosing Liquid Alaska Tours!
Kim_D, May 2026
Elymus and Elisha our guides were excellent! They were personable, knowledgeable and very safety conscious. The canoe and gear provided was top notch. The glacier, lake and waterfall were gorgeous and it was a spectacular feeling to know we were one
of only relatively few who experience Mendenhall from this vantage point!
Response from Host, Jun 2026
It is wonderful to hear that Elymus and Elisha provided such an excellent experience! We are proud of our equipment and thrilled that you felt both safe and well-informed while taking in those spectacular, unique views of the Mendenhall. Thank you for choosing Liquid Alaska Tours!
Erica_S, May 2026
Lots of gear and quite a canoe workout but worth it for the views and experience. The guides Elymis and Brady were so funny and entertaining. They also were passionate about the environment. A great experience!
Response from Host, Jun 2026
We are glad to hear the effort was well worth the reward! It’s great that Elymus and Brady could keep the energy high with their humor while sharing their passion for the environment. Thank you for choosing Liquid Alaska Tours!
RobertXin_Q, May 2026
There are people who do something because it's a job. Then there are those like Elymus and Tor our guides for this tour who are in it wholeheartedly driven by true passion. From pick up until drop off, Elymus and Tor made it an unforgettable excursion to see the Mendenhall glacier close up whilst showering us with interesting geological, historical, ecological etc. facts and a boatload of punny jokes. Important to note that they are clearly professionals in this field and made us feel safe during and wiser after this trip.
A must sign up for anyone visiting Juneau!
Response from Host, Jun 2026
It is heartening to hear such high praise for Elymus and Tor. We take immense pride in our team, and knowing that their passion, professionalism, and humor made your experience both educational and safe is exactly the feedback we love to receive. Thank you for your glowing recommendation and for choosing Liquid Alaska Tours!
Haylee_F, May 2026
we had the BEST time on this excursion!! the guides were so knowledgeable, so funny, and made sure we got back to the cruise ship port on time. 100% would recommend. 100% would do this excursion again!!!! hannah and sophie were our guides… see attached selfie 😉
Response from Host, May 2026
What a great selfie! Sophie and Hannah are the queens of the Mendenhall, and we are happy to hear the tour lived up to the hype! Thanks for adventuring with us!
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!
From $376.95
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
Compare Similar Experiences
Current
Mendenhall Glacier Ice Adventure Tour
1,385
5 hours
Free Cancellation
From
$376.95
Customers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Explore Similar Things to Do
- Shore Excursions
- Attractions & Museums
- Hiking Tours
- Nature and Wildlife Tours
- Half-day Tours
- Eco Tours
- Tickets & Passes
- Outdoor Activities
- Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises
- Private Sightseeing Tours
- Private and Luxury
- Juneau
- Shore Excursions - Hoonah
- Nature and Wildlife Tours - Hoonah
- Half-day Tours - Hoonah
- Shore Excursions - Haines
- Nature and Wildlife Tours - Haines
- Half-day Tours - Haines
- Shore Excursions - Skagway
- Hiking Tours - Skagway
- Nature and Wildlife Tours - Skagway
- Half-day Tours - Skagway
- Eco Tours - Skagway
More attractions near Juneau, USA