Category: North America

HELICOPTER GLACIER TREK

Soar over the Mendenhall Glacier in a helicopter before walking over its surface on this adventurous excursion lasting around four hours and 15 minutes. During the hike, you’ll learn more about this natural phenomenon and the wider Juneau Icefield from a guide.

Excursion details

Combine “flightseeing” with glacier trekking on an excursion of approximately four hours and 15 minutes, discovering more about glaciers in the process. A transfer of about 15 minutes gets things moving, taking you to the heliport for approximately 45 minutes spent preparing, including putting on your equipment and receiving a safety talk.

Then climb aboard the helicopter and set off on a scenic flight of about 20 minutes, enjoying aerial views of the Juneau Icefield and its sprawling, icy landscapes. After touching down, it’s time for the guided glacier trek, lasting approximately two hours.

As you traverse the glacier surface, your guides will tell you more about Mendenhall’s terrain and glacial dynamics as you take in some of the incredible features the glacier has to offer. Take time to fully appreciate this spectacular location and the unique environment.

Following the hike, a short helicopter flight returns to the heliport, where there’s about 30 minutes to return your gear before the transfer drive back to the port, lasting around 15 minutes.

Important information: No experience is necessary, however guests should be prepared to hike unassisted on uneven, rolling, and sometimes steep terrain for two hours. It is recommended that guests wear warm, layered clothing, long socks, and bring a hat and gloves. Backpacks and purses cannot be accommodated on this tour. All gear including rain pants, rain jacket, gloves, a harness, boots, crampons and an ice axe will be provided. Storage options are available to keep your items during the tour. The minimum age to participate is 12 years old

HELICOPTER GLACIER WALKABOUT

See Mendenhall Glacier both from the air and on foot during this excursion of around three hours and 15 minutes, including a helicopter flight and time on the ice. Traveling in a small group, the experience centres on an interpretive glacier walk led by a professional guide.

Excursion details

Lasting approximately three hours and 15 minutes, this excursion lets you view Mendenhall Glacier from the air before experiencing it up-close on a glacier walkabout. Helicopter access allows visitors to reach areas of the glacier that are not accessible by road or trail.

The transfer to the heliport takes about 15 minutes, followed by approximately 45 minutes for safety briefings and preparations before boarding the helicopter. Next, set off on your “flightseeing” trip of around 20 minutes. Enjoy views of the immense Juneau Icefield from the skies and soak up the dramatic glacial scenery below, before landing on one of those very glaciers – the immense Mendenhall.

You’ll then take part in a guided glacier walk lasting approximately one hour, which involves trekking over the ice surface of this vast natural phenomenon. The walk is non-strenuous and focuses on the glacier’s history and visible features, with time to explore the surface under the supervision of your guide. Conditions permitting, there may also be opportunities to pose with ice formations and crevasses at close range.

A brief return flight takes you back to the heliport, where you’ll spend around 30 minutes disembarking and decompressing before the approximately 15-minute drive back to the port.

Important information: With relatively flat and moderate hiking conditions, the Walkabout is designed for ages 8 and up. No experience is necessary; however, guests should be prepared to walk unassisted on uneven and rolling terrain for a moderate amount of time. It is recommended that guests wear warm, layered clothing, long socks, and bring a hat and gloves. Guests will be outfitted with mountaineering boots, rain pants, rain jacket, crampons, a trekking pole, and a hip pack with a can of water and a granola bar. Backpacks and purses cannot be accommodated on this tour. Storage options are available to keep your items during the tour

TAKU GLACIER HELICOPTER AND AIRBOAT ADVENTURE

Travel by helicopter, airboat and on foot during an excursion of around three hours and 15 minutes, which takes you to the remote Taku Glacier. It’s one of the largest glaciers in the Juneau region, and you’ll have the chance to observe it from several different vantage points.

Excursion details

Lasting approximately three hours and 15 minutes, this glacier-exploration trip begins with an approximately 15-minute transfer to the heliport, followed by around 30 minutes of preparations before boarding the aircraft.

Begin your adventure with a breathtaking helicopter flight of around 15 minutes, soaring over the Tongass National Forest and the Juneau Icefield before descending toward the Taku River basin. This aerial approach provides an elevated visual insight into how ice and water have shaped the region.

At Taku Point, you’ll transfer to a flat-bottomed airboat for a cruise lasting around one hour, travelling along the shallow waters of the Taku River toward the glacier’s terminus. At selected points you can enjoy views of the glacier front from water level. Following the airboat experience, climb aboard the helicopter for a short flight toward the glacier for a brief landing on the ice with your pilot acting as your guide. As you walk across the icy expanse, take a moment to admire the unique terrain underfoot and how it shifts in colour, texture and shape.

Afterwards, enjoy the flight back of around 15 minutes to our private heliport, where you’ll have about 25 minutes to disembark before the approximately 15-minute drive back to the ship.

Important information: It is recommended that guests dress warmly, in layers, with long socks, hats, gloves, and sturdy, closed-toe footwear. Guests will be outfitted with overboots, rainpaints, a flotation device, ear protection, and a flotation jacket. Backpacks and purses cannot be accommodated on this tour. Storage options are available to keep your items during the tour. Guests must be able to descend 2 flights of stairs out at Taku Point. The minimum age to participate is 7 years old.

MEDENHALL GLACIER LAKE CANOE TOUR

Escape from the crowds and into Alaska ‘s wilderness on this 4-hour canoe adventure to the base of the Mendenhall Glacier.

Excursion Details

Your journey begins with a 30-minute narrated drive through the Tongass National Forest before launching onto Mendenhall Lake for an approximately 2-hour guided tour, where you ‘ll paddle past drifting icebergs, waterfalls, and the chance to spot wildlife along the rugged cliffs.

Prior to your guided tour you will have a brief 30-minute safety and equipment presentation. With expert instruction, top quality gear and round-trip transportation from your cruise ship, this small group, motor free tour delivers serene paddling, scenery, and unforgettable photo opportunities in the heart of Alaska.

As the glacier air surrounds you, your guide will safely lead the canoe to the blue crevasses and towering ice formations, offering a perspective few visitors ever see.

Important information: The minimum age to participate is 12 years old. Minimum weight requirement is 90lbs and maximum weight is 240lbs. This tour is not recommended for guests with back or hip problems. Drones or tripods are not permitted to be used during this tour.

MENDENHALL GLACIER ICE ADVENTURE TOUR

Embark on one of Juneau ‘s most sought-after adventure tours as you paddle across the sparking waters of Mendenhall Lake, surrounded by the towering peaks and lush wilderness of the Tongass National Forest.
Excursion Details

On this excursion of around 5 hours, your journey will begin with a 30-minute transfer to the beautiful lake launch site where you ‘ll have breathtaking scenic views along the way. Before you start the immersed experience, you will be prompted to complete a 30-minute safety and equipment briefing to have you fully prepper for the adventures ahead.

Discover the hidden wonders with your experienced guided expert naturalist, as your group will drift through a breathtaking wilderness of icebergs and cascading waterfalls, where wildlife thrives in untouched serenity. Your journey culminates in a rare and unforgettable landing on a secluded beach, nestled at the foot of the awe-inspiring Mendenhall Glacier—an experience that feels both deeply personal and truly extraordinary.

From there, your guided expert will lead you on an approximately 1-hour interpretive hike across the rocky terrain, offering rare perspectives and fascinating insights into the glacier ‘s ever-changing beauty.

With spectacular views at every turn and the intimacy of limited group size, this canoe and hike experience delivers the ultimate Alaskan adventure.

Important information: The minimum age to participate is 12 years old. Minimum weight requirement is 90lbs and maximum weight is 240lbs. This tour is not recommended for guests with back or hip problems. Drones or tripods are not permitted to be used during this tour