Mendenhall Glacier on a cruise day: three Juneau itineraries

Most people who visit Mendenhall Glacier arrive on a cruise ship and have a single day in Juneau. The glacier is about 12 miles from the downtown docks, so with a little planning you can see it and still have time for something else. Here are three ways to spend the day.

Before you start

• Check your all-aboard time, not just the time the ship leaves, and plan to be back at least an hour before it.
• Remember the time zone. Juneau is on Alaska Time. Use the ship’s time if your phone disagrees.
• Book flights early in the day. If weather cancels a morning flight, there may still be time to rebook.

1. The easy half day: glacier and downtown

Ideal if you want to see the glacier at your own pace without spending much.

1. Take a glacier shuttle bus from the cruise docks. The ride takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
2. Spend two to three hours at the glacier: the visitor center, the Photo Point Trail and the walk to Nugget Falls.
3. In late summer, check Steep Creek for black bears on your way back to the bus.
4. Return downtown for lunch and a ride up the Goldbelt Tram next to the docks.

2. Whales and the glacier

The most popular combination in Juneau. Combo tours take you to Auke Bay for a whale-watching cruise and stop at the glacier on the way.

1. Join the tour at the docks for the transfer to Auke Bay.
2. Spend two to three hours on the water looking for humpback whales, sea lions and eagles.
3. Stop at the glacier for time at the visitor center and Nugget Falls.
4. Allow four to five hours in total.

3. Onto the ice

For the most memorable day, see the glacier from above. Book a helicopter landing or glacier dog sledding for the morning, then take a shuttle to the visitor center in the afternoon to see the glacier face from the lake. Not sure which flight to book? Read helicopter tour or dog sledding.

Tips for the day

• Bring a waterproof jacket, even if the morning is dry.
• If you book independently, leave a generous buffer: the ship will not wait for a late tour.
• Busy cruise days are crowded at the glacier between late morning and mid-afternoon. Go early if you can.
• Our getting there guide compares every way to reach the glacier from the docks.