Photo © Courtesy of Travel Juneau
Where else can you see an iceberg, a bear, and a whale all on the same day? From natural spaces to unique adventures and cultivated cultural experiences, Juneau, Alaska, has all the makings of a one-of-a-kind trip.
Juneau’s Natural Beauty
No matter how you spell it, Alaska’s capital city is a truly unique place, known for towering snow-capped mountains, wild coastline, and glacier-rimmed fjords. In Juneau, you can watch humpbacks in the morning, spend the day exploring 250 miles of national parks and trails, and end the evening by taking in the midnight sun.
Wildlife enthusiasts will love spending the day whale watching along the Alaskan waters. At the right time of year, you’re bound to see humpbacks and orcas put on a show, flipping their tails above water or breaching the surface with a stunning leap and a resounding splash. Many options are available for whale watching tours, from large catamarans to medium-sized jet boats to smaller six-passenger vessels.
For those who prefer to keep their feet on solid ground, Juneau is home to a host of exciting land attractions, from dog-sledding to bear viewing and, of course, hiking. The Mendenhall Glacier, Juneau’s most popular attraction at a half-mile wide, with ice 300 to 1,800 feet deep, is a must-visit for every adventurer. If you’ve seen it once, you have to see it again—the glacier moves constantly and changes with the seasons, so no two visits are alike. As well, beautiful and rewarding hiking trails take you to unique views of the glacier and its surrounding nature. The most rewarding hike is to Nugget Falls, a large, beautiful waterfall cascading directly into an iceberg-filled lake.
Culture and Cuisine in Downtown Juneau
Not just for jet set adventurers, Juneau is also known for being a historic gem. A stroll through the streets of downtown Juneau will take you on a tour of buildings celebrating Alaska’s Native heritage, multiple museums, and an arts centre. Open rain or shine, Juneau’s museums are home to amazing artifacts, informative displays, beautiful architecture, and an inviting space for kids to explore. The Sealaska Heritage Store, a Native cultural centre in downtown Juneau, includes an exhibit hall, an authentic Native clan house, and significant works of public art.
After a day of adventure, you deserve to indulge and relax. Take in a performing arts performance in the evening, and toss back a few locally brewed beers at night. Juneau is home to an incredible variety of restaurants with a James Beard-nominated chef, who has been nominated multiple times, three Great American Seafood Cook-off winners, and four microbreweries. Take a food tour of the city, and don’t miss out on salmon bakes!
With endless activities on the land and the water, adventures around every corner, and a small-town charm that makes you feel at home within minutes, you’ll only need a few days to see why Juneauites call this city home.
Plan your trip today: traveljuneau.com
Get your free copy of Global Heroes, jam-packed with positive news, straight in your inbox.
Juno, Jeuno, Junea, Jueno, Juneau – no matter how you spell it, Alaska’s capital city is a truly unique place
