MendenhallGlacier.com
A yellow helicopter parked on the snowfield of the Juneau Icefield under a clear sky

Tours & tickets

Mendenhall Glacier tours, flights & day trips

Land on the icefield, paddle among icebergs, ride with a sled-dog team or watch humpback whales. Every tour here is bookable online through GetYourGuide, and most run from May to September.

In the air

The only way to stand on Mendenhall Glacier itself, and the most memorable views of the Juneau Icefield.

On the water

Whales, icebergs and tidewater glaciers. Most boats leave from Auke Bay, a short drive north of the glacier.

Sightseeing & short trips

Easy ways to see the glacier and Juneau in a few hours, including options that leave you free to explore on your own.

Booking tours in Juneau: what to know

Juneau is one of the busiest cruise ports in Alaska, and the best tours fill up on days when several ships are in. Booking online before you travel is the easiest way to get the time slot you want.

Book early for flights and dog sledding

Helicopter, dog-sled and floatplane tours have a small number of seats on each flight. In June, July and August they can sell out weeks ahead. Whale watching and sightseeing tours are easier to book at shorter notice.

Leave room for the weather

Low cloud grounds flights several times a season. If flightseeing matters most to you, book it early in your stay or early in your port day, so there is time to rebook if it is cancelled.

Check what is included

  • Pickup from the cruise docks or your hotel
  • Entry to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, which charges a seasonal fee
  • Boots, rain gear and safety equipment
  • Weight limits, minimum ages and fitness requirements

Cancellation terms

Many tours on GetYourGuide offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time, and some let you reserve now and pay later. Terms vary by tour, so read them before you book.

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Mendenhall Glacier tours FAQ

Which Mendenhall Glacier tour is best?

If you want to stand on the ice, choose a helicopter landing or a glacier trek. For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, glacier dog sledding is hard to beat. On a budget, a sightseeing tour or the glacier shuttle bus gives you the visitor center, Photo Point and Nugget Falls for a fraction of the price.

Can I do a tour on a cruise-ship day?

Yes. Most tours are timed around ship schedules and many include pickup at the cruise docks. Check your all-aboard time, leave at least an hour of buffer, and choose a tour that ends well before it. Weather delays are common for flights, so book flightseeing early in your port day.

What happens if a helicopter or floatplane flight is cancelled?

Flights depend on the weather and are cancelled when visibility is poor. Operators normally offer a later slot or a full refund. Check the cancellation terms on the booking page before you buy.

Are there age, weight or fitness limits?

Many helicopter, dog-sled and trekking tours have minimum ages and weight limits, and some charge extra above a set weight for safety and balance. Treks also need a reasonable level of fitness. Each tour lists its own requirements on the booking page.

What should I wear on a glacier tour?

Layers, a waterproof jacket and comfortable closed shoes. It is colder on the ice than in town, even in July. Helicopter and trekking tours usually provide boots or boot covers, and glacier treks provide crampons and a harness.

Plan your Mendenhall trip

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