Juneau City & Mendenhall Glacier Tour Review (2026): What to Expect
My Dad and Son in Juneau
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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What to Bring
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Waterproof jacket
Waterproof shoes
Lightweight gloves
Portable charger
Binoculars
Small backpack
Find these on my Amazon Alaska Essentials list
Why We Chose the Juneau City & Glacier Tour
We were traveling with my parents (in their 70s), me in my late 40s, and my 17‑year‑old son. I wanted something:
Easy for seniors
Minimal walking
Scenic
Educational
Still fun for teens and adults
I originally planned to ride the Goldbelt Tram, but the week before our cruise I panicked (classic me) and booked this tour instead. I’m so glad I did — it ended up being one of the best decisions of our entire Alaska trip.
If you’re planning a multi‑generational Alaska cruise, this tour hits the sweet spot between low effort and high reward.
What This Tour Includes
Juneau city highlights
Macaulay Salmon Hatchery
Mendenhall Glacier viewing area
Breaching Whale Statue
Transportation in a small minibus (20–25 people)
Local guide commentary
Photo stops
This is not a hiking tour — it’s a comfortable, scenic overview of Juneau with short, easy walks.
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
Stop #1: Macaulay Salmon Hatchery
Our first stop was the Macaulay Salmon Hatchery, where you learn about the salmon life cycle and see the salmon ladder (peak season is July, but it’s still interesting year‑round).
Inside the visitor center:
Free salmon jerky samples
Free coffee
Exhibits and displays
A chance to warm up
It was a fun, educational stop that didn’t feel rushed.
Stop #2: Mendenhall Glacier Viewing Area
This is the highlight of the tour — and one of the most iconic sights in Alaska.
We only had about 15 minutes here, which is shorter than I’d prefer, but I knew this going in. The viewing platform is flat, paved, and accessible, making it ideal for seniors or anyone who doesn’t want a long hike.
The glacier is breathtaking. Even with limited time, I was grateful we got to see it together as a family.
Stop #3: Breaching Whale Statue
Our final stop was the breaching whale fountain, a dramatic sculpture that looks like a whale leaping out of the water.
A quick warning: This is also a fountain, and with Alaska winds, you can get soaked if you stand too close.
After photos, we headed back to the Goldbelt Tram area and walked back to the ship.
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
Who This Tour Is Best For
This tour is a great fit if you’re:
Traveling with seniors
Traveling with kids or teens
Wanting a low‑effort, high‑impact excursion
Looking for a scenic overview of Juneau
Short on time
Wanting something accessible
If you prefer hiking, kayaking, or glacier trekking, you’ll want a more active excursion.
Is the Juneau City & Glacier Tour Worth It?
For our family — absolutely.
It gave us:
A stress‑free way to see Juneau
A chance to experience Mendenhall Glacier
A comfortable, accessible outing for all ages
Great commentary and local insight
A memorable family experience
It’s not the longest or most adventurous tour, but it’s one of the best all‑around options for cruise passengers who want something easy, scenic, and family‑friendly.
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
About Julie
Julie Davis is a cruise‑loving, points‑and‑miles traveler who has visited Juneau multiple times and specializes in beginner‑friendly Alaska cruise guides. She writes real, experience‑based reviews to help families choose the right excursions and travel smarter with points and perks.
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