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While there are no official tours, it is easy to walk by the classically styled, cream-colored home, which has become a bit place of interest for tourists in Juneau. A great way to explore nature without hiking is a visit to the Jensen-Olson Arboretum. Run as a non-profit, the arboretum seeks to educate and showcase the incredible vegetation of Juneau. It is considered a garden destination and living laboratory with over 1200 species of plants, with interpretive signage to guide visitors. It is also well suited to families thanks to its interactive activities - kids get the chance to dress up like miners from the past. Another bonus is that the museum has a number of rotating exhibitions by local artists and artisans.
Rise Above Juneau on Goldbelt Tramway
There are many amazing things to do in Juneau Alaska from a cruise ship, from its charming downtown to the top of Roberts Mountain. The Mendenhall Glacier is free and its visitor center is free in the winter. This is where you can witness the annual salmon run, which typically takes place in the late summer or early fall. During this time, thousands of salmon return to their birthplace to spawn and lay their eggs. You can witness the salmon swimming upstream, jumping over waterfalls and fighting against the current to reach their spawning grounds.
Is Juneau Alaska Worth Visiting?
Depending on what you want to see, the best cruise ports for flightseeing tours are Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan. This means that as a part of your glacier dog sledding tour, it’s also a flightseeing tour! You will fly across mountains to get to the glacier, and that part is epic all on its own.
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Mendenhall Glacier
To top it off, Douglas Island is just a hop, skip, and jump away, extending your range of exploration. The only road-accessible glacier in Southeast Alaska is Mendenhall Glacier. Check out the activity-filled visitor center and walk the trails for a closer look. To get there, catch a shuttle or taxi; or take the city bus a—from the stop, it’s an easy 1.5-mile walk to the visitor center.
The excursion usually starts from the cruise ship dock, making it an all-inclusive, hassle-free experience. Juneau is one of the most scenic state capitals in the U.S., and cruise ships sailing along Southeast Alaska's Inside Passage almost always include it as a port of call. Surrounded by rainforests, mountains, inter-coastal waterways, and glaciers, the city serves as a marvelous backdrop for the many activities visitors can do.
Go on a Guided Tour of Juneau’s Main Highlights
Another local favorite is the statue of Patsy Ann, an English bull terrier who lived on the docks and greeted ships coming in and out of the dock. The much-loved dog has been immortalized, and the statue's nose is well polished from visitors who touch her nose for good luck. Also, check out the Juneau Artists Gallery and the Empty Chair Memorial, a memorial to the Japanese Americans who were interned at the start of World War Two. A leisurely walking tour is a fantastic way to explore this port city, and doing it on your own can be a relaxing way to spend the day. There are a number of apps that you can use to download maps and pictures that provide narration about the points of interest. A fantastic option for those who like to go at their own pace and see where it leads them.
Amazing experiences coming soon.
These tours offer a unique and intimate perspective of the city that cannot be found on a car or bus tour. If you enjoy wilderness, sea views, nature, and adventure, paddling your kayak to the glacier is the perfect choice for you. This activity normally doesn’t take you on a glacier itself, but you will get to the closest and safest place to be able to take photos. The kayak activity is considered strenuous, and participants are required to sign a medical waiver before joining the trip. However, the key to unlocking Juneau’s magic lies in meticulous planning.
Everything is expensive, from fresh fruit and good coffee to souvenirs and tour excursions. Having grown up in Alaska and visited many times since leaving, I’ve got to say that Alaska is perhaps the most expensive tourist destination I’ve ever been to. Remember to consult with your cruise line or check the port’s official website for specific information on guidelines or regulations that may be in place during your visit. Lastly, if you’re in the mood for an adventure, consider stopping in for a few minutes or even a meal at the Red Dog Saloon for some live music. If so, you’ll have the somewhat rare opportunity to see a major tidewater glacier and spot a variety of animals.
For those who want to tackle a more challenging hike, the Mount Roberts Trail is well worth the climb. You’ll experience breathtaking views of Gastineau Channel, Juneau, and Douglas. Lovers of fishing, hiking, wildlife-watching, northern lights hunting and all things travel, we set off in search of North America's grandest destinations and experiences.
Just around the corner, you’ll find the Juneau-Douglas City Museum, where you can dive even deeper into Juneau’s history. While you might encounter whales year-round in the waters surrounding Juneau, the best time for sightings is between May and September. During these months, humpback whales and orcas frequent the local waters, offering the best chances to witness these majestic creatures in action. Which meant instead of being pulled in a sled, we were pulled in a wheeled cart.
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However, this is the peak season, so expect to pay a little more for excursions and lodging.May and September are excellent months for finding better deals on cruises, airfare, and shore excursions. Plus, both the snowcapped mountain vistas of May and the vivid fall colors of September are stunning. Right next to the state capitol building is the Juneau-Douglass City Museum. They host exhibits about the history of the area including Tlingit culture and the early gold rush days.
It is a gateway to some of Alaska’s best excursions, including visits to glaciers, forests, and a whole host of outdoor activities that capitalize on all the region has to offer. A vibrant city, it offers lots of shopping, galleries, cool distilleries, and plenty of places for mouthwatering Alaska seafood. Juneau is home to some of the most majestic views in Alaska, incredible whale watching, along with tons of other activities. The scenic capital of Alaska is set among the islands of the Inside Passage and is a frequent stop for cruise ships.
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