The Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier Adventure Tour promises an unforgettable journey through the Tongass National Forest. Visitors can expect a thrilling 5-hour excursion, where they’ll canoe across Mendenhall Lake, marveling at the majestic glacier and its ever-changing landscape. With knowledgeable guides offering insights into the glacier’s ecology and formations, this immersive adventure is perfect for nature enthusiasts seeking scenic views and wildlife encounters. The tour ensures safety and comfort with provided gear, leaving participants eager to discover more about this awe-inspiring natural wonder.
This experience made our list of the 2 Best Tours In Mendenhall Glacier.
This experience made our article of 2 Best Tours In Mendenhall Glacier.
Key Points
- This 5-hour Mendenhall Glacier excursion from Juneau offers an immersive experience for up to 10 participants to explore the glacier up-close.
- Activities include canoeing across Mendenhall Lake and trekking on the rocky moraine, with knowledgeable guides providing educational commentary throughout the adventure.
- Essential gear such as rain jackets, rain pants, paddling gloves, and life jackets is provided to ensure participant comfort and safety during the tour.
- Participants must weigh at least 88 lbs (40 kg) and be at least 12 years old, with restrictions in place for pregnant women and those with mobility impairments.
- The tour operates rain or shine, with a meeting point at the Juneau cruise ship docks and a starting price of $376.95 per person.
👉 Check out our guide to the 2 Best Tours In Mendenhall Glacier
Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Overview and Pricing
- Itinerary and Experience
- Inclusions and Equipment
- Participant Restrictions
- Meeting Point and Information
- Customer Reviews and Feedback
- Exploring the Mendenhall Glacier
- Canoe Crossing and Hiking Adventure
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I Use My Own Camera Equipment During the Tour?
- What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for Children?
- Are There Any Medical Conditions That Would Exclude Participation?
- How Much Time Is Spent Canoeing Versus Hiking on the Glacier?
- Are There Any Additional Fees or Costs Not Included in the Price?
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in Mendenhall Glacier
- More Tours in Mendenhall Glacier
- More Tour Reviews in Mendenhall Glacier
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Mendenhall Glacier we have recnetly reviewed
Tour Overview and Pricing
The Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier Adventure Tour offers a comprehensive 5-hour excursion, with prices starting from $376.95 per person.
This small-group tour, limited to just 10 participants, provides an immersive experience exploring the stunning Mendenhall Glacier.
Departing from the Juneau cruise ship docks, the tour takes adventurers through the Tongass National Forest before canoeing across Mendenhall Lake.
Guided by knowledgeable professionals, guests will trek on the rocky moraine to get up close with the ever-changing glacier.
The tour includes roundtrip transportation, all necessary gear, and light refreshments.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this is an excursion that’s sure to sell out quickly.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Mendenhall Glacier.
Itinerary and Experience
Departing from the cruise ship docks, the tour takes adventurers through the stunning Tongass National Forest before canoeing across the serene Mendenhall Lake, surrounded by majestic mountains and the thunderous Nugget Falls.
Once across the lake, participants trek on the rocky moraine to explore the constantly changing Mendenhall Glacier up close.
Throughout the experience, guests are guided by knowledgeable professionals who provide insights into the unique glacier environment.
Each tour is distinctive, as the glacier is in a perpetual state of flux, offering visitors a one-of-a-kind adventure every time.
The hands-on exploration and stunning natural scenery create an unforgettable experience for all who embark on this Juneau glacier adventure.
Inclusions and Equipment
This tour provides an array of essential equipment to ensure a comfortable and safe glacier adventure. Participants receive a rain jacket, rain pants, rain boots, paddling gloves, life jackets, helmets, trekking poles, and dry bags to protect their belongings. Plus, healthy snacks, bottled water, and a hot beverage are included to fuel the excursion. The tour also covers the required United States Forest Service permits, with optional gratuities available at the end.
| Included Equipment | Provided Sustenance | Permits and Gratuities |
|---|---|---|
| Rain jacket | Healthy snacks | United States Forest Service permits |
| Rain pants | Bottled water | Optional gratuities |
| Rain boots | Hot beverage | – |
| Paddling gloves | – | – |
Participant Restrictions
Certain participants may not be eligible for this Mendenhall Glacier Adventure Tour due to specific restrictions.
Individuals under the age of 12, pregnant women, those with mobility impairments, and anyone weighing less than 88 lbs (40 kg) aren’t permitted to join the tour.
These restrictions are in place to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants.
The tour involves activities such as canoeing, hiking on rocky terrain, and exploring the constantly changing glacier environment, which may pose challenges for those with physical limitations or young children.
While the tour is an incredible experience, the organizers prioritize the well-being of guests and must adhere to these participant requirements.
More Great Tours NearbyMeeting Point and Information
Participants must arrive 15 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time at the specified meeting point, which varies based on the cruise ship terminal. This allows the group to depart on time and maximize their adventure.
Upon arrival, guests can use the available bathrooms before the tour begins.
The tour operates rain or shine, so it’s important to dress appropriately. Travelers should bring:
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Warm clothing, such as a jacket, gloves, and hat
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Sunglasses to protect against the glare
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Extra layers in case the weather changes
While cancellations may occur due to high winds, the tour generally runs in all weather conditions, ensuring an unforgettable Mendenhall Glacier experience.
Customer Reviews and Feedback
Travelers have overwhelmingly praised the Mendenhall Glacier Adventure Tour, with an overall rating of 5/5 based on 23 reviews.
Guests highlighted the guides’ exceptional engagement, knowledge, and ability to create a fun, memorable experience. The canoeing, hiking, and scenic views were particular highlights, with many encountering wildlife along the way.
Families appreciated the guides’ skill in keeping teens entertained and involved throughout the tour.
The consistently positive feedback speaks to the quality of this unique glacier excursion, which immerses participants in a constantly evolving, one-of-a-kind natural environment.
The combination of expert guidance, equipment, and awe-inspiring scenery has clearly resonated with past participants.
Exploring the Mendenhall Glacier
The Mendenhall Glacier adventure tour takes participants on an up-close exploration of one of Alaska’s most captivating natural wonders. Trekking along the rocky moraine, guests discover the constantly evolving glacier environment, witnessing its sheer size and otherworldly features firsthand.
The experience offers a unique perspective, as each tour is different due to the glacier’s dynamic nature:
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Towering ice walls and deep crevasses reveal the glacier’s immense power and scale.
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Rushing meltwater streams and the crashing Nugget Falls create a symphony of sound.
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Guides share insights into the glacier’s formation, ecology, and ongoing changes, fostering a deeper appreciation for this natural marvel.
Canoe Crossing and Hiking Adventure
After being outfitted with the necessary gear, guests embark on a tranquil canoe crossing of Mendenhall Lake, surrounded by the awe-inspiring scenery of the glacier-capped mountains and the thundering Nugget Falls. Once on the far shore, they trek across the rocky moraine to explore the Mendenhall Glacier up close. Guided by experienced professionals, the group navigates the ever-changing glacier landscape, taking in the unique features and formations. Throughout the adventure, guests have the opportunity to witness the dynamic nature of the glacier and the constant interplay between ice, water, and land.
| Canoe Crossing | Glacier Hike | Experienced Guides |
|---|---|---|
| Tranquil traverse of Mendenhall Lake | Trekking across rocky moraine | Knowledgeable about glacier environment |
| Surrounded by majestic mountain scenery | Exploring the ever-changing glacier | Navigating the dynamic landscape |
| Glimpses of thundering Nugget Falls | Taking in unique features and formations | Enhancing the overall experience |
| Outfitted with necessary safety gear | Witnessing the interplay of ice, water, and land | Providing insights and commentary |
| Peaceful journey to the glacier’s edge | Immersed in the glacier’s captivating beauty | Ensuring a memorable and educational tour |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use My Own Camera Equipment During the Tour?
Yes, participants are encouraged to bring their own camera equipment to capture the stunning scenery and wildlife during the tour. The guides will provide guidance on the best photo opportunities.
What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for Children?
The minimum age requirement for children on this tour is 12 years old. The tour is not suitable for children under 12 due to the physical demands and safety considerations of the glacier exploration activities.
Are There Any Medical Conditions That Would Exclude Participation?
The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, or those under 88 lbs (40 kg). Participants must be able to walk on rocky terrain and get in and out of canoes.
How Much Time Is Spent Canoeing Versus Hiking on the Glacier?
The tour typically spends around 1 hour canoeing across Mendenhall Lake and 2-3 hours hiking on the rocky moraine to explore the glacier up close. The exact time allocation may vary depending on conditions and the group’s pace.
Are There Any Additional Fees or Costs Not Included in the Price?
According to the information provided, the tour price of $376.95 per person includes all necessary equipment, transportation, snacks, and permits. There don’t appear to be any additional fees or costs not covered in the advertised price.
Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier Adventure Tour
“Izzy and Mason were wonderful guides. Very knowledgeable and fun leading the excursion. They kept everyone’s morale high despite of the rainy con…”
Recap
The Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier Adventure Tour offers an immersive and unforgettable experience.
Participants can explore the breathtaking Tongass National Forest, canoe across Mendenhall Lake, and marvel at the majestic glacier.
With knowledgeable guides, provided gear, and a focus on safety and comfort, this tour is a must-do for nature enthusiasts seeking scenic views and wildlife encounters.
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