Mendenhall Glacier is one of Alaska’s crown jewels — a vast, icy river flowing from the Juneau icefield into the Tongass National Forest. Its towering ice walls, surrounding mountains, and cascading waterfalls make it an ideal outdoor classroom.
While you can admire it from the Visitor Center, nothing beats getting up close and personal. That’s why we’ve rounded up the best tours and activities to truly learn about this stunning landscape.
Our favorite? The Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier Adventure Tour, which combines a scenic drive with an all-in canoe experience that puts you right on the glacier’s doorstep.
If you prefer a more relaxed, but still memorable experience, the Juneau: Mendenhall Lake Canoe Tour offers a peaceful paddle on Mendenhall Lake, with excellent chances to spot wildlife and take in the glacier’s magnificent face.
Both tours showcase the glacier’s beauty and are limited, ensuring access to quieter, less crowded spots. Below, you’ll find a detailed look at these options, so you can pick the perfect adventure for your visit.
1. Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier Adventure Tour
At number one, this all-inclusive adventure takes you deep into the wilderness, combining a scenic drive through Tongass National Forest with a hands-on glacier experience.
The tour begins with a comfortable ride through lush forests, giving you a chance to soak in the dense greenery and spot wildlife like black bears and eagles. Once at the glacier, you’ll put on sturdy boots and trek over rocky moraines, getting up close to the ice itself.
What sets this tour apart is the opportunity to canoe across a glacier-fed lake, surrounded by towering mountains, waterfalls, and the glacier’s jagged ice. The canoeing activity is guided by an expert who shares insights about the region’s geology and ecology, making this more than just a boat ride.
Rave reviews mention the professionalism of guides and the “once-in-a-lifetime” feeling of paddling right next to the ice.
A notable highlight is exploring the glacier’s edge and hiking over its rocky surface, which provides incredible photo opportunities.
For around $377 per person, this five-hour tour offers a full-day, immersive experience that combines scenery, adventure, and education. It’s best suited for active travelers who want to get truly hands-on with Alaska’s icy landscape. Keep in mind, this is a premium experience, but it’s worth it for the memories you’ll create.
Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a comprehensive, adventurous tour that covers scenery, glacier exploration, and paddling, this is your best bet.
2. Juneau: Mendenhall Lake Canoe Tour
At number two, the Juneau: Mendenhall Lake Canoe Tour offers a more relaxed but equally breathtaking experience. For about $251 per person, you’ll spend four hours paddling on Mendenhall Lake, with the face of the glacier ever-present in the background. The tour is limited by permits issued by the National Parks Service, so booking early is a must if you want to secure a spot.
What makes this tour special is the opportunity to see the glacier from the water, getting a different perspective than from land or the visitor center.
The calm waters and fewer crowds create a peaceful setting, perfect for wildlife watching—look for seals, ducks, and maybe even a moose wandering nearby. The guides are knowledgeable and friendly, sharing stories about the glacier’s formation and local flora and fauna.
Guests consistently praise this experience for its intimate setting, natural beauty, and the chance to paddle in one of Alaska’s most iconic locations. While it’s less physically demanding than glacier trekking, it still offers plenty of chances for photos and connection with nature.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers wanting a tranquil, scenic paddle with a close-up view of Mendenhall Glacier, especially those on a tighter schedule or budget.
How to Choose
When deciding between these two options, consider your interest level and physical activity preference. The Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier Adventure Tour is perfect if you want an active, all-in experience with hiking and canoeing, and don’t mind paying a bit more for a comprehensive day out. It’s especially suited for adventure seekers who want to combine multiple activities.
On the other hand, the Juneau: Mendenhall Lake Canoe Tour appeals to those who prefer a more relaxed, scenic paddle and are content with fewer activities, but still want a memorable glacier encounter. It’s also a better choice for travelers who want a quieter, less physically demanding experience.
In terms of timing, both tours sell out quickly during peak summer months, so booking well in advance is wise. If you’re short on time or budget, the canoe tour offers excellent value, while the adventure tour provides a richer, more involved experience.
Final Thoughts
Both tours deliver the chance to experience Mendenhall Glacier’s stunning beauty firsthand, whether by boat or on foot. For those who want to actively explore, the Adventure Tour delivers an unforgettable day of hiking, canoeing, and glacier viewing. If your goal is a peaceful paddle that still captures the essence of Alaska’s icy wonder, then the Canoe Tour is an excellent pick.
Travelers with limited time or who prefer a more relaxed pace should consider the canoe option, but if you’re looking for a full-immersion adventure with guides who make the glacier come alive, the first tour is hard to beat. Whatever your choice, remember to book early — Mendenhall Glacier’s magic doesn’t last long, and these tours fill quickly.