Tour
Experience the magnificent Mendenhall Glacier and Lake by canoe paddling to the face then exploring the dynamic features.
As seen on BBC Wild Alaska, Good Morning America, Ocean Treks with Jeff Corwin, Gayle King with CBS Morning This Morning and O Magazine.
Note: Participants must be in good enough physical shape and conditioned to paddle for up to 5-6 miles roundtrip and hike on uneven terrain up to 2 miles roundtrip.
Tour
The Mendenhall Glacier is a 13-mile-long river of flowing ice. It is 1,800 feet deep and an half-mile wide and even though it is the most visited glacier in Alaska, most people only see if from afar. This extended tour gives you ample time to get the best pictures of all of the dynamic features from a bird’s eye view.
You will be greeted by professional guides to officially start your adventure.
They will sweep your small group away on a narrated ride deep into the Tongass National Forest, the largest National Forest in the United States, which is where the Mendenhall Glacier resides.
You will go directly to the West Glacier parking area where your equipment and safety gear awaits you. After getting suited up, your guides will teach you how to paddle safely and efficiently across the Mendenhall Lake.
The journey is just as important as the destination, and that’s why you access the glacier via a traditional native-style canoe ride. Anyone in a kayak would be jealous, as you will cruise speedily across the lake.
As you paddle, you’ll get the chance to experience the serenity of the Alaskan wilderness. Surrounded by steep cliffs, the thundering Nugget Falls, icebergs, and native wildlife; this voyage to the glacier is unforgettable.
One of the most unique aspects of the trip is that the glacial environment is in a constant state of movement and change, meaning no one tour is the same as the next. The glacier periodically forms ice caves, blue ice pools, moulins, and other incredible features as it melts. Your expert guides will determine if any such ice features are safe to explore on the day of tour, and may add them to the trip as a bonus.
*The Mendenhall Glacier is one of the most visited glacier in North America and the National Forest Service limits the amount of permits allowed on the glacier each year. Be one of the few to actually experience the beauty of the Mendenhall Glacier.
INCLUDED: Professional guides, roundtrip van transport, all necessary paddling equipment & glacier gear, US Forest Service permits, rain gear (hooded jacket, rubber boots and pants), SNACKS! Hummus and carrots, other hearty treats, & all the fresh glacier water you can drink
RESTRICTIONS: Minimum age is 12 years old. Individual weight limit of 250lbs due to carry capacity of canoes.
MEETING INSTRUCTIONS: The “C” Sign, located near the cruise ship docks directly between Mt. Roberts Tramway and the green Taku Smokeries building, is the centralized downtown meeting location for all clients in the downtown area, including the majority of cruise ship passengers.
RESTRICTIONS: Minimum age is 12 years old.
CANCELLATION: Cancellations must be made at least 7 days prior to departure in order to receive a full refund.
WHAT TO WEAR: This trip operates in all weather conditions (barring unsafe conditions, to be determined by ABAK) – it is very important to dress to get wet. Wear breathable layers, comfortable closed-toed shoes
WAIVER FORM: Every participant must sign a waiver form at the start of the trip. Alterations and/or deletions to the waiver are not permitted.
- Due to various fitness abilities and weather variables, we prefer clients not schedule other excursions directly before or after our trip. Please let us know if your clients have another excursion booked on the same day.
- Due to the inherent risks involved, we do not permit women at any stage of pregnancy to participate in this trek.
