BEST THINGS TO DO IN JUNEAU

There are not a great number of things to do in Juneau. However, Mother Nature puts on quite a display for those adventurous enough to go looking in the Last Frontier. While Mendenhall Glacier steals most of the attention and tourist traffic, those who visit Tracy Arm Fjord find the scenery and wildlife unforgettable. For some more accessible natural beauty, head to the Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure and breath in the flower-scented air.

Juneau is also a popular jumping-off point for some of the best Alaska tours. And if you require some indoor repose.

TRACY ARM FJORD

A “fjord” is a Nordic term meaning a narrow waterway surrounded by sharp cliffs. So while Juneau’s Mendenhall Glacier steals most of the tourist traffic, the 27-mile-long Tracy Arm Fjord is the bigger, better, and more dramatic natural gem. The inlet is very narrow – at times, no more than half a mile wide – with cliffs that rise more than 3,000 feet on either side and waterfalls that cascade down the steep rock walls. During the summer, you can spot eagles, seals, bears, and whales here.

Recent visitors said that if you only have time for one experience in Juneau, this is it.

Travelers described the glacial scenery as “incredible” and “breathtaking,” and recommended bringing along a quality set of binoculars and a camera to capture the scene.

The Tracy Arm Fjord is 45 miles south of Juneau, but worth the trek. If your cruise ship doesn’t sail through the glaciers, you’ll have to take a boat tour, which usually lasts an entire

day. Adventure Bound Alaska and Allen Marine Tours operate well-reviewed excursions from May through September, and you should reserve your spot at least a week in advance; space is limited.

MENDENHALL GLACIER:

Mendenhall Glacier welcomes more than 400,000 visitors each year, and it’s easy to see why: aside from its stunning arctic beauty, the glacier is only 12 miles outside Juneau and it’s the

only glacier in Southeast Alaska accessible by road (you can easily take a cab here). When you’re not gazing at the icebergs, the Coast Mountains will likely grab your attention. Upon arrival, your first stop should be at the visitors center, where you can watch a 15-minute film describing the changing landscape, talk with forest rangers and relax in the warmth of the glacier observation area. You can also pick up a map detailing the various hiking paths around the glacier.

Many recent visitors saw the glacier while on a cruise port stop and highly recommended sharing a cab with your fellow passengers to the glacier. Travelers also advised stopping at the visitors center to watch the informative film. Of all the trails, reviewers highly recommend the East Glacier Trail for its stunning views of the glacier and the falls. For a more immersive experience (and guidance from a local), consider visiting with one of the best Alaska tours.

Juneau Whale Watching

JUNEAU WHALE WATCHING:

Many travelers make the trek to Alaska for two things: glaciers and whales. The latter can be a bit more elusive to spot, which is why it’s best to sign up for a whale-watching tour. In Juneau, North Pacific humpbacks and orcas are the two most common types of whales migrating through these calm waters. Humpbacks feed off krill and small baitfish, which Juneau’s waters are chock full of. The best time to see activity in Juneau in the water is during migration season (May through September). Though you may be able to spot some movement from the shore (with the help of some binoculars), you’ll score a better view if you sign up for a whale-watching boat tour.

There is no shortage of traveler-approved tours to choose from, each offering a different experience. If you don’t want to share deck space with dozens of other tourists, consider Harv and Marv’s Outback Alaska. The three-hour tours are limited to six passengers and include a complimentary stop at the Brotherhood Bridge for a view of the Mendenhall Glacier.

Gastineau Guiding Company is unique in that it offers hands-on experiences that allow passengers to play a part in data collection for local university and regional science programs (collecting water and plankton samples and recording marine mammal observations, for example). Juneau Whale Watch and Adventures in Alaska are two more companies travelers recommend. You can find more recommendations in our roundup of the best Alaska tours.

You can reach the glacier in several ways. Hopping on this Charter bus USA is your cheapest option.