Canoeing in Juneau, Alaska

When visiting Alaska, you want to make the most of the incredible natural beauty on offer and there is no better way to do this than with a canoeing trip in Juneau. Paddle past ancient icescapes and flowing waterfalls as you take in the tranquility of the Mendenhall Glacier.

See the Alaskan capital from a totally different perspective and gain an appreciation for its rugged landscapes and icy waters. A professional guide ensures your safety and provides insightful commentary about what you’ll see along the way.

Bellow is everything you should know about canoeing, one of the most incredible outdoor experiences in Juneau.

What are the best canoeing tours in Juneau?

Mendenhall Lake canoe excursion in Juneau

See the world-famous Mendenhall Glacier for yourself when you join this action-packed canoe tour in Juneau. Your Alaskan adventure begins by meeting your experienced local guide at the Mount Robert's Tram. From here, you’ll make your way to the Tongass National Forest by minivan.

Once you arrive at the starting point, you’ll receive a safety briefing from your guide and you’ll be provided with gear like rain jackets and waterproof boots to keep you warm and dry throughout the experience. You’ll also be provided with a dry bag for your personal items.

Next, it’s time to take to the lake. You’ll paddle in a canoe with several other tour participants as you admire incredible views of the glacier and stop to take photographs. You’ll also paddle past dramatic cliffs, flowing waterfalls and icebergs among other natural wonders.

Throughout the tour, your guide will offer you a variety of snacks and beverages to keep you hydrated and nourished. As this is a small-group tour, limited to a certain number of tour participants, you’ll enjoy a personal experience among like-minded travelers.

Canoe adventure at the Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau

Ensure that your time in Juneau is filled with adventure by embarking on this canoe tour that takes place on Mendenhall Lake. Your unforgettable excursion takes place in a traditional, Tlingit-style canoe, providing you with an authentic local experience.

The main highlight is getting to see the Mendenhall Glacier. The Forest Service controls the number of people allowed near the glacier, so this is your opportunity to get up close and personal with one of Alaska’s greatest natural attractions.

Another highlight is getting to see the Nugget Falls, which are well over 100 meters high. As you paddle along the base of the falls, you’ll get to feel its true power. As continue paddling along the lake, you may see a variety of local wildlife.

Your expert guide is there to lead the way and you’ll be provided with all the gear you need to make for a comfortable and safe experience. You’ll also be given traditional snacks like reindeer sausage and dried salmon to snack on.

Are there any combo tours available that include canoeing in Juneau?

Mendenhall Glacier canoe paddle and hike

Make the most of your time spent at the Mendenhall Glacier by choosing a tour that includes a canoeing experience on the lake, as well as a hike. You’ll make use of specialized trekking poles to hike the glacier with ease. An experienced guide will lead the way and help you look for wildlife.

What's the price of canoeing trips in Juneau?

The standard price of a canoeing tour in Juneau, no matter which tour operator you opt for, is usually around US$250 per person for a shared group experience lasting roughly 4 hours in total.

Certain tours offer a discounted rate for children under the age of 12. This reduced rate is typically US$190 per person.

Combination tours in Juneau, such as the canoeing and hiking tours, typically cost roughly US$350 per person for a shared group experience lasting around 6 hours.

What is included?

When you book a canoeing experience in Juneau, you’ll be provided with everything you need for a comfortable and safe excursion including roundtrip transportation, as well as the use of a rain jacket, rain pants, paddling gloves and a dry bag.

Most tour operators also provide the tour participants with snacks, bottled water and hot beverages. Combination tours are great for those who are looking for a more comprehensive experience.

Where does it start?

As hotel pickups are not typically included in the cost of canoeing trips in Juneau, you’ll need to meet your guide at a central location, such as the Mount Robert's Tramway building or the Goldbelt Tramway building.

From the meeting point in Juneau, you’ll make your way to Mendenhall Lake, where most excursions take place. Make sure that you arrive at the meeting point on time as you don’t want to keep your guide or other tour participants waiting.

What will you see on these trips?

Canoe tours in Juneau typically take place on Mendenhall Lake, located within the Tongass National Forest. You’ll get to see the famous Mendenhall Glacier and Nugget Falls, as well as icebergs, dramatic cliffs and local wildlife.

Mendenhall Glacier

The Mendenhall Glacier, which is the most visited glacier in all of Alaska, is said to be over 3,000 years old. It is over 20 kilometers in length and is not far from Alaska’s capital city of Juneau, making it easy to visit.

Mendenhall Lake

The Mendenhall Lake is a large proglacial lake located in the Mendenhall Valley near the famous glacier. The lake is the source of the Mendenhall River and is surrounded by stunning natural scenery.

Nugget Falls

It is likely that you’ll paddle to the base of Nugget Falls, also known as the Mendenhall Glacier Falls, where you’ll feel the powerful undercurrent caused by the falls. The falls are over 100 meters tall and are made up of two separate tiers.

Wildlife

Alaska is known for its diverse wildlife, so definitely keep an eye on the sky and the water as you paddle around the Mendenhall Glacier. Some of the wildlife that you may see on your excursion include salmon, bears, arctic terns, eagles and more.

How long does it last?

While the time spent canoeing during canoe tours in Juneau is typically 2 hours, the length of the entire excursion is usually around 4 hours. Combination tours, which include hiking and canoeing, are generally half-day excursions lasting around 6 hours.

Is it wheelchair friendly?

Unfortunately, canoeing tours in Juneau are not suitable for wheelchair users or those with reduced mobility. If you are looking for wheelchair-friendly activities in Juneau, there are plenty of other options to choose from.

What is the ideal time to go on a canoeing tour in Juneau?

If you are heading to Juneau for a canoe trip, summer is your best bet, especially from May to September. Juneau’s summer days are long and the weather is mild, perfect for paddling around and spotting wildlife.

However, always be ready for Alaska's typical weather - a bit of rain's always on the cards.

Which other outdoor experiences are there in Juneau?

• Hiking trails
• Kayaking tours
• Helicopter flights
• Dog sledding

Travel tips

• Check the weather forecasts on local weather conditions in the days leading up to your booking.
• Wear waterproof and warm layered clothing, suitable for Alaska's unpredictable weather.
• Life jackets, waterproof bags, and a first aid kit are essential.
• Familiarize yourself with the canoeing route and local geography.
• Keep a safe distance from the wildlife and avoid disturbing the animals.
• Be aware of any specific rules or restrictions in the area and abide by them.
• Stay hydrated and energized during your adventure, by drinking plenty of water and not forgetting to eat a few snacks.
• Carry a charged phone or a communication device, especially for remote areas.
• Respect the environment by leaving no trace, cleaning up after yourself and minimizing your impact.