Mendenhall Glacier Canoe Paddle and Hike Juneau in Juneau
Juneau, United States

Mendenhall Glacier Canoe Paddle and Hike Juneau

Outty Ranking 75 4.9 · 206 traveler reviews5.5 hoursFrom $402

Pick your date

Highlighted days have spots open. Grey days are sold out or not running.

September 2026

SMTWTFS

Loading live availability

Who is going?

Adults

Age 13 and over

2

Children

Age 12 and under

0

Select a highlighted day to see live departure times and the exact price for your group.

From, per person$402
View availability on Viator

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.

Instant mobile ticketSpots available today

Outty Ranking

75/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.9/5

Based on 206 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Mendenhall Glacier Canoe Paddle and Hike Juneau worth booking?

Mendenhall Glacier Canoe Paddle and Hike Juneau is a 5.5-hour experience in Juneau, United States, from $402 per person. It scores 75 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 206 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
75 / 100
Rating
4.9/5 (206)
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
    • Paddling and safety instructions
    • Rain gear and rubber boots

    Not included

    • Gratuities

    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 and older only
    • Please note, 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
    • 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.
    • 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.
    • Due to the inherent risks involved, we do not permit pregnant guests to participant.
    • 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.
    • Maximum weight is 250 lbs per person

    Photos

    Mendenhall Glacier Canoe Paddle and HikeMendenhall Glacier Canoe Paddle and HikeMendenhall Glacier Canoe Paddle and HikeMendenhall Glacier Canoe Paddle and HikeMendenhall Glacier Canoe Paddle and HikeMendenhall Glacier Canoe Paddle and Hike

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 206 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    10 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    8 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Physical effort

    6 mentions

    Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.

    Food and drink

    3 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Organization

    2 mentions

    Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

    Traveler reviews

    206 verified traveler reviews for Mendenhall Glacier Canoe Paddle and Hike Juneau. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    195
    4 star
    9
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    2
    Sort
    Boccieri · August 2026

    Amazing experience

    We had a spectacular time paddling Mendenhall Lake with Skye and Forrest! Not only were they excellent competent guides—appropriately focused on our safety—they were also a ton of fun and kept us laughing with interesting stories about the area and the wildlife. ABAK was a professional organization from start to finish! They met our group of 10 promptly and took us back to their office where they had all weather and safety gear set out for us. After we were outfitted, we went to Mendenhall Lake and launched our canoe. We paddled 45 minutes to a secluded beach, very close to the glacier, and were able to enjoy almost an hour there without any other people around. It was a fantastic trip! I could not recommend this excursion more highly!

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for the fantastic review! We’re thrilled to hear your group had such a fun and memorable day on Mendenhall Lake. We’re glad you felt well taken care of from start to finish and enjoyed the scenery, wildlife, and time near the glacier. We truly appreciate the recommendation and hope to adventure with you again!

    via Tripadvisor

    RN4matix · August 2026

    Canoe and hike

    Jasper, Twain, Heather, and Reina were the kindest and most knowledgeable about the area. We were with a group and they were 18 of us all 57 years of age to 86 years of age. They reviewed safety and gave us a tutorial on group canoeing and hiking. As we were hiking, they explained the plants and rocks and detail. Once we got to our stopping point at the base of the glacier, they fed us lunch. We canoe back with nine of us in each canoe, plus the guides. They were extremely hospitable. I did post a picture of the four of them from ABAK.

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for the wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear your group had such a great experience and felt well cared for throughout the canoeing and hiking. It means a lot to know our team helped make the day memorable for your group. We hope to see you again in Alaska!

    via Tripadvisor

    Dawn_B · August 2026

    Great experience!

    We had a great experience on the Canoe & Hike to Mendenhall Glacier! We were all outfitted with our rain gear, life jackets, water bottle and snack sack - and off we went on a short drive to the lake. Our guides were a lot of fun and shared interesting information along the way. Definitely a fun adventure to see the glacier up close!

    Response from the operator: Thank you for your wonderful review! We're so glad you enjoyed our adventure and that our guides helped make the experience both fun and informative. It's great to hear our gear and snacks helped keep you comfortable along the way. We appreciate you choosing to explore with us and hope to welcome you back for another Alaska adventure in the future!

    via Viator

    kurty2024 · July 2026

    A Worthwhile Workout

    I had a fine time on my recent trip with Above and Beyond Alaska. The weather was fantastic and the company worked with me on rescheduling to ensure that bad weather did not cancel my trip. I very much enjoyed the paddling while talking with the two excellent guides, one each way. They were informative, interested in their clients, and enthusiastic. The only down side for me was that the glacier is so-clearly diminished from when I had seen it some 20 years back. I knew this was the case, but seeing it up close again really brought that reality home. It was a grim but important reminder of what we humans are doing to our world.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your thoughtful review! We’re so glad we could work with you to find a better weather window and that you enjoyed the paddling experience and insights from our team. The changes to the Mendenhall Glacier are significant, and we appreciate you recognizing the importance of experiencing and appreciating this incredible landscape. We hope to welcome you back to Alaska for another adventure someday.

    via Tripadvisor

    J8129CBandym · July 2026

    Mendenhall Glacier paddle and Hike June 30, 2026

    We had an excellent outing, a canoe paddle and hike out to the Mendenhall Glacier. Our guides were Carla and Reina - they both did a fantastic job of getting us geared up and giving instruction on handling the canoe. They also gave expert commentary about the glacier that included history and changes in nature that affect the glacier, local waterways and the area community. Altogether a great experience.

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear you had such a great experience paddling and hiking out to the Mendenhall Glacier. It’s fantastic to know that our team helped you feel prepared, safe, and engaged while sharing the incredible history, geology, and changes of this special area. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience and hope to welcome you back to Alaska for another adventure!

    via Tripadvisor

    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
    72
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Why this scores 75

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)92
    Review evidence (18% weight)60
    Booking momentum (14% weight)55
    Value for money (12% weight)54
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)67
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Mendenhall Glacier Canoe Paddle and Hike Juneau: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Juneau.

    How much does Mendenhall Glacier Canoe Paddle and Hike Juneau 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 Mendenhall Glacier Canoe Paddle and Hike Juneau 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 Mendenhall Glacier Canoe Paddle and Hike Juneau worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 75 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 206 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 Mendenhall Glacier Canoe Paddle and Hike Juneau?

    +

    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 Mendenhall Glacier Canoe Paddle and Hike Juneau 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 Mendenhall Glacier Canoe Paddle and Hike Juneau?

    +

    Around 72 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 Mendenhall Glacier Canoe Paddle and Hike Juneau 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, Mendenhall Glacier Lake Canoe Tour. 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 Mendenhall Glacier Canoe Paddle and Hike Juneau.

    Pick your date