Where to see glaciers
Glaciers and fjords are the reason many people visit Southeast Alaska, and the best ports put a real ice edge within a short trip of the pier. What sets the strongest ones apart is how close the ice is, how many ways there are to reach it, and whether a day ashore can reach the ice and get back in time.
About glaciers and fjords
Juneau sits beside the Juneau Icefield, a 1,500-square-mile ice sheet on the Alaska-Canada border that feeds 38 large valley glaciers. Ice and fjords are the main reason people come to these towns.
Mendenhall Glacier is about 13 miles north of downtown Juneau, a bus or taxi ride from the cruise docks. The visitor center, run by the US Forest Service, gives a good view of the ice. Ketchikan's Misty Fjords are about 30 minutes by floatplane from the waterfront.
- 13 miles Mendenhall Glacier north of downtown Juneau
- 38 valley glaciers Fed by the Juneau Icefield
- About 90 minutes Quick stop at Mendenhall visitor pavilion
Glaciers and fjords: where to go
Each line is the place's own: where people go and how they get there.
Juneau
Mendenhall Glacier is a bus ride from the docks, and Dawes Glacier is a full-day boat trip into Endicott Arm.
More places for Glaciers and fjords
Start with Juneau
13 places on the map, 38 trips, and sailings from 5 home ports.