Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier Lake Canoe Day Trip and Hike

The Mendenhall Glacier Lake Canoe Day Trip and Hike in Juneau, Alaska, offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in the region’s breathtaking natural beauty. Paddling across the glacier-fed lake, visitors can witness the awe-inspiring sight of massive icebergs and the towering glacier face. With knowledgeable guides leading the way, you will learn about the glacial environment and its unique features while enjoying panoramic mountain vistas. But the adventure doesn’t end there, as a guided hike promises to reveal the hidden wonders of the surrounding landscape, including the stunning Nugget Waterfall. This excursion promises an unforgettable outdoor experience that can’t be found anywhere else.

This experience made our list of the 11 Best Canoe And Kayak Experiences In Juneau.

Contents hide

1 Tour Overview and Pricing

2 Experience Highlights

3 Itinerary Details

4 Participant Requirements

5 Restrictions and Exclusions

6 What to Bring

7 Important Regulations

8 Customer Feedback

9 Frequently Asked Questions

Key Points

This 5.5-hour day trip offers a scenic journey across Mendenhall Glacier Lake, with opportunities to observe icebergs, Nugget Waterfall, and panoramic mountain views.
The guided experience includes paddling instructions, a guided hike to explore crevasses and icefall, and a snack pack with water for participants.
The tour is suitable for adults aged 12 to 99, with a maximum weight limit of 250 lbs and a moderate fitness level requirement.
Strict regulations are in place, including prohibitions on pets, smoking, drones, intoxication, and glass objects, to ensure safety and preserve the natural environment.
Based on customer feedback, the tour has an overall experience rating of 4.7/5, with highlights including the proximity to the glacier and the informative guidance provided by the tour guides.

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Tour Overview and Pricing

The ‘Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier Lake Canoe Day Trip and Hike’ is a 5.5-hour activity priced from £295.68 per person, and it limits group size to 12 participants who’ll explore the glacier lake and its surroundings in English.

Travelers can cancel up to 15 days in advance for a full refund, making this a flexible tour option.

The activity takes guests on a scenic journey, offering the chance to paddle across the Mendenhall Glacier Lake, get up close to the glacier face, and enjoy breathtaking mountain views.

With a snack pack and water included, this well-rounded excursion provides an immersive glacial experience for those seeking an active adventure in Juneau.

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Experience Highlights

This activity offers the opportunity to paddle across the Mendenhall Glacier Lake and get up close to the glacier face, providing stunning mountain and glacier views. Participants can observe freshly calved icebergs and other unique glacier features along the way, while also enjoying the sights of Nugget Waterfall in the distance.

Experience Highlights
Paddle across Mendenhall Glacier Lake	Explore features along the glacier’s edge	Observe mist from Nugget Waterfall
Enjoy mountain and glacier views	Snack pack and water included

Itinerary Details

Participants begin their adventure with a pickup from downtown Juneau or major hotels in Mendenhall Valley, followed by a transfer via climate-controlled van to the canoe trip’s starting point.

Before departure, guides provide paddling instructions to ensure a smooth and safe experience.

Once on the water, participants glide past Arctic Tern nesting grounds, taking in the stunning views of the glacier and its freshly calved icebergs.

The guided hike across the rocky landscape offers the opportunity to see crevasses and icefall up close.

At the end of the exploration, the return paddle benefits from the wind at the group’s backs, providing a relaxing conclusion to the day’s adventure.

Participant Requirements

Moving on to the participant requirements, this tour is suitable for adults aged 12 to 99, though it’s not recommended for certain groups.

The canoe trip isn’t appropriate for children under 12, pregnant women, those with back, heart, mobility or respiratory issues, wheelchair users, individuals over 250 lbs, or people with pre-existing medical conditions or recent surgeries.

A low fitness level also precludes participation. This is an active outing that involves up to 7 miles of paddling, so participants need to be able to handle the physical demands.

The guides want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable experience, so they’ve set these reasonable restrictions to ensure the trip matches each person’s capabilities.

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Restrictions and Exclusions

Along With the participant requirements, there are several restrictions and exclusions for this Mendenhall Glacier canoe tour.

Pets, smoking, drones, intoxication, glass objects, littering, and nudity aren’t allowed.

On top of that, the tour operates rain or shine, and participants should expect to paddle up to 7 miles during the experience.

The tour isn’t suitable for children under 12, pregnant women, individuals with back, heart, mobility, or respiratory issues, wheelchair users, those over 250 lbs (113 kg), and those with pre-existing medical conditions or recent surgeries.

Participants must also have a reasonable fitness level to fully participate in the hike and canoe portions of the excursion.

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What to Bring

Warm clothing, comfortable outdoor attire, and a sturdy pair of socks are essential for this canoe trip and hike along the Mendenhall Glacier.

You’ll also need to bring a signed waiver, as it’s required for participation.

Avoid bringing pets, smoking materials, drones, glass objects, or intoxicants, as these are strictly prohibited.

The tour operates rain or shine, so be prepared for variable weather conditions.

Participants will do up to 7 miles of paddling, so a moderate fitness level is recommended.

Following these packing and behavioral guidelines will help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience exploring the stunning glacial landscape around Juneau.

Important Regulations

Aside from the essentials to bring, there are also important regulations participants must follow on this Mendenhall Glacier canoe and hiking tour.

Pets, smoking, drones, and intoxication are strictly prohibited, as they can disrupt the natural environment and jeopardize safety.

Plus, glass objects and littering aren’t allowed, as they pose risks and leave an undesirable impact on the pristine landscape.

The tour operates rain or shine, and participants should expect to paddle up to 7 miles.

Adherence to these regulations is crucial for ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all, as well as preserving the natural beauty of the Mendenhall Glacier ecosystem.

Customer Feedback

Participants’ overall experience with the Mendenhall Glacier canoe and hiking tour has been overwhelmingly positive, with an impressive 4.7/5 rating based on 3 reviews. Customers have consistently praised the tour for its proximity to the glacier, the challenging yet rewarding workout, and the knowledgeable guides. The experience is highly recommended for fit individuals seeking an adventurous encounter with the stunning Alaskan landscape.

Aspect	Feedback
Glacier Proximity	Reviewers were amazed by the closeness to the glacier’s edge
Workout Intensity	The paddling and hiking were noted as a great workout
Knowledgeable Guides	Guides provided insightful information about the glacier
Overall Experience	Consistently described as a highlight of the Juneau visit
Recommendation	Strongly recommended for active, fit travelers

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Canoe Trip Suitable for Beginners?

The canoe trip may not be suitable for complete beginners as it requires some paddling experience. However, the tour provides paddle instructions and the group size is limited, making it more accessible for moderately experienced paddlers.

What Is the Cancellation Policy if the Weather Is Poor?

According to the overview, the tour has a free cancellation policy that allows participants to cancel up to 15 days in advance for a full refund, regardless of the weather conditions. This provides flexibility in the event of poor weather.

Is Food and Refreshment Provided During the Hike?

The tour provides a snack pack and water for participants during the hike. Meal options are not included, but hikers can bring their own food if desired. The tour focuses on the glacier and hiking experience rather than full meal service.

Are There Any Weight Restrictions for the Canoe?

The canoe tour has a weight restriction of 250 lbs (113 kg) per participant. This limitation is in place to ensure the safety and stability of the canoes during the glacier lake paddling portion of the experience.

Can I Bring My Own Photography Equipment?

You’re welcome to bring your own photography equipment, but the tour prohibits the use of drones. The guides recommend lightweight, compact gear that won’t interfere with the paddling experience or distract from the scenery.