Excursion Mendenhall glacier & gardens tour at Juneau

From your ship you will enjoy a guided trip along Juneau's historic waterfront en route to one of the only glaciers in a Alaska accessible by road - the Mendenhall Glacier.  Upon arriving at the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area your driver will give tips and instruction as to maximize your 90 minute self-guided experience at the glacier.  At your leisure you can enjoy the various trails in the area - each offering a different view and perspective of the glacier.  Make time during your stay to visit the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center for an elevated view of the glacier as well as an educational experience that reveals the surrounding Juneau Ice Field and it's 38 glaciers.  A short film showing the ice field runs continuously throughout the day.

Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure

Next you will drive to another of Juneau's marquee attractions - Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure.  Here you'll discover how land that was gouged by a mud slide was reclaimed and transformed into a botanical experience that intermingles with Southeast Alaska's temperate rainforest.  You'll enjoy a ride through the rainforest in a covered shuttle to the 800 foot level where a boardwalk is situated in the upper canopy offering views of the surrounding islands, waterways, and mountains.  From there you'll return to the gardens pavilion for a tea and pastry service and have time to view the gardens botanical features.

It's a short ride back to your ship and downtown Juneau from the Gardens.

For all Saturday calls of 2025: Due to federal staffing limitations, the Visitor Center will have reduced operating hours this summer and will be closed on Saturdays. However, even when the Visitor Center is closed, your tour will still have access to the glacier views, trails, and restrooms. To ensure a smooth experience for our guests, our local tour operator will have staff on-site to assist with directions and logistics during the closure.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Mendenhall Glacier; Alaskan Rainforest, Botanical Flora.

Note

Please Note:  For all Saturday calls of 2025: Due to federal staffing limitations, the Visitor Center will have reduced operating hours this summer and will be closed on Saturdays. However, even when the Visitor Center is closed, your tour will still have access to the glacier views, trails, and restrooms. To ensure a smooth experience for our guests, our local tour operator will have staff on-site to assist with directions and logistics during the closure. This tour requires a minimal amount of walking for approximately 400 feet (120 metres) and at guest discretion at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Centre. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility and those who utilise a wheelchair, however at Glacier Gardens, guest must be able to transfer from a wheelchair to the tram car (collapsible wheelchair can accompany guest in tram car to be used at viewing platform). Ramps and an elevator are available at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Centre. Various mapped trails of all levels are available at guest leisure to explore based on their own abilities. Guests that require a lift vehicle must notify the Shore Concierge Desk upon embarking the vessel. Lightweight, comfortable layered clothing, a weatherproof jacket, sturdy closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. Local currency and credit cards are accepted.