Mendenhall Lake Canoe Tour

Mendenhall Glacier Canoe Tour – Paddle Into Alaska’s Wild Side

There’s seeing Mendenhall Glacier from a viewpoint… and then there’s paddling straight toward it.

This small-group canoe adventure takes you across the icy waters of Mendenhall Lake for a front-row seat to one of Alaska’s most breathtaking natural wonders. Quiet water. Towering ice. The kind of scenery that makes you stop paddling for a second just to take it all in.

The experience starts in downtown Juneau, where your guides meet you at the cruise ship terminal before heading deep into the Tongass National Forest. The drive alone feels like the beginning of an expedition—dense rainforest, mountain views, and endless stretches of untouched wilderness in the largest National Forest in the United States.

At the remote West Glacier Trailhead, you’ll gear up in full waterproof equipment and get a quick paddling lesson before launching onto the lake. No experience needed. Just a sense of adventure.

Then comes the moment you’ve been waiting for.

As your canoe glides across the calm glacier-fed water, Mendenhall Glacier rises into view—13 miles of ancient ice carved into sharp blue crevasses and dramatic frozen cliffs. It’s massive. Raw. Completely unforgettable. You’ll paddle close enough to hear the distant crack of shifting ice and feel the cool air rolling off the glacier itself.

And the scenery doesn’t stop there.

Your guide will lead the group toward Nugget Falls, where water crashes straight from the mountains into the lake beside you. Bald eagles circle overhead. Mountain goats cling impossibly high on the cliffs. Arctic terns skim across the water while the forest stretches endlessly behind you.

The entire experience feels wild in the best possible way—yet relaxed and approachable at the same time.

With around two hours of paddling on protected water and no hiking involved, this tour is perfect for first-time paddlers, families, and travelers who want a true Alaskan wilderness experience without an intense physical challenge. The pace is comfortable, the groups stay small, and your certified Wilderness First Responder guides handle all the details so you can focus on soaking it all in.

This seasonal adventure runs from May through late September and consistently earns 5-star reviews for a reason.

Because few experiences in Juneau feel this close to Alaska itself.

Duration

1. 15-minute equipment fitting and safety briefing
   
2. 2 hours of canoe paddling on Mendenhall Lake
   
3. 15-minute gear offload and hot beverage break
   
4. 30-minute transport back to the cruise ship terminal
   

Location / Where to Meet

1. Meet your guides at the Mount Roberts Tramway in downtown Juneau, Alaska 
   490 S Franklin St, Juneau, AK 99801, United States
2. Most cruise ship docks in Juneau are within a 5–7 minute walk of the meeting location. Exception: the AJ Dock is approximately 1 mile (1.6 km) away — a shuttle system is available from the AJ Dock (fee may apply for some cruise lines).
   
3. Flush toilets are available at the Goldbelt Tramway meeting location and at the US Forest Service pit toilets at the West Glacier Trailhead (your launch site). There are no restroom facilities while on the water.
   

Ages & Requirements

1. Minimum age: 12 years old
   
2. Minimum weight: 90 lbs (41 kg)
   
3. Maximum weight: 240 lbs (109 kg)
   
4. Full use of all limbs required for up to 2 hours of canoe paddling
   
5. Not recommended for guests with back, shoulder, or hip problems
   
6. Pregnant guests are not permitted on this tour
   
7. Signed liability waiver required — can be completed at check-in
   
8. Note: No prior canoe experience is necessary — expert paddling instruction is provided
   

What's Included

1. Round-trip transportation from the downtown Juneau cruise ship terminal
   
2. Professional Wilderness First Responder-certified guides (1:10 guide-to-guest ratio)
   
3. Full waterproof gear: The North Face / Marmot rain jacket (XS–XXL), rain pants (XS–XXL), Xtratuf rain boots (sizes 3–14 unisex), and limited child sizes available
   
4. Paddling gloves
   
5. Dry bag for personal items
   
6. Life jacket (PFD)
   
7. Bottled water and healthy snacks during the tour
   
8. Hot beverage at the conclusion of the tour
   
9. US Forest Service permits
   

Not Included

1. Gratuity — never expected, but if you had a fantastic experience, please consider gifting 10–25% to your guides
   

What to Bring / Wear

1. Non-cotton base layers — wool, fleece, or synthetic moisture-wicking fabrics recommended. No jeans or cotton please.
   
2. Warm hat and gloves (the area near the glacier runs approximately 10°F / 6°C cooler than downtown Juneau)
   
3. Sunglasses if sunny
   
4. Warm socks — wool recommended to wear with your provided rain boots
   
5. Reusable water bottle (water is provided, but you may bring additional)
   
6. Snacks (optional — light snacks are provided; you're welcome to bring your own; pack out all trash)
   
7. Waterproof camera or camera in a waterproof case — a dry bag is provided; the outfitter is not responsible for damaged or lost items
   
8. Small personal bag (dry bag provided for valuables during paddling)
   
9. Required paperwork — signed liability waiver (bring confirmation of booking)
   
10. Any personal or emergency medications — please inform your guide of any medical conditions
    

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