Things To Do In Icy Juneau Alaska From Cruise Ship: A Comprehensive Guide

by | Sep 6, 2023 | Cruise Travel Tips

As someone who has been on a cruise to Alaska, I know firsthand how overwhelming it can be to choose which excursions to take in each port of call. Juneau, the capital city of Alaska, is a popular stop for many cruise lines and offers a variety of activities for passengers to enjoy. Whether you're interested in exploring glaciers, going whale watching, or simply taking in the stunning scenery, there's something for everyone in Juneau.

One of the most popular attractions in Juneau is the Mendenhall Glacier. This impressive glacier is over 12 miles long and is a must-see for anyone visiting the city. Visitors can take a guided tour to learn more about the glacier's history and formation, or simply enjoy the stunning views from the visitor center. Another great option for nature lovers is whale watching. Juneau is home to a variety of whale species, including humpbacks, orcas, and gray whales. Passengers can book a whale watching tour to get up close and personal with these majestic creatures.

For those interested in history and culture, Juneau has plenty to offer as well. The city is home to the Alaska State Museum, which features exhibits on the state's history, art, and culture. The Shrine of St. Therese is another popular attraction, offering a peaceful retreat for visitors to reflect and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Whether you're interested in nature, history, or simply taking in the stunning scenery, Juneau has something to offer for everyone.

Arriving in Juneau via Cruise Ship

As I arrived in Juneau via cruise ship, I was welcomed by the stunning views of the Inside Passage and the majestic mountains surrounding the city. The port of Juneau is conveniently located in the heart of downtown, making it easy to explore the city's attractions.

Before disembarking, I made sure to stop by the visitor center to pick up a map and get some information about the city's top attractions. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable, and provided me with some great tips on how to make the most of my time in Juneau.

As I stepped off the ship, I was greeted by the sound of harbor seals barking in the distance. These adorable creatures can often be spotted lounging on the nearby rocks, and are a popular sight among visitors.

Exploring Juneau on foot is easy and enjoyable, with many of the city's top attractions located within walking distance of the port. However, for those who prefer a more leisurely way to see the sights, there are plenty of tour options available, including bus tours, whale watching tours, and helicopter tours.

Overall, arriving in Juneau via cruise ship is a convenient and exciting way to experience all that this beautiful city has to offer. With its stunning natural beauty and rich history, Juneau is a must-visit destination for anyone on an Alaskan cruise.

Outdoor Activities in Juneau

Juneau is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with a vast array of activities to choose from. Here are some of the top outdoor activities to enjoy in Juneau:

Whale Watching

Juneau is one of the best places in the world to go whale watching. You can witness humpback whales, orcas, and other marine mammals in their natural habitat. Several companies offer whale watching tours, and you can choose from a variety of options, including small boats, large vessels, and even kayaks.

Hiking Trails

Juneau has an extensive network of hiking trails that cater to all skill levels, from easy walks to challenging treks. The trails take you through lush rainforests, past cascading waterfalls, and up to stunning mountain vistas. You can pick up a trail map from the Juneau Convention and Visitors Bureau and explore the trails on your own or join a guided tour.

Kayaking Adventures

Kayaking is an excellent way to explore Juneau's rugged coastline and get up close to glaciers, wildlife, and marine life. You can choose from guided tours or rent a kayak and explore on your own. You can also opt for a multi-day kayaking trip and camp along the shore.

Glacier Trekking

Juneau is home to several glaciers, and trekking on them is an unforgettable experience. You can hike on the glaciers, explore ice caves, and witness the stunning blue ice formations. Several companies offer guided glacier trekking tours, and you can choose from half-day to multi-day trips.

Fishing Excursions

Juneau is a haven for fishing enthusiasts, with abundant salmon and halibut in its waters. Several companies offer fishing excursions, and you can choose from half-day to full-day trips. You can also opt for fly fishing or ice fishing, depending on the season.

Skiing and Snowboarding

Juneau has excellent skiing and snowboarding opportunities, with several ski resorts in the vicinity. You can hit the slopes and enjoy the stunning mountain vistas and fresh powder. You can also opt for heli-skiing and explore the backcountry.

Biking Routes

Juneau has several biking routes that cater to all skill levels, from easy rides to challenging trails. You can explore the city's scenic routes, ride along the coast, or venture into the mountains. You can rent a bike and explore on your own or join a guided tour.

Dog Sledding

Dog sledding is a unique and exhilarating experience that you can enjoy in Juneau. You can ride on a sled pulled by a team of huskies and explore the stunning winter landscapes. Several companies offer dog sledding tours, and you can choose from half-day to full-day trips.

Overall, Juneau offers an incredible range of outdoor activities that cater to all interests and skill levels. Whether you want to witness wildlife, explore glaciers, or hit the slopes, Juneau has something for everyone.

Wildlife Encounters

As a nature enthusiast, I was thrilled to discover the abundance of wildlife in Juneau, Alaska. From majestic bald eagles soaring overhead to brown bears fishing for salmon in the streams, there is no shortage of wildlife encounters to be had. Here are a few of my favorite experiences:

Bear Viewing

One of the most exciting wildlife encounters in Juneau is bear viewing. There are several locations where you can observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, including the Pack Creek Bear Sanctuary and the Admiralty Island National Monument. These locations offer guided tours that provide a safe and informative experience for visitors.

Eagle Watching

Another popular wildlife encounter in Juneau is eagle watching. The bald eagle is a symbol of America and is abundant in the area. You can spot these majestic birds soaring overhead or perched in trees along the shoreline. The best time to see eagles is during the salmon run in late summer and early fall.

Salmon Hatchery Visit

For a unique wildlife experience, I highly recommend visiting the Macaulay Salmon Hatchery. This facility is dedicated to preserving and enhancing the salmon population in the area. Visitors can observe the salmon as they swim upstream to spawn and learn about the hatchery's efforts to protect this important species.

Overall, Juneau is a wildlife lover's paradise. Whether you're interested in bears, eagles, or salmon, there are plenty of opportunities to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

Cultural Experiences

As a history enthusiast, I always recommend exploring the cultural experiences that Juneau has to offer. Here are some of the must-visit places and activities for those who want to learn more about the city's rich past.

Alaska State Museum Visit

The Alaska State Museum is an excellent place to start your cultural exploration. Located on Whittier Street off Egan Drive, the museum houses impressive exhibits about the area's rich Indigenous culture, Russian involvement in Alaska, and wildlife. You can also find displays on the mining industry and the state capitol building. The museum is open from 9 am to 5 pm daily, and admission fees are $14 for adults.

Juneau-Douglas City Museum Tour

Another great museum to visit is the Juneau-Douglas City Museum. This museum is dedicated to preserving the history of the city and its people. It features exhibits on the Tlingit culture, the mining industry, and the state capitol building. The museum is open from 9 am to 5 pm daily, and admission fees are $12 for adults.

Indigenous Culture Exploration

Juneau is home to a vibrant Indigenous culture, and there are many ways to explore it. One of the best ways is to take a guided tour of the Tlingit village of Klukwan. You can learn about their customs, traditions, and art forms. You can also visit the Sealaska Heritage Institute, which is dedicated to preserving the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian cultures. The institute features exhibits, performances, and workshops.

Mining History

Juneau has a rich mining history, and you can learn more about it by visiting the Last Chance Mining Museum. The museum is located in the historic compressor building of the Alaska Juneau Gold Mining Company. It features exhibits on the mining industry, including displays on the tools and techniques used to extract gold from the mines. You can also take a guided tour of the nearby Treadwell Mine Historic Trail.

Overall, Juneau has a lot to offer for those interested in cultural experiences. From museums to Indigenous culture exploration, there is something for everyone.

Scenic Locations

As someone who loves nature, I can say that Juneau, Alaska is a paradise for those who enjoy scenic views. Here are some of the most breathtaking locations to visit during your cruise:

Mendenhall Glacier

One of the most popular attractions in Juneau is the Mendenhall Glacier. This stunning glacier is 12 miles from downtown Juneau and covers over 36 square miles of blue ice formations. Visitors can take a hike to Nugget Falls or explore the visitor center to learn more about the glacier and its surroundings.

Tongass National Forest

The Tongass National Forest is the largest national forest in the United States, and it covers most of Southeast Alaska. Visitors can take a tour to see the lush forests, wildlife, and waterfalls. There are also plenty of hiking trails and fishing spots for those looking for an adventure.

Mount Roberts Tramway

The Mount Roberts Tramway is a must-visit attraction in Juneau. The tramway takes visitors up to the top of Mount Roberts, where they can enjoy panoramic views of the city, Gastineau Channel, and the surrounding mountains. There is also a nature center and hiking trails for those who want to explore the area.

Gastineau Channel

Gastineau Channel is a beautiful waterway that runs through Juneau. Visitors can take a boat tour to see the stunning scenery, including the Mendenhall Glacier, Douglas Island, and the Chilkat Mountains. There are also plenty of fishing spots and wildlife viewing opportunities along the channel.

Glacier Bay

Glacier Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most stunning locations in Alaska. Visitors can take a boat tour to see the glaciers, wildlife, and stunning landscapes. There are also plenty of hiking trails and camping spots for those who want to explore the area.

Douglas Island

Douglas Island is a beautiful island located just across the Gastineau Channel from Juneau. Visitors can take a ferry to the island and explore the stunning scenery, including forests, waterfalls, and wildlife.

Icy Strait Point

Icy Strait Point is a popular destination for those visiting Juneau. This small village is located on Chichagof Island and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests. Visitors can take a whale watching tour or explore the local culture and history.

Tracy Arm Fjord

Tracy Arm Fjord is a stunning glacier-carved fjord that is a must-visit attraction in Juneau. Visitors can take a boat tour to see the stunning glaciers, waterfalls, and wildlife. There are also plenty of hiking trails and camping spots for those who want to explore the area.

Juneau Icefield

The Juneau Icefield is a massive ice field located just outside of Juneau. Visitors can take a helicopter tour to see the stunning glaciers and landscapes. There are also plenty of hiking trails and camping spots for those who want to explore the area.

Chilkat Mountains

The Chilkat Mountains are a stunning mountain range located just outside of Juneau. Visitors can take a helicopter tour to see the stunning landscapes, including glaciers, waterfalls, and wildlife. There are also plenty of hiking trails and camping spots for those who want to explore the area.

In conclusion, Juneau, Alaska is a paradise for those who love scenic views and outdoor adventures. Whether you want to explore the glaciers, forests, or mountains, there is something for everyone in this stunning city.

Dining and Shopping in Juneau

When it comes to dining and shopping in Juneau, there are plenty of options to choose from. Whether you're looking for local cuisine, unique gifts, or stunning jewelry, Juneau has it all.

Local Restaurants

Juneau is known for its fresh seafood and local cuisine, and there are plenty of restaurants to choose from. Some of my favorite local restaurants include:

  • Deckhand Dave's: This restaurant offers delicious American cuisine and fresh seafood. Their salmon tots are a must-try!
  • The Rookery Cafe: This cozy cafe serves up delicious breakfast and lunch options, including locally sourced ingredients.
  • Salt: This upscale restaurant offers a modern twist on classic Alaskan cuisine, with a focus on fresh seafood.

Gift Shops

If you're looking for unique souvenirs and gifts, Juneau has plenty of gift shops to choose from. Some of my favorite gift shops include:

  • Alaska-Juneau Public Market: This market offers a wide variety of handmade crafts, jewelry, and other souvenirs from local artisans.
  • Annie Kaill's: This gift shop features a variety of Alaskan-made gifts, including pottery, jewelry, and artwork.
  • The Bear's Lair: This shop offers a variety of Alaskan-themed gifts, including clothing, souvenirs, and books.

Jewelry Stores

Juneau is home to some of the most beautiful and unique jewelry stores in the world. Some of my favorite jewelry stores include:

  • Nugget Alaskan Outfitter: This jewelry store offers a variety of unique Alaskan-made jewelry, including gold nugget jewelry.
  • Juneau Jewelry: This store features a variety of handcrafted jewelry, including pieces made from Alaskan gold and silver.
  • The Jewel Box: This store offers a wide selection of fine jewelry, including diamonds, pearls, and gemstones.

Salmon Bakes

No trip to Juneau is complete without trying a salmon bake. Some of my favorite salmon bakes include:

  • Gold Creek Salmon Bake: This popular salmon bake features all-you-can-eat salmon, as well as sides like cornbread and baked beans.
  • Orca Point Lodge Salmon Bake: This salmon bake is located on a private island and features stunning views and delicious food.
  • Juneau Gastineau Rotary Club Salmon Bake: This salmon bake is held in a beautiful outdoor setting and features fresh salmon, sides, and live music.

Overall, Juneau offers a wide variety of dining and shopping options for visitors. Whether you're looking for local cuisine, unique gifts, or stunning jewelry, Juneau has something for everyone.

Practical Information

Visitor Centers

When arriving in Juneau, visitors can stop by the Juneau Convention and Visitors Bureau, located in the heart of downtown, for maps, brochures, and information about local attractions. The center is open year-round and staffed by knowledgeable locals who can provide recommendations on what to see and do in the area.

Transportation

Juneau is a small city with limited public transportation options. However, there are several shuttle services available for tourists, including the Juneau Shuttle, which offers transportation to and from the airport, as well as to popular attractions like the Mendenhall Glacier. Taxis are also available, but can be expensive.

Accommodation

Juneau has a variety of accommodation options for tourists, including hotels, bed and breakfasts, and vacation rentals. However, during the peak tourist season, it can be difficult to find affordable accommodations, so it's recommended to book ahead of time. Many cruise ships also offer overnight stays in Juneau, which can be a convenient option for those looking to explore the city.

Overall, Juneau is a popular tourist destination, and as such, visitors should plan ahead to ensure they have a comfortable and enjoyable trip. Whether taking part in excursions or simply exploring the city on foot, there is plenty to see and do in this beautiful part of the United States.