Paddle Mendenhall Lake and explore glacial terrain with expert guides
5 hrs
Transport, gear, snacks
Explore Mendenhall Lake by canoe and venture across the glacier's terminal moraine on a human-powered wilderness expedition. Learn about glacial geology, climate dynamics, and the Tongass National Forest along the way.
Full refund with at least 48 hours' notice. Full refund if the operator cancels due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. No-shows are charged the full price.
Product ID: MNP9KX
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.
Goldbelt Tramway, 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.
The tour was amazing; Joe and Elisha do an excellent job explaining everything and keeping the energy up from start to finish. They are very well-coordinated, and it’s clear they love what they do—I would definitely go on a tour with them again.
Alejandro Calle
September 9, 2026
The tour was amazing; Joe and Elisha do an excellent job explaining everything and keeping the energy up from start to finish. They are very well-coordinated, and it’s clear they love what they do—I would definitely go on a tour with them again.
Alejandro Calle
September 9, 2026
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