Mendenhall Glacier Canoe Paddle and Hike Juneau

The Mendenhall Glacier Canoe Paddle and Hike tour in Juneau, Alaska offers adventurous travelers an unforgettable journey through the region’s stunning natural landscape. Visitors can paddle across the tranquil Mendenhall Lake, navigating around icebergs and waterfalls, before embarking on a short hike along the glacier’s edge. Expert guides ensure a safe and personalized experience, while the opportunity to spot wildlife like bald eagles and seals adds to the tour’s allure. For those seeking an exhilarating outdoor adventure in Alaska’s wilderness, this 5.5-hour excursion is not to be missed.

Key Points

• This 5.5-hour combo tour in Juneau combines canoeing on Mendenhall Lake and a short hike near the Mendenhall Glacier.
• Canoeing on the serene waters of Mendenhall Lake allows guests to navigate around floating icebergs and waterfalls.
• The guided hike along the glacier’s edge offers stunning views and insights into the glacier’s geological features and evolution.
• The tour is suitable for all experience levels and may include wildlife sightings, such as bald eagles, seals, and bears.
• The tour provides all necessary gear and equipment, as well as roundtrip transportation from select hotels in Juneau.

Tour Overview

The Mendenhall Glacier Canoe Paddle and Hike is a 5.5-hour combo tour that allows visitors to experience the stunning natural beauty of Juneau’s Mendenhall Glacier.

The tour includes canoeing on Mendenhall Lake, where participants can navigate around icebergs, cliffs, and waterfalls as they paddle toward the glacier.

Suitable for all experience levels, the tour features wildlife sightings, a short hike, and dramatic scenery.

Guides provide preparation and personalized attention, ensuring a memorable small-group, family-friendly experience.

The tour includes necessary equipment and transportation, making it a convenient way to explore the glacier’s edges.

Paddling on Mendenhall Lake

After disembarking from the shuttle, guests embark on their canoes and begin paddling across the serene waters of Mendenhall Lake.

The canoes glide effortlessly, allowing participants to take in the breathtaking scenery. They navigate through floating icebergs, keeping a safe distance but marveling at their size and beauty.

The calm lake reflects the towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls that surround it, creating a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere.

Guides provide instructions and assistance, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for paddlers of all skill levels.

The canoe journey offers an immersive glimpse into the stunning Alaskan wilderness.

Hiking Near Mendenhall Glacier

After the canoe paddle, guests disembark and begin their hike near the Mendenhall Glacier.

The short trek takes them along the glacier’s edge, offering awe-inspiring views of the ice formation’s serrated face and surrounding mountains.

Along the way, guides point out unique geological features and share insights about the glacier’s constant evolution. Guests may spot wildlife like bald eagles soaring overhead or seals swimming in the lake.

The hike’s moderate difficulty level ensures an immersive experience for all fitness levels.

At the end, travelers pause to capture the glacier’s grandeur before returning to the starting point.

Wildlife Sightings

What wildlife might adventurers spot during the Mendenhall Glacier Canoe Paddle and Hike tour?

The glacial landscape provides ample opportunities to observe a variety of wildlife. Eagles may soar overhead, their keen eyes searching for fish in the lake.

Harbor seals might be spotted lounging on floating icebergs, while curious river otters may playfully dive into the water.

Visitors may also catch a glimpse of Sitka black-tailed deer grazing along the shoreline or black bears foraging for berries in the dense forest.

The tranquil paddle and hike allow for a peaceful immersion in nature, with the potential to witness the incredible diversity of Juneau’s wildlife.

Gear and Logistics

The tour includes all the necessary gear and equipment for the canoeing and hiking portions of the experience.

Clients receive bottled water, snacks, and protective rain gear and rubber boots.

Professional guides provide personalized attention and ensure participants have the proper paddling equipment.

Roundtrip transfers from select hotels are included, with the meeting point conveniently located near the cruise ship docks or at 490 S Franklin St in Juneau.

Clients can request pickup or head directly to the meeting point.

Due to the tour’s physical demands, participants must be at least 12 years old, physically fit, and able to swim.

Health and Safety Considerations

Given the physical nature of the tour, there are some health and safety considerations participants should be aware of.

The Mendenhall Glacier Canoe Paddle and Hike isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnant individuals, or those with serious medical conditions.

Participants must be physically fit, able to swim, and at least 12 years old. The maximum weight limit is 250 pounds.

Clients must disclose pertinent medical conditions and sign a Release of Liability/Assumption of Risk form.

While an immersive experience, the tour’s demands require evaluating one’s fitness level before booking.

Tour Operation Details

A minimum of 4 participants is required for the Mendenhall Glacier Canoe Paddle and Hike tour to operate. If the minimum isn’t met, reservations may be changed or canceled.

The tour doesn’t include trekking on the glacier itself; exploration is limited to the glacier’s edges due to its constant state of change. The time spent exploring the glacier depends on the group’s pace and weather conditions.

While the tour provides a unique and immersive experience, guests should be aware that the tour’s operation is subject to the participation and environmental factors.

Traveler Reviews and Feedback

With 195 reviews and a 99% recommendation rate, the Mendenhall Glacier Canoe Paddle and Hike tour has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from travelers.

Highlights include knowledgeable guides, breathtaking views, and an immersive experience. Some note the physical demands, while others appreciate the organization and provided gear.

Feedback suggests smaller group sizes could reduce waiting times. The tour is regarded as a must-do experience in Juneau, with many travelers expressing a desire to return for this unforgettable adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Canoe or Kayak?

No, participants can’t bring their own canoes or kayaks on this tour. The tour provider supplies all the necessary paddling equipment, ensuring a seamless and safe experience for guests.

Is There an Option to Just Hike Without the Canoeing?

No, there’s no option to just hike without the canoeing. The tour package includes both canoeing on Mendenhall Lake and a short hike. The full experience is necessary to explore the glacier’s edge and take in the dramatic scenery.

Are Cameras and Other Electronics Allowed on the Tour?

Cameras and other electronics are allowed on the tour. Tour operators encourage participants to bring cameras to capture the stunning scenery and wildlife. However, electronics must be properly protected from the elements during the canoeing portion of the experience.

Can I Consume My Own Food and Beverages During the Tour?

Participants are allowed to bring and consume their own food and beverages during the tour. Bottled water and snacks are also provided by the tour operator. However, it’s recommended to avoid excessive consumption that could interfere with the tour activities.

Is There an Age Limit for Children Participating in the Tour?

The tour requires participants to be at least 12 years old. There’s no explicit maximum age limit, but the tour may not be suitable for younger children due to the physical demands and safety considerations. Guides can provide more details on age appropriateness.

The Sum Up

The Mendenhall Glacier Canoe Paddle and Hike tour in Juneau offers an exceptional opportunity for nature enthusiasts to enjoy Alaska’s stunning wilderness. Paddling across the tranquil Mendenhall Lake, hiking along the glacier’s edge, and witnessing wildlife sightings create an unforgettable experience. With professional guides, specialized gear, and a focus on safety, this tour promises an adventure that will leave a lasting impression on visitors to Juneau.