Is Juneau, Alaska worth visiting?
Juneau, the capital of Alaska is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating capitals in the United States. Bounded by mountains and surrounded by waters, Juneau is accessible only by flight or boat—a factor that sets it apart from other cities in the United States.
Juneau is not short of opportunities for entertainment. Whether you are looking for outdoor activity, food, an all-round adventure, or you just want to immerse yourself into a different culture, Juneau, AK will never disappoint. It showcases abundant marine and terrestrial wildlife and is filled with wonders that will exceed your expectations. It’s a wild and awestriking landscape where you can see first hand why glaciers are so important to Alaska and the environment.
Mendenhall Glacier
The Mendenhall Glacier is the most popular place to visit in Juneau. Sitting in Tongass National Forest on the Juneau Icefield, the Mendenhall glacier is jaw-dropping. You will have a perfect photography opportunity in the blue ice caves, potential wildlife viewing, and if that is not enough, you can also enjoy some ice climbing.
If you are a fan of hiking you can book Mendenhall glacier guided hike that will take you through the Tongass National Forest – the largest temperate rainforest in the world. You will also be able to explore an array of glacial features along the edge, including moulins, crevasses, and ice caves.
Mendenhall Glacier Paddle and Trek is yet another way to enjoy the Mendenhall Glacier up close. You will paddle the Mendenhall Lake to the glacier and explore it up close and personal. If you like a more private experience, you can book a Private Glacier Canoe Paddle and Trek or the Private Mendenhall Glacier Trek, all offered by Above & Beyond Alaska (ABAK).
Bear Viewing on Admiralty Island
Admiralty Island is full of wildlife and other natural attractions. It is home to 10% of Alaska’s entire brown bear population and one of the highest brown bear population densities on Earth. You will travel to the island on a floatplane, making your experience in Juneau even better if you have never been on a floatplane. Upon arrival you can choose to kayak to the Pack Creek Bear Sanctuary, where you can enjoy the best coastal brown bear viewing area on Admiralty Island.
Whale Watching
Juneau is on the very top of the list of places that you can watch whales. Summer is the ideal time to visit Juneau if you want to watch humpback whales. At this time, they have migrated to feeding grounds in Alaska. Above & Beyond Alaska provides you an unforgettable up close whale watching experience if you book an exclusive whale watching tour on the Channel Island. As icing on the cake, you’ll be able to see sea lions, porpoises, an array of bird species, and seals.
Native History and Culture
Besides the scenic beauty of Juneau, you can visit to explore the rich historical roots of native culture. Many native inhabitants of North America can be found In Alaska. There are several native museums and cultural centers in Juneau. Alaska State Museum and Douglas City Museum also offer opportunities to learn about ancient fishing, like the impressive Alaskan salmon run, and forestry traditions of Alaska.
What else makes Juneau worth visiting?
You will never run out of things to do or places to go in Juneau. Here are a few more items that you can add to your list if you plan to visit the city. Add these to your top 5 activities for your visit to Juneau, Alaska. Plus a few bonus activities!
- Tracy Arm Fjord
- Nugget Falls
- Mount Roberts Trail
- Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure
- Eaglecrest Ski Area
- Alaskan cuisine
- Last Chance Gold Mine
Make Your Juneau Visit Memorable with Above & Beyond Alaska
Above & Beyond Alaska is a local guiding company based in Juneau. Surrounded by ocean, mountains, glaciers, and a temperate rainforest, there is no shortage of amazing things to see in and around Juneau. Led by our expert guides, you can see everything from breathtaking views to astonishing wildlife both on land and in the water.
We make it our goal for everyone who goes on an Alaskan adventure with us to love Alaska and its wildlife as much as we do by the time they go home. We share our passion and knowledge so that you can truly appreciate what you see while you’re here with us in Alaska.
If you’re ready to begin your Juneau, Alaska adventure, call or email us today.