Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier Canoe Paddle & Hike Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.92 (206 reviews) 95% rated it 5 stars

Free cancellationExcellent quality

1/7

Duration5h 30m

GroupUp to 12

LanguagesEN

PickupAt your hotel

Up close with blue ice, wild birds and glacier stories in Juneau

You’ll paddle across chilly Mendenhall Lake in Juneau with a local guide, passing noisy arctic terns and waterfalls before hiking right up to the face of Mendenhall Glacier. Expect cold air on your cheeks, blue ice shining in crevasses, and real stories from guides who know these waters by heart.

5h 30m

Step-by-step itinerary

Canoe paddle and glacier hike

Receive paddle instruction at Mendenhall Lake
Board canoe with gear
Paddle towards Mendenhall Glacier
View Arctic tern nesting grounds and Nugget Falls
Watch for freshly calved icebergs near glacier
Exit canoes and hike rocky terrain
Observe glacier features and learn about recession
Return paddle across Mendenhall Lake

The Experience

I didn’t expect to feel so small when we pushed off from the shore at Mendenhall Lake. Our guide, Ben, handed out paddles and cracked a joke about “Alaskan upper body workouts”—I laughed but honestly wondered if my arms would keep up. The water was this weird milky green, cold even through the rubber boots they gave us. We slid past these little islands where arctic terns were making a racket—one even swooped close enough that I ducked (Ben said they’re just dramatic). My hands started to ache a bit from gripping the paddle, but it faded as we got into rhythm.

The closer we got to Mendenhall Glacier, the quieter everyone got. There’s this moment when you realize that blue isn’t just a color—it’s almost glowing in the cracks of the ice. We spotted a chunk of iceberg bobbing near Nugget Falls, and I swear it looked like glass. The wind picked up suddenly and you could smell something sharp—like snow mixed with wet rocks. When we finally landed and clambered out onto the rocky shore, I nearly slipped (graceful as ever), but Ben steadied me and pointed out how fast the glacier’s been shrinking just in his lifetime. It hit different hearing it from someone who grew up here.

The hike itself wasn’t long but felt raw—lots of uneven stones, patches of moss, and that constant hush except for our boots crunching. We didn’t go onto the glacier itself (they told us upfront), but standing right at its edge was enough. You could hear little pops and cracks inside the ice if you stood still. I kept thinking about how old this place is—like you’re borrowing time from another world or something.

What’s included

Your day includes all national park fees covered, full paddle instruction with professional guides who know every corner of Mendenhall Lake, bottled water and snacks to keep you going, plus all necessary paddling equipment—rain gear and sturdy rubber boots are supplied so you don’t have to worry about getting soaked or cold while exploring near the glacier’s edge.

Good to know

Demanding physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Above and Beyond Alaska