About All ToursWhale Watching ToursKayak ToursFrom Juneau ToursHike ToursCanoe Tours Directions Hours & Fees Guides
Find Tours 
Explore the stunning Mendenhall Glacier through a variety of guided experiences, from quick express shuttles to immersive canoe and whale watching adventures. With options ranging from three to over five hours, you can easily find a trip that fits your port schedule.
Free Cancellation See Mendenhall Glacier on a 45-minute self-guided stop followed by a guaranteed whale-watching trip on a jet boat.
Free Cancellation Paddle a canoe across Mendenhall Lake to reach the glacier's blue seracs on this four-hour small-group trip.
Free Cancellation Canoe across Mendenhall Lake past icebergs and waterfalls to hike the rocky terrain at the glacier's edge.
Free Cancellation Watch humpback whales on a 2-hour boat tour followed by a 90-minute visit to the Mendenhall Glacier and Nugget Falls.
Free Cancellation Spend two hours hiking and photographing Mendenhall Glacier on this three-hour trip from the downtown cruise ship dock.
Free Cancellation Direct bus transport from downtown Juneau to Mendenhall Glacier with two hours for trails and the visitor center.
This 3.5-hour tour covers six miles of Class II and III rapids directly below the Mendenhall Glacier.
Free Cancellation Ride mammal-friendly jet boats to see whales in Juneau with local guides who’ve operated here since 1994.
Paddle a 28-foot Tlingit-style canoe past icebergs to the face of Mendenhall Glacier.
Free Cancellation Paddle across Mendenhall Lake and hike the rocky moraine for close-up views of the glacier's blue ice.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Mendenhall Glacier — from practical tips to personal highlights.
Most tours combine transportation from downtown Juneau with self-guided time at the visitor center or guided activities on the lake. You will either ride a shuttle for independent exploring or join a multi-hour paddling excursion on the water.
A 377-foot waterfall crashes into Mendenhall Lake right beside the glacier's face. The two-mile round-trip trail is mostly flat gravel and boardwalk.
Black bears fish for sockeye and coho salmon just yards from elevated boardwalks. Runs peak from August into September.
Guided multi-person canoes paddle across Mendenhall Lake among floating icebergs. This gets you close to the calving face without booking a helicopter.
Many tours pair a glacier visit with a boat trip out of Auke Bay. Humpback whales surface in these waters from May through September.
A short, paved path by the visitor center provides an unobstructed view of the 1.5-mile-wide ice face. It is fully wheelchair accessible.
Booking the right tour depends on your cruise schedule and how close you want to get to the ice. Decide if you need a simple transfer or a guided physical activity.
Options include simple express shuttles, multi-hour canoe trips, and whitewater rafting. Combo tours pair the glacier with whale watching out of nearby Auke Bay.
Most shuttle and combo tours do not include the $5 visitor center day-use fee. You buy this pass at automated machines on site.
Almost all tours depart from the cruise ship docks in downtown Juneau. The Goldbelt Tramway building is the standard pickup location.
Canoe and rafting tours require moderate fitness and the ability to paddle for up to two hours. Weight limits typically cap at 240 or 250 pounds.
Juneau rains constantly. Canoe outfitters provide non-insulated rain gear and rubber boots, but you must bring warm synthetic layers and extra socks.
None of these tours allow you to walk on the glacier. Lake tours get you close to the terminal moraine, but trekking on the ice requires a helicopter flightseeing trip.
Most standard tours offer full refunds with 24 hours' notice. High katabatic winds occasionally force operators to cancel lake tours for safety.
Swipe to see more
| Express Shuttle | Whale Watch Combo | Guided Canoe Tour | Whitewater Rafting | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 3 hours | 4.5 - 5 hours | 4 - 5.5 hours | 3.5 hours |
| Best for | Quick visits and tight cruise schedules | Seeing marine life and the glacier in one day | Getting close to the glacier face and icebergs | Families wanting mild Class II/III rapids |
| Includes | Round-trip transport, driver narration | Boat trip, transport, heated cabin, snacks | Rain gear, boots, safety gear, guide | Rafting gear, guide, transport, snacks |
| Price from | $79 | $189 | $250 | $209 |
Swipe to see more
Summer (May 1 - September 30): The visitor center is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Winter (November - March): The visitor center opens only on Fridays and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. It closes on federal holidays.
Grounds: The surrounding recreation area and trails are open year-round from 6:00 a.m. to midnight daily.
The glacier is 12 miles from downtown Juneau. The drive takes about 25 to 30 minutes.
Shuttles: Private tour buses like the Blue Bus Express run directly from the cruise ship docks to the visitor center. Fares are around $45 to $49 round trip.
Public Transit: Capital Transit buses cost just a few dollars but do not stop at the visitor center. The closest stop requires a 1.5-mile walk, adding 30 minutes each way.
May and June offer the mildest weather, the longest daylight hours, and fewer crowds. Early-season wildlife like mountain goats and eagles are active during these months.
Late July through September is the best window for bear viewing. Black bears gather at Steep Creek to feed on the spawning sockeye and coho salmon.
November through March brings cold temperatures and limited visitor center hours. Shoulder months often feature persistent rain and low visibility.
The visitor center has an elevator and a switchback ramp. Two fully paved trails begin here: the Photo Point Trail and the Moraine Ecology Trail area.
The Nugget Falls Trail is mostly flat gravel and boardwalk. It can be difficult for wheelchairs and scooters due to uneven sections.
The East Glacier and West Glacier Trails climb steep hillsides. They are not wheelchair accessible.
The visitor center features an exhibit gallery, a theater with a rotating film, and a bookstore run by Discovery Southeast. Floor-to-ceiling windows face the ice.
Automated vending machines in the parking lots sell passes. Restrooms are available near the bus shelter and inside the building.
No food is sold on site. Eating is prohibited on the trails to avoid attracting bears.
Fees: A $5 day-use pass is required from May through September for anyone 16 and older to access the visitor center, Pavilion, Photo Point Trail, and Steep Creek.
Safety: Walking onto Mendenhall Lake ice is dangerous and strongly discouraged by local officials. Entering ice caves is highly risky due to collapse hazards.
Wildlife: Feeding or approaching black bears is prohibited. Stay on the designated boardwalks at Steep Creek.
Drones: Flights require caution due to nearby controlled airspace. Temporary flight restrictions occur during glacial lake outburst floods.
The visitor center charges a $5 per person day-use fee from May through September. Visitors 15 and under enter for free. You do not need a pass to hike the Nugget Falls trail or park your car.
You cannot walk directly onto the glacier from the visitor center. The Nugget Falls Trail takes you near the ice face across the lake. Walking on the ice requires booking a helicopter flightseeing tour.
The glacier is 12 miles from downtown Juneau. Shuttles and taxis take about 25 to 30 minutes to make the drive.
No. Local officials and the Forest Service warn that the ice caves are extremely dangerous. They are prone to sudden collapse and the surrounding ice is unstable.
Black bears are most commonly spotted in August and September. They gather at the Steep Creek boardwalk to fish during the salmon runs.
Skip the public bus if you are short on time. It drops you 1.5 miles from the visitor center, requiring a 30-minute walk each way along a busy road.
Most visitors use guided tours because the Forest Service strictly limits commercial permits. Paddling near the calving face is dangerous without proper equipment and guidance.
Yes. Juneau is a rainforest and rain is common. Outfitters provide rain gear for water tours, but you need your own waterproof layers for walking the trails.
No. Whales live in the ocean. Combo tours take you to Auke Bay for a separate boat trip before or after your glacier visit.
Two hours is enough time for most people. That covers the hike to Nugget Falls, walking the Photo Point trail, and seeing the indoor exhibits.
Browse verified tours with free cancellation and instant confirmation.
Find Tours
This tour combines a 45-minute stop at Mendenhall Glacier with a boat trip to find humpback whales. The glacier visit is self-guided; there's enough time for the paved paths near the visitor center. A shuttle moves the group to the harbor once the time is up. Captains and naturalists track humpback whales and other marine wildlife from jet boats with heated cabins and outdoor decks. Sightings are guaranteed from a safe distance. You can swap between the indoor seating and the rail as the weather shifts. Restrooms are available on every boat. Pack an extra layer for the deck—it's significantly colder once the boat is at speed.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
This four-hour trip starts at the Juneau cruise docks and goes directly to the Mendenhall Glacier. You'll take a 30-minute narrated drive through the Tongass National Forest to reach the West Glacier boat launch. Paddling across Mendenhall Lake starts after you gear up in waterproof gear and take a brief lesson. Groups are small. Arctic terns nest in the cliffs along the water, and you'll often see mountain goats on the slopes above. The air turns cold near the ice. Your guide steers toward the glacier's toe to view the blue crevasses and jagged seracs. It's the best way to see the ice without the crowds at the main visitor center. Canoeing is the only activity on this tour; it doesn't include a hike on the glacier or the shore. Wear wool or synthetic layers under the provided waterproofs. If the wind picks up, the return paddle is a slog. Book the morning departure for the calmest water.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
A multi-person canoe carries you across Mendenhall Lake to the glacier's face. Floating icebergs and the spray of Nugget Falls drift past as you paddle. Look for mountain goats on the cliffs of the Tongass National Forest above. It's a workout. If the wind picks up, the return leg across the open water gets choppy and requires real effort. You land the boat on a rocky beach at the edge of the ice. From there, guides lead a hike over the moraine—the raw, scoured rock left behind by the retreating glacier. You won't walk on the ice itself, but you'll be close enough to hear it crack. Wear sturdy boots because the silt and wet rocks are slippery. Groups are kept small to navigate the lake's changing ice conditions. Since the glacier retreats every year, the walking route changes depending on where the ice has pulled back. Book the morning slot. The lake is usually calmer before the afternoon winds start.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
Humpback whales surface throughout the 2-hour boat trip in the waters near Juneau. Look for tails, blows, and the occasional sea lion or eagle. The boat has a heated cabin, but the best views are from the windy outdoor deck. That's where you'll want to be when a whale breaches. Bring a rain shell even if the sun is out. The 90-minute stop at Mendenhall Glacier is long enough for the walk to Nugget Falls. It's a two-mile round trip on a mostly flat gravel path. From the beach at the end, the glacier face sits across the lake—one of 38 glaciers flowing from the Juneau Icefield. In August, black bears sometimes appear near Steep Creek to hunt spawning salmon. Skip the visitor center film if the weather is clear; the trail is better.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
This three-hour trip leaves from the downtown cruise ship dock for a 30-minute narrated drive to the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area. You'll pass through Juneau's city center on the way out. It's the most efficient way to see the glacier if your ship is only in port for a short window. You have two hours to walk the trails and visit the center. The Photo Point Trail is a flat, paved path that leads to a direct view of the ice across the lake. If you're there in late summer, check the boardwalks at Steep Creek to see if the salmon are running. The air near the glacier is usually 10 degrees colder than the dock, so don't leave your layers on the ship. Your guide meets you at the designated pickup spot for the return trip to the downtown dock. They can point out the best spots for king crab or local beer once you're back. This schedule leaves plenty of time for the Mount Roberts Tramway afterward.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
The Blue Bus Express runs directly from the downtown Juneau cruise terminal to Mendenhall Glacier. It's a 20-minute drive. Drivers narrate the trip, though the focus is on getting you to the ice quickly. You'll have two hours at the site. That's enough time to walk to the lake shore or see the visitor center. Entry to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center is included in the fare. Inside, you can use the telescopes or see the interactive exhibits. Most people take the 1.5-mile round-trip path to Nugget Falls to get a closer view of the 13-mile-long river of ice. It's a flat, gravel walk. This is the best option for independent travelers. But if you want to hike the five-mile East Glacier Loop, the two-hour window is too short.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
This 3.5-hour trip starts near the face of Mendenhall Glacier and covers six miles of the Mendenhall River. You'll navigate a mix of Class II and III rapids, with the most turbulent water concentrated in the first mile. It's a reliable choice for families or cruise passengers with limited time in Juneau. You can choose between two raft types. Most people take the oar-powered boat where the guide handles the steering, but you can request a paddle raft to help power through the swells. Expect to see bald eagles in the cottonwood trees or black bears near the banks. The water is roughly 38 degrees Fahrenheit. You will get wet, so wear the provided neoprene boots even if they feel bulky. No prior rafting experience is required for this route. While the rapids provide some splash, the 6-mile float includes long stretches of flat water for viewing the glacier and surrounding peaks. If it's raining, the glacier's blue color often appears more vivid against the gray sky. Book the early morning departure to beat the midday cruise ship rush.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
English
This family-owned outfit has operated in Juneau since 1994. Local captains and guides run the trips. They know the water better than seasonal hires. Transfers from the shuttle to the dock are timed to get you on the water within minutes of arrival. It’s efficient. Small jet boats make up the fleet. These use internal impellers rather than external propellers to prevent injury to marine life. You'll sit lower to the waterline than on the 100-passenger catamarans used by larger lines. Bring a waterproof jacket. Even on jet boats, the spray hits the deck when the wind picks up.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
You paddle a 28-foot Tlingit-style canoe across Mendenhall Lake to reach the glacier face. These boats are wide and stable, designed to navigate through water filled with floating ice. The Forest Service limits how many people can get this close to the ice, so you'll avoid the larger crowds found on the walking trails. It's a workout but manageable for most. The route winds past icebergs before landing on the beach at Nugget Falls. You'll stop there to eat an Alaskan-style snack and rest before the return trip. All safety gear is provided, including life jackets. Dress in synthetic layers—the air temperature drops by about 10 degrees as you approach the glacier. If the wind picks up, the paddle back can be a slog.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
English
You paddle across Mendenhall Lake to reach the rocky terminal moraine at the glacier’s edge. Guides provide gear and a quick lesson on the shore before you head out in large, stable canoes. You’ll pass the 377-foot drop of Nugget Falls and the gravel nesting grounds of Arctic terns. Keep a distance from the floating icebergs; they can roll without warning. It's a six-mile round trip on the water. The hike across the rocky terrain leads to the toe of the glacier for views of deep blue crevasses and the ice fall. You won't walk on the glacier itself on this trip. Instead, you stay on the bedrock to see how the ice has carved the landscape as it recedes. Wear sturdy boots with ankle support for the uneven stones. If you want to stand on the ice, book the helicopter trek instead.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English