Best Mendenhall Glacier Tours: 8 Options Compared

The best Mendenhall Glacier tours offer different ways to experience Juneau’s glacier scenery. You can explore lakeside trails, paddle across Mendenhall Lake, or hike to a panoramic viewpoint. You can also combine a glacier visit with whale watching. We’ve explored Mendenhall by canoe and on foot, photographing the glacier and its surroundings during our Juneau visits. Those experiences help us explain the differences that matter when choosing a tour. This guide compares eight Mendenhall Glacier tours, including trolley and bus excursions, guided hikes, canoe adventures, and sea kayaking. We explain where each tour takes you, the activity level, and what’s included. If you’re visiting on a cruise, you’ll also find details to help match an excursion to your time ashore.

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Our Experience Visiting Mendenhall Glacier

Chris and I have explored Mendenhall Glacier by canoe and on foot during our visits to Juneau. Seeing the area from different perspectives helped us appreciate how much the experience changes with your chosen activity.

We’ve tried several Mendenhall Glacier hikes, including Nugget Falls, East Glacier Loop, and West Glacier Trail. We especially enjoyed the longer routes for their quieter surroundings and varied terrain.

Canoeing was another highlight. Paddling across Mendenhall Lake gave us a different view of the glacier and surrounding mountains, with plenty to photograph.

For us, the right excursion balances scenery, activity, and enough time to enjoy both. A lakeside visit, guided paddle, and challenging hike offer very different days.

We also know that spending just one day in Juneau during a cruise means making choices. That’s why we compare each tour’s duration, transportation, and physical demands alongside its highlights.

Best Mendenhall Glacier Tours at a Glance

Start with the experience you want: glacier sightseeing, lake paddling, hiking, or a wildlife combination. This table compares all eight options. Each tour name links to Viator, our preferred booking website. Below, we share detailed descriptions to help you choose.

Tour	Best for	Approximate total duration	Glacier experience
Mendenhall Glacier Trolley Tour	A straightforward sightseeing visit	3 hours	Narrated trolley transportation and free time (2 hours) for glacier viewpoints and trails
Mendenhall Glacier Express	Exploring at your own pace with transportation arranged	3 hours	Narrated bus transportation and two hours of self-guided exploring
Mendenhall Glacier Ice Adventure Tour	Active travelers wanting paddling and hiking	5 hours	Guided canoeing across Mendenhall Lake and hiking near the glacier
Mendenhall Glacier Lake Canoe Tour	Glacier scenery from the water	4 hours	Guided lake canoeing without a hiking portion
Mendenhall Glacier Guided Hike	Fit travelers who enjoy challenging hikes	6 hours	Rainforest hiking and rock scrambling to a panoramic glacier viewpoint
Mendenhall Glacier Park and Ultimate Whale Watch Combo	Whales and glacier sightseeing in one booking	5 hours	A whale-watching cruise plus time at the glacier recreation area
Mendenhall Glacier View Sea Kayaking	Coastal paddling and wildlife opportunities	3 hours 30 minutes	Sea kayaking in Fritz Cove and the Mendenhall Wetlands, with distant glacier views
Rainforest & Waterfalls Trek	Active families and travelers wanting a private guided hike	5 hours	Rainforest hiking, waterfalls, glacier views, and a Visitor Center stop

Mendenhall Glacier is one of Juneau’s most famous natural attractions, about 12 miles from downtown. Arranging transportation independently can be tricky during a short port stop. Tours with round-trip transportation simplify the visit, making them a convenient choice for cruise passengers.

Our Top Picks for Mendenhall Glacier Tours

For a first visit focused on sightseeing, choose the Mendenhall Glacier Trolley Tour. It combines narrated transportation with time to explore the glacier area at your own pace.

For paddling and hiking, choose the Mendenhall Glacier Ice Adventure Tour. This active outing combines lake scenery with a guided hike near the glacier.

For a water-based adventure without hiking, choose the Mendenhall Glacier Lake Canoe Tour. You’ll experience the glacier landscape from the lake with a guide leading the paddle.

For whales and glacier views, choose the Ultimate Whale Watch Combo. Included transportation brings both experiences together in one convenient booking.

Recommended Mendenhall Glacier Tours

1. Mendenhall Glacier Trolley Tour

The Mendenhall Glacier Trolley Tour is a convenient choice for glacier views, short walks, and photography. The approximately three-hour excursion includes round-trip transportation from the Goldbelt Tram meeting point in downtown Juneau.

During the ride, your driver shares Juneau’s history and local tips. At the glacier recreation area, you explore independently, choosing the viewpoints and trails that interest you.

You can focus on lakeside scenery or walk toward Nugget Falls, allowing enough time for your scheduled return. This flexibility makes the trolley appealing for couples and families with different walking preferences.

Book this option if you want transportation arranged and freedom to explore once you arrive. It fits a glacier visit into part of your port day without committing to a strenuous guided adventure.

2. Mendenhall Glacier Express

The Mendenhall Glacier Express combines narrated bus transportation with two hours to explore the glacier recreation area. Park admission is included, making this a convenient option for a visit focused on scenery and walking.

The approximately three-hour excursion starts near the Goldbelt Tram in downtown Juneau. Your driver provides commentary during the journey. At Mendenhall, you set your own pace, visiting viewpoints, photographing the lake, or walking to Nugget Falls.

Like the trolley tour, this option provides transportation and independent exploring time. The main distinction is the vehicle: the Express uses a bus. Choose the departure and price that best suit your plans.

3. Mendenhall Glacier Ice Adventure Tour

Paddle across Mendenhall Lake, then explore the rocky landscape near the glacier with wilderness guides. This approximately five-hour adventure combines canoeing and hiking, making it a strong choice for active travelers.

The lake crossing offers views of mountains, waterfalls, and the glacier. After landing, continue on foot for another perspective on the surrounding glacial landscape. Your guides explain the area’s natural history along the way.

Transportation from downtown Juneau, rain gear, waterproof boots, safety equipment, snacks, and drinks are included. Participants must be at least 12 and ready for sustained paddling and uneven terrain.

Choose this tour for a guided canoe-and-hike adventure near Mendenhall Glacier. The route stays off glacier ice.

4. Mendenhall Glacier Lake Canoe Tour

Experience Mendenhall’s glacier scenery from the water on this guided canoe adventure. Paddle across Mendenhall Lake with mountain views and opportunities to photograph the glacier from a different perspective.

This approximately four-hour excursion focuses entirely on canoeing. It suits travelers who want a lake adventure without adding a hike. Beginners can join, with paddling instruction provided before setting out. Everyone participates in paddling.

We loved seeing the Mendenhall landscape from a canoe. The changing views across the lake made paddling a highlight of our visits.

Transportation, rain gear, waterproof boots, life jackets, snacks, and drinks are included. Bring warm layers and a camera you can protect from water.

5. Mendenhall Glacier Guided Hike

This guided hike rewards the effort with panoramic views of Mendenhall Glacier and the surrounding mountains. Follow a rainforest route past beaver ponds, then tackle rocky terrain and scrambling sections toward the glacier viewpoint.

The approximately six-hour excursion covers about seven miles round-trip. It’s best for fit travelers who enjoy challenging hikes and want a guide’s insight into the landscape.

With up to 12 participants, the tour offers a smaller-group adventure on foot. Transportation, a backpack, rain gear, snacks, and water are included. Participants must be at least 10 years old and wear sturdy hiking boots.

Choose this option if hiking is your priority. The destination is a glacier viewpoint, with the adventure unfolding along the trail.

6. Mendenhall Glacier Park and Ultimate Whale Watch Combo

Combine a glacier visit with a two-hour whale-watching cruise in one convenient booking. This approximately five-hour excursion suits travelers who want both experiences during their Juneau cruise stop.

On the water, a naturalist helps you spot humpbacks and explains the wildlife you encounter. The boat has a heated cabin, viewing decks, and restrooms. At Mendenhall Glacier Park, explore independently, enjoying glacier viewpoints and choosing trails that fit your available time.

Transportation and park admission are included, with return shuttles from the glacier running every 30 minutes. This makes combining the two activities easier without arranging separate transfers.

We’ve taken several whale tours here. Read our Juneau whale-watching reviews for our firsthand experiences on the water.

7. Mendenhall Glacier View Sea Kayaking

Explore Juneau’s coastal waters by kayak, with distant glacier views and opportunities to spot wildlife. This guided outing follows Fritz Cove and the Mendenhall Wetlands, combining mountain scenery with a coastal paddling experience.

The approximately 3.5-hour excursion includes around two hours of paddling. Your guide provides instruction and leads the route, helping you look for wildlife along the way. It’s an appealing choice for travelers who enjoy being active on the water.

Transportation, kayaking equipment, rain gear, boots, snacks, and beverages are included. Unlike the lake canoe tours, this excursion explores saltwater coastline, offering a different perspective on the Mendenhall landscape.

8. Rainforest & Waterfalls Trek

Explore rainforest trails, waterfalls, and glacier viewpoints with a private naturalist guide. This approximately five-hour excursion combines hiking with a stop at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center.

Your guide shares insights into the forest ecosystem and helps you find scenic photography spots along the way. Only your group participates, allowing a more personal experience with flexibility to adjust the pace.

The tour includes transportation from your cruise ship or hotel, trail snacks, and a souvenir water bottle. Participants should have moderate fitness. The standard minimum age is eight, making this an appealing choice for active families and couples wanting a private outing.

Which Mendenhall Glacier Tour Should You Choose?

Choose the experience first, then match the tour to your fitness level and available time. Here’s how we would narrow the options:

• For sightseeing at your own pace: Choose the Trolley Tour or Glacier Express. Both provide transportation and independent time for viewpoints and trails.
• For glacier scenery from Mendenhall Lake: Choose the Lake Canoe Tour. You’ll paddle with a guide without adding a hike.
• For paddling and hiking together: Choose the Ice Adventure Tour. It combines a lake crossing with exploring the rocky landscape near the glacier.
• For a challenging day on foot: Choose the Guided Hike. Be comfortable with several miles of hiking, steep terrain, and rock scrambling.
• For whales and glacier sightseeing: Choose the Ultimate Whale Watch Combo. One booking covers both activities and their transportation.
• For coastal kayaking: Choose the Sea Kayaking tour. You’ll explore Fritz Cove and the wetlands, with distant glacier views.

Skipping the hike doesn’t remove the physical effort. Canoeing and kayaking require active paddling. For groups with different energy levels, the trolley or Express offers more freedom to choose how much walking to do.

Booking a Mendenhall Glacier Tour From a Cruise Ship

You don’t need to book your Mendenhall Glacier excursion through your cruise line or travel agent. We most often use Viator, a Tripadvisor company, for convenience and prices often considerably lower than cruise-line offers.

Most tours meet near the Goldbelt Tram on Juneau’s downtown waterfront, just a few minutes’ walk from the main cruise docks. The tram’s street address is 490 South Franklin Street. Booking pages may also call it the Mount Roberts Tramway.

If your ship uses AJ Dock, allow about 20-25 minutes to walk to the tram. Alternatively, take the free downtown shuttle, which drops passengers near the Goldbelt Tram. Allow extra time for waiting and boarding. Follow your tour confirmation for the exact meeting spot or any direct dock pickup arrangements.

Our Juneau cruise port guide explains the docking locations and how to get around after leaving your ship.

Choose a departure that fits comfortably between disembarkation and your ship’s all-aboard time. Compare the complete excursion duration, inclusions, and cancellation terms before booking.

What to Wear and Bring

Wear layers and footwear suited to your excursion. Rainforest trails, open water, and lakeside viewpoints can call for different clothing during the same visit.

• Warm layers: Start with a moisture-wicking shirt and add a fleece or light insulated jacket.
• Waterproof outerwear: Bring a rain jacket for sightseeing. Paddling and hiking tours often provide rain gear.
• Suitable shoes: Wear comfortable walking shoes for the trolley or Express. The guided hike requires sturdy hiking boots with ankle support.
• Camera protection: Use a waterproof bag or cover during canoeing and kayaking. Keep your camera secured while paddling.
• A small daypack: Carry essentials while leaving bulky bags aboard your ship.

Use your tour’s equipment list when packing. Several adventures include boots, rainwear, backpacks, or safety equipment, so you may already have those items covered.

Our Alaska cruise packing list includes more clothing and photography essentials for your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best Mendenhall Glacier tour for a first visit?

The Trolley Tour is our pick for a straightforward sightseeing visit. It includes narrated transportation and time to explore independently. For a more active experience, consider the Lake Canoe Tour.

What is the difference between the Trolley Tour and Glacier Express?

Both excursions last approximately three hours and provide transportation with independent exploring time at Mendenhall. The trolley uses a custom trolley vehicle, while the Express uses a bus. Compare departure times, prices, and inclusions when choosing.

Can you walk on the glacier during these tours?

None of the eight tours recommended here includes walking on glacier ice. The guided hike reaches a viewpoint. The Ice Adventure combines canoeing with hiking on land near the glacier.

Does the Mendenhall Glacier Ice Adventure Tour include ice caves?

No. The current itinerary includes lake canoeing and hiking near the glacier, without ice-cave access. Choose it for the combined paddling and hiking experience.

Is the Mendenhall Glacier Lake Canoe Tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. First-time paddlers can join, and guides provide instruction. You still need to participate in paddling, so this is an active excursion. Review the age and physical requirements before reserving.

Can you visit Mendenhall Glacier and go whale watching in one day?

Yes. The Ultimate Whale Watch Combo combines both in approximately five hours, including transportation. It’s a convenient choice when your port schedule allows enough time for the complete outing.

Do you need a tour to visit Mendenhall Glacier?

No. You can arrange transportation and explore the recreation area independently. Our Mendenhall Glacier transportation comparison covers those options. The tours above offer arranged transportation, guided activities, or both.

Final Thoughts

The best Mendenhall Glacier tour depends on how you want to experience the landscape. The trolley and Express make sightseeing convenient. Canoeing offers views from the lake, while guided hiking adds a more demanding adventure.

For us, exploring Mendenhall by canoe and on foot made separate visits equally rewarding. Choose the activity that excites you, fits your abilities, and leaves enough time to enjoy the scenery.

Use the booking links above to compare availability and reserve your preferred departure. For flightseeing, sled-dog experiences, and gold panning, explore our best Juneau shore excursions.

For help planning your full sailing, start with our Alaska Cruise Planner.

If you plan to explore other Alaskan ports of call, make sure to check out our related articles:

• The best Ketchikan shore excursions
• The best Skagway shore excursions
• The best Sitka shore excursions
• The best Icy Strait Point shore excursions
• The best Haines shore excursions

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