For more than a century, the Alaska State Museum has collected and displayed artifacts that weave a picture of Alaskas history. The Gold Creek Salmon Bake, atwo-hour experience out of Juneau, has been running for more than 30years. Tours are set within the lush rainforest, where all the action took place in Juneaus early days. A piano player can typically be found tickling the keys on afternoons when cruise ships are in port. Go with Pack Creek Bear Tours to see bears on Admiralty Islandan area with up to 1,500 brownbears;. The plane lands near the stream, allowing guests to catch close-up glimpses of brown bears in their natural habitat before flying back to Juneau. Experiencing downtown Juneau is a must-do for anyone visiting Alaska's capital and real easy. Watch whales, hike, fish, visit local communities, and moreall at your ownpace. ), Popular Alaska Itineraries Using In-State Airlines, Anchorage to Denali National Park Driving Map, Denali National Park Campgrounds & RV Parks, a 3 - 4 hour boat ride brings you to the action, the Juneau Icefield offers many ways to interact with a 3,000 year-old attraction, watch these massive creatures foraging along the shoreline or fishing in creek, Above & Beyond Alaska: Mendenhall Glacier Paddle & Trek, Above & Beyond Alaska: Paddle with Whales Kayak Adventure, Above & Beyond Alaska: Fly-In Glacier Hike & Packraft, NorthStar Helicopters Glacier Dog Sled Adventure, NorthStar Helicopters - Flightseeing & Guided Glacier Treks, Above & Beyond Alaska: Fortress of the Bears Kayak Adventure, TEMSCO Mendenhall Flightseeing & Glacier Walk, Liquid Alaska Mendenhall Glacier Ice Adventure, Kaxdigoowu Heen Dei (Mendenhall River Trail), Airport Dike Trail (Mendenhall Refuge Trail). The eastern part of this trail is open to snowmobiles. It is excellently maintained. With native and non-native plants, theres something to admire year round. The menu at the Red Dog Saloon includes three signature drinks: the Duck Fart shot, Glacier Margarita, and Miners Scratch Hard Lemonade. . At the end of it is where Perseverance Trail begins, and this former rail line (named for the mine it once serviced) quickly climbs up above the Gold Creek valley. Tucked inside the lush Tongass National Forest, discover an Alaskan botanical garden unlike anywhere else in theworld. Go with Wings Airways and take off from Juneau in a10-passenger floatplane to get alush viewof. Learn about the clothing, weapons, tools, and ceremonial objects from distinct Alaska Native populations, as well as icons and other memorabilia from Russian-American days. Whale watching excursion. In Alaska, many of the biggest "attractions" breathtaking mountain landscapes, glaciers, fjords, breaching whales and feeding bears, for instance are related to the Great Outdoors. With your back to the water, its to the right of Sheep Creek and the hatchery buildings, to the left of the first house, and at the top of the embankment that leads up to the road. It is recommended that you wear water boots and long-sleeved shirts because of the mud and overgrown brush. In addition to raising and harvesting salmon, the hatchery, located 2.5miles north of the dock, is an aquarium that displays marine life ($5 for adults, $3 for children). The Perseverance Trail is the most challenging of the three but is very popular because of the stunning views. What are some popular services for tours? more, Experience the ultimate Alaskan adventure with Above &Beyond Alaskas Fly-In Glacier Hike &Packraft tour! All rights reserved. Another option for tasting Alaskan salmon is through a salmon bake. Explore the 36 runs, four lifts, and 1,620 verticalfeet., With a1,620ft. vertical drop, 640acres, and impressive backcountry access, Eaglecrest combines big mountain terrain with alocal feel in Alaskas capital city. Then, land on the glacier beach and walk about amile alongside the glacier, exploring as you gothere may even be ice caves to checkout. Get great views with some hands-on funcombine ascenic flightseeing helicopter tour with the exhilaration of dog mushing on aglacier with ateam of Alaskan Sleddogs! Stunning views are available in every direction, whether spotting eagles in the trees, marveling at huge mountain peaks, or taking in glacier views across the lake. Youll also have the opportunity to see wildlife like whales, sea lions, seals, and bald eagles. Juneau is an enriching and enjoyable home base for weary travelers. Get an amazing view of the gorgeous landscape surrounding Juneau, and then ride along as an energetic team of huskies tours you around the ancient, snow-packed Mendenhall glacier. A2012 Readers Digest poll chose Glacier Gardens out of thousands of entries as the Most Interesting Landmark in America! No experience, Glacierview Sea Kayaking with Alaska Travel Adventures offers the opportunity to kayak through Auke Bay while enjoying views of Mendenhall Glacier. The trail is very steep from this point to the summit. Overview Things to do Hotels Dining When to visit Map & Neighborhoods Photos 6 Best Things To Do in Juneau Updated March 27, 2023 There are not a great number of things to do in small Juneau.. Alaska Tales boats are intimate (49 passengers max), and theyre super-fast, so youll get out to see the whales in no time. One of the most popular places visited by cruise passengers in Juneau is Mendenhall Glacier. Our must-see attractions include the breathtaking Juneau Glacier walks, historic downtown, majestic Mount Juneau, stunning Mendenhall Glacier, whale watching tour, and thrilling Taku Glacier. Alaska Travel Adventures Historic Gold Mining& Mountain goats are often seen along this route. If youre hoping to try salmon while in Juneau, look no further than The Salmon Spot. This unforgettable experience begins with acanoe trip to the glacier, where youll don crampons and explore the gorgeous blue iceno experience required! During the summer months, though, spotting whales on a tour is very common so a refund is rare. Locals also enjoy winters frozen beauty while ice skating on lakes or walking/skiing/sledding across Mendenhall Lake to get a view of the half-frozen Nugget Falls. The best Alaska cruises for every type of traveler Some tours combine whale watching with tours of Mendenhall Glacier, salmon bakes, and additional wildlife viewing opportunities. Take the five-minute tram ride from the cruise ship pier to the Mountain House, 1,800feet up Mount Roberts,, Take afive-minute ride from the cruise ship pier to the Mountain House,1,800 up Mount Roberts, where the Chilkat Mountains, the Gastineau Channel, downtown Juneau, Douglas Island, and Admiralty Island spread out before you. This museum sits on the site where Alaska officially became astate. It meanders through muskeg,. Canoe across alake to Mendenhall Glacier glacier, Keeping an eye out for arctic terns, mountain goats, and icebergs floating in the water. Juneau Cruise Tips, Activities, and Overview. Juneau Guided Tours brings this uniquely beautiful and historically rich city within yourreach. Go with Mendenhall Glacier Float on amild yet exciting whitewater trip down the Mendenhall River, around icebergs, and, The focus of the 3.5hour Mendenhall Glacier Float Trip is great views of the namesake glacier, which is 1.5miles wide, 150feet high, and the most famous part of the massive Juneau Icefield that even John Muir once raved about. Book entire boat for your family or group, or opt to bunk with other guests. Beautiful, serene, breathtaking. Read more about a sled dog excursion here. Choose from one of several options. Hiking: Juneau got its start as a mining town, and several leisurely (and fairly short) hikes are available from the city center that wind past old mining equipment. Choose from several options, includinga, Take aspin through Juneau on afun bike tour. Juneau is one of the best Alaska cruise ports for whale watching, with humpback whales being most commonly spotted. The most exciting way to see the glacier is by helicopter. 24 Best Juneau Excursions | 96,000+ Verified Reviews After abeautiful 20- or 25-minute floatplane ride, youll land on aremote beach. The price includes unlimited rides up and down Mount Roberts throughout the day. more. Glide across 7zips on this course located in the Eaglecrest Ski Area, and finish the tour withsome. Take the five-minute tram ride from the cruise ship pier to the Mountain House, 1,800feet up Mount Roberts,, Take afive-minute ride from the cruise ship pier to the Mountain House,1,800 up Mount Roberts, where the Chilkat Mountains, the Gastineau Channel, downtown Juneau, Douglas Island, and Admiralty Island spread out before you. As you approach the south side of Herbert River, theres aturnoff that ends at the Windfall Lake trailhead. Juneau is one of the best Alaska cruise ports for whale watching, with humpback whales being most commonly spotted. The narrated tour highlights the diverse plant life, well-developed botanical gardens, and frequent eagle sightings. Car, train, or group tour. Get aserving of history along with aclassic Alaskan feast. (490 S. Franklin St.; 888-461-8726; open most days from 8a.m. to 9p.m.), Glacier Gardens: Have you seen an upside-down tree? Others, such as the Brown Bear and Wildlife Search by Floatplane excursion, include a stop at a remote stream with high concentrations of brown bears. Take ascenic cruise and kayak as magnificent whales pierce the surface of the water on this six-hour expeditionfrom. Captain Mac got us to an amazing area where we just idled and we're surrounded by humpbacks, including a momma and baby. By design, Juneau offers an incredible range of shore excursions for every activity level and any duration of time in port. Relive Juneau's gold rush history by going gold panning and keeping the gold you find. Extend your time with the whales for a full 3 hours on the water! Mud and exposed roots make for difficult footing, but the trail is flata rarity around here. This trail offers fantastic views of the surrounding mountains. The hole was created in aprocess where miners would blast under amound of earth and have it collapse. Be aware thoughthe powerlines are still fully charged! Another mile on this easy, well-maintained path brings you to Cowee Meadows cabin. Just keep a lookout for wildlife such as arctic terns, bald eagles, goats, salmon, porpoises, bears, and more. View magnificent marine mammals and explore a tranquil lighthouse in one of the most breathtaking parts of the country. Captain Mac got us to an amazing area where we just idled and we're surrounded by humpbacks, including a momma and baby. This is an exclusive opportunity to experience one of Alaska's best landmarks! Your destination is the Channel Islands, the whales annual feeding groundand your guides will assess where the most whale activity has been happening. A food menu is available as well. The trail begins. Roberts Tram rising above the cruise ship docks in Juneau. Upgrade to the Pilot's Choice tour for two different glacier landings. Whale viewing is guaranteed! And even if youve never paddled akayak before, a What are some highly rated tours near Juneau, AK? Still not close enough? Juneau is the Capital city of Alaska and is surrounded by ocean, glaciers, ice fields, and mountains. Juneau Guided Tours will not be operating in 2020. After crossing Jordan Creek, the steep ascent begins. Look out on alpine lakes, moraines, and crevasses. Glide along the iceberg-studded lake and scope out the glacier, getting up-close views of hanging glaciers and towering peaks. Roberts for some spectacular views. This trail was named for alocal forester and is an undeveloped route. Or ride your bike out to Douglas Island for atram ride, 1,800feet up Mt. Traverse the Mendenhall Wetlands and view the breathtaking Mendenhall Glacier aboard two-person kayaks, enjoying narrative stories about Smuggler's Cove and the area's stunning history. more. Insider tips to pick the best Alaska cruise. The area is abundant with whales and other wildlife. Despite the crowds, you won't want to skip it. Mt. Others will travel via shuttle bus to Juneaus Mushers Camp, where visitors can meet and cuddle with husky puppies before a mile-long ride through the forest. Best Juneau Excursions & Tours | Alaska Shore Excursions A recommended trail at the recreation area is the trail to Nugget Falls, a 377 foot waterfall located near Mendenhall Glacier. The trail also offers plenty of birding opportunities, especially now that arecent $1.2 million update was completed by the University of Alaska For magnificent views, take a flightseeing trip (as short as 40 minutes) that can be paired with a glacier landing/walk. Juneaus glaciers produce nutrient-dense waters making the waters aprime feeding ground for humpback whales. THE 10 BEST Juneau Tours & Excursions for 2023 (with Prices) Youll explore away from the crowds, getting an up-close view of wildlife, scenery, hot springs, and glaciers. Top 10 things to do in Juneau, Alaska | Royal Caribbean Blog Just before Echo Cove is Bridget Point State Park, where youll find this well-maintained trail. Pack Creek Bear Tours offers fully guided adventures to Admiralty Island or Chichagof Island, each home to more than 1,500 brown bears! more, Maintained for hiking year-round and cross-country skiing when there is enough snow. more, The trail starts near Nugget Creek dam and hikes through the small vegetation to the Vista Creek Shelter. This hike begins on West Glacier Trail (Mendenhall Glacier) West Glacier Trail (Mendenhall Glacier) , which youll stay on from the parking lot past skaters cabin. 524 Reviews Full Details Whales and Mendenhall Glacier Spot humpbacks, sea lions andmore. However, you can ski to Herbert Glacer via this trail in winter. Just up the road, the 14-acre Jenson-Olson Arboretum showcases sky blue poppies growing 4 feet tall, more than 200 species of primroses, and a century-old vegetable garden. Choose from several options, includinga, Take aspin through Juneau on afun bike tour. Our picks for the best tours and experiences during your Alaska Cruise. It was a whale watching tour on a research boat. Humpback Whale breaches near Juneau. Complete your day of discovery with a trip to the Macaulay Salmon Hatchery. Steep trail that is worth the climb: youll find excellent views of Gastineau Channel, Juneau, and Douglas fromhere.. Board a small boat to spy migrating humpback whales, most companies from Juneau even guarantee sightings. Point Louisa is agood fishing spot with good water views, covered picnic areas, and gently sloping gravel beach make it afamily favorite. You will trace the route taken by Joe Juneau and Richard Harris in their search for gold over 100 years ago. Or custom design your own great biketrip Youll gain elevation as you hike the edge of the Mendenhall Glacier down on your left. Juneau Guided Tours will not be operating in 2020. more, Canoe across alake to the famous Mendenhall glacier, then continue onward towards the edge of the glacier andwalk. This unmarked trail is named for Alaskas Second Regional Forester, B. Frank Heintzleman. Its agreat trip, nearly 50miles out andback. There are whale watching tours with different types of boats, and I chose a whale watching tour that had less people. There are beautiful alpine lakes and wildflowers along the way as you gain over 1,200 With your support, we can create more exciting content and share with everyone! The trail disappears above the timberling, but you can continue on to Carin Peak if you wish to do so. It was my first time fishing, and as our captains and guides, Alan and Tanja were outstanding coaches helping to get me started. 26 BEST Juneau, AK Shore Excursions: Things to Do, Cruise Day Tour 2-5 day small ship explorations. There are marmot, spruce grouse and black bears seen hereoften. Onboard the North Stara 48-passenger jet boat with large windows, an outside viewing deck, and acomfortable inside Watch for grouse, marmots, and black bear on the way. There are no roads leading in or out of Juneau, which actually makes it a great choice for cruising (as it must be accessed by air or by water). Juneaus glaciers produce nutrient-dense waters making the waters aprime feeding ground for humpback whales. At the end of Old Glacier Road, Echo Cove leads out to Berners Bay and can be explored by kayak. (2697 Channel Drive; 907-463-5114; open from 10a.m.). As glaciers retreat, plants move in to occupy the recently exposed land in aprocess called succession. (550 S. Franklin St.; 907-463-5033; open daily from 11a.m. to 9:30p.m.), The Hangar on the Wharf: As its name suggests, The Hangar on the Wharf is located in a historic airplane hangar right on the waterfront. Get the best of both worlds, flightseeing over the Juneau Icefield by helicopter and then mushing powerful huskies over the ancient snowfields by sled dog. Try your luck panning for gold. Covered vehicles transport you through the temperate rainforest, leading to excellent views of Juneau. If youve dreamed of seeing brown bears in the wildin one of Alaskas best spots for brown bear viewingas well as experiencing flightseeing and kayaking, this trip is for you. The 10 Best Juneau Tours & Excursions for Alaska Cruises Alaska Tales boats are intimate (49 passengers max), and theyre super-fast, so youll get out to see the whales in no time. Theres simply so much to see and do in and around the city that this is just the tip of the iceberg. 2-5 day small ship explorations. Paddle across stunning Mendenhall Lake in a personal kayak, navigating past icebergs and beautiful Alaskan wildlife. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the ticket counter once in Juneau. This side trail leads to the edge of the AJ Glory Hole, amassive chasm with 800 foottdeep, This side trail leads to the edge of the AJ Glory Hole, amassive chasm with 800 foott deep walls. *Disclosure: This post was written in partnership with Princess Cruises. Explore these unique gardens on aguided Custom, private expeditions. Keep an eye out for birds nesting in the rocky cliffs, as well as otters, seals, black