Mendenhall Glacier Ice Adventure Tour

This Mendenhall Glacier Ice Adventure Tour has quickly become one of the most talked-about experiences in Juneau, boasting a perfect 5.0 rating from over a thousand reviews. It’s a multi-faceted adventure that combines paddling across icy waters, hiking through lush forests, and getting a close-up look at one of Alaska’s most iconic glaciers.

If you’re craving an active, nature-filled day and love being immersed in wilderness, this tour could be just what you’re looking for.

What we really like about this experience is how it offers a genuine opportunity to see wildlife up close and witness the glacier’s beauty from different angles. Plus, the fact that transportation, gear, and expert guides are included makes it feel like a well-organized and reliable option.

That said, it’s not for everyone: this tour demands a good level of physical fitness and involves paddling and hiking over uneven terrain. Also, since it’s a physically active experience, those with back or hip problems or limited mobility might want to consider other options.

This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy outdoor adventures, are comfortable on their feet, and want a memorable, intimate encounter with Alaska’s wilderness.

Key Points

• Active Experience: Combines kayaking, hiking, and wildlife spotting, perfect for those who want more than just sightseeing.
• All-Inclusive: Gear, transportation, snacks, and water are provided, making it straightforward to focus on enjoying the day.
• Guided Expertise: Guides are knowledgeable, personable, and keep the experience informative and fun.
• Dynamic Views: Every trip is different thanks to constantly moving ice, waterfalls, and changing weather, ensuring a fresh experience each time.
• Wildlife Up Close: Bald eagles and other animals frequently appear, adding extra excitement.
• Physical Challenge: Paddling and hiking require a good fitness level and stamina.

The Experience: What You Can Expect from Start to Finish

The journey begins in downtown Juneau, where your guides pick you up and whisk you off to the start point. One of the best parts of this tour is how seamless the logistics are—transportation from the city is included, so you won’t have to worry about getting lost or finding your way. Just relax and get ready for an adventure.

Once you arrive at Mendenhall Lake, the real fun begins. You’ll suit up with waterproof jackets, pants, boots, gloves, helmets, and trekking poles—all provided and in excellent condition. This high-quality gear means you’re prepared for whatever Alaska’s weather throws at you, whether it’s rain or chilly wind.

Your guide will give a safety briefing and paddle instructions, especially if it’s your first time kayaking. The paddling itself takes around an hour each way, gliding across the calm, icy waters where towering icebergs float and waterfalls roar nearby. From the boat, you’ll get a sense of the vastness and serenity of the landscape, and many reviews highlight how peaceful and awe-inspiring the experience is. One guest noted, “Justin’s singing made the paddling even more enjoyable,” which shows how guides add a personal touch to the trip.

Paddling and Wildlife

As you paddle across Mendenhall Lake, keep your eyes peeled for bald eagles soaring overhead—many visitors comment on the abundance of these majestic birds. The lake’s stillness, combined with the backdrop of rugged mountains and glaciers, creates perfect conditions for wildlife viewing. During reviews, guests often mention seeing eagles and waterfalls, making each trip feel like a small, personal wildlife safari.

The Remote Beach and Glacial Hike

After the paddle, your guides will take you to a remote beach, a quiet spot where you’ll lace up your hiking boots and explore closer to the glacier. This interpretive hike lasts about an hour and allows you to stand right near the massive ice formations—ice caves and moulins—provided the conditions permit. The constant movement of the ice means each trip is different, so you might see something new every time. One reviewer said, “Getting so close to the glacier’s bottom and being awed by its size is unforgettable.”

The Rocky Moraine and Glacier Views

Next, you'll spend around 60 minutes hiking among the rocky moraines near Mendenhall Glacier. Guides often share fascinating insights into the glacier’s retreat, adding context to the stunning views. Many guests highlight how breathtaking the glacier’s vibrant blue ice and rugged terrain are—another reminder of how quickly these glaciers are changing.

The End of the Day

After a full day of adventure, you’ll return to the meeting point in downtown Juneau, tired but with a camera full of incredible photos and a heart full of memories. The entire experience lasts about five hours, a perfect length to pack in a lot without feeling rushed.

What's Included, What's Not

The tour is designed to be as hassle-free as possible, with all the essentials taken care of. Transportation from downtown Juneau is included, so the trip starts smoothly. You’ll be provided with bottled water, snacks, and a hot beverage to keep you energized. Rain jackets, waterproof pants, boots, gloves, helmets, and trekking poles are all supplied, meaning you don’t have to worry about packing the right gear.

However, you’ll want to bring some personal items like a camera, sunglasses, and layered clothing, especially if you want to stay warm. A few reviewers recommend bringing extra layers—beanies, wool socks, and gloves—since the air coming off the glacier can be quite cold.

Gratuities aren’t included, so if your guides do an exceptional job, a tip is appreciated. Also, photos are not included in the price, so bring your camera or smartphone to capture the scenery.

The Balance of Cost and Value

At $359 per person, this tour isn’t cheap, but it’s packed with value. It includes transportation, high-quality gear, guided expertise, and access to a wilderness experience that many travelers find unforgettable. Several reviews emphasize how knowledgeable and personable the guides are, making the experience both fun and educational. Guests also mention how they appreciated the chance to get close to the glacier—something they say is rare given its rapid retreat.

Considering the inclusion of gear, transportation, and guided instruction, many feel it’s a good investment, especially when compared to similar glacier excursions that might cost more or lack such personalized experiences. One guest pointed out that it was “one of the best excursions of their entire trip,” underscoring its value.

The Reviews Speak for Themselves

The feedback from travelers consistently highlights the guides’ knowledge, the breathtaking scenery, and the well-organized logistics. Guests rave about guides like Meg, Jordan, Sophie, and Shayla, praising their friendly attitudes and expert insights. The variety of activities—paddling, hiking, wildlife spotting—keeps the day interesting, and many mention how memorable the experience is.

A few reviews specifically mention how the tour is suitable for active travelers who enjoy physical activities, with some noting the vigorous paddling and hiking involved. Several guests also point out the importance of dressing warmly and being prepared for changing weather conditions.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This adventure is best for those who don’t mind getting a little muddy or wet, and who enjoy being physically active outdoors. It’s ideal for travelers with a decent level of fitness who want a hands-on, immersive experience. If you’re looking for a relaxing, bus-only tour, this probably isn’t the right fit.

While it’s not explicitly family-friendly, it’s suitable for ages 12 and up, provided participants are comfortable with paddling and hiking. Those with mobility issues or back problems should consider the physical demands and terrain involved.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

If you’re after a genuinely active and memorable experience in Juneau, this tour delivers. The combination of paddling, hiking, and wildlife viewing offers a well-rounded adventure for nature lovers. The guides consistently earn praise for their knowledge and friendliness, helping make the day both fun and informative.

While the price might seem steep, the inclusion of all gear, transportation, and expert guidance makes it a solid value for what you get. Plus, the chance to get so close to a receding glacier and see eagles overhead is worth every penny for many travelers.

If you’re physically able and craving a true wilderness escape, this tour is a fantastic choice. For those seeking a more leisurely or less active experience, it’s worth considering other options, but for the adventurous at heart, this one’s a standout.

FAQ

Is transportation included? Yes, the tour includes transportation from downtown Juneau to the start point, making logistics one less thing to worry about.

What gear do I need to bring? You should bring personal items like a camera, sunglasses, and layered clothing. The tour provides rain jackets, waterproof pants, boots, gloves, and helmets.

Can I do this if I’m not very active? The tour involves paddling and hiking over uneven terrain, requiring a good fitness level. It’s best suited for active travelers comfortable with physical activity.

What’s the weather like? Expect variable weather, often chilly from the glacier’s wind and rain. Good gear and layering are essential.

Will I see wildlife? Many guests report seeing bald eagles and waterfalls, making wildlife viewing a common highlight.

How long does the tour last? The entire experience is around five hours, including transportation, paddling, hiking, and sightseeing.

Is the glacier accessible for walking on? No, this tour does not include walking on glacier ice, but it offers close views, ice caves, and moulins.

Is this tour family-friendly? It’s suitable for ages 12 and up, but because of the physical activity involved, it’s best for those with a good fitness level.

This guide should give you a clear picture of what to expect from the Mendenhall Glacier Ice Adventure Tour. Whether you’re an adventure seeker or just someone eager to see stunning scenery and wildlife, it’s a trip that tends to leave a lasting impression.