Mendenhall Glacier Lake Canoe Tour in Alaska

Absorb intimate views of the Mendenhall Glacier while paddling across the glacier-fed lake in a canoe. With a guaranteed small group, our professional guide will lead you into exploring the serenity of the Tongass National Forest towards the Mendenhall Glacier. Voyage past steep cliffs, waterfalls, and icebergs while keeping your eyes peeled for wildlife in route to getting face to face with the glacier.

Your adventure begins in front of your cruise ship, where you will meet your professional guide. Step away from the crowds with narrated transportation to a remote part of the Tongass National Forest to get your first views of the breathtaking, ever-changing Mendenhall Glacier. One of the most accessible glaciers in North America, the Mendenhall Glacier is located just 12 miles from downtown Juneau. The 13-mile-long river of ice, which ends on the far side of Mendenhall Lake, is one of Alaska's gems. A half-mile wide with ice up to 1,800 feet deep, it's no surprise that Mendenhall is the most visited glacier in all of Alaska.

Once suited up in our top quality gear along with a quick paddle lesson, hop in the canoe and launch across the Mendenhall Lake. With the instruction of your guide, you will glide across the lake en route to the toe of the Mendenhall Glacier. Keep an eye on the cliffs decorated with nests of Arctic terns, a giant waterfall, and wildlife while voyaging along beautiful blue icebergs. You will come as close as possible to the face of the Mendenhall Glacier and be rewarded with front row views of the “ice falls”, where miles of glacier ice flow steeply over the mountainside, and continue down to melt into the the lake in front of you. Your guide will steer the canoe to the best viewpoints of the glacier’s towering blue crevasses and ice seracs.

Upon returning from your adventure on the lake, you will be welcomed by a hot beverage as you de-gear from your equipment. After a short drive back to the cruise ship docks, your adventure with us will end, but hopefully with memories that will last a lifetime.

Tour times below are approximate:

• 30 minute transport to glacier launch site.
• 15 minute equipment and safety briefing.
• 2 hours of canoe paddling.
• 15 minute equipment unload and hot beverage.
• 30 minute transport back to cruise ship terminal.