The only state capital that is not reachable by road is Juneau, the capital of Alaska. This shouldn’t deter you from exploring this picturesque town. It is well worth the trip to visit beautiful city. I went to Juneau for a long weekend, and I had an amazing four days there! So allow me to walk you through the top 10 things to do in Juneau, which have been carefully chosen to provide you with an amazing and unforgettable experience. This extensive tour offers something for everyone, from kayaking with whales to exploring the Mendenhall Glacier.
Join me as we explore the best things Juneau has to offer, whether you’re a first-time tourist or a seasoned native.
Here are Top 10 Activities in JuneauÂ
1. Whale Watching
When it comes to whale viewing, Juneau is regarded as one of the top locations worldwide. Numerous boat tours are available in town that will take you to witness the magnificent whales and the enormous glaciers in the region.
There are about 600 humpback whales in the seas of the northern Inside Passage from April to November. Along with other species like bears and moose, you might see orcas in the water.
2. Glacier Tours
Juneau’s numerous glaciers provide a window into life during the Ice Age. When viewed in person, the enormous scale, icy blue ice, and rocky crevasses are both humbling and inspiring.
The following locations are popular spots to see these massive glaciers:
- The Taku and Mendenhall glaciers are two of the over forty glaciers that make up the 1,500 square mile Juneau Icefield.
- Mendenhall Glacier: To see this well-known glacier, take a shuttle that will drop you off across a lake.
- Taku Glacier Resort. The Taku Glacier is just across from this lodge. You have to take a floatplane to get there.
- Skagway White Pass Railroad: A ride on this railroad will give you glimpses of glacier views along its route.
3. Helicopter Tour
Take a helicopter trip over Juneau to get an aerial perspective of the city and its outlying areas. From above, you can take in a broad perspective that includes the town, lakes, mountains, and glaciers. Your guide will point out any wildlife below as well as the highlights of your route.
During my helicopter trip in Juneau, we were able to walk around and actually land on the glacier!
4. Canoe Paddling
Canoeing in Juneau is a great way to spend a day vacation; Mendenhall Lake is the spot to do it. You may paddle to the Mendenhall Glacier by navigating past the icebergs.
Along the trip, you’ll see a lot of fish in the water, maybe some goats by the shore, and a variety of birds soaring overhead. A peek of Nugget Falls may also be seen along the mountainside.
You should be able to locate canoe rentals through the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Centre.
5. Ride a Segway
Take a Segway tour to add some uniqueness to your Juneau stay. You can drive about the town’s various roads and trails, and you might even stop at Gold Creek, the Governor’s Mansion, or the Alaskan State Capital Building! Your list should also include the seven totem poles carved by the Tlingit and Haida tribes.
You may take a Segway trip down Douglas Highway along the Lynn Canal’s shoreline, or you can just relax and enjoy some locally brewed coffee at one of the city’s cafes. These trips last between two and three hours.
6. Visit the Gardens and Arboretums
It would seem unlikely that much vegetation would thrive in the state known as The Last Frontier given the frigid temperatures that its citizens endure for the most of the year. Even with such a short growing season, Alaska’s soil is extremely productive and may produce enormous veggies and colourful gardens.
Visit one of Juneau’s botanical gardens to take in the stunning indigenous flora, hanging gardens, and 15-foot-tall upside-down tree “Flower Towers.”
7. Partake in a Salmon Bake
A salmon bake is a really Alaskan dish in which the salmon is roasted over a fire rather than baked. A salmon bake may be found in most town centres, however the Gold Creek Salmon Bake is the best salmon bake around. A two-hour all-you-can-eat event with wild Alaskan salmon as the signature dish takes place by a creek in Juneau’s rainforest.
8. Go Rafting
Take in the picturesque raft trip around Mendenhall Lake and catch a glimpse of the Mendenhall Glacier as you go. The Class II and III rapids on the river make the ride even more thrilling once you’re on it.
Both experienced and novice whitewater rafters will enjoy the 5-mile river float.
9. Enjoy Some Alaskan King Crab
The meat of the larger-than-all other crab, the Alaskan king crab, is substantial and tasty. Compared to other crab meats, it has a leaner protein and low in calories and fat.
King crab’s high protein and omega-3 fatty acid content make it beneficial for your heart, brain, eyes, muscles, and joints. When in Juneau, locals and tourists alike visit Tracy’s King Crab Shack to satisfy their craving for king crab. An absolute must-try while visiting Alaska!
10. Hike Through an Alaskan Rainforest
Based near Juneau, the Tongass National Forest covers the majority of the remaining Southeast region of Alaska. Being a temperate forest, it is cooler than what you would often associate with a rainforest, even yet it is just as moist as tropical rainforests.
Explore the several pathways with views of the Mendenhall Glacier and the unique local flora and wildlife of the world’s largest temperate forest. While in Ketchikan, I went to a portion of the Tongass, and it truly does feel like you are travelling back in time to the prehistoric past.
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FAQ’s:
Q1: How can I explore the Mendenhall Glacier?
You can visit the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center for information and viewpoints, take a guided glacier trek, or go on a kayak tour to get up close to the glacier. Helicopter tours also offer breathtaking aerial views.
Q: What are the must-do activities in Juneau?
The top 10 activities in Juneau include exploring the Mendenhall Glacier, taking a scenic helicopter tour, whale watching, visiting the Alaska State Museum, hiking Mount Roberts, zip-lining, salmon fishing, experiencing the Gold Rush history at Last Chance Mining Museum, taking a tram to the top of Mount Roberts, and exploring the charming downtown area.
