
Juneau Shore Excursion: Mendenhall Glacier Canoe, Paddle and Hike
Pick your date
Highlighted days have spots open. Grey days are sold out or not running.
September 2026
Loading live availability
Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
Select a highlighted day to see live departure times and the exact price for your group.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 79 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Juneau Shore Excursion: Mendenhall Glacier Canoe, Paddle and Hike worth booking?
Juneau Shore Excursion: Mendenhall Glacier Canoe, Paddle and Hike is a 5.5-hour experience in Juneau, United States, from $402 per person. It scores 70 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 79 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 70 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (79)
- Duration
- 5.5 hours
- From
- $402 per person
The Glacier Canoe Paddle and Hike is our most sought-after adventure. Your journey begins at the Mendenhall Lake, where a canoe guide will provide paddle instruction. Equipped with gear, board your spacious canoe and set
What you get
About this experience
The Glacier Canoe Paddle and Hike is our most sought-after adventure. Your journey begins at the Mendenhall Lake, where a canoe guide will provide paddle instruction. Equipped with gear, board your spacious canoe and set course for the Mendenhall Glacier. Witness Arctic tern nesting grounds and the cascading Nugget Falls as you glide past, with stunning views of the glacier in the distance. As the glacier draws near, keep your eyes peeled for freshly calved icebergs. Exit the canoes and hike the rocky terrain, gaining intimate views of the glacier and learn about its rapid recession. Explore this ancient ice age wilderness and marvel at its ice features, including crevasses, ice fall at the toe of the glacier, and other deep blue mysteries. Constantly changing, the glacier offers a unique experience each day. This tour does not venture onto the glacier, but delivers front-row views. After immersing yourself at the glacier, board the canoes and paddle back across Mendenhall Lake.
What's included
Included
- National Park fees
- Professional guide
- Bottled water
- Snacks
- All necessary paddling equipment
- Local taxes
- Rain gear and rubber boots
Not included
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Above & Beyond Alaska
Guests will be transported from pick up location to gear warehouse. At the warehouse is the gear fitting, orientation, and chance to use restrooms.
60 minutes here
Mendenhall Glacier
Pull on your boots, and step into the cool waters of the peaceful Mendenhall Lake as you stare at the mighty Mendenhall Glacier in front of you. During this tour, you will be guided on a canoe paddle across a lake fed by the glacier melt. Once you round the rock peninsula, the face of the glacier confronts. Blocks of ice stand tall, waiting for the right moment to calve into the waters. Exit the canoes and hike the rocky terrain, gaining intimate views of the glacier and learn about its rapid recession.
210 minutes here
West Glacier Trailhead
De-gear and return transport back to the main office, followed by transport back to meeting location.
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Juneau
The “C” Sign, located near the cruise ship docks directly between Mt. Roberts Tramway and the green Taku Smokeries building, is our centralized downtown meeting location for all clients in the downtown area, including the majority of cruise ship passengers.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Ends at
The “C” Sign, located near the cruise ship docks directly between Mt. Roberts Tramway and the green Taku Smokeries building, is our centralized downtown meeting location for all clients in the downtown area, including the majority of cruise ship passengers.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 12 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Above and Beyond Alaska
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
- Age minimum of 12 years or older only
- This tour requires a minimum of 4 to operate. If minimum requirement is not met, reservation is subject to change or cancellation
- Maximum weight 250 pounds
- All clients will be outfitted in 8 person or 12 person canoes, with 1 to 2 guides depending on the group size.
- All clients must be in physically fit condition and capable of paddling 5-6 miles and hiking about 2 miles roundtrip. All clients must know how to swim.
- With group departures we try to maximize our trip capacity and subsequently may need to alter the time to accommodate additional customers. If your trip's departure time changes we will notify you as soon as possible.
- Glacier Access and feature exploration: The Mendenhall Glacier is receding daily. Because the glacier is in a state of constant change, not all features may be present or accessible. We will explore the edges of the glacier safely from the bedrock. This tour does not include trekking on the glacier.
- A specific amount of time exploring the edge of the glacier cannot be guaranteed. The amount of time at the glacier is dependent on the group's pace and weather conditions.
- Clients must disclose information regarding pertinent medical conditions/history, allergies and any type of restriction or limitation that might introduce a higher degree of challenge on this trip.
- RELEASE OF LIABILITY/ASSUMPTION OF RISK FORM: Every participant on the trip must sign a Release of Liability/Assumption of Risk form at the start of the trip. Alterations and/or deletions to the waiver are not permitted.
- Due to the inherent risks involved, we do not permit pregnant guests to participant.
- You must include the following in the comments section when booking: raingear & shoe sizes for each passenger, (for adult men and women, S-XXL and youth, S-L) and any pertinent medical information. Smallest shoe size that can be accommodated is Youth 2 and largest is Adult 14.
- Maximum weight limit is 250 lbs per person
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 79 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
4 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Physical effort
2 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Traveler reviews
79 verified traveler reviews for Juneau Shore Excursion: Mendenhall Glacier Canoe, Paddle and Hike. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great exursion
Great trip, guides were excellent.
Response from the operator: Thanks so much for the review! We're so glad to hear that you enjoyed the trip. We'd love to see you back here for another adventure.
via Tripadvisor
Fantastic trip to see a glacier close-up
My family and I had a wonderful time on this trip, which was one of the listed excursions on our Disney cruise. It was just the right amount of exertion while still feeling like a relaxing day, and the scenery was stunning. Our guide Abby was absolutely fantastic as well. I would definitely do another trip with this company.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for the wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear your family had such a great experience and enjoyed the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. We truly appreciate you choosing Above & Beyond Alaska and hope to welcome you back for another adventure in the future!
via Tripadvisor
Up close, Amazing tour!
Amelia and Forest were fantastic guides! Beautiful way to see things up close and take it all in with plenty of time to explore and view. Boots and rain pants and jackets were provided, and snacks and keepsake water bottles! Great tour!
Response from the operator: Thank you for your wonderful review! We're so glad your guides helped make your adventure such a memorable one. We'll be sure to pass along your kind words to them. Thanks for choosing to adventure with us, and we hope to see you back in Alaska again someday!
via Tripadvisor
A must do experience!!
We had such a great time on this trip!! Heather was amazing and took great care of us! From the time she picked us up and we got dropped off the service was outstanding. To Stand so close to the Glacier was a once and life time experience. Even after losing a cell phone could not affect the experience. A must do if you have the chance!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear you had such a great time and that standing so close to the glacier was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We're also glad that, even with the lost cell phone, the adventure remained a highlight of your trip. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back to Alaska for another unforgettable experience!
via Tripadvisor
Great Company
All of the employees were very friendly and helpful. The whole day was a great experience. Rain gear, boots and snacks were provided. The guides gave great information on everything that we were seeing and what was there before.
Response from the operator: Thank you for the great review! We’re so happy to hear you had a wonderful experience and that our team helped make the day enjoyable. We’re glad the provided gear and snacks were appreciated and that the information shared along the way added to your adventure. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback!
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 5.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 28
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 70
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Juneau Shore Excursion: Mendenhall Glacier Canoe, Paddle and Hike: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Juneau.
How much does Juneau Shore Excursion: Mendenhall Glacier Canoe, Paddle and Hike cost?
+
Prices start at $402 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Juneau usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Juneau Shore Excursion: Mendenhall Glacier Canoe, Paddle and Hike take?
+
Plan for about 5.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Juneau is not rushed.
Is Juneau Shore Excursion: Mendenhall Glacier Canoe, Paddle and Hike worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 70 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 79 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Juneau, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Juneau Shore Excursion: Mendenhall Glacier Canoe, Paddle and Hike?
+
Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Juneau Shore Excursion: Mendenhall Glacier Canoe, Paddle and Hike suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Juneau Shore Excursion: Mendenhall Glacier Canoe, Paddle and Hike?
+
Around 28 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Juneau can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
+
Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Juneau and add a light layer if any part of the 5.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Juneau Shore Excursion: Mendenhall Glacier Canoe, Paddle and Hike start and how do I get there?
+
The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Juneau within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Juneau?
+
Juneau runs Mendenhall Glacier trips, whale watching in Auke Bay, helicopter glacier landings with dog sledding, and rainforest hikes. Most tours are timed to cruise ship windows, so we weight clear duration and pickup detail. On Outty we rank every Juneau experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching, Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier, Whales and Wilderness Exploration. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Juneau?
+
May to September, peaking for humpbacks in June and July. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Juneau?
+
Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
+
Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Juneau Shore Excursion: Mendenhall Glacier Canoe, Paddle and Hike.
Pick your date




