The city of Juneau encompasses 3,108 square miles of some of the most majestic natural beauty in the United States. Whether visiting for a few days or a few hours, there is plenty to see and do. Activities can accommodate a range of interests for people of all ages.
Juneau Tours and Sightseeing
Beginning with the city proper, there are several local landmarks to visit with a city tour. The governor’s mansion sits on the side of the mountain, easily accessible by walking or car. The MaCauley Salmon Hatchery reveals the amazing life cycle of the salmon, and the Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure is a botanical delight. Juneau has art museums to visit featuring Native American art and local modern art.
The Mt. Roberts Tram takes visitors from the pier up to the top of the mountain for a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside and an alpine hike. Native flora such as elderberry, Devil’s Club, and Sitka Spruce can be admired along the trail. Some months of the year fireweed and the state flower, Forget-Me-Nots are in bloom.
Mendenhall Glacier is one of the most popular destinations near Juneau. Just a few miles outside of town, visitors can enjoy the glacier and its pristine blue lake, along with local wildlife.
Outdoor Adventures with Hiking and Fishing in Alaska
Hiking, kayaking, riding a zip line in the rainforest, and sport fishing are popular Juneau activities. Local charter boats give guided fishing tours for salmon and halibut. Flyfishing is another local passion. Visitors with an Alaskan fishing license may fish from the pier at Channel Drive, and near the fish hatchery.
For hikers, Perseverance Trail begins downtown at the end of Basin Road. This three-mile trail branches off to the Granite Creek Trail and the Mount Juneau Ridge Trail. These trails are slightly strenuous. Wheelchair-accessible trails are open at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, the Kaxdigoowu Heen Dei, and the Airport Dike Trail.
The Eaglecrest Ski Area is also host to zip lines through the rainforest and over mountain streams. This adventure outing can be combined with a tour of the Mendenhall Glacier and jeep or hiking tours with local guide companies.
Whale Watching and Wildlife Viewing in Juneau, Alaska
Charter cruises take tourists out to see humpback whales and orca, porpoises, and bald eagles. Kayaking tours are available as well. In addition, visitors may see seals, sea lions, otters, and innumerable birds.
Pack Creek Bear Sanctuary on Admiralty Island may be reached by boat, kayak, or floatplane, with or without a guide, and is open by permit during the summer months. Over 1,000 bears live on Admiralty Island.
Winter Activities in Juneau
Sports enthusiasts will find plenty to do in Juneau during the winter months. Eaglecrest Ski area on Douglas Island has cross country, downhill, and heli-skiing. Snowboarding, ice skating, ice hockey, and snowshoeing are also popular. Backcountry skiing with a guide around the Mendenhall Glacier area is another option.
Juneau has an active arts and cultural community with plays, museums and festivals in the winter. Excellent dining is available year-round.
No matter what time of year, there are plenty of attractions in and around the beautiful city of Juneau, Alaska.
See these articles for more information about Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure and visiting Mendenhall Glacier, as well as What to Pack for a Cruise to Alaska.
 |
 |
 |
