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Mendenhall Glacier guides

Practical, checked guides to a day at Mendenhall Glacier: how to get there on your own, which tour to book, how much time you need, the walk to Nugget Falls, how to get close to the ice and how to fit it all into a port day in Juneau.

Mendenhall Glacier Without a Tour 2026: Bus, Shuttle or TaxiCity bus, private shuttle, taxi or ride-hailing: how to reach the glacier yourself, and when a tour is the easier choice.Read the guide →Best Mendenhall Glacier Tour 2026: Compare Time on the GroundEight tours side by side: how long you get at the glacier, and whether the extra is whales, a canoe, the ice edge or a private car.Read the guide →Time at Mendenhall Glacier 2026: Plan Around Your ShipAbout two hours on the ground, plus the ride: what fits in 45 minutes, in two hours, and around a ship's departure.Read the guide →Nugget Falls Trail 2026: Distance, Time and Tours0.8 miles one way on a flat gravel trail: how long the walk takes, and which tours leave you time for it.Read the guide →Walk on Mendenhall Glacier 2026: Moraine Hikes and What to WearWhy you cannot walk onto the ice from the visitor center, how the canoe and moraine tours get you there, and what to wear.Read the guide →Juneau Cruise Day 2026: Fit the Glacier Into Your Port CallWalk downtown, reach the glacier, add whales: free options, port-day timing and how busy Juneau gets in 2026.Read the guide →

Tickets

Popular Mendenhall glacier tours

Booked on GetYourGuide, with free cancellation on every option.

Mendenhall Glacier & Whale Watching The quick combo 4 hoursBus and boat, EnglishFree cancellation

Mendenhall Glacier & Whale Watching
Visitor centerSteep CreekAuke Bay boat

The visitor center and the Steep Creek salmon boardwalk first, then a boat out of Auke Bay to look for humpbacks. Shorter on land: the listing leaves out the Nugget Falls hike.

What's included
  • Bus from downtown Juneau through the Mendenhall Valley and back
  • A self-guided stop at the visitor center and the Steep Creek boardwalk, where salmon spawn
  • A boat from Auke Bay with a captain and a naturalist guide, binoculars and hot drinks
  • Not included, per the listing: time to hike to Nugget Falls, and gratuities
  • Bring a jacket, rain gear and warm layers; free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Length4 hoursBus and boat, English Book this
Nugget Falls Time & Whale Watching Most time at the glacier 5 hoursBus, jetboat and free timeFree cancellation

Nugget Falls Time & Whale Watching
2 h 15 min freeJetboatWhale promise

A jetboat search for humpbacks with a naturalist, then two hours and fifteen minutes at the glacier: time for Nugget Falls, the visitor center and the salmon boardwalk.

What's included
  • Bus to the Mendenhall Valley and back from the meeting point by the Mount Roberts Tramway
  • A jetboat with indoor seating, a naturalist guide, binoculars, hot chocolate, coffee and snacks
  • Two hours and fifteen minutes of free time at the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area
  • Per the listing: see a whale or get your money back
  • Not suitable for wheelchair users or people with back problems; free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Length5 hoursBus, jetboat and free time Book this
Mendenhall Lake Canoe Tour On the water 4 hoursSmall group, up to 10Free cancellation

Mendenhall Lake Canoe Tour
2 h paddlingIcebergsAges 12+

A minivan to the lake, then about two hours in a big canoe past icebergs and waterfalls towards the ice. Rain gear is included; you need to be able to paddle.

What's included
  • Minivan transfers from the Mount Roberts Tramway building near the cruise pier
  • About two hours of paddling on Mendenhall Lake with an expert wilderness guide
  • Rain jacket, rain pants, rain boots, paddling gloves and a dry bag
  • Water, snacks and a hot drink
  • Ages 12 and up, 90 to 240 lb; strong katabatic winds can cancel a departure; free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Length4 hoursSmall group, up to 10 Book this

Book your glacier day before the ship days fill up

Five hours from the cruise docks: a jetboat search for humpbacks with a naturalist, then two hours and fifteen minutes at the glacier for Nugget Falls, the visitor center and Steep Creek.

Book this