Adventure Collective
null - Juneau

Mendenhall Lake Canoe Tour

Juneaueasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

2–3 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for most fitness levels; minimal physical effort required

Overview

Discover the stunning beauty of Mendenhall Lake on a scenic canoe tour with Liquid Alaska Tours. Perfect for all ages, this cruise offers memorable views of glaciers, mountains, and wildlife in Juneau, Alaska. Read on to find out what makes this adventure special!

Canoe
Transportation
Juneau, Alaska

Mendenhall Lake Canoe Tour

Paddle Across a Glacier-Fed Lake on this Small Group Adventure! • Ages 12+ • 4 hours

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Adventure Photos

Mendenhall Lake Canoe Tour photo 1

About This Adventure

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Mendenhall Glacier on a guided canoe adventure across its serene, glacier-fed lake. Paddle through stunning landscapes, past towering cliffs and icebergs, while keeping an eye out for wildlife. This intimate small group tour promises unforgettable views and memories in Alaska's majestic Tongass National Forest.

About:

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.

Alaskan Wilderness is best seen in small group with a maximum of 10 guests. You will be equipped with our top quality gear including rain pants, rain jackets, waterproof boots, and everything else you will need to ensure your comfort and safety. Each guest is provided a dry bag filled with bottled water and snacks, to be used to store personal belongings while canoeing.

Inclusions:

  • Roundtrip transportation from cruise ship terminal
  • Bottled water, snacks, and hot beverage
  • Gear/equipment: Rain jacket, rain pants, Xtratuf rain boots, paddling gloves, and a dry bag for personal items.

Requirements:

  • Minimum age: 12 years old
  • Minimum weight: 90 lbs.
  • Maximum weight: 240 lbs.
  • Not recommended for guests with back, shoulder or hip problems
  • Pregnant guests are not permitted on this tour
  • Full use of limbs for up to 2 hours of canoeing
  • Signed liability waiver

Duration:

4 hours. 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

Adventure Tips

Dress in Layers

Weather can change quickly; layering helps you stay warm and comfortable throughout the tour.

Bring a Camera

Capture the breathtaking views of glaciers, wildlife, and mountain scenery during your cruise.

Arrive Early

Arriving 15-30 minutes before your scheduled tour ensures a smooth start and ample time for check-in.

Watch for Wildlife

Keep an eye out for bald eagles, seals, and other native animals during your cruise.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Bald eagles
  • Harbor seals

History

The Mendenhall Glacier has been retreating since the 19th century, offering a glimpse into Alaska’s ongoing glacial changes.

Conservation

Liquid Alaska Tours emphasizes eco-friendly practices by minimizing their environmental footprint and promoting awareness of glacier preservation.

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Adventure Hotspots in Juneau

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Waterproof Jacket

Essential

Keeps you dry and comfortable in case of rain or splashes during the cruise.

summer|fall|winter|null specific

Sturdy Footwear

Essential

Comfortable shoes with good grip are recommended for walking on uneven or wet terrain.

spring|summer|fall|winter specific

Binoculars

Enhance wildlife viewing opportunities along your cruise.

Sunscreen & Sunglasses

Protect your skin and eyes from UV rays reflected off water and snow.

summer specific