Above and Beyond Alaska

They picked us up at the ferry terminal and dropped us off afterward. Our tour guide was incredibly friendly and provided excellent service. We really enjoyed having Alexander as our guide. The hike was short but pleasant and peaceful, and the view at the lake was breathtaking. Canoeing around the waterfall and glacier was absolutely stunning. I highly recommend this tour and agency.

We had the incredible opportunity to going on the canoe and trek journey to Mendenhall Glacier with our guide Josh. We were truly gifted in the way of being able to travel around 6.5K round trip in a group of 6 paddlers plus Josh. The beauty of this haunting place will remain with us forever. I felt in awe and filled with gratitude at the stunning views and the powerful glacier. We were able to see 2 bald eagles, a mountain goat climbing in the distance and a large porcupine waddling toward its cave shelter. We worked together as a team, thanks to Josh, had a lot of laughs and so much fun!! Josh was able to explain the land formation, impacted by the travelling glacier, the change in growth and glacial formation through the years, and the history of people dating back to the 1930’s when the glacier was not in its current location. Of course homage was paid to the 1000 year old Tlingit tribe who have governed the land to this day. Thank you Josh for your passion, your knowledge and your dedication to life in Alaska. All who come to know you are better for it. Shaun and I are forever grateful and hungry for more knowledge.

We did the kayaking with whales tour in early September. It was one of the best tours/excursions we've ever done. The wildlife definitely cooperated for us, including lots of whales, sea lions, porpoise, and bald eagles. The staff was super professional and friendly, and genuinely wanted to share their knowledge and passion for this area and the wildlife. The equipment was clean, high quality, and carefully fitted to make sure we were comfortable and safe. If I could rate higher than 5 stars, I would! If you are in Juneau, this tour is a MUST DO!

We had a wonderful full day hiking tour with Above & Beyond, and our hiking guide, Julia. From being picked up on time, brought to the site near the trail with appropriate hiking clothes available if needed, as well as hardy snacks and appropriate backpacks and poles, the from the start of the trip to the end of the day , it was wonderful. Julia was able to gauge our hiking level, and when we arrived at the stop point for most hikers, asked if we were willing to keep going, which we readily wanted to do. She was able to navigate through a trail that was clearly not marked well, and bring us to the base of the glacier. It had recently calved and we were able to hold some glacial ice, an experience we never would’ve had without Julia’s expertise. If Above and Beyond is within your budget, it is well worth a day with them. We all highly recommend this company.

Kelsey at Above and Beyond Alaska was the best tour guide imaginable! We started out with being picked up at our hotel and taken to their wear house. There, they gave us each a waterproof bag, rain gear, and boots. I am not a small person, and they had equipment that easily fit my body size. We each got a water bottle too that we got to keep. After that, we were driven to the airport where we boarded a sea plane with Dave which was an easy flight and has forever ruined flying commercially and landing on the ground instead of water forever! We then kayaked, where Kelsey was very patient with our inexperience with kayaking. We were able to watch a momma bear teach her cub how to open and eat shellfish with no other humans around. We then ate lunch, where they accommodated my many food allergy needs. After that, we were able to sit by the creek and talk with park rangers about their experiences and learned more about the wildlife in the preserve. The amazing and knowledgeable staff all around made this the best part of our Alaska trip.

Let me state that this was an absolutely awesome experience. There is a lot of paddling and some hiking. My arms did get sore, but I would do it all over again. I went with my wife and daughter, sister-in-law, her husband, and their daughter (my niece). The ability to be so close truly made this an amazing trip. You cannot see and feel from a helicopter. If you are not physically capable, then I would recommend that option. Mind you, we are not athletic, so it can be done. Our guide was Ian. I do not know anything about the other guides, but if they are half as good as him, then you will not be disappointed. Ian is funny, relaxed, entertaining, and knowledgeable. We have taken several cruises to multiple places. This may be one of the best excursions we have taken.

This is experience was great. We were hiking at a great pace and so our guides offered to take us closer to the glacier. This is one of the best excursions we did during our visit to Alaska. I would definitely recommend!!

Great excursion to Mendenhall Glacier! Dan our tour guide was amazing at communicating what we needed to do and knew so much about the history of the area. Would definitely recommend this tour. Once in a lifetime experience!