Juneau City Tour with Mendenhall Glacier Review
Why We Chose the Juneau City Tour with Mendenhall Glacier
Planning a Juneau shore excursion on your Alaska cruise? This review covers our experience on the Juneau City & Mendenhall Glacier Tour, including what the tour includes, accessibility for seniors, timing, transportation, and whether it’s worth it for cruise passengers. If you're choosing between cruise-line excursions and independent operators, this guide breaks down everything you need to know.
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Thinking about booking this tour? We booked through Shore Excursion Group because it was cheaper than the cruise line and offered a flexible cancellation policy. 👉 Check current prices for the Juneau City & Glacier Tour
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Booking Through Shore Excursion Group
I was looking for something to get us out and about with minimal walking. We were traveling with my parents, who are in their 70s, me in my late 40s, and my 17-year-old son. I had originally thought about doing the Goldbelt Tram when we go to the port. However, the week before our cruise, I second-guessed my decision and booked this tour with Last Chance Tours on Shore Excursion Group, I am so glad we did. This tour was fantastic, and it made everyone happy.
Not sure where to stay before your Alaska cruise? My Seattle hotel review covers what worked for our family.
What to Expect on the Tour
Meeting Point & Logistics
Our tour started at 3. We were late getting into Juneau. We were supposed to arrive at 1. but we didn’t get there until about 1:30. Luckily, we were not in a rush, so we waited for the lines to die down, and then we walked off the ship. We walked to the Goldbelt Tram station. There was a mass of people there. We knew to look for a yellow and red sign with Last Chance on it. I was expecting it to be in the air like the others, but the person holding it had it more towards his midsection. We did not see him until the crowd lessened. I had a contact number for the company, so I called and found out what he looked like, and he magically appeared. We gave him our tickets, and he gave us directions on where to meet our driver and guide.
What to Bring on This Tour
Waterproof jacket
Waterproof shoes
Lightweight gloves
Portable charger
Binoculars
Small backpack
👉 See my full Alaska Cruise Packing List
Driver and Guide
Our driver and guide, Tom, along with his 15-year-old daughter Courtney, were in charge of our tour. They both had a wealth of information about the area. He gave us not only tips for Juneau but also for Ketchikan and Skagway. Our tour was on a minibus, not a huge bus. I think we had about 20+ people on our tour. I prefer smaller tours to large ones. This was a great size for the day’s activities.
Below is a picture of Courtney, us, and Tom. Courtney is up front, and Tom is in the back. They were great about helping us get family photos on this trip, and I loved that they jumped in one. Don’t worry, I also have plenty without Tom and Courtney.
Us and our tour guides Courtney and Tom
Macaulay Hatchery Stop
Our first stop on the tour was at the Macaulay Hatchery. At the hatchery, you learn about the life cycle of salmon.
Peak season at the hatchery would be July, with Salmon. However, we enjoyed the visit. We were able to see the Salmon Ladder. Pictured below. This was a nice, fun stop. Tom and Courtney guided our group around the hatchery. After explaining what we were seeing, they gave us some free time to explore the visitor center. They had free samples of salmon jerky and free coffee to warm you up.
Mendenhall Glacier Viewing
Our second stop was the breathtaking Mendenhall Glacier—one of the most popular Juneau shore excursions. My son and I love to hike, but since we were traveling with my parents, we needed a more accessible way to experience this iconic Alaska cruise port. This family-friendly glacier tour offered the perfect solution: a short, easy walk to a panoramic viewing area that worked for all ages.
We had about 15 minutes to enjoy the glacier. While that’s less time than we’d usually spend exploring, I knew this going in—and I was just grateful we got to see it on this trip. If you're planning a multi-generational Alaska cruise, this Mendenhall Glacier tour is a great way to include everyone. Check out the photo below—I truly can’t imagine missing this view.
Breaching Whale Statue
After Medenhall glacier, we headed back towards the cruise ship. We had one final stop at the breaching whale statue. Be warned, this is also a fountain, and with Alaskan winds, it would be easy to get soaked here.
After our final stop, we headed back to the cruise ship. We finished our tour back in the parking lot of the Goldbelt Tram. Overall, this was a great tour. If I were traveling with my husband and boys alone, we would want something more active. Our family loves to hike and explore on foot. However, this was a great option for our multi-generational family trip. Our tour was full of interesting commentary by Tom and Courtney. They are a super interesting family.
If Skagway is on your itinerary, my White Pass Train Review covers what to expect, seating tips, and the best side of the train.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Easy for seniors
Minimal walking
Comfortable bus
Great overview of Juneau
Cons
Limited time at Mendenhall Glacier
Crowded visitor center
👉 See current availability for this tour
Final Thoughts on Our Juneau City & Glacier Tour
Juneau was one of the highlights of our Alaska cruise, and this tour gave our multi-generational family a chance to experience its beauty together—without sacrificing comfort or accessibility. From the salmon hatchery to the stunning views of Mendenhall Glacier, every stop offered something memorable.
Was it fast-paced? Yes. But it was also efficient, well-organized, and surprisingly rewarding for the short time we had. If you're cruising with kids, parents, or anyone who prefers a low-effort, high-impact excursion, this tour is a smart pick.
Thinking about booking this tour? We booked through Shore Excursion Group because it was cheaper than the cruise line and offered a flexible cancellation policy. 👉 Check current prices for the Juneau City & Glacier Tour
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