Canoe Mendenhall Lake and trek to the glacier’s edge with a small-group guide
5 hours
Guide, gear, snacks
Paddle across Mendenhall Lake, then hike over steep, uneven glacial terrain to view the Mendenhall Glacier up close. Travel in a small group with professional guides and provided waterproof gear.
Minimum age 12; weight must be 90–240 lbs. You need full use of limbs for up to 2 hours of paddling and 1 hour of hiking, including 1–2 miles over steep, uneven terrain, and a signed liability waiver is required. Pregnant guests are not allowed, and it’s not recommended for guests with back, hip, or shoulder problems.
Full refund with 48 hours notice of cancellation. Full refund if the operator cancels due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. No-shows will be charged the full price.
You need full use of your limbs for up to 2 hours of canoe paddling and about 1 hour of hiking, including roughly 1–2 miles over steep, uneven terrain. You must also sign a liability waiver.
You must be at least 12 years old and weigh between 90 and 240 lbs. This tour is not recommended if you have back, shoulder, or hip problems, and pregnant guests are not permitted.
Wear warm layers. Non-insulated rain gear is provided, but the glacier area can be much colder than downtown. Wool or synthetic base layers work best; avoid cotton. You can also bring warm socks, a hat, mittens or gloves, and sunglasses if it’s sunny.
Gold Belt Tram 490 S. Franklin St.
With a perfect track record across hundreds of reviews, this Mendenhall Glacier canoe tour consistently delivers what guests call a "lifetime experience." The adventure combines paddling across Mendenhall Lake with up-close glacier views and short hikes to scenic vantage points. Guides come prepared for Alaska's unpredictable weather, providing quality rain gear and boots so conditions never dampen the experience. The real standout here is the guide team. Names like Issy, Mason, Rod, Jonathan, Luke, and Jordan come up repeatedly, with guests praising their blend of expertise and personality. They're certified first responders (which adds a layer of security), but more importantly, they know how to balance safety briefings and geological facts with humor and genuine enthusiasm. Several reviewers mention feeling like their guides could have happily stayed out exploring for hours longer, which speaks volumes about their passion for the area. The operation runs smoothly from meetup through gear distribution to the actual paddle, making this a top recommendation for anyone physically capable of canoeing.
This excursion was the BEST part of my trip to Alaska in May. Meg and Issy were our tour guides. They both were incredibly nice, funny and very knowledgeable. Being able to get this close to the glacier was fantastic. The views were simply breathtaking. Thank you so much for an amazing excursion. A time was had!
Kimberly B.
October 15, 2025
This excursion was the BEST part of my trip to Alaska in May. Meg and Issy were our tour guides. They both were incredibly nice, funny and very knowledgeable. Being able to get this close to the glacier was fantastic. The views were simply breathtaking. Thank you so much for an amazing excursion. A time was had!
Kimberly B.
October 15, 2025