Mendenhall Glacier Canoe Paddle & Hike

The Glacier Canoe Paddle and Hike is our most sought-after adventure, an experience that has welcomed families, photographers, writers, and even esteemed guests like the BBC, Good Morning America, Gayle King with CBS This Morning, and O Magazine. Your incredible journey begins with a leisurely stroll through the Tongass National Forest, celebrated as the world’s largest temperate rainforest. Here, you’ll be surrounded by the majestic Sitka spruce and hemlock trees, creating a lush and vibrant tapestry of green. This enchanting walk through nature’s splendor will eventually bring you to the picturesque canoe launch site, setting the stage for the next chapter of your adventure. Your experienced canoe guide will provide essential paddle instructions, ensuring your safety and enjoyment throughout the journey. Once equipped with your gear, you’ll step aboard our spacious canoes, accommodating either 8 or 12 passengers, and set your course toward the magnificent Mendenhall Glacier. Witness Arctic tern nesting grounds and the cascading Nugget Falls as you glide past, with stunning views of the glacier in the distance. As the glacier draws near, feel the cool breeze and keep your eyes peeled for freshly calved icebergs. As you reach the beach, it’s time to leave the canoes behind and embark on a short hike through the rocky terrain. This part of the journey provides you with an intimate perspective of the glacier, allowing you to witness its grandeur and get a firsthand look at its rapid recession. Throughout the hike, your expert guide will share their knowledge, offering valuable insights into the glacier’s remarkable history, behavior, and ever-changing dynamics. Discover the glacier’s ancient legacy, shaped through countless millennia of carving the landscape. Explore this ancient ice age wilderness and marvel at the breathtaking ice features that unfold from the edge of the glacier. Constantly changing, the glacier offers a unique experience each day. Renowned as one of the most visited and beloved glaciers in North America, the Mendenhall Glacier offers a quintessential Alaskan experience. what_is_included: * Professional Guide * Roundtrip van transportation from downtown * All paddling equipment * Forest Service permits * Rain Gear (hooded jacket, rubber boots, and pants) * All safety gear (helmet, and trekking poles) * Hearty snack pack * Souvenir water bottle what_is_not_included: We provide all the gear on our trips except for personal clothing and hiking boots. Regarding the weather, we recommend you prepare for rain and hope for sunshine. Due to the cool, damp climate, it is best NOT to wear cotton or denim and instead, wear clothing made of polyester, wool, fleece, nylon, polypropylene, and/or capilene. You are more than welcome to bring personal items on any of our tours (Camera, reusable water bottle, food, layers, etc.).