Breathtaking Shore Excursions in Juneau, Alaska

If you know anything about Juneau, you’ll know it’s an outdoor and adventure lover’s paradise — and with good reason! Stunning glaciers, majestic mountains, and a temperate rainforest all roll up into a breathtaking backdrop for nature hikes, dog sledding, river rafting, whale watching, and a whole lot more. Add in a dash of indigenous culture and gold rush memories in America’s Last Frontier, and you’ll see why Juneau is a must-see port of call.

Juneau at a Glance

Located snugly within the Inside Passage, Juneau serves as the capital of Alaska, distinguishing itself as the sole mainland capital city without any inbound or outbound roads connecting it to other regions of the state. Thanks to the area’s rugged terrain, you can only access the city by water or by plane.

Oh, but when you do … you’ll find a heritage city with glaciers that carve through the landscape, towering mountains with peaks that disappear into the clouds, cascading thunderous waterfalls, and a rainforest that envelops you in a serene embrace. From kayaking to whale watching, the possibilities for adventure here are endless.

Natural wonders aside, Juneau is also a rich mix of indigenous history and diverse settlers, with a resurgent cultural energy that is evident in its expanding art, music, and cuisine. In Juneau, every moment is an opportunity to connect with the wild, embrace the unknown, and uncover the magic that lies within.

Once You’re Docked in Juneau

Juneau is a fairly easy city to get around in, thanks to its close proximity to the port. This port, located in Gastineau Channel, holds up to five ships at a time; it is also a major transport hub for ferries and cargo ships, connecting Juneau to other communities. Translation: the port can get super busy, so planning and reserving your excursions in advance will ensure you 1) have the chance to do and see the things you want, 2) reduce any worries so you can enjoy your day, 3) and help you make the most of your time in this unique city.

Things to Do in Juneau

Mendenhall Glacier

At the top of most Juneau visitor’s bucket lists is the Mendenhall Glacier. A living remnant of the Little Ice Age, this continually moving sheet of ice is situated about 13 miles from the city center.

As you arrive near the glacier, you’ll encounter the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, a valuable hub offering extensive information and exhibits. Knowledgeable rangers are readily available to address inquiries, and visitors can also explore the onsite bookstore.

You can opt to hang at the nearby pavilion for gorgeous views of the glacier and Mendenhall Lake, or take one of the many hiking trails around the area. Two of these trails, Photo Point and Nugget Falls, bring you closer to the glacier for jaw-dropping views and stunning Insta-worthy photos. Keep your eyes out for bears, who are known to frequent the lakesides in hopes of catching salmon.

In addition, the Nugget Falls trail will take you up close to the splendid Nugget Falls, a 377 ft two-tiered waterfall cascading down the side of the glacier itself.

You can also paddle a kayak out to the falls, or enjoy a challenging hike to the edge of the glacier — both activities that give you a great workout and put you even closer to that magical wall of ice.

Adrenaline-fueled Juneau

Take a Glacier Walk

For the really adventurous among you, opt for a helicopter ride to the Juneau Icefield, spotting breathtaking waterfalls, rock formations, and ice crevices along the way. Your destination: the Herbert, Taku, Lemon, or Norris Glacier, depending on the weather (and glacial) conditions of the day.

Once at the chosen glacier, you’ll strap on snowshoes and go for the walk of your life across an actual glacier, admiring the silent beauty of the wilderness surrounding you.

Dog Sledding 101

Another must-do attraction in Juneau is partaking in dog sledding. Take a helicopter ride out to the dog sled camp where you will learn the ins and outs of Alaska’s favorite sport — then it’s your turn to hit the ice with a team of huskies who will amaze you with their strength and stamina as you sail across the ice.

Whale Watching, Anyone?

Whale watching rounds out many a bucket list, and it’s easy to understand why when you are at your boat’s deck rail, watching magnificent orcas and humpback whales surface. You’ll be awestruck as these animals, weighing anywhere from 3,000 to 13,000 pounds, gracefully breach the water.

Keep your camera handy to capture acrobatic whale moves, blowhole sprays, and the infamous tail flukes. And with a 100% whale sighting guarantee, what’s not to like?

Looking to the Past to Appreciate the Present

To really connect with a place, it’s important to know about its history and culture.

Alaska’s first settlements date back to about 4,000 years ago, with the Áak’w Kwáan (Auke), also known as Tlingit Alaska Natives. The first foreigners were Russians and Europeans who encountered the natives in the mid-1700s, followed by American settlers in the 20th century.

Russians started settling in Alaska in 1784, swiftly cultivating a thriving fur trade and founding a resilient Russian Orthodox community that endures to this day. As the fur trade plummeted and wars rose, Russia sold Alaska off to the United States in 1867 (known as the Alaska Purchase).

In 1872, gold was found in nearby Sitka. This, along with discoveries in the Klondike River and Chief Cowee’s ore revelations to Joe Juneau and Richard Harris in Gold Creek, ignited the renowned Klondike Gold Rush. Over 60,000 prospectors flooded Canada’s Yukon Territory. Juneau and Ketchikan emerged as key hubs during the peak gold rush years of 1896-1897.

Just as quickly as the gold rush came, it went — but not before leaving an indelible mark through history and the characters that had settled in its towns. In its aftermath, these cities continued their pivot from fur trading to fishing and canning.

Today Alaska boasts one of the highest numbers of indigenous peoples in the nation, with 11 distinct cultures. Juneau’s native people hail from three tribes: Tlingit, Tsimshian, and Haida. Living in clans, they are a generous group who embody the core principles of balance, reciprocity, and respect.

Juneau has kept its native roots and gold rush legacy alive through museums, arts, activities, and entertaining nods to the past. There is also a resurgence of tribal spirit, with Tlingit names (and interpretations) appearing everywhere, sharing the indigenous language.

City Highlights

Enjoy a tour of the city’s highlights as you take to Juneau’s charming streets for a first-hand history and culture session. At the Alaska State Museum you will uncover Juneau’s past through fine art and artifacts, as well as exhibits on forestry, mining, Russian influences, and WWII. There’s even an area for the kiddos, complete with a climbable wooden sailing ship.

Over at Macaulay Hatchery you can witness the art of salmon farming while learning all about the fishing industry. There are five distinct species of salmon that live in these waters. Peer into the salmon pools and, depending on the time of year, observe salmon “walking the ladder” as they try to go upstream.

Beyond the city center is Glacier Gardens, an award-winning botanical garden in the Tongass National Forest. You’ll forget you’re near the arctic north as you follow along winding pathways and view all the lush greenery and colorful flowers. The larger-than-life flower tower “bouquets” are a novel twist to the garden experience.

As you wander the city center, be sure to pop into the Red Dog Saloon on Franklin Street. Legend has it this infamous saloon was actually a beachside tent during the heydays of mining before relocating to a more permanent structure, then moving around over the years before settling into its current Franklin Street building.

Pass through the red swinging doors and step back in time as you spy antiques, notice the fur-laden walls, and listen to lively piano tunes. Before leaving, look over at the bar to find notorious gunslinger Wyatt Earp’s revolver — supposedly left as payment for his ever-increasing bar tab.

Juneau’s Celebration Festival

If you’re lucky enough to be visiting Juneau in the month of June, look to see if this three-day extravaganza will be going on while you’re in port. Put on by local tribes in tandem with the Sealaska Heritage Institute, this festival promotes revitalization of the native languages through arts, music, dance, and song.

Juneau Artist Gallery

This combination shop and gallery, staffed by the artists themselves, is a great introduction to Juneau’s creative community. You’ll find a variety of artworks, from paintings and carvings to jewelry and even blown glass.

Pamper Those Taste Buds

Foodies will be in heaven with the abundance of fresh, succulent seafood. Feast on salmon, crab bisque, and other culinary delights in locally owned and operated establishments — a nice departure from the usual dining chains! On our highlights tour, you’ll have the opportunity to sink your teeth into rockfish tacos at the popular Deckhand Dave’s.

Another favorite food stop is Tracy’s King Crab Shack, where you can sit down and indulge yourself with a bucketful of king crab legs. The crab cakes are a fantastic choice if you need something on the go.

The Alaskan Brewing Company, one of the oldest breweries in Alaska, dishes up cold brews, filling foods, and fascinating tours of their brewery. Learn the art of brewing and Alaska’s beer industry in general while you sample one — or more — of their 10 beers on tap.

Striking Gold

Gold panning is a fun way to immerse yourself in Juneau’s gold rush days as you stand in a creek (or at a trough) and swish water around in a pan, hoping for a gold fleck or two to appear amongst the remaining silt.

While at Last Chance Basin, see the remains of a prominent gold mining company as you learn about the gold rush era and the mining techniques that were used. Bonus: you’ll get a gold mining certificate and any gold you find is yours to keep! Added bonus: your hard work will be rewarded with a sumptuous salmon bake.

Look Skyward

If you are visiting between September through April, you’ll have a good chance to see the Aurora Borealis, Alaska’s famous Northern Lights. This phenomenon is a naturally occurring light display in the northern skies, generated by the interplay between solar wind and the Earth’s magnetic field. The resulting dancing multi-colored bands are an enchanting experience to those lucky enough to witness them.

An Important Traveling Tip

Juneau’s weather is characterized by its unpredictable nature, with frequent rainfall and cool temperatures. Summer temps generally stay in the low 60s. Waterproof jackets, sturdy hiking shoes, and an extra pair of dry socks is essential for comfortable exploration of its rugged terrain and stunning outdoor attractions.

Conclusion

From breathtaking natural wonders like glaciers and mountains to its rich gold rush history and resurgent native culture, Juneau offers a unique and compelling blend of adventure and heritage to every visitor.