JUNEAU CANOE FIELD GUIDE
Canoeing to the Face: Mendenhall Lake Beneath the Glacier
A roughly four-hour, small-group canoe trip across Mendenhall Lake bringing paddlers within a controlled, close approach to Mendenhall Glacier, icebergs, Nugget Falls and Alaskan wildlife.
Canoeing to the Face: Mendenhall Lake Beneath the Glacier.
Paddle across glassy water punctuated by blue-white bergs toward the living wall of Mendenhall Glacier. Under a limited U.S. Forest Service permit, this traditional Alaska Native–style canoe voyage threads past ice, shoreline nesting birds and the occasional bear or eagle, then lands at the base of Nugget Falls for a brief snack before returning to the dock.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Approach the Glacier Face and Icebergs
Paddle across Mendenhall Lake among icebergs to a safe, close approach to the face of the Mendenhall Glacier—one of the trip’s central draws under the Forest Service permit.
Birds, Bears and Eagles Along the Shore
Shorelines host nesting birds such as arctic terns while eagles, goats, salmon and occasionally bears may be seen from the canoe, adding a keen wildlife element to the paddle.
Traditional Canoe, Limited Group Size and Alaskan Snacks
Trips use a stable 15–20 passenger Alaska Native–style canoe; the Forest Service tightly controls participant numbers. Landings at Nugget Falls include Alaskan-style snacks—reindeer sausage, salmon spread, cheese and crackers—and hot beverages on cold days.
What the day feels like
What the Paddle Feels Like
The outing unfolds as a deliberate crossing of Mendenhall Lake: launch from the dock, steady paddling past ice-strewn water, then a measured approach to the glacier face before circling to the base of Nugget Falls for a shore break and snack. The rhythm is purposeful—guided, communal, and tuned to Glacier Bay’s weather and water conditions.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Trips operate multiple times daily from late April through mid‑October; the excursion lasts approximately 4 hours and runs in all weather conditions to accommodate cruise and tour schedules.
Dress in warm layers and be prepared for inclement weather; raingear is provided but guests are encouraged to bring their own. Guests are recommended to bring gloves and an extra pair of socks.
Round-trip transportation from the dock, quality raingear, rubber boots, life jackets, and a snack (hot beverage on cold days, water, reindeer sausage, salmon spread, cheese and crackers) are included.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the canoe trip?
Approximately four hours.
When does the tour operate?
Multiple daily departures run late April through mid‑October; the tour operates in all weather conditions to accommodate cruise ship and tour schedules.
What clothing and gear should I bring?
Dress in warm layers and prepare for inclement weather; raingear is provided but you may prefer to bring your own. Guests are recommended to bring gloves and an extra pair of socks.
Are snacks and life jackets provided?
Yes—life jackets, rubber boots and quality raingear are provided. Snack offerings include reindeer sausage, salmon spread, cheese, crackers and hot beverages on cold days.
Are there age or weight restrictions for children?
Children must weigh at least 40 pounds to fit the required life jackets; children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Ages 13–17 require a signed parental consent form if unaccompanied.
Is the trip limited in size or access?
Yes. The tour operates under a Special Use Permit from the U.S. Forest Service, and participant numbers are tightly controlled to allow a close approach to the glacier.
What physical condition is required?
Moderate to good physical condition is necessary for participation in this excursion.