Juneau’s best tours combine natural wonders with authentic Alaskan experiences. I particularly love the Mendenhall Glacier Ice Adventure Tour – it’s intimate, educational, and gets you up close to one of Alaska’s most impressive glaciers. The Misty Fjords Floatplane Tour offers spectacular aerial views that you simply can’t get any other way. For water enthusiasts, the Mendenhall Lake Canoe Tour provides the perfect mix of exercise and glacier views, while the Auke Bay Kayak experience lets you paddle alongside seals and whales. In the city itself, the Five-Star Pedicab Tour offers an excellent orientation with local insights. Let’s explore these memorable tours in detail.
Key Points
-
The Mendenhall Glacier Tours offer small-group adventures with a 99% recommendation rate, featuring activities like canoeing, hiking, and wildlife spotting.
-
Unique glacier experiences like the Norris Glacier Fly-In Hike and Packraft Tour provide a personalized, limited-group adventure with scenic flights and outdoor activities.
-
Canoe and kayak tours on Mendenhall Lake and Auke Bay offer beginner-friendly paddling and the opportunity to spot wildlife in the natural surroundings.
-
Marine wildlife tours aboard a catamaran provide opportunities to see humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, and bald eagles, with comfort features like a heated cabin.
-
Customizable private tours, such as the Five-Star Juneau Pedicab Tour, offer a hassle-free and personalized sightseeing experience with knowledgeable guides.
Mendenhall Glacier Ice Adventure Tour
The Mendenhall Glacier Ice Adventure Tour offers travelers a unique opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes surrounding Juneau, Alaska. Paddle across the serene Mendenhall Lake, surrounded by the towering peaks of the Tongass National Forest.
Hike near the majestic Mendenhall Glacier, where you might spot local wildlife and cascading waterfalls. With over 1,132 reviews and a 99% recommendation rate, this small-group tour provides a true wilderness experience.
Included in the tour are transportation, expert wilderness guides, and all necessary gear, such as rain jackets, waterproof boots, and life vests. The minimum age is 12 years, and participants must meet weight requirements. Strong physical fitness is required for the canoeing and hiking activities, which may not be suitable for those with certain medical conditions.
The tour starts and ends at the Goldbelt Tram in downtown Juneau, and the maximum group size is 14 travelers. With rave reviews for the knowledgeable and friendly guides, this ice adventure is a must-do activity in Juneau.
Read our full review: Mendenhall Glacier Ice Adventure Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Ketchikan: Misty Fjords National Monument Floatplane Tour
An exhilarating way to witness the grandeur of Misty Fjords National Monument is the Ketchikan Misty Fjords National Monument Floatplane Tour. Priced from Kč 9,416 per person, this 2-hour tour offers a breathtaking aerial perspective of the Tongass National Forest, Revillagigedo Island, and the iconic New Eddystone Rock.
Aboard a 6-passenger floatplane, guests can spot potential wildlife like wolves, bears, deer, and eagles while enjoying insightful pilot commentary and a musical soundtrack. The tour includes transportation via private van to and from the launch site.
Though some reviewers were disappointed by limited wildlife sightings, the overall experience is described as memorable. Travelers should note that guests over 250 lbs (113 kg) incur a surcharge, and the tour isn’t suitable for those over 300 lbs (136 kg).
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this floatplane tour is an excellent way to explore the stunning landscapes of Misty Fjords National Monument.
Read our full review: Ketchikan: Misty Fjords National Monument Floatplane Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Mendenhall Glacier Lake Canoe Tour
Mendenhall Glacier Lake Canoe Tour offers visitors a unique perspective of Alaska’s natural wonders. This 5-star rated tour in Juneau takes guests by canoe to the base of the magnificent Mendenhall Glacier.
Suitable for first-time paddlers, the tour provides canoe lessons and all necessary gear, including rain jackets and boots. The tranquil, motor-free experience enhances opportunities to spot local wildlife.
Departing from the cruise ship docks, the tour includes round-trip transportation and a maximum group size of 10 travelers. At $239 per person, the tour offers excellent value, with high marks for knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides.
Guests consistently praise the close proximity to the glacier, scenic views, and personal attention from the staff. While not recommended for those with certain medical conditions, the tour is an ideal activity for active travelers seeking a rewarding outdoor adventure in Juneau.
Read our full review: Mendenhall Glacier Lake Canoe Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
From Juneau: Fly-In Norris Glacier Hike and Packraft Tour
What better way to experience the rugged beauty of Juneau’s glaciers than on the Norris Glacier Fly-In Hike and Packraft Tour? This 5-hour adventure allows you to soar over the Taku Inlet before landing on Norris Glacier.
Explore the glacier using micro-spikes, then paddle a packraft along its edge, surrounded by panoramic views of the Taku and Norris glaciers. Along the way, you might spot wildlife like mountain goats, black bears, and moose.
This multi-sport tour is the first of its kind in Juneau, combining a floatplane flight, glacier hiking, and packrafting. Guides will provide all necessary gear and instruction.
With group sizes limited to 6, you’ll enjoy a personalized experience. The tour’s €816.41 per person price tag includes roundtrip transportation, flights, and snacks.
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance. Just note this adventure isn’t suitable for certain conditions – check the requirements before booking.
Read our full review: From Juneau: Fly-In Norris Glacier Hike and Packraft Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Juneau Shore Excursion: Helicopter Tour and Guided Icefield Walk
Travelers looking to enjoy Juneau’s glacial landscapes will find the Juneau Shore Excursion: Helicopter Tour and Guided Icefield Walk an unparalleled experience.
This adventure, rated 4.8 out of 5 based on 490 reviews, offers a unique opportunity to witness the region’s icy wonders from both the air and ground.
The excursion begins with a round-trip helicopter flight over the Juneau Icefield, where guests can marvel at the vast, untamed wilderness.
Upon landing on Herbert Glacier, a knowledgeable pilot-guide leads a guided walk, providing informative commentary on the natural history and geology of the area.
Adventurers can explore the remote glacier landscapes and capture memorable photographs during this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
With a pickup from the cruise terminal or a central Juneau location, and round-trip transportation, this shore excursion offers a seamless and well-organized adventure.
Priced at $425.65 per person, the Juneau Shore Excursion: Helicopter Tour and Guided Icefield Walk is a must-do for those seeking an unforgettable glacial encounter.
Read our full review: Juneau Shore Excursion: Helicopter Tour and Guided Icefield Walk Review
Book now: Check availability
5 Hour Crowd-Skipping Whale Tour in Juneau Alaska
Though Juneau is renowned for its wealth of outdoor adventures, the Hour Crowd-Skipping Whale Tour stands out as a must-do activity for those seeking an intimate encounter with Alaska’s marine life.
This 3.5-hour excursion aboard a 40-foot catamaran promises a front-row seat to the region’s iconic wildlife, including humpback and orca whales, sea lions, and bald eagles. Limited to just 20 travelers, the tour offers a personalized experience guided by knowledgeable naturalists who share their expertise on the local ecosystem.
Comfort is a priority, with a heated cabin, restroom, and complimentary bottled water available. The tour also showcases Juneau’s stunning natural beauty, providing opportunities to witness ice-blue glaciers and rugged Alaskan landscapes.
With a remarkable 98% recommendation rate from 919 reviews, this tour is an excellent choice for those looking to enjoy the wonders of the region while avoiding the crowds.
Juneau Shore Excursions: Juneau Helicopter Tour & Dogsledding Experience
Offering an unforgettable blend of aerial and ground-based adventure, the Juneau Helicopter Tour & Dogsledding Experience immerses travelers in the stunning landscapes of Alaska’s Juneau Icefield.
This small-group tour takes participants on a helicopter flight over the icefield before landing at a remote glacier camp for an authentic dog sledding experience.
With a maximum of 12 travelers, the tour provides an intimate setting for adventurers. During the dog sledding portion, guests can choose to ride on the sled’s runners or relax as the team of huskies pulls them across the glacier.
The tour includes round-trip transportation, guide services, and all necessary gear, ensuring a seamless and well-organized experience.
While weather conditions can impact the schedule, the tour company offers alternative times or full refunds in case of cancellations.
Read our full review: Juneau Shore Excursions: Juneau Helicopter Tour & Dogsledding Experience Review
Book now: Check availability
Mendenhall Lake Kayak Tour
The Mendenhall Lake Kayak Tour provides adventurers with a unique opportunity to explore the serene waters and breathtaking landscapes of Tongass National Forest.
This 3.5-hour excursion in Juneau, USA, allows a maximum of 12 travelers to paddle across the lake, navigate around glaciers, and witness the stunning Nugget Falls.
With a price tag of $279 per person, the tour offers a family-friendly and small-group experience, complete with free snacks.
Participants will have the chance to observe native wildlife in their natural habitat, though accessibility is limited for those with back problems or disabilities.
While the tour generally receives positive feedback for its beautiful scenery and helpful guides, some customers have expressed disappointment due to equipment issues, weather-related cancellations, and a lack of informative commentary.
Plus, there have been concerns about the difficulty in obtaining refunds for canceled trips and the accuracy of the tour’s advertising.
Read our full review: Mendenhall Lake Kayak Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Five-Star Juneau Pedicab Private Tour
Situated in the heart of Juneau, the Five-Star Juneau Pedicab Private Tour provides an intimate and personalized way for visitors to explore the city’s iconic landmarks and hidden gems. Boasting a 100% recommendation rate from travelers, this tour offers a hassle-free experience, with pickup from downtown Juneau, shuttle stops, or the cruise port.
Guided by knowledgeable experts, the tour is fully customizable, allowing guests to stop at desired locations for photos, restrooms, or snacks. The private experience, limited to your group, ensures a tailored journey through Juneau’s rich history and culture.
Whether you’re seeking an educational adventure or simply a relaxing break from walking, the Five-Star Juneau Pedicab Private Tour caters to all ages and interests.
With operating hours from 8 AM to 8 PM daily, this tour is available from May 2 to September 29, 2025. Priced at $250 per group (up to 2 people), it’s an excellent way to make the most of your time in Juneau.
Read our full review: Five-Star Juneau Pedicab Private Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Juneau Shore Excursion: Private Mendenhall Glacier Guided Hike
Although a private guided hike to Mendenhall Glacier promises panoramic views of the ice mass and surrounding mountain peaks, the Juneau Shore Excursion: Private Mendenhall Glacier Guided Hike offers much more.
Participants will explore the Tongass National Forest, the largest temperate rainforest, where they’ll encounter lush wilderness, beaver ponds, and rock scrambles. The 6-6.5 hour tour covers approximately 9 miles roundtrip, with a professional private guide leading the way.
The tour includes essential equipment like rain jackets and pants, bottled water, and a hearty snack. Participants must have strong physical fitness, as the hike isn’t recommended for those with certain medical conditions.
While the tour doesn’t allow trekking on the glacier itself, there’s ample time to explore the glacier’s edges, with the duration depending on the group’s pace and weather. This shore excursion caters to groups of 2-12 people and offers both hotel and cruise ship pickup options.
Read our full review: Juneau Shore Excursion: Private Mendenhall Glacier Guided Hike Review
Book now: Check availability
Auke Sea Kayak Tour
Nestled in the heart of Juneau, the Auke Sea Kayak Tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the breathtaking waters of Auke Bay and the nearby wildlife-rich coves.
This tour, located at the base of Mt. Roberts Tramway, features round-trip van transportation and operates in all weather conditions, barring any unsafe situations.
Participants can expect professional guides, double kayaks, and all necessary paddling gear and dry bags. Hearty snacks featuring local ingredients, bottled water, and rain gear are also provided.
To join the tour, guests must be at least 8 years old, possess moderate physical fitness, and know how to swim. Accessibility is limited, as the tour isn’t wheelchair-friendly and not recommended for individuals with certain medical conditions.
For a safe and enjoyable experience, participants must disclose any relevant medical information and sign a liability waiver.
The tour has a maximum capacity of 8 travelers and boasts a stellar 5.0 rating based on customer reviews.
Read our full review: Auke Sea Kayak Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Recap
Juneau offers an array of captivating tours. Visitors can explore the breathtaking Mendenhall Glacier, venture through Misty Fjords, and embark on guided hikes. Kayaking, floatplane, and pedicab tours provide unique perspectives. Whether seeking an adventurous or leisurely experience, Juneau’s diverse tour options cater to various interests and exploration styles. With so much to discover, travelers are sure to find the perfect tour to enhance their Juneau visit.