Excursion Mendenhall glacier visitor centre & goldbelt tram tour at Juneau

Discover two of Juneau's hallmark attractions; Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Centre and Goldbelt Tramway, on this half-day sightseeing tour.  

Your journey begins with a narrated tour of downtown Juneau and the city's highlights as you make your way to Mendenhall Valley - home of the mighty Mendenhall Glacier.

Mendenhall Recreation Area

Upon arriving at the Mendenhall Recreation area, your driver will point out many of the attractions that you will want to see during your approximate 90-minute stay. Your self-guided tour includes the scenic Photo Point and the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Centre where you will want to take time to watch the short film about the glacier and the 37 other glaciers that make up the Juneau Icefield. The area boasts several self-guided scenic trails that allow you to learn about the role the glacier had in carving the landscape. Each of these trails offers a different view of the Mendenhall through trees or along the shores of Mendenhall Lake.

Goldbelt Tramway

Next, re-board the vehicle for the ride back to Juneau and to Goldbelt Tramway and it's terminus at the 1800 foot level of Goldbelt Tramway above downtown Juneau.  Enjoy a stroll along an alpine trail and gaze at the vistas and distant waterways and islands.  Visit the Nature Centre to learn about the surrounding alpine ecosystem and be sure to stop by the raptor centre.  Inside the tram's main building you will enjoy Native arts & crafts and goods for sale.  Downstairs in the theatre you can view a local documentary or have a snack or meal at the Timberline Bar & Grill. The Tram will be your last stop; you can visit upon arrival or return later in the day within your time in port. Your ticket is valid for the remainder of the day.

At the conclusion of the tour, if the ship is docked adjacent to the Tram terminal; guests will walk back to the ship.  If the ship is berthed elsewhere, transportation will be provided.

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 may include: Nugget Falls, Photo Point, Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Centre, Steep Creek Trail, Mount Roberts Tramway, Shopping, Tongass National Forest, Downtown Juneau

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 50 yards (46 metres) and up to 1 mile (1609 metres) at guest discretion. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility and those who utilise a wheelchair. 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. Souvenir shops are located in both the recreation area and the tram visitor centre.  Local currency and credit cards are accepted.