Juneau Alaska

Alaska's capital is only accessible by sea or air - and that isolation is part of the charm. Expect rich history and stunning natural wonders just outside town.

Highlights

A popular cruise stop with more packed into a small footprint than almost anywhere else in the state.

Mendenhall Glacier

One of the most accessible glaciers in Alaska, just a short drive from downtown - hiking trails, a visitor center, and often black bears fishing nearby.

Whale Watching

The waters around Juneau are prime humpback whale territory - tours run right from the harbor.

Mount Roberts Tramway

A short ride up the mountainside right from the cruise dock, with hiking trails and views over the Gastineau Channel.

Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adoption Center

A rainforest garden built around upside-down tree-stump planters, with a shuttle up to a mountainside overlook of the Gastineau Channel.

Popular Shore Excursions

Juneau has more shore excursions than any other Alaska port, and it's the best base for getting out onto the ice. Glaciers, whales and gold-rush history are the big three. These are the tours we recommend most, from easy half-days to once-in-a-lifetime helicopter trips.

Mendenhall Glacier Explorer
3 hrs Easy

Mendenhall Glacier Explorer

The simplest way to see Juneau's most famous sight. You get about two hours at Mendenhall Glacier, with time for the visitor center, the trails and the view across the lake to the ice.

Whale Watching & Wildlife Quest
4 hrs Easy

Whale Watching & Wildlife Quest

Juneau is one of the best whale-watching bases in Alaska. Humpbacks are the headliners, and orcas, sea lions, porpoises and harbor seals often show up too. Whale sightings are guaranteed in peak season.

Mendenhall Glacier & Whale Quest
5.5 hrs Easy

Mendenhall Glacier & Whale Quest

Juneau's two biggest draws in one outing: time at Mendenhall Glacier and its visitor center, then a wildlife cruise with a peak-season whale guarantee.

Helicopter Glacier Walkabout
3.25 hrs Moderate

Helicopter Glacier Walkabout

Fly over the Juneau Icefield by helicopter, then land on a glacier for a guided walk on the ice. Small groups, big views.

Dog Sledding on the Mendenhall Glacier by Helicopter
2.75 hrs Moderate

Dog Sledding on the Mendenhall Glacier by Helicopter

Take a helicopter up to a mushers' camp on the glacier and drive your own dog team across the snow. There's time to meet the dogs (and puppies) before you fly back.

Five Glaciers Seaplane & Wilderness Lodge Feast
3.5 hrs Easy

Five Glaciers Seaplane & Wilderness Lodge Feast

A floatplane flight past five glaciers to a remote log lodge for a salmon feast. Walk the wilderness trails before you fly back to town.

Tracy Arm Fjord & Glacier Explorer Cruise
7.25 hrs Easy

Tracy Arm Fjord & Glacier Explorer Cruise

A full-day boat trip into Tracy Arm, a steep, narrow fjord that ends at the twin Sawyer Glaciers. Expect floating ice, waterfalls and sheer walls rising straight out of the water.

Goldbelt Tram
1.5 hrs Easy

Goldbelt Tram

The tram leaves just steps from the cruise pier and climbs 1,800 feet up Mount Roberts. At the top are views over downtown Juneau and Douglas Island, plus mountaintop trails.

Alaska Salmon Bake
1.5 hrs Easy

Alaska Salmon Bake

Wild salmon grilled over an alder-wood fire in the rainforest, with gold panning, a campfire and live entertainment on the side. Relaxed, and a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

Underground Mine Exploration & Gold Panning
2.25 hrs Easy

Underground Mine Exploration & Gold Panning

Juneau was built on gold. Take a small-group tour of the old Alaska Gastineau Mill and its underground workings, then pan for gold yourself. Wheelchair-accessible departures are available.

Mendenhall Glacier Float Trip
3.5 hrs Moderate

Mendenhall Glacier Float Trip

A gentle rafting trip down the Mendenhall River with the glacier in view and a few small rapids for fun. Paddle if you want the action, or sit back and let your guide row.

Waterfall Creek Brown Bear Viewing & Flight
6 hrs Moderate

Waterfall Creek Brown Bear Viewing & Flight

Fly by floatplane to a remote creek where brown bears gather to fish for salmon, then watch quietly with a small group. It's Juneau's best bet for seeing brown bears in the wild.

Excursions shown are as offered on Princess Cruises sailings. Other cruise lines calling at Juneau run similar tours, but names, durations and availability vary by line, ship and sailing date - ask us what's on your itinerary.

“Wonderful cruise. Andrew made everything easy. Alaska is definitely a beautiful state and should be on everyone's agenda. Andrew will guide you.”

Loves to Cruise, Cedar Grove, NJ · Alaska Cruise