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Onboard activities include a range of music performances, spa treatments and fitness opportunities. Respect wildlife from a safe distance and do not approach or feed them. You’ll be spending a lot of time outside and will be happier the more prepared you are. Here are some essential travel tips to keep in mind when traveling to Juneau.
Last Chance Mining Museum
There are many things to do on cruises to Alaska, including enjoying the rainforest and glacier landscapes, wildlife spotting, hiking, and other shore excursions. Located in the Tongass National Forest, Glacier Gardens is a vibrant Alaskan botanical garden paradise nestled in a temperate rainforest habitat. It also provides some of the best views of Juneau at 580 feet above sea level. Visitors enjoy guided tours of the forest and all its incredible flora and fauna, including a number of manicured gardens. The cruise port in Juneau places you directly downtown on Egan Drive, making this an extremely walkable port city.
Take a Ride on the Mount Roberts Tramway
Heading To Alaska? Top 5 Things To Do In Juneau - Forbes
Heading To Alaska? Top 5 Things To Do In Juneau.
Posted: Wed, 22 Jun 2022 07:00:00 GMT [source]
While the building itself is considered a work of art in its own right, the building showcases numerous art demonstrations, exhibits, and large-scale works. Each tribe is represented in the art of the heritage center, with plenty of opportunities to learn about each of them. 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. A great add-on to a tour of Juneau, this museum is a smaller space that can be part of an afternoon stroll.
Explore Downtown
Visiting Alaska State Museum - Alaska State Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in the state’s history, culture, and nature. It is home to some of the most extensive and comprehensive displays and exhibits related to Alaska. Learn more about the creatures that inhabit the state, their habits, feeding patterns, mating rituals, and habitats.
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. Only a few ships are allowed to enter the park each day and they do not dock while there. The Alaska State Capitol is the government seat of Alaska and houses the offices of the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and the State Legislature. The Sealaska Heritage Foundation is an incredible nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples of Southeast Alaska. The hatchery serves as a facility for breeding, rearing, and releasing salmon into the wild.
During the sail, you will be able to see a colony of seals and wild eagles, but the absolute highlight is the huge Humpback whales. It is a one-of-a-kind sight that you will want to capture with your best camera! The experience is highly recommended for families with kids, couples, and tourists with walking difficulties. The Tramway is located downtown and it’s going up to 1745 ft (532 m) above sea level. A beautiful half-mile walk along Basin Road from downtown Juneau leads to the intriguing Last Chance Mining Museum. One of the reasons Juneau has so much character is that it’s one of Alaska’s oldest cities.
The pier opens onto Franklin Street, a bustling area packed with shops and eateries that cater to tourists. Franklin Street connects to downtown Juneau propper, which is about a mile and a half from the cruise docks. The Eaglecrest Ski Area on Douglas Island is the best place to hit the slopes in Juneau. There are 36 runs that cater to beginner, intermediate, and experienced skiers alike. Eaglecrest also boasts 10 miles of Nordic trails for cross-country skiers. Learn about the history of the Alaskan gold rush era with the AJ Mine Gastineau Mill Tour.
Best Excursions to Do at the Juneau Cruise Port
In addition to downhill skiing, Eaglecrest also offers 10 miles of Nordic trails, perfect for those who prefer cross-country skiing. The ski season here generally stretches from December to April, depending on weather conditions. Timberline Bar & Grill offers Alaskan cuisine and drinks, including locally brewed beers and fresh seafood. It’s an ideal spot for a meal or a drink while soaking in the spectacular views.
Hike the Trails of Mount Roberts
If you have some extra time after your excursion in the Juneau area, take some time to wander around the town of Juneau. Despite being the capital of Alaska, it’s a really charming and quaint town. You can opt to do things like zip-lining, hiking through the forest, or visiting the famous Glacier Gardens. Whatever you decide to do, you’re sure to be impressed and left in awe by the 17-million-acre Tongass National Forest. One of the best things to do on an Alaskan cruise is to go on a whale-watching tour. Seeing these majestic giants up close and personal in the wild is something that you can’t understand until you experience it for yourself.
To top off your day, you get a bit of free time at the end of the experience to enjoy the surrounding views, cuddle the puppies, and catch the best shots. The dogs are fully trained and the guides are very knowledgeable and approachable. The Tramway is also recommended for fully confined passengers or guests with walking difficulties, as it is wheelchair accessible.
“Juneau isn’t just a port; it’s a portal to a world of natural wonders,” it is indeed undoubtedly a remarkable place that has the power to turn any Alaskan cruise into an unforgettable adventure. A helicopter ride over the glaciers and snowy slopes of the Juneau Icefield on a spectacularly sunny day is one of the best things you can experience in this part of Alaska. Like most helicopter and floatplane rides, it can be very expensive but makes for a truly a memorable adventure. Zip over glaciers, leaving the green mountains surrounding Juneau on a warm sunny day and arriving just a few minutes later in a snowy wonderland. A number of jeep companies offer tours of the area on a combination jeep, rainforest hiking, and zip-lining tour. Otherwise, you can embark on a dog sledding adventure with companies like Alaska Shore Tours or Gold Rush Dog Tours, which each offer 2.5-hour excursions in and around Juneau.
Easily one of the best things to do in Juneau Alaska, you can delve into the heart of 50 acres of lush rainforest at Glacier Gardens, where nature arranges itself into a stunning display of beauty! Unique to Juneau, these botanical gardens showcase flower towers and offer guided tours. 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. For travelers interested in sampling Alaska’s local food and beverages, Juneau is a foodie’s paradise.
Located on Douglas Island, across the Gastineau Channel from Juneau, you will be surrounded in rainforest and mountain views. The Alaskan landscape will be your backdrop as you scream your way through 7 zip lines of various lengths and altitudes under the supervision of an expert guide. Getting off the ship is a little intimidating as there are DOZENS of tour companies trying to sell you on their excursions. So don’t worry about booking through the ship, you’ll find plenty of deals (and a lot cheaper ones too!) right off the dock.
Juneau, the capital city of Alaska, is nestled in the heart of the Tongass National Forest, the largest temperate rainforest in North America. The rainforest creates a stunning backdrop for Juneau’s many unforgettable outdoor activities. At the top, plenty of hiking trails lead to waterfalls, tree carvings, and a wildlife viewing platform. The trail is about two miles round-trip and will take you directly to Nugget Falls, one of Alaska’s most beautiful waterfalls.
On this particular tour option, you'll reach the boat ramp across from Mendenhall Glacier and Auke Bay in about 25 minutes. The kayaks are lined up on the shore, where the guides provide participants with a short lesson, help you don your gear, and assist you with boarding the kayaks. Two-person sea kayaks often have foot pedals in the rear seat that operate the rudder, making them easier to steer. The area around the glacier offers great opportunities for viewing wildlife such as bears, beavers, porcupines, minks, and eagles. Hearty hikers with a full day to dedicate to the trails should take on the West Glacier Trail, which leads to the edge of Mendenhall Glacier. Kayak across the frigid lake and hike up onto the ice field itself for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
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