Mendenhall Glacier Lake Canoe Tour

The crossing begins with a gentle paddle that takes you away from the shore and leads you between small floating icebergs. Each stroke of the paddle brings the turquoise reflection of the glacier closer, while the guide explains how the ice slowly advances, sculpting the valley.

Halfway along the route you skirt Nugget Falls, a curtain of water that roars past the glacier front; the steam cools the air and creates fleeting rainbows perfect for the camera. If you're lucky, you might spot a harbour seal resting on a block of ice or a bald eagle soaring over the lake.

The final stretch brings the canoe in front of the living ice: blue streaks, deep crevasses and a silence barely interrupted by creaks that announce distant landslides. The glacier is not touched for safety and conservation reasons, but the proximity is impressive.

Before returning, the guide hands out an energy snack and a hot drink to recharge your batteries. The balance between moderate exertion (approx. 5 km of paddling in total) and the support of the group makes the activity accessible to people in average physical condition and with a desire for adventure.

Once on dry land, the support vehicle takes you back to the harbour with plenty of time to continue exploring Juneau at your own pace.