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Walking Tours in Juneau

Start & Finish: Alaska State Capitol, 4th and Seward streets.

Time: 1 hour (1 mile) for standard tour; 2 1/2 hours (2 1/2 miles) for the extended tour, with minimal stops.

1. The Alaska State Capitol

This structure fills the block between 4th and 5th and Main and Seward streets. Except for the marble portico on the 4th Street side, it is a nondescript brick box, probably the least impressive state capitol in the most beautiful setting in the nation. Legislators hanker for a larger, grander building, but the still-simmering desire of some politicians to move the capital nearer the state's population center has defeated plans to build here. The federal government built the Capitol in 1931, when Alaska was still a territory. Inside, some of the old-fashioned woodwork and decorative details are interesting, and the public is free to walk through. During the summer, free tours are offered Monday through Friday 8am to 5:30pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am to 4pm. Check at the desk in the lobby or call tel. 907/465-3853 for information. The legislature is in session from January to April.

Across 4th is the:

2. State Courthouse

The statue of a bear in front defines official Alaskan taste in art: It replaced a hated abstract steel sculpture called Nimbus that was removed by an act of the legislature and that finally came to rest in front of the state museum a few blocks away.

On the opposite, northwest corner is the:

3. Juneau-Douglas City Museum

Stop in here to buy the Evergreen Cemetery map if you plan to include that in your walk, or get the Historic Downtown Juneau Guide to learn more on the whole walk. (The museum is.) Even if you don't stop in, take a look at a rare American flag out front. This small plaza is where the 49-star U.S. flag was first raised in 1959 -- they didn't make many of those, as Hawaii was admitted as the 50th state within a year, but you'll still find one flying here.

On the southwest corner of Main and 4th is the:

4. State Office Building

This building is built into the edge of a cliff that forms a major barrier through the downtown area; if you're headed for the lower land, where the State Museum and Centennial Hall are located, you can avoid eight flights of steps in between by taking the building's elevator down. In any event, visit the towering atrium, with its great views and a 1928 movie theater pipe organ that's played on Fridays at noon. The totem pole is called "The Old Witch" and was taken from Sukkum Village around 1880. The historical collections of the Alaska State Library are housed here (www.library.state.ak.us/hist), and a stop to view historic photographs and artifacts on display is well worth the effort. Visitors are welcome to browse, too; or do it from home, as thousands of pieces have been digitized at http://vilda.alaska.edu. On sunny days, the patio off the atrium is a warm place for a picnic, with a fabulous view.

Leaving again through the door that you entered, turn left and follow Calhoun Street around the curve. An outdoor staircase here leads down to the flat area of town below (but you know about taking the elevator). Those lowlands originally were mostly underwater, and this embankment stood just above the shoreline, which continued along Front and South Franklin streets. The land you see below you is made of mine tailings that were dumped in the Channel. Continue on Calhoun; the governor uses the pedestrian overpass (which we walk under) to cross Calhoun to get to the Capitol from the white, neoclassical:

5. Governor's Mansion

Located on the left, the mansion was built by the federal government in 1912 for $40,000. It isn't normally open for public tours. Our most famous governor, Sarah Palin, didn't care for it and spent little time here, but most governors who've moved in lived here full time.

Shortcut: If you don't mind missing the next stop (Gold Creek), you can save yourself some hill-climbing by continuing on Calhoun, turning right on Goldbelt Street, climbing past some beautiful houses to 7th, then picking up the tour at the Wickersham House.

Continuing down Calhoun, you'll come to:

6. Gold Creek

Juneau's founders made their gold strike in this stream in 1880. Trace it upstream through peaceful Cope Park, past the playground and tennis courts to the unique ball field, which is bounded by the stream's forested canyon walls.

Go all the way to your right, across the baseball diamond, to find a lovely path and public stairway through the woods steeply up to 7th Street. Seventh runs along a narrow ridge between downtown Juneau and the creek. Across the street from the top of the stairway is:

7. The Wickersham House State Historic Site

This white 1898 frame house, at 213 7th St. (tel. 907/586-9001; www.alaskastateparks.org, click "Individual Parks"), was the retirement home of Judge James Wickersham, who was revered by Alaskans for bringing law to the gold rush in Eagle, Nome, and Fairbanks; for exploring the Denali area and helping to make it a national park; for helping convince the federal government to build the Alaska railroad and found the state university; and for winning Alaska's right to make its own laws when he represented the territory as a nonvoting delegate in Congress. The house was in the family from 1928 until the state bought it in 1984, so it still contains many of Wickersham's belongings, including an Edison cylinder gramophone he took to Fairbanks, and his written assignment to go to Alaska, which is signed by Theodore Roosevelt. The house badly needed repair before a recent renovation project funded in part by the National Park Service. The first floor is open May 15 to September 15 Tuesday through Saturday 10am to 4pm. Admission is free.

Continue on 7th to Gold Street, turn right, and follow it downhill to 5th, site of the:

8. St. Nicholas Orthodox Church

This small structure is a significant architectural and historic landmark. The octagonal building was built in 1893-94 by Serbian miners and Tlingits. Many Tlingits chose the Russian Orthodox faith in the late 19th century when government-sponsored Protestant missionaries arrived with authority to force Christianity on Alaska Natives. The Protestants' civilizing program entailed wiping out Native languages and culture, but the Orthodox allowed people to worship in Tlingits and to continue more of their own customs. Bishop Innocent Veniaminov had translated sacred texts into Tlingits 50 years earlier when the Russians were still in Sitka. Today Alaska Natives make up the bulk of Russian Orthodox congregations in Alaska, and St. Nicholas still has an active Tlingits parish. There is no admission, but a donation is requested. There is a small gift shop and museum. The church is normally open in summer daily 9am to 5pm.

The next part of this walk leads to Evergreen Cemetery and up to the top of the town and through the woods on the flume -- it's a 2 1/2-mile strenuous hike that includes some steep stairways and streets. If that sounds appealing, continue 1 block down and 2 blocks to the right. Cross the creek and stay on the same road (which goes by various names), bearing right as it becomes Martin Street. On the left is:

9. The Evergreen Cemetery

The cemetery slopes toward the ocean, opening a wonderful vista over the clear green lawn. One reason the view is so broad and open is that the markers are flush with the ground. The old Alaska Native graves are in the wooded portion on the far side. Joe Juneau and Richard Harris, the city's founders, are buried near the cross at the top end of the cemetery, close to where you arrive on the walk.

Across the road from the cross, Hermit Street reaches a little way into the mountainside. Follow the steep public stairs next to house no. 430 up to the bottom of Pine Street. This is the walk we described in the introduction. The views get better and better as you rise to the top of Pine Street, then go right on Evergreen Street, following the road to where it dissipates into a trail among shadowy spruce and western hemlock.

Continue on the peaceful forest trail among the ferns and evergreens up the valley, coming to the:

10. Abandoned Wooden Flume

Once the town's aqueduct, the flume now is maintained as a boardwalk into the forest. Since it carried water, it's nearly level, but watch your step in wet weather, as it crosses some high trestles over gullies.

At the end of the flume, cross over the valley to Basin Road and continue upstream. Stop to see:

11. The Last Chance Mining Museum

To the left is the Perseverance Trail, which continues up between the mountains; the Perseverance also leads to the trail head for a challenging hike up Mount Juneau.

To get back to town, follow Basin Road 1 mile back down the valley. Taking the first right will put you at the top of Gold Street. Descend a block to 7th and pick up the walking tour at stop 7 (the Wickersham House is a block down 7th), or continue down Gold to St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, stop 8 on the tour.

Note : This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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The Smartphone Guided Tour App

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U.S. Patent No. 10,959,051 & 11,496,863

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Get the App to Take the Tour

Alaska, the last frontier walking tour, about the tour.

Many an adventurer have walked Juneau’s streets including Jack London and Wyatt Earp.  Juneau has been the land of the native people, a gold rush boom town, and the capital of Alaska. 

What stories will you tell your friends about Juneau?  On our walk you’ll see and discover Juneau’s historic past and go home with plenty of stories to share.  Listen to the first stop now to get a little sample of what we you’ll experience.    

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Saint Nicholas Church

Listen to the Tour Trailer

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On this historic solo walking tour you'll see the Juneau's Historic downtown and  experience it's historic story.  

The Red Dog Saloon

Jack London in Juneau and Alaska

Wyatt Earp's Gun

The Alaskan Hotel

Sealaska Heritage Institute

The Alaska State Captial Building

The Imperial 

The Wickersham House 

Gold Street and Juneau's founding

The Windfall Fisherman Statue 

And much more!  To learn more get the WalknTours App on the App Store or Google Play .

On this Juneau outdoor walking tour adventure you'll see many of the historic sites Juneau has to offer, get a great view of the city, and discover the stories of the Alaskan Capital.  You'll also have the opportunity to pause the tour and explore restaurants, museums and sites as you walk.  These places may or may not require entrance tickets and do have opening hours.  WalknTours are available 24/7/365, unfortunately many places are not.  Entrance tickets are not included in our solo walking tour price.

It's Tour Time!  How to purchase the tour: 1. Get the WalknTours App on the App Store or Google Play and purchase in App.  

Easy, fast and done in a few clicks., 2. purchase the tour on our site and get an experience code to unlock the tour.  purchase below.  , great if you don't have a credit card set up to your phone's account or don't know the password :), if you have a discount code for our website use this method to save booking below.  , why choose walkntours.

Imagine having a private, knowledgeable and charismatic local tour guide lead you step by step to the historic sites, hidden gems and famous spots of the city and share with you their engaging stories.   That's the core of WalknTours.  The amazing tour guide experience available 24/7 on your phone.  All our tours are professionally researched, narrated by professionals that fit the theme and atmospherically edited with music and sounds to make the story come to life.  

We guarantee you'll love it or your money back.  

Go at your own pace and schedule.  

Profressionally researched, narrated and edited experiences.  

Our patented solo walking tour technolog y ( U.S. Patent No. 10,959,0510)  

Listen again after taking the on location tour

The tour never expires.  Go anytime and whenever you want.  

$6.99 Alaska The Last Frontier Walking Tour

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Juneau Historical Walking Tour

Join Alaskan Author, Photographer, and Teacher, Larry Johansen on a historical journey throughout downtown Juneau. 

Juneau Historical Walking Tour:  Duration 1.5 Hours

Description: Take a 90 minute walk through the streets of historic downtown Juneau. See the Russian Orthodox Church, the State Capitol Building, the Governor’s Mansion. "Meet" the characters that passed through Juneau and hear their stories. China Joe,  French Pete, BF Stroud, Joe Boyle, Chief Kowee, and John Treadwell. Get the story behind the great mines now long gone, why Juneau is named Juneau and not Harrisburg, and why Juneau is still the Capital despite the fact that the people of Alaska voted to move it. Learn about the drive to Statehood and current political issues. Hear about the daily life a hundred years ago from an Alaskan born guide who's family has been living here since that time.

Price: $20.00pp (includes tax) typically meets downtown in front of the Red Dog Saloon or by appointment. It is required by city code that you pre-book this tour by calling or texting prior to the 10:00AM departure. 12 maximum.

Vigorous Walking Tour:  Duration 2 hours

Description: If you have a need to make your fitbit happy we have a two hour tour that swings through Cope Park and will tally 16 floors of stair climbing. It includes all the content of the Historical Walking Tour but adds this spectacular walk along side Gold Creek.

Price: $20.00pp (includes tax)

  • Time to Juneau International Airport: 15
  • Days of Operation: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
  • Hours of Operation: 24 hours
  • Language Translation Available: Spanish

Alaska Sightseeing - Juneau Walking Tour

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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Alaska Sightseeing - Juneau Walking Tour - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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14 Things To Do in Juneau Alaska You Can’t Miss

Contrary to popular belief, Juneau — not Anchorage — is the capital city of Alaska. Situated in southeast Alaska, this city is only accessible by boat or plane, making it one of the most unique capital cities in the world. Even though there are no roads leading to or from Juneau, it is still one of the most visited areas of Alaska , with more than 1 million travelers seeking adventure here. 

Juneau is truly an alluring place to visit, tucked away between the Pacific Ocean, Juneau Icefield, and the Canadian Coast Mountains, the landscape is intensely dramatic and so is its wildlife. It is home to nearly 300 species of birds and all five species of Pacific salmon. There are also black bears, brown bears, mountain goats, Sitka black-tailed deer, wolves, orcas, humpback whales, sea lions, sea otters, seals, porpoises, and more. 

Many people visit Juneau by cruise ship, while others come on the ferry or by airplane. Travelers come from all over the world to go wildlife viewing, hiking, fishing, whale watching, visit a glacier, take a flightseeing tour, explore ice caves, go dog sledding and so much more. 

Ready to learn more? Here are 14 things to do in Juneau Alaska that you don’t want to miss!

14 THINGS TO DO IN JUNEAU ALASKA YOU CAN'T MISS

CLIMB HIGH FOR GREAT VIEWS OF JUNEAU

If you want to get the best panoramic views of Juneau, the Mount Roberts Tramway is the way to go. Rising 1800 feet to the top of Mount Roberts, the Goldbelt Tramway is one of the most vertical tramways in the world. 

Once you get to the top, there are various things to do and see! You can visit the Nature Center where there are interactive displays, as well as the staff who can answer all your questions about Juneau and the people and animals that live there. There is a Bald eagle display, as well as a gift shop where you can purchase things like nature-oriented gifts, books, and maps. 

The tram drops you off in the thick rainforest with trees that tower more than 200 feet over you. From there you can get to the upper hiking trails. These include the Mount Roberts Trail, The Perseverance Trail, and the Granite Creek Trail.

The Mount Roberts Trail is 2 miles one way from the tram. Depending on the time of year, the trail can range from moderate to challenging. There is a good chance you’ll be walking over snow or mud, so good, strong hiking shoes are a must and you might want microspikes if it’s still early in the season. The Perseverance Trail is 3 miles each way, takes you past waterfalls, and is also open to mountain biking. The Granite Trail is an offshoot from here and is an additional 4-5 miles of exploration. You will probably encounter some snow patches, and maybe some wildlife, but not many other people. 

At the top, you can also watch a short documentary in the Chilkat Theater. It’s called “Seeing Daylight,” and it’s about Tlingit history and culture created by Alaska Natives. 

The Goldbelt Tram is easy to get to from the cruise ship docks and is one of the top attractions in Juneau. 

NOSH YOUR WAY THROUGH THE CITY

If you’re a foodie or looking for a fun idea for a date night or a night out with your mates, The Juneau Food Tour will satisfy your taste buds. They offer two tours, “A Tour with a Taste” and “Prohibition Progressive Party.”

“A Tour with a Taste” is a great family option, as they accept ages 12+. During the tour, you’ll take a historical walk and enjoy true Alaskan food, including seafood, sweets, as well as locally brewed beer (optional). You’ll experience eight tastings, including the one you get to take home in your gift bag. The tour lasts 2.5 hours. 

“The Prohibition Progressive Party” tour includes three courses, three cocktails, and three locations for an evening filled with “food, booze, and history.” This tour is for 21+ and is a fun date night idea or something to do with a small group of friends. You’ll be eating a pre-chosen menu of an Ahi appetizer, Alaska’s prawns with squid ink pasta/wine pairing, as well as gourmet chocolates and craft cocktails. This tour is about 2 hours long. 

BUT DON’T SKIP THE GOLD CREEK SALMON BAKE

You can’t visit Juneau without going to their legendary salmon bake. Gold Creek Salmon Bake is an all-you-can-eat, outdoor salmon buffet. The salmon is cooked in several ways, right in front of you over a wood fire. 

The setting is beautiful, you can sit at picnic tables near a serene river that has salmon running (if you’re there at the right time of year), take a short walk to view a waterfall, or pan for a little bit of gold in the dirt. You can also roast marshmallows, listen to live music, and visit the gift shop. 

The staff are super friendly and are happy to be there!

TAKE A HELICOPTER TOUR OF THE GLACIERS

One of the best ways to see just how massive the glaciers in Juneau are is to take a helicopter tour. There are several tour guides operating out of Juneau, and each offers different tour options. 

For example, Coastal Helicopters offers an Icefield Excursion, as well as a Dog Sled Ride with A Glacial Landing. The Icefield Excursion lasts about 2.5 hours and takes you to the Herbert Glacier. Your pilot is also your guide and will fly you over moulins, crevasses, icefalls, ponds, and streams. Your pilot will take you on a guided hike, while explaining everything you need to know about glaciers and the area you’re walking around.

The Dog Sled and Glacier Landing Tour run about 3.5 hours and you’ll spend most of the time at the Herbert Glacier Dog Sled Camp, where you can handle and play with the teams of dogs and take a sled dog ride! This tour also includes a landing on the lower level of the Herbert Glacier. 

NorthStar Helicopters offers The Walkabout, The Trek, Extended Glacier Trek, Glacier Helicopter and Airboat Adventure, as well as a Glacier Dogsled Adventure. The Walkabout takes you to the Mendenhall Glacier for an hours-long guided hike around the area. You’ll be provided crampons and hiking poles. The Trek takes about 4.5 hours, and you’re provided all trekking equipment and of course, a knowledgeable guide who will teach you the safest way to trek across a glacier.

The Extended Trek includes a brief introduction to ice climbing and gives you more access and a longer trek across the Mendenhall Glacier. All your equipment and safety gear are provided for you.  The Helicopter and Airboat Tour takes you to Taku Point, where you’ll start by taking a ride on an airboat past Taku Glacier, the deepest and thickest glacier in the world. After that, you’ll be taken to the Juneau Icefield to take a walk around. The Dogsled and Glacier Adventure takes you to Dog World where you can experience what it’s like mushing with Alaskan Huskies. 

Touring the glaciers is truly one of the best things to do in Juneau Alaska!

ENJOY A BOAT TOUR TO TRACY ARM FJORD

An unforgettable day trip to Tracy Arm Fjord is a great way to explore the Juneau area. The Local Guy Charters offers group, private, and/or personalized trips for most time constraints and budgets. 

The Tracy Arm Fjord is one of Juneau’s hidden gems. During your ride to and around the fjord, you will see the Sawyer Glaciers that give off a brilliant shade of blue, and if you’re lucky, you might see some of the ice carvings or breaking off the glacier. During your cruise, you’ll also see waterfalls 1,000 feet high, lush forested canyons, and snow-peaked mountains. 

A boat tour gives you unprecedented viewing opportunities of Tracy Arm Wildlife. This includes humpback whales, killer whales, Steller sea lions, harbor seals, and Dall’s porpoises. You may also get the chance to see Sitka black-tailed deer, black or brown bears, mountain goats, and various species of birds. 

A meal and snack will be included on your trip. 

GET EVEN CLOSER TO THE GLACIERS

If you want to explore even more glaciers, you can arrange excursions (even Alaskan cruise excursions !) to go sea kayaking and/or canoeing and hiking. 

The Mendenhall Glacier is the easiest glacier to experience in Juneau. If you don’t have your own rental car, there are taxis and shuttle services available that will drop you off at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center . From there, you can choose some great, and generally easy trails like The Trail of Time, The Photo Point Trail, and The Steep Creek Falls Trail.

The Trail of Time is a loop that is just over a  mile long. It has glacier indicators to show how much the glacier has receded over the years. It takes you through the rainforest and has other trails shooting off from it. The Photo Point Trail is less than a mile out and back and is fully paved and accessible for wheelchairs and/or strollers. This short trail, as the name suggests, takes you to a beautiful outlook where you can capture stunning photos.

The Steep Creek Falls Trail is about a 1.5-mile out and back trail that offers serenity and peace. There is also another short hike, called Nugget Falls, that brings you to a stunning view of Nugget Falls, and it gets you closer to the ice. 

Alaska Shore Tours offers a sea kayaking adventure to the Mendenhall Glacier. These small group or private tours get you even closer to the glacier without all the crowds of people. This tour is suitable for anyone, even if you have never kayaked before. While kayaking, you might also come across wildlife such as porpoises, seals, sea lions, bald eagles, herons, and even whales! Food and gear are provided for you on this tour. 

Lemon Creek Glacier has a 4.3-mile hike that is more of a challenge. It tends to be muddy and wet and has stinging nettles, corduroy log sections, and washouts, so it’s not for the faint of heart.

Glacier Lookout can be booked for a once-in-a-lifetime overnight stay. This is not a luxury accommodation — it doesn’t have power or Wifi, and only limited cell service. However, what it doesn’t offer in amenities, it more than makes up for in stunning views. If you don’t want to risk the hike, you can get flown to the lookout by helicopter.

TOUR THE GLACIER GARDENS RAINFOREST ADVENTURE

Looking for more natural beauty in Juneau? Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventures offers guided tours that take you through meticulously manicured gardens and then into the old-growth rainforest on Thunder Mountain. You’ll be cruising along in covered rainforest adventure vehicles, so you can take in all the sights and sounds of the forest as your guide explains your surroundings. 

The tour takes you to a viewing platform with great views of Juneau and the surrounding area. You will get to see bald eagles and other various wildlife. 

GO SKIING OR SNOWBOARDING AT EAGLECREST

Located on Douglas Island, across Gastineau Channel, is Eaglecrest Ski Area , another one of Alaska’s hidden gems. Views from Eaglecrest are otherworldly! 

This community-owned and operated mountain offers skiers and riders big mountain terrain, 1620′ vertical drop, 640+ acres, backcountry access with untracked powder, and no lift lines. They have 36 marked trails and an average snowfall of 320 feet.

The mountain offers lessons and ski schools, youth and adult programs, and adaptive programs. There is a ski shop and a rental shop onsite, as well as lodges and places to grab food. Eateries include Eaglecrest Grille, Tower Bar, and Mountain Lift Coffee.

At Eaglecrest, you can also find ice skating and Nordic skiing. 

GO WHERE ALASKA OFFICIALLY BECAME A STATE

The Juneau-Douglas City Museum is dedicated to creating “awareness of Juneau’s cultural heritage, values, and community memory and they collect, preserve, interpret, and exhibit materials that document the cultures and history of the Juneau and Douglas area.”

The museum is housed in the Veterans Memorial Building, which has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 2006. The building was built in the 1950s, and was originally the public library. It was also the site of the July 4th, 1959 Statehood Ceremony where the 49-star flag was first flown in Alaska, and where it still flies today.

There are several permanent exhibits, including a General History Gallery, where you can learn how the land of Juneau has changed through history and the diverse backgrounds of Juneau’s homesteaders. You can also learn about the skiing history in Douglas. There is a section about the history of Tlingit fishing methods, as well as the history of recreational and commercial fishing in Juneau. You can even learn about how to make a canoe and different types of paddles. 

They house over 175 objects representing Juneau’s local businesses and industries throughout its history, including a 500- to 700-year-old basketry-style Native fish trap. There is a section about the mining history of Juneau, along with displays of local rocks, minerals, and ore. You’ll also find books on local geology, an interactive cross-section of the Treadwell Mine cave, a working stamp mill replica, and an interactive hydropower exhibit.

There is a video room and a map gallery, as well as a Politics, Personalities & Power Gallery. The museum offers walking tours and even online collections and exhibits. Walking tours are available from May through October and include the Historic Downtown Juneau Walking Tour, Alaska State Capitol Tour, Juneau True Crime Tour, Treadwell Mine Walking Tour, and a Death in Douglas: True Crime Tour. 

VENTURE INTO ALASKA’S HISTORY

The Alaska State Museum has locations in Sitka and Juneau. The museum in Juneau features rotating and traveling exhibits pertaining to the history of what is now the state of Alaska. The museum features a collection of more than 1,700 objects. This includes both the Russian colonial era and the American period from 1867 to today. 

Points of interest in the museum include a bronze double-headed eagle emblem, known to be one of only two in existence, a medallion presented to Alexander Baranov from Catherine the Great, a tri-corner hat, and a brocaded caftan from the 1840s, as well as material related to early Russian exploration. There are also tools, weapons, religious icons, documents, and utensils. 

Other collections display shipwreck artifacts, a lighthouse lens, gold rush memorabilia, mining equipment, mountaineering gear, aircraft, firearms, fishing boats, whaling equipment, World War II materials and items from the Exxon Valdez oil spill. 

Much of the collection is made up of Native Alaskan documents and artifacts from daily life, ceremonies, religious artifacts, and more. The museum houses an extensive collection of Eskimo baskets, including some of the oldest pieces ever documented, as well as a large collection of carved ivory. 

At the Alaska State Museum, you can also find a fine art collection and a natural history collection. The Natural History Collection includes more than 1,200 seashells, minerals, skeletons, fossils, and mounted animals and birds, while the Fine Art Collection includes 1,800 paintings, drawings, prints, photographs, and sculptures.

GO WILD ON A BROWN BEAR TOUR

Juneau is flush with bears. Home to brown and black bears, Juneau should be at the top of your list if finding a bear is a goal of yours. There are several tour options throughout the area, including float plane and hiking adventures. 

One of your best chances for seeing bears is to go to Pack Creek Bear Viewing Area . This park is located on Admiralty Island and is only reachable by boat or plane. The sanctuary is home to more than 1,500 bears and is part of the Tongass National Forest. The native Tlingit people named the island “Kootznoowoo,” which means “fortress of the bears.”

Alaska Sea Plane Adventures offers two bear tours, including one to Pack Creek and one to Waterfall Creek. 

The Pack Creek Tour is a small group tour where you will take a small plane to Admiralty Island and spend 5 hours on the ground observing the wildlife. Included with your tour are rubber boots, rain gear, binoculars, and a hearty lunch with snacks. During the tour, your guide will take you along beaches and meadows to where the creek meets the tide. There is also an optional 2-mile trail that takes you through the old-growth forest to an observation platform.

The Waterfall Creek Adventure takes you to a waterfall with rapids where bears catch the salmon coming up the river. This secret location is a 30-minute plane ride, and then a short walk to the viewing location. Rubber boots, rain gear (if needed), day pack, binoculars, and healthy snacks are all included.

CHANEL YOUR INNER JOE JUNEAU

Another classic Alaska must-do is to go panning for gold. Joe Juneau was one of the original founders of Juneau and Douglas Island. Douglas Island is where the area’s first major gold discoveries were in the 1800s.  

Today, you can take a gold panning tour, where you’ll be taught the basics of mining and gold panning and you’ll actually be able to keep what you find. The Historic Gold Mining & Panning Adventure with Alaska Travel Adventures takes you to Gold Creek, where you can try your luck at striking it rich. 

CAMP AT EAGLE BEACH STATE RECREATION AREA

Eagle Beach State Recreation Area is located just north of Juneau along the Glacier Highway. At this beautiful location, you’ll find tent and RV campsites, trails, fishing, wildlife viewing, and beachcombing opportunities. You’ll also find three cabins here — the Saturday Creek Cabin, Berry Patch Cabin, and Marten Cabin.

In the summer, hiking, fishing, berry picking, and picnicking are popular activities. In the winter, skiing, snowshoeing, and wildlife viewing are the main activities. Year-round, you’ll want to take pictures of the beautiful scenery — it’s truly breathtaking!

Please note that the campground road is not plowed and the campground gate is locked from mid-September until spring.

THEN DINE AND SHOP IN DOWNTOWN JUNEAU

Reminiscent of an old mining town, Downtown Juneau is a great place to unwind with good food, drinks, and a little bit of shopping. 

To start out your day, you can try out one of the tasty coffee shops or cafes. Some of the most talked about are Heritage Coffee Co and Cafe, The Grind Coffee House, and Pie in the Sky. For lunch or dinner, there is Deckhand Daves, Hangar on the Wharf, Alaska Fish and Chips Co., and Tracy’s King Crab Shack. If you’re looking for fine dining or a romantic date night out, you can check out Salt. 

Juneau is filled with small mom-and-pop shops, gift shops, jewelry stores, and art galleries. Some of the most popular include Juneau Artists Gallery, Senate Mall, Caribou Crossings, Jewels By Chris, Mt. Juneau Trading Post, and Alaska Knife works.

The Alaska Fudge Company and The Alaskan Shirt Company are also great places to pick up gifts or souvenirs from your time in Juneau. 

MORE INFORMATION FOR YOUR TRIP TO ALASKA

  • YOUR ALASKA VACATION
  • FAIRBANKS: 27 Phenomenal Things To Do In Fairbanks Alaska
  • ANCHORAGE: 24 Amazing Things To Do In Anchorage You’ll Love
  • NATIONAL PARKS: 9 Alaska National Parks You’ve Got To Explore
  • SEWARD: 12 Absolute Best Things To Do In Seward Alaska

WHERE TO STAY IN JUNEAU ALASKA

14 Things To Do in Juneau Alaska You Can’t Miss

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Go wild in Juneau

Alaska's third-largest city is not your typical capital

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Pink and yellow flowers in a meadow at Brotherhood Park in Juneau with Mendenhall Glacier in the background

For every adventurer eager to hike and kayak around Juneau, there is a history buff  excited to learn about Indigenous cultures and the city's gold mining days. Juneau's landscape also offers endless variety, a temperate rainforest surrounded by beautiful mountains and glaciers. Here are a few ways to experience the joys of Alaska's unique capital, from whale watching to panning for gold.

Visit Mendenhall Glacier

Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau, Alaska, with icebergs in front of it

Mendenhall Glacier is known as a "drive-in glacier," since it is easily accessibly by road

The Mendenhall Glacier is ever-changing. The 13-mile-long glacier has been receding since the 1700s, but our warming planet is accelerating matters — and in less than 30 years it may no longer be visible from the visitor's center. For now, the jagged glacier remains Juneau's biggest draw due to its beauty and accessibility (it is only 12 miles from downtown and easily reachable by car).

You can find fantastic views of the glacier and lake at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center . Admission is $5 per person for those 16 and older, and grants access to the Pavilion, Photo Point and Steep Creek Trails. Because the glacier is such a popular spot, expect crowds during the summer high season. One way to get around them is by booking a guided kayaking tour; permits are limited, so it will just be you and a select few paddling along Mendenhall Lake, getting up close and personal with the glacier. 

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Fly to the Juneau Icefield

Taku Towers on the Juneau Icefield

The Taku Towers are among the peaks on the Juneau Icefield

Stretching from Taku Inlet to Skagway, the 1,500-square-mile Juneau Icefield is the source of 38 major glaciers, including Mendenhall. Because of the changing climate and variable snow fall, the icefield is shifting and retreating — but for now, it is still one of the largest in North America. 

The safest way to reach the Juneau Icefield is by booking a helicopter tour with a reputable company. Prior to taking off from Juneau, you will gear up for the trek and go over safety protocols with the pilot. The journey begins with flightseeing above the icefield's peaks, crevasses and icefalls, and ends by landing on a glacier (likely Herbert, Mendenhall or Taku). Take your time carefully walking across the surface, sticking close to the pilot as you take in this extraordinary sight.

Spend the morning whale watching

Humpback whales bubble feeding in Juneau

Lucky whale watchers might come across humpbacks off the coast of Juneau

After wintering in Hawaii, hundreds of humpback whales make their way back up to Juneau, where they spend the summer feasting on a bounty of krill and herring. Orcas are also in the area, though not in the same numbers as humpbacks. Whale watching season runs from April to November, with the peak in June through August. On any water excursion, you will likely see a combination of harbor seals, sea lions, bald eagles and Dall's porpoise. 

There is a difference between trying to spot whales from abroad a massive cruise ship and being out on the open water searching for them in a smaller vessel . On a little boat, you are closer to the action and more likely to notice water sprays and huge gatherings of birds — tell-tale signs that whales are nearby. The captain can maneuver quickly and change course to follow the whales, something that is not possible on a cruise ship.

Learn something new at Sealaska

Indigenous art in Juneau, Alaska

Indigenous art is on display at the Sealaska Heritage Institute

Southeast Alaskan Native voices from the past and present can be heard at the Sealaska Heritage Institute . For more than 10,000 years, the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian have lived in the region; this nonprofit focuses on preserving their cultures, languages and art through events, lectures, festivals and artifacts. 

Inside the institute, treasures abound, including clan regalia, a massive house-front painted and carved by Tsimshian artist David A. Boxley, and the world's largest glass house screen by Tlingit artist Preston Singletary. The exterior of the building and awnings are just as impressive, with formline designs by Haida artists Robert Davidson and Steve Brown. 

Take a hike

Mount Roberts Tramway heading up the mountain in Juneau

If hiking up Mount Roberts is too much, take the tram instead

Juneau is in the Tongass National Forest, which encompasses nearly 17 million acres of temperate rainforest, glaciers, streams and valleys. This is what makes the city a hiker's dream: trails, from easy to strenuous, wind for miles through stunning scenery.

If you want an easy but pleasant hike, try the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area's  Steep Creek Trail loop; at half a mile, it's short and sweet with a viewing spot where you can see sockeye and coho salmon in the summer (and possibly black bears in a feeding frenzy). Another relaxing choice is the Nugget Falls Trail . Two miles round trip, this one ends at a beautiful waterfall.

Up for more of a challenge? Pack some trail mix and set off for Mount Roberts. The trail is 7.6 miles out and back, and the climb is worth it for the incredible views of Juneau, Douglas and the Gastineau Channel. This is a route that intrepid bird watchers particularly enjoy. But if you want to see the sights without breaking a sweat, take the Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway ; the gondola will get you to the Sky Bridge and Mountain House in just five minutes. Here, you can watch a short film about the Tlingit, look at Native carvings and check out a gift shop full of Native art.

Remember: Before embarking upon any hike, check trail conditions and dress appropriately for the weather. Always stay on marked trails and prepare for wildlife encounters .

Pan for gold

An early 20th century photo of the Juneau Mine tunnel

From the 1880s to 1940s, Alaska produced $150 million worth of gold

In 1881, Juneau was named after Joe Juneau, one of the prospectors who struck gold there in 1880 and ushered in the gold rush (the Tlingit call the area Dzantik'i Héeni, or "Base of the Flounder's River"). You can book a tour to explore old mines and shafts, learn about the prospectors who flocked to Juneau, and pan for gold in an icy cold stream.

Getting to Juneau is part of the fun

Juneau, Alaska, with Mount Roberts in the background

Downtown Juneau, with Mount Roberts in the background

No roads lead to Juneau. Because of its geography, you can only reach this remote city by plane, ferry or ship. A vast majority of visitors arrive on cruise ships, with a record 1.65 million passengers disembarking in 2023. If you arrive via cruise, your feet and tour buses should be enough to get you around town for the day. But if you plan on staying in Juneau longer, it's a good idea to rent a car. The city does have a bus system, but it is geared toward locals, not tourists.

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Catherine Garcia is night editor for TheWeek.com . Her writing and reporting has appeared in Entertainment Weekly and EW.com , The New York Times , The Book of Jezebel , and other publications. A Southern California native, Catherine is a graduate of the University of Redlands and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.

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Public Tours

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Call us with any questions (907) 723-8478

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walking tour juneau alaska

Taste real Alaskan food made by real Alaskans.

Explore Alaska through its delicious cuisine while supporting dozens of small businesses. Tours available daily. Perfect for visitors and corporate or private groups.

Our trained hosts guide you through iconic sights and the finest in locally-sourced Alaska cuisine.

Enjoy local delicacies like king crab bisque, smoked salmon caviar, and indigenous rainforest teas at each of our curated locations.

walking tour juneau alaska

Meet your host at the first stop on the tour.

The starting location is easy to get to and listed on your e-receipt.

walking tour juneau alaska

Taste a variety of locally crafted food and drink.

All tastings are preordered and waiting for you at each stop.

walking tour juneau alaska

Discover Juneau’s hidden gems.

Your host reveals the most delicious authentic cuisine Juneau has to offer.

It was an awesome way to experience Juneau. Easy walking through the downtown area with plenty of stops to rest. I would recommend this tour to anyone visiting!

Kris K. TripAdvisor

Tours Run Daily

2.5-hour guided food and drink experience through downtown Juneau. 14 people maximum per tour.

Private and Corporate Experiences

Available every day.

Uniquely designed custom experiences for groups of 4 to 400.

Taste Alaska! Gift Boxes

Pick-up or shipped.

Each item in every box is hand-selected to share a little taste of Alaska and support local small businesses.

walking tour juneau alaska

Midgi Moore, Chief Eating Officer

walking tour juneau alaska

I love my picturesque little city. I can’t wait to share it with you!

My passion for Juneau’s food and the people who make it started years ago when I became my city’s unofficial foodie ambassador when my Juneau food blog became a column in the local paper. The more I wrote about my town and the amazing dining experiences here, the more I wanted to share it with everyone.

When the pandemic struck, I thought, “If people can’t make it to Alaska, I’ll bring Alaska to them!” That’s how I came to create Taste Alaska! foodie boxes, packed with hand-selected local items provided by small, family-owned Alaska businesses.

Nothing makes me happier than leading a group of visitors or locals to discover all the wonderful bounty of Alaska’s restaurants, fisheries, and breweries!

Midgi Moore

Midgi Moore Chief Eating Officer, Juneau Food Tours

Frequently Asked Questions

Do i need to purchase tickets in advance.

Yes, all tickets are purchased via our online ticketing service. If you are having difficulty with the online service, please call or email us and we will gladly assist you. For private groups, please contact us and we will invoice you.

What is your cancellation policy?

We get it, things happen and sometimes plans need to change. Given the nature of our tours, our cancellation policy is a full refund if canceled prior to 48 hours of the tour. If within 48 hours, there is no refund. If for any reason your cruise ship does not come to Juneau or Juneau Food Tours cancels the tour, we will offer a full refund.

What if it is raining?

Juneau is located in the beautiful Tongass National Forest, which is the largest temperate rainforest in the world. We tend to get quite a bit of rain. This is what makes Juneau and Southeast Alaska so beautiful. Locals refer to the rain as “liquid sunshine.” We encourage guests to wear a lightweight rain jacket because rain or shine, we will dine!

I live in Juneau. Should I go on the tour?

Most definitely! While the Prohibition Progressive Party doesn’t provide city history, it includes unique and quite colorful history of the era.  Many locals end the tour with “I never knew that!”

OK, so food is included. How much food?

Each tour is designed to provide enough food for a hearty lunch, yet not leave participants so full that they cannot continue enjoying their visit in Juneau. Our goal is to ensure you have a “happy belly.”

What if I don’t see a time/date that works for me?

Give us a call! We may have openings on tours that aren’t listed online. Some tours are for a particular cruise line, but we love to add additional guests when possible. Our direct line is (907) 723-8478.

Don’t see your question answered here, visit our FAQ page.

Limited bookings available!

Don’t wait until the last minute. Tours may have limited availability. Reserve your spot today.

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walking tour juneau alaska

Can You Drive to Juneau Alaska? Travel to Juneau (2024)

H ave you found yourself scratching your head and wondering if you can drive to Juneau, Alaska? If so, you’re not alone. This question has puzzled many travelers planning their Alaskan adventure.

Can you drive to Juneau Alaska? The short answer is no, you can’t drive directly to Juneau from anywhere.

As someone who lived in the huge state of Alaska for seven years, I’ve gathered a wealth of knowledge about its unique geography and transportation quirks.

In this post, we’ll unravel the mystery surrounding the accessibility of Juneau, a city known for its stunning landscapes and rich history.

We’ll tackle the complexities of Alaskan geography and transportation, providing clear, reliable information to dispel any doubts you might have.

Whether you’re planning a trip to the Last Frontier or just satisfying your curiosity, this post is designed to guide you through the confusion.

Can You Drive to Juneau, Alaska?

Despite being the capital city of Alaska, Juneau is unique in that it’s not connected to the rest of the state by a road system.

Nestled at the base of towering mountains and surrounded by the waters of the Gastineau Channel, Juneau is what’s known as a ‘roadless city.’

It is a city that’s as unique as it is beautiful. Nestled in the heart of the Inside Passage of the Alaska Marine Highway, it’s a place where mountains and glaciers serve as the backdrop to everyday life.

But there’s that weird catch – if there isn’t a road that leads directly to Juneau, how do you get there?

Well, it’s all part of the Alaskan adventure! You could drive to Bellingham in Washington State and hop on a ferry for a scenic journey.

Or, if you’re up for an epic road trip, you could traverse part of the iconic Alaskan-Canadian Highway and then catch a ferry from Skagway to Juneau.

Either way, the journey to Juneau is just as memorable as the destination itself!

Is Juneau Only Accessible by Boat?

While boat travel is a popular way to reach Juneau, it’s not the only option. Juneau is primarily accessible by two means: by sea and by air.

BY SEA : The Alaska Marine Highway System operates ferries that connect Juneau with other communities in Southeast Alaska, as well as with Bellingham, Washington. This is a scenic and popular way to reach Juneau, allowing you to bring your vehicle with you.

BY AIR : Juneau International Airport serves as a major hub for air travel in Southeast Alaska. It offers regular flights to and from several Alaskan cities and towns, as well as seasonal flights to Seattle, Washington.

So, while you can’t drive directly to Juneau, you have options when it comes to choosing your mode of transportation. Whether you prefer the leisurely pace of a ferry ride or the speed and convenience of air travel, getting to Juneau is part of the fun!

How Do I Get My Car to Juneau?

If you want to bring your car to Juneau, the most feasible option is to use the Alaska Marine Highway System, which operates a network of ferries that transport people, vehicles, and cargo to various locations in Alaska such as Whittier, Valdez , Homer, Ketchikan, and Haines, to name a few.

Here’s how you can do it:

  • Drive to a Ferry Terminal : The southernmost terminal of the Alaska Marine Highway System is in Bellingham, Washington. You can drive your car to this terminal.
  • Take the Ferry : Once you reach the terminal, you can load your car onto the ferry. The ferry will then transport you and your car along the scenic Inside Passage to Juneau. The journey takes about 2-3 days, depending on the specific route and schedule.

Remember to book your ferry passage in advance, especially during the busy summer months. Also, note that the cost of ferry travel will depend on the size of your vehicle and the number of passengers.

So, while you can’t drive directly to Juneau, you can certainly bring your car with you and enjoy the freedom of having your vehicle once you’re there!

What to Pack for Your Juneau Adventure

Heading on an adventure to Juneau, Alaska, is an exciting prospect! To ensure you’re well-prepared for your trip, it’s important to pack appropriately. Here’s a practical guide to help you decide what to bring, depending on the season and your planned activities.

Clothing : Regardless of the season, layering is key in Juneau. The weather can change quickly, so it’s best to be prepared.

  • A mix of short and long-sleeved tops
  • Warm sweater or fleece, and a waterproof jacket
  • Knit hat and light gloves
  • Comfortable walking shoes for exploring the city
  • Gore-Tex hiking boots if you plan to hit the trails.

Outdoor Gear : If you’re planning outdoor activities, consider packing the following items to make your day more comfortable and efficient.

  • Binoculars for wildlife viewing
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Backpack for day trips

Summer Accessories : If the sun is shining, which admittedly, doesn’t always happen, you will want some protection!

  • Cap or baseball hat
  • Bug spray can also be useful

Winter : Winter in Alaska can be brutally cold. Juneau can be damp as well as it is rainier in this area.

  • Warm waterproof mittens
  • Fleece-lined hat
  • Thermal Layers
  • Waterproof winter boots

Essentials : Everyone has those personal needs that one doesn’t want to forget to pack! Make a list and check it twice.

  • Travel documents
  • Medications
  • Any specialty items you might not be able to find easily in Juneau

Remember, packing for Juneau is all about preparing for adventure and being ready to embrace the elements, whatever the weather may bring.

Top Attractions in Juneau Alaska

Here are some of the top attractions that visitors to Juneau, Alaska, should not miss that work well for day trip ideas:

  • Mendenhall Glacier : This stunning glacier is located just 12 miles from downtown Juneau and is one of the city’s most popular attractions. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities here, including hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploring the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center.
  • Tracy Arm Fjord : Known for its stunning natural beauty, Tracy Arm Fjord offers breathtaking views of glaciers, mountains, and wildlife. Boat tours are a popular way to explore this area.
  • Mount Roberts Tramway : This tramway offers a quick and scenic ride to the top of Mount Roberts, where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Juneau and the surrounding area.
  • Alaska State Museum : This museum offers a comprehensive look at Alaska’s history, culture, and art. It’s a must-visit for those interested in learning more about the state.
  • Juneau Whale-Watching Tours : Juneau is a great place to spot humpback whales and killer whales (orcas), especially between April and November. Several tour operators offer whale-watching excursions.
  • Alaska State Capitol : A tour of the Alaska State Capitol building provides insight into the state’s political history and processes.
  • Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure : This botanical garden offers guided tours through a lush rainforest, with beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
  • Juneau-Douglas City Museum : This local museum provides a look into the history and culture of the Juneau-Douglas area.
  • Macaulay Salmon Hatchery : Here, visitors can learn about Alaska’s important salmon industry and even see thousands of salmon up close.
  • Treadwell Mine Historic Trail : This trail offers a glimpse into Juneau’s gold mining history, with interpretive signs and remnants of the old Treadwell Mine along the way.

Looking for some popular tours and activities in Juneau?

• Best Private Whale Watching Tours in Juneau

• Best Juneau Helicopter Tours

• Best Juneau Whale Watching Group Tours

FAQS: Can You Drive to Juneau, Alaska?

Understandably, people have quite a few questions about how to get to the small city of Juneau, Alaska! Here are some common ones and some answers.

Why is Juneau not accessible by car?

Juneau’s unique geographical location is the primary reason it’s not accessible by car. The city is nestled in the Southeast Alaska panhandle, surrounded by water on one side and towering mountains and glaciers on the other. This rugged terrain makes it impossible to build a road that directly connects Juneau to the rest of Alaska or the lower 48 states.

Are there any roads going to Juneau Alaska?

While there are no roads that connect Juneau to the rest of Alaska or the continental United States, the city itself does have a road system. The Juneau road system covers the local area, including the Mendenhall Valley, Auke Bay, and out to Thane and the Kensington Mine. However, these roads end where the city ends.

Are there cars in Juneau Alaska?

Yes, there are cars in Juneau, Alaska. Despite the city’s unique geographical location and lack of connecting roads to other cities, Juneau has a local road system that residents and visitors use for transportation within the city and its surrounding areas.

People use cars for daily commuting, running errands, and exploring the local area.

The local road system covers areas such as Downtown Juneau, the Mendenhall Valley, Auke Bay, Douglas Island, and out to Thane and the Kensington Mine.

Additionally, cars can be brought to Juneau via the Alaska Marine Highway System, which operates ferries that can transport vehicles. There are also car rental services available in Juneau for visitors who need a vehicle during their stay.

Do you need a car when visiting Juneau Alaska?

Whether you need a car when visiting Juneau, Alaska, largely depends on what you plan to do during your visit! If you’re planning to stay mainly in downtown Juneau and visit attractions such as the Alaska State Museum, the State Capitol, or the historic district, you might not need a car.

Downtown Juneau is quite walkable, and many of the main attractions are within a reasonable walking distance of each other.

However, if you want to explore areas outside of downtown, such as the Mendenhall Glacier, having a car can be beneficial. Public transportation in Juneau is limited, and while there are some bus services, they may not align with your schedule or go to all the places you want to visit.

There are also taxi services and tour companies that offer transportation to popular attractions. Some visitors also choose to rent bicycles or scooters to get around.

The Bottom Line: Can You Drive to Juneau Alaska?

So while we’ve determined that you can’t drive to Juneau, Alaska, this unique aspect only adds to the city’s charm and allure!

The journey to Juneau, whether by ferry or plane, is an adventure in itself, offering spectacular scenery in the Alaskan wilderness.

Once there, you’ll find a city rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, from the bustling downtown to the serene Mendenhall Glacier.

So, don’t let the lack of a road deter you. Embrace the adventure, set sail for the horizon, and discover the unforgettable experience that is Juneau.

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The post Can You Drive to Juneau Alaska? Travel to Juneau (2024) appeared first on This Noshtalgic Life .

Have you found yourself scratching your head and wondering if you can drive to Juneau, Alaska? If so, you’re not alone. This question has puzzled many travelers planning their Alaskan adventure. Can you drive to Juneau Alaska? The short answer is no, you can’t drive directly to Juneau from anywhere. As someone who lived in...

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Travel | travel: alaska is ready for another record-breaking cruise season.

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Alaska is home to more than 30,000 grizzlies, but the state’s cruise industry is experiencing anything but a bear market as momentum of last year’s record-breaking season is expected to continue in 2024.

Looking at the most-visited Alaskan port as a proxy for the ship-shape southeastern side of the state, Juneau set a new mark a year ago with 1.65 million passengers descending on the capital city during cruise season, which generally runs from early April to late October. That figure from the Juneau Chamber of Commerce is a Danali-sized jump of 30% compared to the previous mark set in pre-pandemic 2019.

Coinciding with Alaska’s 65th anniversary of statehood, the upcoming cruise season appears to be just as robust with 19 cruise lines sending 43 ships to the Last Frontier. Kicking things off for the second straight year is the 4,008-passenger Norwegian Bliss, which is scheduled to dock in rustic Skagway on April 8. With four mainstream-category ships homeported in either Seattle or Vancouver, Norwegian Cruise Line ( ncl.com ) has nearly 100 more after that. Impressive, but two competing companies have staked out larger claims in this modern-day, maritime Alaskan gold rush; Holland America Line ( hollandamerica.com ) is sending seven premium-class ships for 141 total cruises, and at the top of the totem pole is Princess Cruises ( princess.com ), which is celebrating its 55th year in these waters with seven premium ships sharing 158 departures.

Rafting alongside Mendenhall Glacier is a chance-of-a-lifetime adventure for many. (Photo by David Dickstein)

Not counting grand voyages with itineraries so rich that they make a visit to Alaska seem more like a pitstop, this cruise season will see more than 800 trips of mostly seven to 10 days starting or ending on this side of the Pacific. Where they’re all going is a destination rich in unparallel wilderness, wildlife and native culture. In other words, bucket list stuff.

“Alaska is one of those places that draws you in and sets the hook right away,” said Kristi Switzer, destination marketing manager for Travel Juneau ( traveljuneau.com ). “Visitors come for the otherworldly experience of being in the presence of glaciers and fjords, seeing whales and bears, and finding the balance of Alaska Native cultural heritage with the rustic sophistication found in the capital city and other places within this magnificent state.”

Sometimes just seeing a whale's tail is a win when on an Alaskan tour. (Photo by David Dickstein)

Although Switzer recommends visits lasting several days instead of several hours, the city’s destination evangelist hopes that a partial day in Juneau and each major Alaskan cruise port has over 1.5 million passengers wanting more.

“This magical corner of the world has so much to offer beyond being a checkmark on people’s bucket lists,” she said. “Make time to enjoy the fascinating culture, spectacular outdoor recreation, unique shopping, amazing restaurants and artist galleries that Juneau and all of Southeast Alaska have to offer.”

Walking on a glacier is one of the more exciting shore excursions Alaska has to offer. (Photo by David Dickstein)

Alaska is a checkmark for about three-quarters of all passengers headed there, according to the Alaska Tourism Industry Association, and the same can be said for two ships this season.

Starting with a six-day sail out of Vancouver on May 11, the namesake of Celebrity Cruises’ ( celebritycruises.com ) popular Edge class will make her Alaskan debut with weeklong roundtrips from Seattle through Sept. 13. The 2,918-passenger vessel features a unique “outside-in” architecture that provides more floor-to-ceiling glass on the exterior and expanded outdoor spaces to soak up the Alaskan coastlines.

Skagway, a popular cruise port, is the northernmost point in Alaska's Inside Passage. (Photo by David Dickstein)

Edge will be joined by a pair of fleet mates for the season, albeit Summit’s seven-day roundtrips are turnarounds out of Anchorage or Vancouver and Solstice’s weeklong jaunts are solely based in the British Columbian seaport. Celebrity, a premier-category cruise line, meaning it’s between the economical mainstream class and pricy luxury level, has 57 departures to Alaska scheduled this year.

The other new recruit is Silver Nova, the youngest Silversea Cruises ( silversea.com ) ship in the luxury fleet to ever service Alaska. Capped at 728 guests, Silver Nova was launched last year and has the goods to do justice to a dreamlike place that captures the imagination of wilderness lovers and history buffs.

“Silver Nova is the ideal ship for Alaska cruising,” said company spokesman Brad Ball. “Her innovative design, which prizes openness over symmetry and incorporates an unprecedented use of approximately 4,000 square meters of glass, immerses guests into the incredible scenery of Alaska from virtually all venues and suites, with far-reaching views at every turn.”

While in Skagway, let happy and hard-working sled dogs take you on a spin around Musher's Camp. (Photo by David Dickstein)

The ship’s reimagined pool deck, which overlooks the water on her starboard side, and all-new outdoor venues — the Dusk Bar and the Marquee — allows unique openness to view spectacular Alaskan glaciers and wildlife. Those who want to experience an older and smaller Evolution-class Silversea vessel can book the Silver Muse, which also will sail mostly seven- to 14-day trips between Anchorage and Vancouver.

Because nearly every Alaskan cruise includes the staples — Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Inside Passage, and Denali with a land add-on — some cruise lines like to shake things up with unique itineraries.

Holland America has a roundtrip that makes it easy to visit the 49th and 50th states without a long flight. A new “Glaciers & Volcanos: Alaska to Hawaii” cruise, part of the premium line’s Legendary Voyages collection of journeys from 25 to 59 days, departs on Aug. 31 from Seattle or Sept. 1 from Vancouver aboard the 1,916-passenger Westerdam. The near-four-week-long itinerary includes seldomly visited Kodiak and Dutch Harbor before heading down to the tropics to make four calls to three Hawaiian islands.

Seabourn ( seabourn.com ) strives to offer a more tasteful Alaskan cruise and not only because it’s an ultra-luxury cruise line. “Caviar on the Ice” is a savory and swanky soiree on every Alaskan voyage, and when the 450-passenger Odyssey is in Sitka, a town originally built by Russian traders in the early 1800s, Seabourn guests can enjoy a culinary adventure that includes a scenic drive to a taproom for a sampling of local brews and a few eateries to try Siberian-rooted pelmeni dumplings and a hot dog made with caribou that the locals call “reindeer dawgs.” Sorry, vegetarians and friends of Santa, but Blitzen on a bun is da bomb.

Red Onion Saloon, a former bordello built in 1898, is a top attraction in historic Skagway. (Photo by David Dickstein)

Carnival Cruise Line ( carnival.com ) is staying with a three-ship deployment in Alaska this season. Sharing the workload of 55 roundtrips generally lasting seven to 11 days are Carnival Spirit (2,610 passengers) and Carnival Luminosa (2,260) out of Seattle, and Carnival Miracle (2,667) from San Francisco. Another mainstream cruise line, Royal Caribbean ( royalcaribbean.com ), has four ships making 85 runs to Alaska from Seattle, Vancouver and Anchorage: Ovation of the Seas, (4,905) and older sister Quantum of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas (2,543) and Radiance of the Seas (2,466).

Disney Cruise Line ( disneycruise.com ) is sending its 2,700-passenger Disney Wonder out of Vancouver for 15 week-long roundtrips, one five-day spin leaving on July 24 and an extended nine-day voyage on July 15.

Other cruise lines showing passengers a whale of a time in Alaska include Crystal, Cunard, Hurtigruten, Lindblad/National Geographic, Oceania, Ponant, Regent Seven Seas and Viking.

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IMAGES

  1. 10 Things to Do in Juneau, Alaska: An Adventurous Traveler's Guide (2023)

    walking tour juneau alaska

  2. Juneau Historical Walking Tour

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  3. Juneau, Alaska Day Tour; Helicopter Tour, Glacier Trekking; Juneau Icefield

    walking tour juneau alaska

  4. Low Prices on Mendenhall Glacier Trek Tour in Juneau

    walking tour juneau alaska

  5. How to Explore Juneau, Alaska, in One Day

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  6. Top 10 Best Experiences in Juneau, Alaska

    walking tour juneau alaska

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  1. Exploring Juneau

  2. Juneau Alaska

  3. MENDENHALL GLACIER TOUR| Juneau alaska (13.6 miles)

  4. Walking through the Alaska State Capitol, Juneau #alaska #usa #statecapital #walkingtour #governor

  5. Free Tour walking through downtown in the Port of Juneau Alaska

  6. Juneau Alaska Mountain Bike Trail Ride

COMMENTS

  1. Downtown Juneau, Alaska

    Juneau's waterfront is a beehive of activity during the summer. Start your Juneau Voices walking tour. Juneau Voices is a series of location-specific sound installations featuring stories and memories told by Juneau residents who lived them. Each sound installation is linked to a sign downtown, with several of the Downtown Juneau maps on the ...

  2. PDF Downtown Juneau Walking Tour

    It is a 15 minute walk to the whale from the SOB. Downtown Clock on the corner of Front and Franklin streets. • Juneau-Douglas City Museum focuses on local history, art and culture. Exhibits on shing, mining, skiing, native. On Front Street history, politics and statehood. Check out the 1959 American.

  3. Juneau Walking Tours

    Juneau-Douglas City Museum. 1 Map Website. Season: Museum: Year-Round, Walking Tours: May - September $6 admission only | $30 walking tours (includes admission) This muse­um sits on the site where Alas­ka offi­cial­ly became a state. View the exhibits and watch an award-win­ning doc­u­men­tary about the city.

  4. Walking Tours in Juneau

    Start & Finish: Alaska State Capitol, 4th and Seward streets. Time: 1 hour (1 mile) for standard tour; 2 1/2 hours (2 1/2 miles) for the extended tour, with minimal stops. 1. The Alaska State Capitol. This structure fills the block between 4th and 5th and Main and Seward streets. Except for the marble portico on the 4th Street side, it is a nondescript brick box, probably the least impressive ...

  5. Museum

    The walk is about 1.5 miles in length and will begin at the City Museum. Led by local tour guides Dr. Cathy Connor, retired Professor of Geology University of Alaska Southeast, and Juneau Naturalist Richard Carstensen. Price of tour includes admission to the City Museum and a 20% discount on select items in the Museum Store. Reservations required.

  6. THE BEST Juneau Walking Tours (Updated 2024)

    Mar 17, 2024 - Whether you are a local or a tourist, get to know the area even better while on foot with the best Juneau walking tours on Tripadvisor. Read the reviews of your fellow travelers and book top-rated walking tours in Juneau for 2024.

  7. Juneau

    The WalknTours app and patented walking tour technology offer immersive location aware walking tours navigated by your smart phone. Go at your own pace, on your own schedule and on your own terms. It's like a real life tour guide, only it's on your phone and available 24/7/365. U.S. Patent No. 10,959,051 & 11,496,863 >

  8. Juneau Historical Walking Tour

    Downtown, Juneau, AK 99801. Phone: (907) 321-0775. Visit Website Send Email. View Map. Join Alaskan Author, Photographer, and Teacher, Larry Johansen on a historical journey throughout downtown Juneau. Juneau Historical Walking Tour: Duration 1.5 Hours Description: Take a 90 minute walk through the streets of historic downtown Juneau.

  9. Alaska Sightseeing

    Juneau Alaska walking tour to the best beautiful town walk alone the ocean see the salmon sea lions whales bald eagles walk through beautiful town and shops great thing to do while there will definitely visit again. Read more. Written October 22, 2019.

  10. Juneau Day Tours & Attractions

    Juneau-Douglas City Museum. 24 Map Website. Season: Museum: Year-Round, Walking Tours: May - September $7 admission only | $31.50 walking tours (includes admission) This muse­um sits on the site where Alas­ka offi­cial­ly became a state. View the exhibits and watch an award-win­ning doc­u­men­tary about the city.

  11. PDF 2022 Walking Tour Schedules

    today. Price of tour includes admission to the ity Museum, a 20% discount on select items in the Museum Store, and tea time at Alaska's apital Inn. FREE Alaska State Capitol Tours The Alaska State apitol uilding in Juneau has served as the symbol and seat of government for more than 90 years and continues to be a working apitol today. The

  12. Juneau-Douglas City Museum

    Watch the award-winning, 26-minute documentary, "Juneau, City Built on Gold," and check out the large relief map from 1967 that shows how the Mendenhall Glacier has dramatically transformed. Rotating Exhibits include solo artists in the winter, a community exhibit in the spring, and a summer exhibit that goes deeper into the area's history.

  13. Treadwell Mine Historic Trail

    Treadwell Mine Historic Trail Walking Tour. This was once the site of the most productive gold mines in the United States—$70 million in gold was removed by 2,000 workers. Of the 144 structures that stood in Treadwell in 1910, only a few foundations still exist, and the New Office Building is the only remaining structure.

  14. 12 Best Things to Do in Juneau, Alaska

    You can also join some great walking tours in Juneau in the summer. In 2022 there were several options, including the Historic Downtown Walking Tour, the Alaska State Capitol Tour (free!), Juneau True Crime Tour, and the Treadwell Mine Walking Tour. Keep in mind that reservations are required and that space is limited.

  15. Juneau, Alaska

    Covering all the main areas of Juneau, Alaska. I go through downtown to the Mendenhall Glacier and to Auke Bay. This is during coronavirus June 2020 which ...

  16. The Top 11 Glacier Walk Tours in Juneau

    The Top 11 Glacier Walk Tours in Juneau. Walking on a glacier in Alaska is an activity that every adventurous traveler should experience firsthand. Juneau is one of the best places for this with many glaciers and different types of excursion options. Looking for the easiest and most affordable way to step foot on a glacier?

  17. Juneau Alaska 󠁵󠁳󠁡󠁫󠁿 Downtown Walking Tour

    Signup for our Newsletter Email here: https://mailchi.mp/544d66e78709/subscribe-to-exploretravelerJuneau Alaska 🏴󠁵󠁳󠁡󠁫󠁿🚶😊Downtown Walking Tour ...

  18. 11 Free And Cheap Things To Do In Juneau

    11. Downtown Walking Tour. Cost: FREE! Take your time and enjoy Juneau's downtown area with a self-guided walking tour, one of the perfect ways to explore Juneau for do-it-yourself and budget-savvy travelers. Maps can be picked up at the airport or a number of other places, including cruise ship terminals and visitor information centers.

  19. 14 Things To Do in Juneau Alaska You Can't Miss

    The museum offers walking tours and even online collections and exhibits. Walking tours are available from May through October and include the Historic Downtown Juneau Walking Tour, Alaska State Capitol Tour, Juneau True Crime Tour, Treadwell Mine Walking Tour, and a Death in Douglas: True Crime Tour.

  20. The Other Side of History walking tour.

    Haunted Juneau. View Website Juneau, Alaska 9073218693. We are Haunted Juneau - a company that offers unique and fascinating walking tours of our historic hometown. Established in 2022, our mission is to provide visitors with an unforgettable experience as they explore the mysterious and haunted alleys of Juneau.

  21. PDF 2024 WALKING TOUR SCHEDULES

    2024 WALKING TOUR SCHEDULES ALASKA STATE CAPITOL TOUR FREE Monday through Friday 2:30-3:30 pm & 4:00-5:00 pm Offered 6/3/24 to 9/26/24 ... Historic Downtown Juneau Tour This walking tour covers about 10 city blocks of the downtown business district and bordering neighborhood. Participants will learn about Juneau's first inhabitants,

  22. A Tour With Taste

    A Tour With Taste. 2.5-hour daytime walking tour with a fun, expert host. Savor multiple different tastings that include authentic Alaskan seafood, delicious treats, and locally crafted drinks. All tickets refundable within 48 hours of the tour. $129 /Person.

  23. Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan Alaska Map and Walking Guide

    Download this free pdf Juneau walking tour map! Skagway Alaska Map and Walking Guide. At the very northern reaches of the Inside Passage, just before the lovely Lynn Canal tapers out, is the final Inside Passage port town on many northbound cruisers' itineraries. Substantially smaller and more scarcely populated than Juneau or Ketchikan ...

  24. Juneau activities guide: from whale watching to panning for gold

    Juneau is more than just Alaska's historic capital city — it is a place filled with natural wonders, like the Mendenhall Glacier and Tongass National Forest

  25. Juneau Food Tours

    It was an awesome way to experience Juneau. Easy walking through the downtown area with plenty of stops to rest. ... If for any reason your cruise ship does not come to Juneau or Juneau Food Tours cancels the tour, we will offer a full refund. ... This is what makes Juneau and Southeast Alaska so beautiful. Locals refer to the rain as "liquid ...

  26. Can You Drive to Juneau Alaska? Travel to Juneau (2024)

    Juneau Whale-Watching Tours: Juneau is a great place to spot humpback whales and killer whales (orcas), especially between April and November. Several tour operators offer whale-watching excursions.

  27. Travel: Alaska is ready for another record-breaking cruise season

    Holland America has a roundtrip that makes it easy to visit the 49th and 50th states without a long flight. A new "Glaciers & Volcanos: Alaska to Hawaii" cruise, part of the premium line's ...