Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier Canoe Paddle and Hike

Juneau’s Mendenhall Glacier Canoe Paddle and Hike tour provides an unparalleled opportunity to take in Alaska’s natural splendor. This 5.5-hour adventure combines a scenic van ride, a serene paddle across Mendenhall Lake, and a captivating hike around the glacier’s edge. With stunning vistas, refreshing waterfall mist, and an intimate exploration, this tour promises an unforgettable experience for outdoor enthusiasts. What intrigues you most about this journey through Juneau’s breathtaking landscapes?

Key Points

• This 5.5-hour Juneau tour offers a unique opportunity to paddle across Mendenhall Lake and hike around the Mendenhall Glacier.
• The tour is priced at $376.95 per person and is limited to 12 participants with English-language guidance.
• Participants can enjoy scenic views of the surrounding mountains, glacier, and Nugget Waterfall during the excursion.
• The tour includes necessary gear, water, and snacks, as well as transportation to and from the glacier.
• The activity level is moderate to strenuous, and the tour is not suitable for children under 12 or those with mobility issues.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This tour, titled "Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier Canoe Paddle and Hike," offers a unique opportunity to explore the stunning Mendenhall Glacier up close.

Priced at $376.95 per person, the 5.5-hour excursion is limited to 12 participants and features English-language guidance. Customers can cancel up to 15 days in advance for a full refund.

The tour includes a van ride, safety briefing, and both canoeing and hiking around the glacier. Highlights include scenic views, a snack pack, and experiencing the mist from Nugget Waterfall.

The tour requires a moderate to strenuous activity level and has several restrictions, such as not being suitable for children under 12 or those with mobility issues.

Itinerary

The tour starts with a 30-minute van ride from the meeting point in downtown Juneau to the shores of Mendenhall Lake.

After a 30-minute safety briefing, participants hop into canoes for a 1-hour paddle across the glacial lake to the glacier’s edge.

Once there, they’ll spend an hour hiking around the glacier and taking in the stunning scenery.

The return trip is another 1-hour canoe ride back across the lake.

Finally, the group enjoys a 1-hour van ride back to the starting point in downtown Juneau.

Highlights

Paddling across the glacial Mendenhall Lake to the glacier’s edge allows participants to explore the natural features of the Mendenhall Glacier up close.

The tour provides scenic views of the surrounding mountains and glacier. Guests can experience the mist from the nearby Nugget Waterfall.

During the tour, guests can enjoy scenic views of the surrounding mountains and glacier, as well as the mist from Nugget Waterfall.

A hearty snack pack and water are included to refuel during the adventure. This active tour offers an immersive experience, with opportunities to witness the power and beauty of the glacier firsthand.

Whether you’re seeking an outdoor adventure or simply appreciate stunning natural landscapes, the Mendenhall Glacier Canoe Paddle and Hike is sure to impress.

Inclusions and Requirements

The tour includes transfers from downtown Juneau or major hotels in Mendenhall Valley, as well as all necessary gear and waterproof clothing.

Hearty snacks and water are provided. Participants paddle across Mendenhall Lake in canoes to reach the glacier.

A minimum of 4 guests is required for the tour to operate. However, it’s not suitable for children under 12, pregnant women, those with back/heart/mobility issues, wheelchair users, individuals over 250 lbs, or those with recent surgeries or low fitness levels.

Guests must sign a waiver and can’t bring pets, smoke, use drones, or engage in intoxication, glass objects, or littering.

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Customer Reviews

Guests have praised the Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier Canoe Paddle and Hike tour, giving it an impressive 4.8/5 rating based on 4 reviews.

Reviewers highlight the knowledgeable and humorous guides, as well as the positive experiences from the glacier proximity and the challenging canoe workout.

The tour is recommended for fit individuals seeking an active adventure. Guests with back, heart, or mobility issues, as well as those over 250 lbs, are advised the tour may not be suitable for them.

Important Information

Warm clothing, comfortable outdoor attire, and socks are recommended for the Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier Canoe Paddle and Hike tour.

Warm clothing, comfortable outdoor attire, and socks are recommended for the Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier Canoe Paddle and Hike tour.

Pets, smoking, drones, intoxication, glass objects, littering, and nudity aren’t allowed. The tour operates rain or shine.

Participants should expect up to 7 miles of moderate to strenuous paddling activity. A signed waiver is required.

The meeting point is the "C" sign near the cruise ship docks, between the Mt. Roberts Tramway and Taku Smokeries.

Hotel pickups are available in the Mendenhall Valley.

Meeting Point

Guides can be found at the "C" sign near the cruise ship docks, between the Mt. Roberts Tramway and Taku Smokeries. This is the designated meeting point for the Mendenhall Glacier Canoe Paddle and Hike tour.

Hotel pickups are available for guests staying in the Mendenhall Valley area. Participants should arrive at the meeting point on time, as the tour departs promptly.

Those needing transportation should inform the guide during booking to ensure a smooth pickup and start to the adventure. With proper planning, guests can look forward to an unforgettable experience on the glacier.

Safety Considerations

Before embarking on the Mendenhall Glacier Canoe Paddle and Hike, participants must undergo a 30-minute safety briefing. This covers important information about paddling techniques, water conditions, and glacier hazards.

Guides emphasize the need for teamwork and careful navigation. Participants must be able to follow instructions and respond quickly to any emergency situations.

The tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility, heart, or back issues, as the canoeing and hiking can be physically demanding. Proper attire and equipment are required to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience on the glacier.

Safety is the top priority throughout the tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Canoe or Kayak?

No, participants cannot bring their own canoe or kayak for this tour. All necessary gear, including canoes, is provided by the tour operator. Guests must use the equipment supplied as part of the experience.

What Should I Do if I Have Special Dietary Needs?

If you have special dietary needs, you should contact the tour provider in advance. They can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets by providing an alternative snack pack. Just let them know about your requirements when booking the tour.

Is There an Option to Extend the Hike Duration?

Unfortunately, the tour’s fixed itinerary doesn’t offer an option to extend the hike duration. The 1-hour hike around the glacier’s edge is included in the standard tour package. Extending the hike time would require booking a separate, customized excursion.

Can I Get a Refund if the Weather Is Bad?

Yes, you can get a full refund if you cancel up to 15 days in advance, even if the weather is bad. The tour operates rain or shine, so there’s no option to extend the hike duration.

How Can I Book This Tour in a Language Other Than English?

Unfortunately, this tour is only offered in English. The tour operator does not provide language options beyond English. Guests who require a different language will need to book a separate tour that accommodates their language needs.

The Sum Up

The "Mendenhall Glacier Canoe Paddle and Hike" tour offers an unforgettable opportunity to explore Juneau’s natural beauty. Paddle across the serene Mendenhall Lake, witness the majestic glacier up close, and hike around the stunning surroundings. With limited participants, this tour provides an intimate and immersive experience, perfect for those seeking to connect with Alaska’s breathtaking landscapes.

You can check availability for your dates here: