Mendenhall Glacier Lake Canoe Tour from Juneau

You paddle to the glacier itself, not hike to a viewpoint.

Mendenhall Glacier Lake Canoe Tour is a 4-hour guided paddle across Mendenhall Lake in Tongass National Forest, starting from the cruise ship docks in Juneau. You gear up in waterproof rain jacket, pants, boots and gloves, receive paddling instruction, then spend about 2 hours on the water navigating to the face of the glacier under expert guidance. The guide handles transport to the West Glacier boat launch, provides a PFD and paddle, and brings bottled water, snacks and a hot beverage. Children from age 12 are welcome. You'll need a signed liability waiver and a high level of physical fitness for up to 2 hours of canoe paddling.

Step-by-step itinerary

Canoe tour to Mendenhall Glacier

• Pick up at cruise ship docks
• Transfer to West Glacier boat launch
• Gear up and receive paddle lesson
• Launch canoe on Mendenhall Lake
• Paddle to Mendenhall Glacier viewpoints
• Experience glacier up close from canoe

The experience

The tour picks you up at the cruise ship docks in downtown Juneau and drives 30 minutes to the West Glacier boat launch in Tongass National Forest. Once there, you'll gear up in the provided waterproof gear (rain jacket, pants, boots and gloves), and go over safety and paddling basics with your guide before launching onto Mendenhall Lake. The paddle itself lasts about 2 hours, and the guide navigates the canoe to the best vantage points of the glacier's blue crevasses and seracs while you take in the landscape.

Steep cliffs line the lake, and you'll spot Arctic terns, mountain goats, porcupines and other wildlife as you move across the water. The guide positions the canoe close enough to the glacier face that you're seeing it from the water rather than from a distant shore: a perspective most visitors don't get. The cool air off the glacier is part of the experience, and the whole tour is canoeing only. There's no hiking component.

Roundtrip transport from the cruise ship docks, an expert wilderness guide, waterproof gear, a PFD, paddling instruction, bottled water, snacks and a hot beverage are all included. The tour runs 4 hours total. You'll need to be at least 12 years old, weigh between 90 and 240 pounds, and have the fitness level for up to 2 hours of continuous paddling. A signed liability waiver is required before departure.

What’s included

• Waterproof rain jacket, pants, boots and gloves.
• personal flotation device (PFD).
• paddling instruction and expert wilderness guide.
• bottled water, snacks and a hot beverage.
• roundtrip transportation from the cruise ship docks in downtown Juneau to the West Glacier boat launch.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 2 May 2027

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (18 to 95 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Physically demandingNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Liquid Alaska Tours

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want a guided paddle on Mendenhall Lake with a small group: the guide leads the route and handles safety, so you focus on paddling and wildlife spotting rather than navigating.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years). Children under 12 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the difference between this canoe tour and a hiking tour to Mendenhall Glacier?

This tour is canoeing only. You paddle across Mendenhall Lake to view the glacier from the water. There is no hiking component. You approach the glacier face by canoe rather than walking to a viewpoint from shore.

How much of the 4 hours is actually spent paddling on the lake?

About 2 hours of the 4-hour tour is paddling time on Mendenhall Lake. The rest covers the 30-minute drive to the boat launch, gearing up, safety and paddling instruction, and the return trip to the cruise ship docks.

What wildlife might I see while paddling on Mendenhall Lake?

Arctic terns, mountain goats, porcupines and other wildlife inhabit the steep cliffs surrounding Mendenhall Lake. Sightings depend on the day and season, but the guide will point out animals as you paddle.

Do I need paddling experience to book this tour?

No prior paddling experience is required. The guide provides instruction before you launch, and the tour is designed for beginners. You do need to be in good physical condition and able to paddle continuously for about 2 hours.

What gear and clothing should I bring beyond what's provided?

The tour includes a waterproof rain jacket, pants, boots, gloves and a PFD. Bring warm layers underneath: a beanie, wool socks and non-cotton base layers are recommended, as the air off the glacier is cold. You're welcome to bring a camera.