Since we hope to go to all 50 states, Alaska has technically at all times been on our bucket checklist however admittedly it wasn’t anyplace close to the highest. Nevertheless, after we received the chance to go to Juneau, Alaska with Royal Caribbean we jumped on the likelihood and are so glad we did. It is among the most breathtaking locations we’ve visited and in our prime 5 together with Kenya, Brazil, Morocco and our southwest street journey. We spent 11 days in Alaska visiting Juneau, Sitka and Ketchikan. Most of our time was spent in Juneau and right here is our can’t miss checklist of issues to do in Juneau.
How you can get to Juneau Affordably
Alaska isn’t essentially the most reasonably priced place to go to but it surely’s very well worth the go to. You may cut back prices through the use of factors and miles from journey bank cards or by getting a flight deal. Scott Low cost Flights not too long ago had some for underneath $300 from a number of cities which can assist cut back prices. Juneau is within the SE a part of Alaska and whereas many individuals take street journeys by way of the state, particularly Anchorage to Fairbanks, the one approach to get to Juneau is by flight or boat.
How Many Days Do You Must Expertise the Finest Issues to do in Juneau
We spent 5 days in Juneau however I’d advocate 7 as a result of the climate can cancel actions and also you’ll undoubtedly need to reschedule missed actions. If you happen to don’t have 7 days to spare don’t fear, you may make 5 days work for those who’re okay with doing actions rain or shine. We personally nonetheless went on a canoe journey within the rain so it’s doable simply not as excellent! Make sure to e-book your most wished actions in your first day so you’ve gotten time to reschedule if the climate is poor.
What’s the Climate Like in Juneau?
Packing for issues to do in Juneau with the various climate can seem to be you’re packing for a number of seasons elsewhere. We usually have ease packing gentle and are group carry-on however for Alaska we checked luggage. It’s because even in the summertime you can want winter boots and a snow go well with in the future, shorts and a t-shirt the following and rain jackets and rain boots one other day.
If you happen to’re coming from an at all times heat place comparable to Miami like we have been, chances are you’ll not have winter gear. Earlier than spending numerous cash on clothes you won’t put on once more, examine if the tour firms you’re utilizing to go on the journey supply the gear you want. The excursions we took to Mendenhall Glacier did present boots and waterproof pants and jackets. If you happen to’re extra comfy bringing all your personal gear, try our Alaska packing checklist right here for extra particulars on what to carry.
Issues to do in Juneau, Alaska
Go to Mendenhall Glacier
If you happen to do nothing else in Juneau be sure to go to Mendenhall Glacier. It was so superb we did two completely different excursions that introduced us to this magnificence!
Helicopter Experience to Mendenhall Glacier
The primary day we visited Mendenhall Glacier we took a helicopter experience to the highest of the glacier with Northstar Trekking. It’s a brief 5-7 minute experience with breathtaking views of the lake, waterfalls and extra. When you land on prime of Mendenhall you’re capable of stroll across the glacier simply because of the crampons they connect to the underside of your boots.
We walked throughout the highest. There was a naturally occuring glacier pool that my women loved sipping glacier water from. There have been additionally little creeks we jumped over and little “caves” my women loved exploring. It was superb!
Glacier Paddle and Trek Tour
We couldn’t get sufficient of the glacier so the following day we went again to Above and Past Alaska. This time we did a glacier paddle and trek tour. The tour begins within the Tongass Nationwide Forest the place you meet the crew and alter into waterproof pants and boots (relying on the climate).
The tour begins with a 3 mile canoe to the glacier. On the best way you’ll move Nugget Falls, icebergs and have the potential to see wildlife, we primarily noticed quite a lot of birds. The day we went it was raining however we didn’t let that cease us. We placed on waterproof gear and weathered the rain.
As soon as your canoe experience is over you’ve reached the underside of the glacier and to me it regarded like we have been in one other world. We then took a couple of mile hike on uneven rocky pavement to one of the crucial spectacular issues I’ve seen, an ice cave! These are naturally fashioned they usually go and are available so there isn’t a assure there can be one in your tour however for those who’re fortunate sufficient it’s breathtaking.
Whale Watching Tour
There are such a lot of whale watching excursions in Juneau. We personally went with Gastineau Guiding to see humpback whales! They provide each a 2.5hr whale watching solely tour and a 5hr land and sea tour for cruise passengers for those who’re right here on a cruise. We didn’t see any breach like within the photograph under (it’s really a statue in Juneau referred to as The Whale Venture) however we did see a number of whales together with a couple of infants.
To boost your whale watching expertise you will get out of the boat and right into a kayak by way of Above and Past Alaska. This can be a approach to get even nearer to the whales and even for those who don’t you would possibly see otters and different sea animals shut up. The tour consists of lunch on the seashore of one of many islands.
Discover Tracy Arms
One of many prime issues to do is take a ship experience by way of Tracy Arms. That is mainly boating by way of tons of icebergs. We didn’t get to do that however my mother and father who have been on this journey with us did. They noticed so many icebergs and brown bears climbing alongside the mountains.
Go to Pack Creek
If you need the best likelihood of seeing brown bears undoubtedly e-book a kayak journey to Pack Creek with Above and Past Alaska. This features a seaplane flight to Admiralty Island to the Stan Value Sanctuary which has the densest inhabitants of brown bears. You’ll see these beauties roaming freely and probably see them up shut and private however safely as properly. One of the best time to see the bears right here is between June and September.
Alaska State Museum
Go to the Alaska State Museum to study the historical past of Native Alaskans and the impact colonization had on them. In 1867 is when the US bought Alaska for 7.2 million {dollars} from Russia. Nevertheless, Native Alaskans didn’t obtain voting rights till 1922. In the meantime the hunt for gold right here began shortly after its buy and the gold rush had an enormous destructive influence on the Natives. The museum goes into numerous historical past and the tradition of the Natives and it was a terrific go to which I extremely advocate.
Take the Goldbelt Tram to Mount Roberts
The Goldbelt Tram takes you as much as Mount Roberts. It prices $25 for adults and $15 for youths which may be very expensive for my part but it surely’s additionally the one approach to stand up so there’s that. On the prime you possibly can go on numerous hikes searching for wildlife. It’s doable to see bears up right here however we didn’t see any. Nevertheless, we did see tons of bald eagles. They have been so hovering above us on the prime, it was fairly a sight to see. Price the price to stand up only for that. Some days you’ll additionally see the paragliders leaping off the platform on the prime right here paragliding to the underside.
Instead you possibly can hike all the best way to the highest. The hike is 3 miles up and takes about 2-3 hours as a result of sluggish incline to the highest. You may at all times take the tram down and for those who spend at the least $10 within the bar or reward store the experience down is free.
Zach Gordon Youth Middle
In the future it rained continuous and there was actually nothing we might do. If this occurs to you and also you’re touring with children I counsel taking them to the Zach Gordon Youth Middle to burn off some power. It’s a lot better than being caught in a small lodge room. Right here they’ve a mountaineering wall, lined basketball court docket with different sports activities gear. It’s free to hang around right here and undoubtedly saves the day from full boredom.
Sandy Seashore
Okay coming from residing in Miami and being Jamaican I don’t think about Sandy Seashore a seashore however in Juneau they do. It’s extra of a lake to me that I personally wouldn’t swim in however there have been children and adults swimming. We did do some arise paddle boarding right here although and I imply the views throughout Juneau are simply superb.
Issues to do in Juneau On Our Subsequent Go to
Sadly we didn’t get to do every part we wished in Juneau however that’s simply extra motive to revisit. After we can we hope we’ll be capable of cross these items off our bucket checklist.
Canine Sledding
Canine sledding was undoubtedly excessive on our bucket checklist of issues to do in Juneau. Nevertheless, since we went in June 2021 whereas we almost had Juneau to ourselves which was superb the shortage of vacationers meant all excursions weren’t obtainable. If we by no means make it again to Juneau we do hope we will at the least do that in a distinct location some day.
Zipline on Douglas Island
If you happen to love a very good thrill you’ll get pleasure from ziplining with Alaska Zipline Adventures. Right here they’ve 7 strains, 10 platforms and a suspension bridge. If you happen to’re visiting in the summertime this place turns into a terrific place to ski as a substitute of ziplining.
Hike the West Glacier Path
Juneau clearly has a number of snow/iceberg/glacier actions however in addition they have a rainforest. You may discover them on a hike up the West Glacier Path. Just like the title says, it’s situated on the west aspect of Mendenhall Glacier. On the finish of the hike there’s a tremendous viewpoint which overlooks the glacier and the lake. You may e-book a guided hike with Journey Circulation.
Take a Floatplane to Taku Glacier
This flight flies proper over the Juneau Ice Discipline which is the supply if each glacier within the space. The tour lands on the water which is among the facets I’m most trying ahead to proper at Taku Glacier Lodge. Earlier than heading again to Juneau you possibly can have a salmon bake and absorb all of the glacier views.
Discover Glacier Bay Nationwide Park
As a household who has had an America the Lovely Nationwide Park Cross for 3 years in a row it actually saddened us that we couldn’t make it to Glacier Bay Nationwide Park. To get right here from Juneau you possibly can e-book a day journey or keep a couple of nights within the park.
The place to Eat in Juneau, Alaska
Truthfully I’d go all the best way again to Juneau only for the meals! There have been so many superb locations to eat and as a seafood lover I used to be in heaven. Right here have been my favourite locations to eat.
The Rookery Cafe
We ate right here for each breakfast and lunch however breakfast was my favourite. The french toast was so good because it’s cornflake crusted so good and crunchy. My women have been in heaven as a result of they’d almond milk for them to have sizzling chocolate. Additionally they have tons of nice pastries.
Sandpiper Cafe
One of the fashionable locations for breakfast in Juneau, make sure to come right here early for those who don’t desire a lengthy wait. Additionally they have a very good french toast made on brioche bread.
Alaska Fish & Chips Firm
If you’re searching for the most effective fish and chips look no additional. I even got here right here as soon as after consuming dinner some other place as a result of they’re simply so good and I needed to eat them one final time earlier than leaving Juneau. Simply get the halibut and thank me later! On Instagram they’re @flightdeck_ak.
Deckhand Daves
One of the best tacos in Juneau arms down are at Deckhand Dave’s Fish Tacos. I see why the road right here is at all times so lengthy. They’ve fairly a couple of choices
Tracy’s Crab
Tracy’s Crab is essentially the most well-known restaurant in Alaska and I see why. It would even have turned this crab hating woman right into a crab loving one, the one place I’ll even deem cracking crabs after paying an arm and a leg for them is price it. The crabs are made to order and you’ll really watch them make your order proper within the entrance of the restaurant. As sides, they’ve rolls, bisque, fries, hush puppies and extra.
Gold Creek Salmon
Salmon Bakes are apparently the factor to do in Alaska so you must do one whereas right here. We did one however I can’t bear in mind the title of the place we went. You may see them grilling the salmon after which they’d buffet fashion for sides with potatoes, rice, veggies and extra. The actual place we went additionally had fireplace pits to roast marshmallows and sip on sizzling chocolate after dinner.
Juneau, Alaska is by far one in every of our prime journeys in the US and internationally as properly. I actually hope we’ll be capable of revisit this magnificence once more. If you happen to discovered this text on issues to do in Juneau useful please do share it with a fellow traveler!
