Mendenhall Glacier Canoe Paddle & Trek

While many tours include glacier views from a distance, this one actually lets you step foot on Mendenhall Glacier and experience this frozen world first-hand. Paddle across the lake with your professional guide and approach the massive face of Mendenhall Glacier before leaving the canoe behind for a guided trek. 2016 were the first time ever that permits have allowed guided trips like this on Mendenhall Lake, so don't miss this opportunity to experience this glacier up close and personal!

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What to expect and what not to expect with this Juneau shore excursion

Pick-up from the cruise docks and many Juneau hotels is included and from there a short ride over to Mendenhall Lake allows time to get properly fitted for gear and equipment. Cast off, following along while the guide paints an informative backdrop of the ancient geological formations comprising your view. Calmly coast among floating icebergs and glide along shorelines, keeping your eyes peeled for river otters, porcupines, beavers, bald eagles and even black bear all known to inhabit this area.

No previous canoe experience required
Limited daily permits, book early
Not available through the cruise lines
All gear, equipment and transportation provided for you

The paddle portion culminates at the glacier's edge where you'll step on land and continue this adventure by foot. A one-hour trek takes you up onto the glacier and when conditions are right, explore hidden ice caves that leave you feeling like you're on a different planet. All the while, your guide is providing insights into the area and with a maximum of 7 guests per guide, you'll enjoy the intimacy of this smaller tour. Downtown Juneau will seem like a world away. Eventually, return to the canoe and retrace the journey, and enjoy all that this multi-sport activity has to offer. Experience Alaska on a self-propelled wilderness excursion leaving crowds and motors behind.

You know what goes great with a Mendenhall Adventure? How about Misty Fjords Flightseeing in Ketchikan & the White Pass Train & Bike in Skagway for a perfect Inside Passage Experience!

This tour combines elements of these two tours:

Minimum Ages, Cancellations, Accessibility, Etc.

JUNEAU TOURS DETAILS:

Restrictions: The minimum age for participants is 12 years old.
Accessibility: Must be fit enough to paddle for 5 miles and be able to sit in a canoe for up to 3 hours. Guests must be under 250lbs. The life jackets can accommodate a maximum torso (waist-chest) diameter of 52 inches (132cm).
Cancellation Policy: In the event your cruise ship is late, delayed, or doesn't make it into port we always issue a full refund for the tour. Changes or cancellations are allowed up to 14 days prior to the tour departure with absolutely no penalty. Including 'Flex Cancel' allows cancellations and refunds up to 24-hours before the tour. Any cancellations made within 14 days of the tour departure (or within 24-hours with Flex Cancel) are nonrefundable.
What to Wear: We recommend you prepare for rain and hope for sunshine in regards to the weather. Due to the cool, damp climate it is best not to wear cotton and instead, wear clothing made of polyester, wool, fleece, nylon, polypropylene and/or capilene. A full list of what to bring and how to prepare will be included in your confirmation email.

For availability and timing, complete the information on the sidebar

Passenger Rate: $349.00

You've got questions, we've got answers

Q:Will the trip still operate if it is raining?

Because much of SE Alaska is a rainforest, these trips do operate rain or shine. Rain jackets and pants are provided on this trip. If weather conditions are unsafe, the trip will be canceled and we will provide a full refund. This can happen on canoe trips from time to time and will be typically related to sea or lake conditions, not rain.

Q:What if our ship is delayed or doesn't make it into port? Refund?

It's very rare that a ship is delayed into port, but in those cases we will try our best to work with you to reschedule the tour to a later time. If that is not a possibility or your ship doesn't make it into port, we will of course refund the full cost of the tour.

Q:What about restroom facilities along the way?

You'll have a chance at the canoe base to use the restroom but after that we will be entering the great outdoors. We recommend all guests follow 'Leave No Trace Principles' and should the need arise, we request packing all trash from the trip including toilet paper. If this is of concern for you, we recommend bringing toilet paper and a ziploc bag for easy packing.

Q:How many guests are on this tour?

There can be up to 8 passengers on this trip and there is a minimum of 2 guests for the trip to operate. With advanced notice, we can accommodate larger groups on private tours.

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Mendenhall Glacier Canoe Paddle & Trek

A quick breakdown of what the typical timing looks like for this tour

30 minutes: Pick-up and cruise docks and transportation to Mendenhall Lake
30 minutes: Time set aside for orientation, gear fitting
1 hour 15 minutes: Guided paddle on Mendenhall Lake
2 hours: Hike to edge of Mendenhall Glacier, trekking on glacier and time for ice cave exploration (safety conditions permitting)
15 minutes: Return hike to canoe
1 hour 15 minutes: Return guided paddle on Mendenhall Lake
30 minutes: Degear, decrompress and return van transfer to downtown Juneau and cruise docks

What to expect and what not to expect with this Juneau shore excursion

Minimum Ages, Cancellations, Accessibility, Etc.

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