Liquid Alaska Tours — Local services in Juneau

This tour was a highlight of my trip and I highly recommend! The tour was led by Molly and Devyn who were both knowledgeable and personable in equal parts. Molly led the canoe portion of the trip and gave a great spiel about the Mendenhall Lake and Glacier and the wildlife and history of the surrounding area, and answered any questions us guests threw her way. In addition to being knowledgeable, Molly was enthusiastic and you could tell she has a passion and excitement for the job she's doing. She was continuously cracking jokes and attempting to ramp up enthusiasm when the paddling efforts began to dwindle. That being said, she read the group well and provided us with frequent breaks to rest and snap a picture when energy levels were particularly low.

Devyn narrated the hiking portion of the tour and did a great job as well! There was less narrative during the hike but I think that was mainly due to our group being split up quite a bit (there were a few stragglers who hung back to take extra pictures so I imagine it was hard for Devyn to corral us and relay all the info he had to offer). Devyn was very open to answering any questions we had for him and genuinely seemed interested in getting to know all of us - which was awesome since I had gone on the tour by myself.

The glacier and surrounding scenery were truly a site to behold and no pictures can do it justice. We spent an hour in the desolation zone and I wish we could have stayed longer! Liquid Alaska provided us with all the equipment we needed to get to the glacier safely and drily (or as dry as can be expected for a trip that takes place on a rainy September day) but I recommend bringing a beanie and an extra layer that can be tucked away in your pack if need be, as it gets pretty chilly in the desolation zone. Be prepared to paddle and pull your weight the entire time you're in the canoe, which is probably about 2 hours total. I was in the 14 -person canoe and it did prove to be a little bit of a workout (especially if you have some slackers in your group!) but nothing crazy, and if you follow the form that the guides demonstrate prior to going out on the boat you shouldn't have any issues! Once you get back to shore, you're provided with hot chocolate, tea or coffee which is a great way to end a wonderful excursion! Can't...

Title: An Unforgettable Adventure!

Overview: Our group of seven recently embarked on the Mendenhall Glacier Canoe Paddle tour with Shayla, and it exceeded our expectations. If you’re planning to explore the stunning Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau, Alaska, this excursion is a must-do!

The Experience: Canoe Paddle: Our guide Shayla, made the entire experience enjoyable. She provided safety instructions and ensured we were comfortable in our canoe.

The paddle portion was just the right balance of adventure and relaxation. We glided across Mendenhall Lake, surrounded by breathtaking views of the glacier and surrounding mountains. Nugget Falls stole the show! It was an exhilarating moment. Hiking Adventure:

The highlight was standing in awe of the massive Mendenhall Glacier. The blue hues and intricate crevasses left us speechless. Don’t forget your camera! There are plenty of photo opportunities along the way.

Helpful Tips: Dress in Layers: Alaska weather can be unpredictable. Wear moisture-wicking layers, a waterproof jacket, and sturdy hiking shoes. Bring gloves and a hat to stay warm during the paddle.

Stay Hydrated: Paddling and hiking can be physically demanding. Carry a reusable water bottle and stay hydrated throughout the tour.

Listen to Your Guides: Pay attention to their instructions—they enhance the experience and keep everyone safe.

Book in Advance: The Mendenhall Glacier tours are popular. Reserve your spot early to avoid disappointment.

Final Thoughts: The Mendenhall Glacier Canoe Paddle and Hike tour is an unforgettable adventure that immerses you in the natural beauty of Alaska. Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or a first-time visitor, this excursion offers a unique perspective of one of nature’s wonders. 🛶🏔️

Feel free to ask if you need any more information or have additional...

DO THIS!!! We booked to canoe tour (not the one with the hike). I would actually like to go back and do the canoe with the hike. This thing did not disappoint. From the suit up to the paddling, to spectacular views of the waterfalls, and the wildlife and the GLACIER- it was GLORIOUS! Make no mistake, this is a workout. I don't know what happened but we ended up with 5 paddlers (4 petit women and one man). and we had to make it work. Add to that that the wind was against us on our way there (it was a Godsend on out way back). Our fearless leader and expert guide SHAYLA was so encouraging. She pushed us and managed our trip so that we had plenty of rest breaks that coincided with amazing views. We got pretty close to the glacier and the pictures tell it all. It was wonderful, it was safe (and safety first), it was an adventure. Great for families, great for friends, great for couples. If you are searching for something to do in Juneau, look no further.

What to expect:

1. A short 20 minute drive to location
2. Safety brief and suit up with life vest (you can forgo most of the water proof gear but I think we looked more the part with the gear)
3. Canoe to the glacier- you are going around a small peninsula to get to the glacier and going past a majestic 200+ foot waterfall. Make sure to have those cameras out. Depending on the wind and the number of paddlers this could be an easy workout or a really challenging one.
4. You get pretty close, but on this one you don't stop to walk near the glacier.
5. There is a snack break (granola bars and fruit snacks)
6. Short drive back to the meet up

This was THE best excursion we did on our Alaskan cruise. If you have a choice, I highly...