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Juneau

Located in the Southeast region of Alaska, Juneau is the third most populated city in Alaska, and it is the capital of the state. In Juneau, cosmopolitan charm and rich history combine with the stunning wilderness of the Tongass National Forest and the bountiful waters of the Inside Passage making it a wonderful holiday spot full of fun activities, fascinating sites, extraordinary museums, and tasty eateries. The shopping in Juneau is great, with a wide array of stores offering unique artwork and handicrafts.

If it is remote and isolated wilderness you are in search of, Juneau more than complies with great hiking areas, plenty of ocean for sea kayaking expeditions, and wonderful trails for mountain biking and other outdoor activities. Mount Roberts, Mount Juneau and the Juneau Ice surround the small city.

Cruise ships typically dock right in the downtown area so the city is easily accessible. Among other things, visitors can fly over the Juneau Icefield, discover the State Museum, gaze at humpback and orca whales, take a glacier cruise, tour a historic gold mine, ride the Mount Roberts Tram, savour fresh Alaskan seafood, shop downtown galleries, catch salmon and watch sea lions, seals, eagles and possibly bears. Just 13 miles from downtown Juneau is one of the most accessible glaciers in Alaska and reportedly the most visited in the world – Mendenhall Glacier.

Shore Excursions

Above and Beyond Helicopter - Approx. 2 hours

You will be met pier side for a short ride to the heliport where you will be briefed on your upcoming adventure. Experience an unparalleled sensation as you lift off and fly up and over the Mendenhall Glacier, spectacular icefalls and through mountain passes only accessible by helicopter.
View the glaciers and fields that make up the Juneau Icecap and as a highlight, you will actually land on Herbert Glacier where you will disembark and set foot on this "river of ice". Your pilot /guide will point out the various formations and answer your questions. Your adventure of a lifetime concludes too soon as you fly back to the heliport and are driven back to downtown.

Glacier View Sea Kayaking - Approx. 3 hours

Transfer by bus to North Douglas Island for scenic views of the Mendenhall Glacier and Auke Bay. Upon arrival you’ll be outfitted in life jackets and raingear before beginning your adventure. Your experienced guide will teach you about paddling techniques, then you’ll board two person kayaks with a new friend or travelling companion for an excursion that will leave you wanting more. The stable yet nimble kayaks will allow you to silently approach any wildlife in the area and give you a sense of how the famed Aleut Indians travelled the coastal waterways of Alaska in search of pelts for the Russian fur trading companies. You will be led in groups of five to six kayaks to places such as the Mendenhall Wetlands where you may have the opportunity to view the Mendenhall Glacier from an ocean explorer’s point of view. Your guide will explain the significance of places such as Smugglers Cove, the history of the surrounding area, and help identify local flora and fauna. You may see porpoise, seals, sea lions, eagles, herons, or even whales.

Includes: Round trip transfer from dock or hotel; raingear and lifejackets; packed lunch.

Juneau City & Mendenhall Glacier - Approx. 2.5 hours

Departing the dock area, our buses will wind their way through the city's streets as our local guide points out the highlights and folklore that has made Juneau famous. After a short 20 minute ride out of town you will experience nature at its best by visiting famed Mendenhall Glacier. Come "face to face" with this mammoth "river of ice" at the Visitor's Center or take a nature walk on the maintained trail. The excursion also includes a countryside journey near Auke Lake and Chapel before returning back the city, visiting specific sights and historic buildings. In season a stop may also be made to witness the spectacular sight of salmon as they head upstream to spawn and die completing the cycle of life. A must excursion for every cruise visitor!

Mendenhall River Rafting - Approx. 3 hours

Enjoy short orientation of Juneau with a drive the city and then out to the Mendenhall Valley. This is where you will begin your river rafting adventure near the face of the glacier. Float down the scenic Mendenhall river with experienced guides and top of the line equipment. This tour is great for beginners as well as experienced. Choose to paddle or sit back and take it all in. Either way you experience a true outdoor adventure. A light snack is also included as is all outfitting equipment.

Whale Watching Adventure - Approx. 3 hours

The adventure of a lifetime begins the minute you board our "mammal friendly" jet boat, with fully enclosed and heated cabin. Cruise to the playgrounds of these marine mammals where your captain will slowly approach the animals to provide as close an encounter as possible. There are three departures daily. (Times vary according to your ship's arrival in port).

Mendenhall Lake Canoe Adventure - Approx. 3.5 hours

Be among the select few, under a limited U.S. Forest Service permit, to travel by canoe for an unprecedented experience of the majestic Mendenhall Glacier. Paddle across Mendenhall Lake, navigating past icebergs, surrounded by one of the richest samplings of Alaskan wildlife you’ll find anywhere. Birds including arctic terns nest in the towering cliffs, and eagles, goats, salmon and bears are all common sights. Then, venture within yards of the massive, awe-inspiring face of the living Mendenhall Glacier. Grab a thrill ride by skirting the base of beautiful and powerful Nugget Falls. Then refuel with a snack of Alaskan-style fare for the return. You’ll make your trip in a traditional Tlingit-style canoe, an exceptionally stable 28-foot watercraft, with all modern safety gear supplied. Because of the close approach to the glacier face, the Forest Service tightly controls the number of participants. Be one of the lucky few to experience this one-of-a-kind adventure.

Includes: Round-trip transportation from dock or hotel, quality raingear, overboots and life jackets. Snack includes hot beverage (on cold days) and water plus reindeer sausage and salmon spread and crackers. Moderate to good physical condition is necessary for participation in this excursion.

Gold Creek Salmon Bake - Approx. 1.5 hours

More than a meal, this is a true Alaskan cookout. This has been Alaska's original "all-you-can-eat" outdoor salmon bake for over 30 years! At Gold Creek Salmon Bake, Alaskan-caught salmon will be grilling over an open alderwood fire. Your meal also includes barbecued ribs, chicken, baked beans, rice pilaf, a variety of salads, corn bread and beverages. Live musical entertainment is provided as you dine beside Salmon Creek, nestled in the foliage of Southeast Alaska's rain forest, under translucent domes that will protect you from any sort of weather. After dining, roast marshmallows over a campfire or view the Salmon Creek waterfall, where, in season, salmon spawn and the remnants of a historic stamp mill and gold mine are located. This true Alaskan cookout is a taste of the Last Frontier's history.

Gold Panning Adventure - Approx. 2.5 hours

Relive Juneau's gold rush history and pan for gold in the authentic setting of Last Chance Basin. A costumed prospector will accompany you on a narrated van ride through a historic residential area en route to Last Chance Basin. Trace the route taken by Joe Juneau and Richard Harris in their search for gold over 100 years ago. Near the famous Alaska-Juneau gold mine, one of the world's largest hard rock mining operations, you will get hands-on experience panning for gold in the creek. "Guaranteed gold" for everyone! Your prospector/guide recaptures the history of Juneau's gold discovery and hard rock mining as you view remnants of the mine.

Helicopter & Dogsled Adventure - Approx. 3.5 hours

Pristine beauty, majestic mountains and ancient glaciers are seemingly within arm's reach as you near your glacier destination! 100 Alaskan Huskies wait to share this essential part of Alaskan culture -mushing! Experienced guides will talk to you about racing back-country experiences and answer your questions as the team is hooked up and then you’re off! Imagine standing on the runners of a dog sled with a team of huskies loping across the ancient snowfield nestled among the peaks of the Juneau Icefield. The lure of the trail and the thrill of driving a dog team creates the Ultimate Experience of a Lifetime! A tour truly for EVERYONE!

Juneau City / Mendenhall Glacier / Gardens - Approx. 3.5 hours

Your journey begins as you wind your way through the city's streets while our local guide points out the highlights and folklore that has made Juneau famous. After a short 20 minute ride out of town, you will experience nature at its best by visiting famed Mendenhall Glacier. Come "face to face" with this mammoth "river of ice" at the Visitor's Centre or take a nature walk on the maintained trail. This excursion also includes a countryside journey near Auke Lake and Chapel before returning back the city, visiting specific sights and historic buildings. In season, a stop may also be made to witness the spectacular sight of salmon as they head upstream to spawn and die completing the cycle of life. A must excursion for every cruise visitor! You will then continue to the Glacier Gardens. Tour 50 acres of Southeast Alaska's lush rainforest offering landscaping, floral design, and scenic vistas. Easy accessible pathways lead you to ponds, bubbling waterfalls, and exquisitely designed gardens with spectacular views of the Mendenhall Valley and its pristine surroundings. You will enjoy this guided tour from the comfort of deluxe covered golf carts.

Historic Gold Panning & Salmon Bake - Approx. 3 hours

Re-live Juneau's gold rush history by panning for gold and then enjoy a delicious salmon bake at Salmon Creek! A costumed prospector will drive you to historic Last Chance Basin, where you'll view the remains of the Alaska-Juneau gold mine. Learn how to pan for gold and keep everything you find. Continue to the salmon bake. An Alaskan feast, this salmon bake features Alaskan-caught wild salmon grilled over an open alder wood fire. Also enjoy Cheechako baked chicken, Bonanza barbecued ribs, Chilkoot baked beans, wild-rice pilaf, a variety of fresh salads, corn bread, lemonade, coffee or tea and blueberry cake for desert. Beer and wine are available for purchase. Enjoy the local musician while you dine beside Salmon Creek, nestled in the lush foliage of Southeast Alaska’s rain forest, under translucent domes to protect you rain or shine. After dining, toast marshmallows over a crackling campfire and walk to view the beautiful Salmon Creek waterfall beneath which salmon spawn and remnants of the historic Wagner Mine are evident. Return to the ship by shuttle bus.

Best of Juneau, Ketchikan & Skagway Package - Approx. 2.5 hours each

Our Juneau City & Mendenhall Glacier tour, the Ketchikan City & Saxman and Skagway Great Frontier tours all make up this special package option. By selecting this option you will receive tickets for all three excursions.