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 7 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.
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 Juneau Icefield: This is a 1,500 square mile area with almost 40 glaciers, including the Taku and Mendenhall glaciers.
Mendenhall Glacier: To get there, you can take a shuttle that will drop you off across a lake to view this famous glacier.
Taku Glacier Lodge. This lodge is directly across from the Taku Glacier. To get there, you must take a floatplane.
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.
FAQ’S:Â
Q1: What are the top activities to do in Juneau?
Juneau offers a variety of activities, but the top 7 must-do events include exploring the Mendenhall Glacier, taking a scenic helicopter tour, visiting the Alaska State Museum, going whale watching, hiking the Mount Roberts Trail, experiencing the Gold Creek Salmon Bake, and taking a historic downtown walking tour.
Q2: What is the best way to experience a scenic helicopter tour in Juneau?
To experience a scenic helicopter tour, you can book a guided excursion that takes you over the stunning landscapes of Juneau, including glaciers, mountains, and fjords. Some tours even offer glacier landings for a unique and unforgettable experience.
