Mendenhall Lake Canoe Adventure

The Mendenhall Lake Canoe Adventure offers a unique opportunity to explore the stunning glacial landscape surrounding Juneau, Alaska. Participants paddle traditional Tlingit-style canoes, witnessing majestic icebergs, the impressive Mendenhall Glacier, and the captivating Nugget Falls. With educational elements about the region’s history and natural wonders, this tour provides a worry-free experience for travelers seeking an immersive connection with the area’s breathtaking beauty. Whether you’re an adventurous spirit or simply curious about this glacial wonderland, the Mendenhall Lake Canoe Adventure promises an unforgettable journey that will leave you longing for more.

Key Points

• The Mendenhall Lake Canoe Adventure offers a half-day tour from Juneau, featuring a traditional Tlingit-style canoe ride to see the Mendenhall Glacier and Nugget Falls.
• The tour provides educational elements about the history and natural wonders of the region, with the opportunity to spot local wildlife.
• The tour includes essential gear, transportation, and a worry-free Shore Excursion Guarantee for a seamless experience.
• Participants must meet physical fitness requirements and weigh between 40 and 350 pounds, and the tour is non-refundable with a maximum of 19 guests.
• The tour departs from the Mount Roberts Tramway in Juneau, and cruise ship passengers must provide their ship details for a smooth connection.

Overview and Details

The Mendenhall Lake Canoe Adventure offers a captivating half-day tour of the stunning Mendenhall Lake and Glacier, departing from the city of Juneau.

Adventurers will get up close to the majestic Mendenhall Glacier while paddling in a traditional Tlingit-style canoe. Along the way, they’ll have the chance to snap photos of dazzling icebergs, the towering Nugget Falls, and the glacier itself.

The tour also provides the opportunity to learn about the rich history and natural wonders of this part of Alaska.

With snacks, transportation, and necessary equipment included, this excursion promises a worry-free and immersive experience in the heart of the Alaskan wilderness.

What’s Included

Included in the Mendenhall Lake Canoe Adventure are snacks, transportation, and the necessary equipment like rain gear, life jackets, and boots, ensuring a worry-free shore excursion.

You won’t have to worry about packing any gear – it’s all provided for you. This means you can focus on taking in the stunning scenery and getting up close to the majestic Mendenhall Glacier.

The tour also includes the worry-free Shore Excursion Guarantee, so you can rest assured that you’ll make it back to your ship on time.

With everything taken care of, all you have to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy the incredible natural beauty of Mendenhall Lake.

Meeting and Pickup

The Mendenhall Lake Canoe Adventure departs from the Mount Roberts Tramway, located at 490 S Franklin St in Juneau, Alaska. Pickup and drop-off for the tour take place at this central meeting point, ensuring a convenient start and end to your excursion.

Meeting Point	Pickup Time	Drop-off Time
Mount Roberts Tramway	Varies based on tour schedule	Varies based on tour schedule
490 S Franklin St, Juneau, AK 99801
USA

Cruise ship passengers must provide their ship name, docking time, disembarkation time, and re-boarding time to ensure a smooth connection to the tour.

Tour Experience

Riding aboard a traditional Tlingit-style canoe, adventurers navigate past towering icebergs as they draw closer to the majestic Mendenhall Glacier.

The 28-foot (8.5-meter) boat skirts around the glacier, offering an up-close view of the impressive Nugget Falls, a 377-foot (115 m) waterfall.

Along the way, guests keep their eyes peeled for local wildlife, such as arctic terns, eagles, goats, salmon, and even bears.

The tranquil paddle through the serene lake provides a unique perspective on the powerful forces that have shaped this stunning landscape.

With each stroke of the paddle, the raw beauty of Alaska’s glacial wilderness unfolds before the adventurers’ eyes.

Additional Information

Booking the Mendenhall Lake Canoe Adventure is subject to availability, with confirmation provided within 48 hours. Travelers must weigh at least 40 pounds, but no more than about 350 pounds, and should have a moderate level of physical fitness. This non-refundable tour accommodates a maximum of 19 guests and isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Cruise ship passengers must provide their ship name, docking time, disembarkation time, and re-boarding time. Travelers can’t change or receive a refund for this tour under any circumstances.

Exploring Mendenhall Lake

Adventurous travelers embark on a captivating journey as they board traditional Tlingit-style canoes and glide across the serene waters of Mendenhall Lake. The adventure unfolds as they navigate past stunning icebergs, marveling at their intricate shapes and mesmerizing hues.

As they draw closer to the majestic Mendenhall Glacier, the sheer scale and grandeur of this natural wonder become evident. The journey also offers a chance to witness the cascading Nugget Falls, a breathtaking 377-foot waterfall.

Throughout the excursion, guests keep a watchful eye for local wildlife, including arctic terns, eagles, mountain goats, and even bears.

The Mendenhall Lake Canoe Adventure provides:

1. Close-up views of the Mendenhall Glacier
2. Sighting of the Nugget Falls waterfall
3. Opportunities to spot diverse wildlife
4. An immersive cultural experience in traditional Tlingit-style canoes

Marveling at Nugget Falls

Skirting around the Mendenhall Glacier, the canoe tour offers travelers a breathtaking view of the cascading Nugget Falls, a majestic 377-foot waterfall that plunges into the lake below.

As the canoe glides through the icy waters, the thunderous roar of the waterfall fills the air, and the mist from the falls dances across the surface of the lake.

Gazing up at the sheer cliff face, visitors are in awe of the raw power and beauty of this natural wonder.

The tour guide shares fascinating details about the history and formation of Nugget Falls, adding depth to the already incredible experience.

It’s a moment of pure wonder and connection with the stunning Alaskan wilderness.

Spotting Wildlife

As the canoe effortlessly navigates through the serene waters, visitors keep a watchful eye for the diverse array of wildlife that inhabits the Mendenhall Lake region.

With a little luck, they might spot:

• Majestic bald eagles soaring overhead, searching for salmon in the pristine glacial waters.
• Playful harbor seals bobbing in the waves, their dark sleek bodies glistening in the sunlight.

Nimble mountain goats cling to the steep, rugged cliffs, their white coats blending with the surrounding snow.

Elusive black bears forage along the shoreline, looking for berries and other food sources.

This once-in-a-lifetime encounter with Alaska’s natural wonders adds an extra layer of excitement and appreciation to the Mendenhall Lake Canoe Adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Yes, travelers can bring their own snacks and drinks on the tour. The tour includes provided snacks, but guests are welcome to bring additional food and beverages to enjoy during the canoe adventure.

Is There an Age Limit for Participants?

There is no specific age limit for participants on this tour. However, travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level, and the minimum weight requirement is 40 lbs. Children are welcome as long as they meet the weight guidelines.

Can I Take a Video While in the Canoe?

Participants can take video during the canoe tour, but they’ll need to be mindful of their movements and stability in the boat. The tour operator recommends securing cameras to prevent accidental drops into the lake.

What Happens in Case of Inclement Weather?

In case of inclement weather, the tour operator will reschedule or refund the tour. They prioritize the safety and comfort of guests, and won’t proceed if conditions are unsafe or unpleasant. Flexibility ensures a positive experience.

Can I Request a Specific Seating Arrangement in the Canoe?

While guests can request seating preferences, the tour operator will assign seats to ensure balanced weight distribution and stability in the canoe. Specific seating arrangements cannot be guaranteed, but the staff will do their best to accommodate requests.

Recap

The Mendenhall Lake Canoe Adventure offers a stunning glimpse into Alaska’s glacial wonders.

Paddling traditional Tlingit-style canoes, travelers witness majestic icebergs, the impressive Mendenhall Glacier, and the 377-foot Nugget Falls.

With educational elements and necessary equipment provided, this non-refundable tour allows adventurers to enjoy the region’s natural beauty and history.

Suitable for moderately fit guests, this tour is a unique and unforgettable experience.