Private Mendenhall Glacier Canoe Paddle & Trek

Tour Update: The Mendenhall Glacier is receding on a daily basis causing drastic changes to the surface of the glacier. Our site for trekking on the glacier with crampons has continued to get steeper and more challenging each summer. These changes, along with rising lake levels, have left us with very limited safe areas to explore on the ice. For this reason, it is not safe to walk on the glacier. This trip will spend time exploring the glacier up close and hiking around the edges of it safely from the bedrock. The edge of the glacier has some of the most stunning features you will find; this is where ice formations, tunnels, and tubes tend to form creating those beautiful blue colors. These features are never guaranteed but do form throughout the summer. Whether or not conditions present the opportunity to walk on the glacier in addition to paddling across the Mendenhall Lake past icebergs and waterfalls, this entire journey is top-notch from start to finish.

This top-of-the-line tour, simply put, is the cream of the crop among Juneau glacier excursions! Featuring both a tranquil, gorgeous paddle across a glacial meltwater lake and an on-foot excursion up to the hulking glacier itself, the 6.5-hour Private Mendenhall Glacier Canoe Paddle & Trek is a concise and enthralling tour package that combines all the best components of Alaska travel exploration! This adventure is in many ways the same as the Mendenhall Glacier Paddle & Trek. It has the additional advantage, however, of allowing your small group of either 5-7 or 10-12 family and friends to travel unhindered under the guidance of your own private guide. If you’re captivated by the idea of customizing your very own voyage, you want to have an up-close encounter with a world-famous glacier, and the possibility of exploring a Mendenhall Glacier ice features stirs your interest, the exclusive Private Mendenhall Glacier Canoe Paddle & Trek may just be the perfect fit for your group!

Your one-of-a-kind private outing begins with pick-up from the cruise docks, followed by a lift to the beautiful Mendenhall Lake. Your expert local guide will then fit your group for the journey before you head out onto the water! Keep your camera handy and your eyes alert en-route to the glacier, looking for wildlife and views of glacier-covered peaks and the flowing Nugget Falls! Before long, you’ll find yourself face-to-face with the glacier. If you're lucky, you might just see a giant block of ice tumble gloriously into the lake!

Finally, it’s time for the second phase of your epic adventure. Your leader will equip you with trekking equipment for an approximately 2-hour journey up to the ice. Fill your canteen from rivers of melted ancient glacier water as you search for mesmerizing features like moulins and stunning crevasses. Remember: it’s your private tour, so you’ll have the opportunity to ensure that your glacier experience is hand-crafted to fit your group’s goals. How could an excursion with this much adventure and scenery not be a highlight of your Alaska cruise?!

Because this tour has extremely limited spots, we recommend you book early to ensure availability! Note: This tour allows for groups of 5-7 or 10-12 guests due to canoe requirements.

If you’re looking for a more extensive hiking experience without the paddling, check out the Private Mendenhall Glacier Trek.