Mendenhall Glacier Lake Canoe Tour in Juneau, United States
Juneau, United States

Mendenhall Glacier Lake Canoe Tour

Outty Ranking 87 5.0 · 1,643 traveler reviews4 hoursFrom $251
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Outty Ranking

87/100

Exceptional. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 1,643 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Mendenhall Glacier Lake Canoe Tour worth booking?

Mendenhall Glacier Lake Canoe Tour is a 4-hour experience in Juneau, United States, from $251 per person. It scores 87 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 5/5 rating across 1,643 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
87 / 100
Rating
5/5 (1,643)
Duration
4 hours
From
$251 per person

Experience the beauty of the Alaskan wilderness on this 3.5-4 hour adventure to the Mendenhall Glacier. This adventure starts off at the cruise ship docks as an expert guide will transfer the guaranteed, small group on a narrated 30 minute journey to the West Glacier boat launch in the Tongass National Forest. Guests gear up in top quality waterproof gear and after a quick paddle lesson, will launch the canoe onto the Mendenhall Lake to start the journey. Surrounded by steep cliffs filled with Arctic terns, mountain goats, porcupines, and other wildlife; enjoy the serenity of this adventure deep into Alaska. Feel the cool brisk air coming off the glacier as the guide safely navigates the canoe to the best viewpoints of the blue crevasses and seracs on the toe of the Mendenhall Glacier. Be one of the few to step away from the crowds and get face to face with glacier. This Tour is canoeing only and DOES NOT INCLUDE a hike.

What you get

    About this experience

    Experience the beauty of the Alaskan wilderness on this 3.5-4 hour adventure to the Mendenhall Glacier. This adventure starts off at the cruise ship docks as an expert guide will transfer the guaranteed, small group on a narrated 30 minute journey to the West Glacier boat launch in the Tongass National Forest. Guests gear up in top quality waterproof gear and after a quick paddle lesson, will launch the canoe onto the Mendenhall Lake to start the journey. Surrounded by steep cliffs filled with Arctic terns, mountain goats, porcupines, and other wildlife; enjoy the serenity of this adventure deep into Alaska. Feel the cool brisk air coming off the glacier as the guide safely navigates the canoe to the best viewpoints of the blue crevasses and seracs on the toe of the Mendenhall Glacier. Be one of the few to step away from the crowds and get face to face with glacier. This Tour is canoeing only and DOES NOT INCLUDE a hike.

    What's included

    Included

    • Rain Jacket, Pants, Boots, Gloves, PFD
    • Bottled water, snacks, and hot beverage
    • Roundtrip transportation from the cruise ship docks in downtown Juneau
    • Expert Wilderness Guide

    Not included

    • This tour is canoeing only and DOES NOT INCLUDE a hike.
    • Gratituity for your guide (optional)
    • Photos (feel free to bring a camera)
    • Warm layers (beanie, wool socks and non-cotton layers are recommended)

    What you'll see and do

    1. Liquid Alaska Tours

      Liquid Alaska Tours pick up guests at the cruise ship docks and their experience starts right there. This is a 4 hour all inclusive tour, including 2 hours paddling around the Mendenhall Lake to see the Mendenhall Glacier and experience the wild of Alaska in the Tongass National Forest, the largest National Forest in the United States.

      Pass by without stopping

    2. Mendenhall Glacier

      Guests will get up close and personal with the Mendenhall Glacier as they canoe up to the face of the glacier and experience it from a canoe on Mendenhall Lake.

      60 minutes here · Admission included

    3. Tongass National Forest

      Our entire tour takes place in Tongass National Forest. We bring guests out to the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area to the West Side Glacier Parking area. This is where our tour gears up, goes over safety and paddling instructions and starts our paddle to the Mendenhall Glacier- all located in the Tongass National Forest.

      240 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Juneau

    Meet your tour guide outside of the red GoldBelt Tram Tramway building. They will be holding a blue sign with your tour name. ***NCL ENCORE GUESTS *** Meet your guide in front of your ship on the AJ dock. They will be holding a blue sign with your tour name.***

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Meet your tour guide outside of the red GoldBelt Tram Tramway building. They will be holding a blue sign with your tour name. ***NCL ENCORE GUESTS *** Meet your guide in front of your ship on the AJ dock. They will be holding a blue sign with your tour name.***

    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 10 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Liquid Alaska Tours

    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
    • Minimum age: 12 years old
    • Minimum weight: 90lbs
    • Maximum weight: 240lbs
    • Not recommended for guests with back or hip problems
    • Pregnant guests will not be allowed on this tour
    • Full use of limbs for up to 2 hours canoe paddling
    • Signed liability waiver
    • Views of particular glacier features are not guaranteed
    • IMPORTANT NOTICE: THIS TOUR IS CANOE ONLY AND DOES NOT INCLUDE A HIKE

    Photos

    Mendenhall Glacier Canoe, Mendenhall Glacier Lake Canoe Tour in JuneauJuneau Canoe Tour to see Mendenhall Glacier, Mendenhall Glacier Lake Canoe Tour in JuneauMendenhall Lake Canoe Tour, Mendenhall Glacier Lake Canoe Tour in JuneauAll smiles in front of the Mendenhall Glacier!, Mendenhall Glacier Lake Canoe Tour in JuneauOff to adventure on the Mendenhall Lake Canoe Tour., Mendenhall Glacier Lake Canoe Tour in JuneauPaddle by Nugget Falls on your way to Mendenhall Glacier!, Mendenhall Glacier Lake Canoe Tour in Juneau

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 1,640 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

    7 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Photo opportunities

    3 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Value for money

    2 mentions

    Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.

    Traveler reviews

    1,640 verified traveler reviews for Mendenhall Glacier Lake Canoe Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    1,614
    4 star
    22
    3 star
    3
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    1
    Sort
    valeriemY1916EL · October 2026

    Justin and Dawson were the best!

    We went in September 2024. Justin and Dawson were our guides. We didn’t plan on going on this tour, but we booked it literally last minute when our other excursion was cancelled due to a little rain. It was so fun. They were so knowledgeable and even sang us a sea shanty while we rowed. 10/10 experience. They provided warm clothing which was great because we didn’t plan to go canoeing that day.

    via Tripadvisor

    Milka_L · October 2026

    Highly recommend!!

    It was so great to get out of the touristy parts and see the majestic glacier. Elisha was our tour guide. He picked us up at our ship dock. He was a pleasant guide and got us all set up for the canoe trip. It was so beautiful and it was cool to be on the lake on a canoe which I have never done before. The lake felt like it was just ours and seeing the beautiful scenery away from crowds in the beautiful setting.

    via Viator

    N2801QNmikef · October 2026

    Great Experience

    This was a wonderful excursion in Juneau. We had excellent weather and an amazing guide. Hannah was funny and informative while showing us just how much she truly loves her job. It is nice to see someone who truly enjoys what they do. It was surreal to get that close to a glacier while looking at its scale from a canoe.

    via Tripadvisor

    Z171EQkrystalm · September 2026

    The Best Glacier Tour Ever!

    Tor and Hannah were the best guides ever. They were fun, had the best jokes, and will we're well versed in all things glacier related. The tour was exciting and rewarding. I am not in very good shape but I was able to handle the canoe trip just fine. You were in the boat with several other people so rowing is not as tough as it would have been if we would have done a kayak. I would do it again.

    via Tripadvisor

    Navigator546988 · September 2026

    Elymus and Cortland made this excursion worth every penny

    Elymus and Cortland were fantastic guides… so fantastic that I made sure to ask for the spelling of their unique names. I booked this excursion last-minute — two minutes after stepping off the cruise ship — and am so glad I did! Shoutout to Tara who convinced me that this was an excursion that best fit my adventure style. I had enough time to explore the town before and after paddling 7 miles! The scenery was breathtaking and the guides along with the three of us travelers had so much fun exchanging stories. I’d definitely go on another adventure with these guys!

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    4 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    575
    Verdict
    Exceptional

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Liquid Alaska Tours, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 74.2.

    See everything Liquid Alaska Tours runs

    Why this scores 87

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

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)100
    Review evidence (18% weight)84
    Booking momentum (14% weight)81
    Value for money (12% weight)63
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)81
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Mendenhall Glacier Lake Canoe Tour: questions travelers ask

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

    How much does Mendenhall Glacier Lake Canoe Tour cost?

    +

    Prices start at $251 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 Lake Canoe Tour take?

    +

    Plan for about 4 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 Lake Canoe Tour worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 87 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 1,643 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Juneau, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Mendenhall Glacier Lake Canoe Tour?

    +

    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 Lake Canoe Tour suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Mendenhall Glacier Lake Canoe Tour?

    +

    Around 575 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 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Mendenhall Glacier Lake Canoe Tour 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.

    What is included in Mendenhall Glacier Lake Canoe Tour?

    +

    Included: Rain Jacket, Pants, Boots, Gloves, PFD; Bottled water, snacks, and hot beverage; Roundtrip transportation from the cruise ship docks in downtown Juneau; and Expert Wilderness Guide. Not included: This tour is canoeing only and DOES NOT INCLUDE a hike; Gratituity for your guide (optional); Photos (feel free to bring a camera); and Warm layers (beanie, wool socks and non-cotton layers are recommended). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Mendenhall Glacier Lake Canoe Tour?

    +

    Meet your tour guide outside of the red GoldBelt Tram Tramway building. They will be holding a blue sign with your tour name. ***NCL ENCORE GUESTS *** Meet your guide in front of your ship on the AJ dock. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Mendenhall Glacier Lake Canoe Tour offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Mendenhall Glacier Lake Canoe Tour?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Mendenhall Glacier Lake Canoe Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers; and Pregnant guests will not be allowed on this tour. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Mendenhall Glacier Lake Canoe Tour if the weather is bad?

    +

    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Mendenhall Glacier Lake Canoe Tour?

    +

    Across 1,643 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

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