Most cruise ships travelling through Alaska stop in Juneau, the state’s capital city, for at least a day. This city, isolated against the coast by the mountains, offers several great shore excursions on a budget, from stretching one’s legs on the climb up Mount Roberts to learning more about Alaska at the State Capitol building.
Walking Tour of Juneau
Juneau is a fairly small town, making it easy to reach most of the main attractions by foot. Walking provides a great solution for those needing to burn some calories after eating the delicious cruise food. Plan the walk ahead of time to avoid any doubling back and account for the abilities within the group. The cruise ship should provide some information about Juneau and representatives from the visitor’s bureau may also come onto the ship with pamphlets or information. Review these for any updated or interesting information.
Hiking in Juneau
With more than 260 km of trails, Juneau has much to offer those wishing to stretch their legs and explore nature. Walk through Juneau to the Mount Roberts Trail Head at the edge of town, then follow the trail around the back of the mountain as it winds to the top, giving bird’s-eye glimpses of Juneau on the way up. From the top of Mount Roberts, there’s a scenic view of downtown Juneau and the cruise ships sitting in the harbour. Discounts on tram fare are offered to those who climb the trail and ride the tram down. At the top of Mount Roberts is a short hiking trail with interpretive signs providing more information about the flora and fauna and surrounding area. Watch for trees with Native totem carvings as well.
Culture in Juneau
A free film on Tlingit culture is shown every half hour in the Mountain House at the top of Mount Roberts. Other performances may be held in the theatre there as well, and Native artists are often there displaying their art.
The Alaska State Capitol building offers free tours throughout the summer. The walls in the building boast a huge collection of historic photographs that are well worth the visit. The tour guides explain the Alaskan political system, as well as interesting facts, such as the building being made entirely of local stone.
Two museums in Juneau offer the chance to learn more about Juneau’s history and culture. The Alaska State Museum includes exhibits of Alaskan history, Native culture and wildlife, as well as guided tours, for $5 per person. The Juneau-Douglas City Museum offers artwork, mining and pioneer exhibits and historic videos for only $3 per adult.
Wildlife in Juneau
A bald eagle exhibit is found at the top of Mount Roberts, where these beautiful birds can be viewed close-up. Other mountain animals, such as marmots and chipmunks, frequent the top of the mountain. The visitor’s bureau also warns that black bears, marmots and porcupines may wander town. Watch for harbour seals, which are common in the Channel, while getting on and off the cruise ship. Juneau also offers several opportunities for whale watching; check out local tours in Juneau for cheaper prices than the cruise ship tours.
Other Juneau Attractions
Juneau offers a variety of other attractions, such as the Mendenhall Glacier, gold panning, whale watching, dog sledding, canoeing and kayaking, and helicopter rides to the glacier. These can vary in price from $15 to $500. Consider which of these shore excursions are really important or interesting, and plan ahead to include them in the budget. The money saved by doing cheaper activities within Juneau can make these big excursions more affordable. Many local companies also offer cheap tours, so shop around to get the best deal.
With a little planning ahead of time and the willingness to "do it on your own," cheap shore excursions on an Alaskan cruise are possible.
Related Article: How to Cruise Alaska Affordably
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