Juneau private tour: Mendenhall Glacier, downtown & wildlife

A local guide steers the route to fit what you want to see that day.

A private tour of Juneau pairs a dedicated local guide with an air-conditioned vehicle and a flexible itinerary, covering Mendenhall Glacier, downtown's Gold Rush landmarks and Tlingit heritage, the Shrine of St. Therese, and the Brotherhood Bridge area. The guide speaks English or Filipino, pickup is included from your hotel or cruise ship, and the tour runs three to four hours. Tour times adjust to your preferences, making it suited to cruise passengers and families who want to move at their own pace.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Juneau's highlights and nature

• Stroll historic downtown Juneau
• Drive through Brotherhood Bridge area
• Visit Mendenhall Glacier and trails
• See Alaska wildlife along the way
• Tour Shrine of St. Therese and Rosary Trail
• View Tahku Whale Sculpture at park

The experience

How do you see Juneau without a rental car or a fixed group departure? This private tour starts with pickup from your hotel or cruise terminal, then unfolds on a schedule you shape. A local guide navigates the route: Mendenhall Glacier first, or downtown's historic streets, or the quiet Shrine of St. Therese on its forested island, depending on what matters most to you that day. The guide knows where deer, bears and eagles show up, and stops when the light or the wildlife warrants it.

Mendenhall Glacier anchors most itineraries: you walk the trails, photograph the ice meeting the lake, and sometimes catch calving in real time. Downtown Juneau's Gold Rush past and Tlingit heritage come through the guide's narration as you stroll past shops and landmarks. The Shrine of St. Therese, built in the 1930s, sits on a quiet island north of town with the Rosary Trail winding through gardens and stone chapel: a stop that breaks up the pace if you want reflection alongside scenery. The Brotherhood Bridge area passes by the vehicle, framing the Mendenhall River and distant glacier views. Tahku Whale Sculpture, a life-sized bronze humpback at Mayor Bill Overstreet Park, marks another photo moment.

The air-conditioned vehicle holds your group only, and glacier admission is included. Three to four hours covers the main sights without rushing, though the guide can compress or expand depending on what catches your interest. Infants ride on an adult's lap. Strollers work for the flatter sections. You'll need moderate fitness for the glacier trails and downtown walking, but there's no scrambling or technical terrain.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned private vehicle.
• local guide in English or Filipino.
• Mendenhall Glacier admission.
• hotel or cruise ship pickup.

Before you book

Days and timesWednesdayDeparts at 12:30

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (6 to 17 years) · Child (2 to 5 years) · Infant (under 2): free

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 12 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Pedz Sight Seeing Tour

Is this one for you?Pickup from your hotel or cruise terminal means you skip arranging a rental car or joining a shared group. The guide handles navigation and timing so you move at your own pace through the glacier, downtown, and the quieter stops that fit your interests.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Filipino.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (6 to 17 years); Child (2 to 5 years); Infant (under 2): free.

What's the Mendenhall Glacier like when you get there?

Mendenhall Glacier is a tidewater glacier where ice meets a lake, with established trails for walking and viewing. The guide stops at viewpoints and the Nugget Falls trail, where you can photograph the ice and sometimes watch calving into the water.

Does the tour work for cruise passengers with limited time?

Yes. Pickup happens at your cruise terminal, and the three- to four-hour duration fits most port calls. The guide adjusts the route and pace to get you back in time for departure.

Can you choose which stops to visit?

The itinerary is flexible. Tell the guide what interests you most: the glacier, downtown history, the Shrine of St. Therese, or wildlife spotting, and the route adapts. You're not locked into a fixed schedule.

What wildlife might you see?

Deer, bears, and eagles often appear along the route, especially near the glacier and river areas. The guide keeps watch and stops when sightings happen, though wildlife is never guaranteed.

Is the Shrine of St. Therese included, or is it an add-on?

The Shrine of St. Therese is part of the standard itinerary and included in the tour price. It's a peaceful stop with gardens, a stone chapel, and views of Lynn Canal.