The Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier Adventure Tour offers an immersive experience for nature enthusiasts. Blending serene canoeing on Mendenhall Lake with an exhilarating glacier hike, this 5-hour excursion promises breathtaking views and insights into glacial history. Led by professional guides, you will explore the glacier’s unique features while enjoying local snacks. Though the tour has age and weight restrictions, it’s an ideal way to get up close with one of Alaska’s natural wonders.
Key Points
- This 5-hour tour from Juneau showcases the Mendenhall Glacier, including canoeing on the lake, hiking to the glacier, and enjoying local snacks.
- The tour includes roundtrip transport from Juneau cruise ship terminals and professional guides to provide insights on the glacier’s history and ecosystem.
- Canoeing on Mendenhall Lake allows visitors to enjoy the scenic surroundings of the Tongass National Forest and Nugget Falls.
- The guided hike to the glacier offers an opportunity to explore the ice face and learn about its formation and retreat.
- Participants must meet weight and mobility requirements, and the tour operates in all weather, with potential cancellations due to high winds.
Tour Overview
The Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier Adventure Tour offers a comprehensive 5-hour experience that showcases the breathtaking natural wonders of the Mendenhall Glacier.
Priced from €347.27 per person, the tour is available at flexible start times and features free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Participants can reserve now and pay later.
The tour includes roundtrip transport from Juneau cruise ship terminals, professional guides, and all necessary gear and permits.
Highlights include canoeing on Mendenhall Lake, hiking to the glacier, and enjoying local snacks and beverages.
With an impressive 5/5 rating, this adventure promises an unforgettable glacial encounter.
Looking for more options in Mendenhall Glacier? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Itinerary
This Mendenhall Glacier Adventure Tour begins with a 30-minute drive through the Tongass National Forest.
After a 30-minute safety briefing, participants canoe on Mendenhall Lake for 1 hour, surrounded by mountains and Nugget Falls.
Next, they hike for 1 hour on the rocky moraine to explore the glacier up close.
The canoe trip back takes another hour.
The tour concludes with a 30-minute break for coffee, tea, and local snacks.
Throughout, professional guides provide information about the glacier and the area’s unique glacial environment, ensuring each tour offers distinctive experiences.
Canoeing on Mendenhall Lake
Participants canoe on the glacier-fed Mendenhall Lake for 1 hour, surrounded by the majestic Tongass National Forest and the striking Nugget Falls.
During the guided canoe tour, guests learn about the lake’s glacial history and wildlife from experienced guides.
Paddling across the serene waters, they admire the breathtaking scenery of towering mountains, massive glaciers, and cascading waterfalls.
The canoes provide a stable and secure platform to explore the unique glacial environment up close.
With each stroke of the paddle, participants enjoy the tranquility of this remarkable natural setting.
Exploring the Glacier
After the serene canoe tour, guests disembark and prepare for the guided hike to the Mendenhall Glacier.
With trekking poles and rain gear, they follow their knowledgeable guide along the rocky moraine. The trail leads them closer to the glacier’s imposing ice face, offering a rare opportunity to explore this dynamic glacial environment up close.
The guide shares insights about the glacier’s formation, retreat, and impact on the local ecosystem. Guests marvel at the glacier’s immense scale, intricate crevasses, and mesmerizing blue hues.
The guide’s insights unveil the glacier’s formation, retreat, and impact, as guests marvel at its immense scale, crevasses, and captivating hues.
This intimate glacial experience leaves a lasting impression, highlighting the tour’s unique and unforgettable offerings.
More Great Tours NearbyLearning From Professional Guides
As guests prepare for the guided hike to the Mendenhall Glacier, they’ll benefit from the expertise of the professional guides leading the tour.
The guides share in-depth knowledge about the glacier’s formation, growth, and retreat over time. They point out unique geological features and discuss the impact of climate change on the glacier.
Throughout the trek, guides engage guests, answering questions and providing insights that enhance the overall experience. Their passion for the natural environment and dedication to educating visitors result in a deeper appreciation for this stunning glacial landscape.
Unique Glacial Environment
The glacial environment of the Mendenhall Glacier is truly unique, offering visitors an up-close look at the raw power and beauty of this ancient ice formation.
Towering walls of blue ice, sculpted by the glacier’s slow movement, rise dramatically against the surrounding mountains. Visitors can explore the rocky moraine, navigating a landscape carved by the glacier’s relentless advance and retreat.
The chill of the glacier-fed Mendenhall Lake adds to the sense of being in a primordial, otherworldly place. Each tour provides a different experience, with the conditions ever-changing due to the glacier’s dynamic nature.
Included Amenities
This tour includes a comprehensive set of amenities to ensure a comfortable and enriching experience for participants.
Roundtrip transportation from the Juneau cruise ship terminals is provided, along with professional guides who share their expertise.
Participants receive all necessary gear, including raincoats, rain pants, rain boots, paddling gloves, life jackets, and helmets.
Trekking poles and dry bags are also included.
Healthy snacks, bottled water, and a hot beverage are offered during the tour.
The tour also covers United States Forest Service permits, allowing participants to fully enjoy the glacial environment.
Important Considerations
While the Mendenhall Glacier Adventure Tour is suitable for most participants, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind.
The tour isn’t recommended for children under 12, pregnant women, or those with mobility impairments. There are also weight restrictions, with participants needing to be between 88 lbs (40 kg) and 243 lbs (110 kg).
Guests should arrive 15 minutes early and meet at the designated locations for their cruise ship. Warm clothing, sunglasses, hats, and gloves are essential.
The tour operates in all weather, but high winds may lead to cancellations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Possible to Customize the Tour for Our Group’s Needs?
Yes, the tour operator may be able to accommodate custom requests for the group’s needs, such as adjusting the itinerary, group size, or providing specialized equipment. It’s best to discuss the group’s requirements directly with the tour provider.
Can We Bring Our Own Snacks or Drinks on the Tour?
Participants can bring their own snacks and drinks on the tour. However, the tour provider also includes healthy snacks, bottled water, and a hot beverage as part of the amenities. Guests should check with the tour company about any restrictions on outside food and beverages.
What Is the Cancellation Policy if the Weather Is Bad?
The tour operates in all weather conditions, but cancellations may occur due to high winds. Participants can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance if the weather is unsuitable on the day of the tour.
Are There Any Photography Restrictions During the Tour?
There are no photography restrictions during the tour. Guests are encouraged to take photos throughout the experience, including while canoeing, hiking, and exploring the glacier. Photos can capture the stunning glacial landscapes and unique wildlife encountered.
Can We Extend the Duration of the Tour for an Additional Fee?
According to the tour details, the standard duration is 5 hours and there’s no mention of an option to extend the tour for an additional fee. The tour itinerary seems fixed and doesn’t offer flexibility to extend the duration.
The Sum Up
The Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier Adventure Tour offers an immersive glacial experience. Participants can enjoy canoeing on Mendenhall Lake, hiking to the glacier, and learning from professional guides. Breathtaking views and a unique glacial environment make this a must-do activity. However, age and weight restrictions apply, so travelers should carefully review the tour details before booking.
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