JUNEAU, Alaska--(BUSINESS WIRE)--With Juneau consistently ranked as a top cruise ship destination, especially for those seeking to explore the awe-inspiring Mendenhall Glacier, Juneau Tours reminds visitors of the importance of planning their visit ahead due to recent changes. We strongly advise visitors to make bookings for transportation or glacier tours before arriving in Juneau, as purchasing on the day of may not be possible.
Are you planning a cruise to Alaska? Want to go visit the Mendenhall Glacier? There is a lot of information online as this is the number one destination for cruisers who stop in the capital city. The catch is that there have been some major changes as a result of the surge of visitors to Alaska! Due to the results of a long-standing environmental impact study, there are a set number of permits for the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area–a little more than 500,000 are allotted for commercial operators. Sounds like a lot right? In 2023 alone, 1.6 million people came to Juneau on cruise ships during the 6+ month-long season! The math obviously doesn’t add up for all of those visitors to be able to see the glacier with these stipulations in place. Our advice? Plan ahead.
How to get to Mendenhall Glacier
Two primary, reliable methods for reaching Mendenhall Glacier are booking a shuttle tour or renting a car. Opting for a tour provides the convenience of transportation along with guided insight into the glacier's history and surrounding landscape. The journey to Mendenhall Glacier typically takes around 25 minutes each way by car. Whether embarking on a guided tour or driving independently, experiencing the majestic beauty of Mendenhall Glacier promises to be a memorable adventure in the heart of Juneau's wilderness.
It’s important to note that Juneau’s bus transit system is not an option for getting to Mendenhall Glacier as it doesn’t go all the way there.
Guaranteed Access and Expert Insight with Juneau Tours
At Juneau Tours, we offer the top-rated, most reliable, and most convenient way for cruise ship passengers to experience the Mendenhall Glacier via our brand-new classic city trolleys. Our Glacier Shuttle Tour boasts several advantages:
- Guaranteed Permitted access
- Entry fee included for the Mendenhall Glacier Visitors' Center
- Frequent departures–nearly every hour
- Ride in style on our new 2024 classic trolleys
- 30-minute narrated tour
- 2 hours for independent exploration, including Nugget Creek Falls, Photo Point Trail, or the East Glacier Loop (As you explore, pay careful attention to your pickup time for your return trip to the cruise ship dock. The hike time to the Nugget Falls and back is 40 minutes round trip. Wear comfortable shoes and have fun!)
- Convenient pickup and drop-off at the cruise ship terminal
Plan Your Alaskan Adventure Today
For more information on Juneau Tours and the Glacier Shuttle Tour, please visit Juneau Tours' website or contact us directly, and prepare to experience the majesty of the Mendenhall Glacier with Juneau Tours!
