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Ten Travel Tips for Juneau, AlaskaBy J.J. ScottFrom Nice to Ice! Enjoy your Journey to Juneau, Alaska with these ten travel tips. Juneau is a capital destination where nature runs wild!
2. Rent a car, it is cheaper than a cab or taking a tour plus you have the freedom to do as you please. You can do it all as there are only 41 miles of roads! Drive along the coast to the Shrine of St. Theresa where you can enjoy the silence of the old stone chapel, wildflowers in the woods, views of the Lynn Canal, plus see lots of birds.
4. Learn about Alaska at the State Museum. It is home to more than 23,000 artifacts, works of fine art and natural history and features both permanent and temporary exhibitions. The museum dedicates more than half of its exhibition space to permanent displays ranging from a life-sized eagle nesting tree located in a Southeast Alaska rainforest setting to a scaled-down replica of the stern of Capt. George Vancouver's ship, dry-docked in the museum's children's room. The museum is located within walking distance of the cruise ship terminal. $5, (907) 465-2901, www.museums.state.ak.us
8. Have a whale of a time. Seeing huge whales in their native habitat counts as one of life's great experiences. Each summer humpbacks migrate to Alaska from their winter home in the warm waters off Hawaii. Many companies offer tours at various rates.
10. Behind the swingin’ doors of the Red Dog Saloon step into the past where the fun never stops. The sawdust on the floors, the flag-drapped ceiling, and Earp’s gun are just some of the things that add to the ambiance of this watering hole. Get into the spirit. Ask the band to play “Mule Train,” turn your chair around and ride your “mule-chair” around the saloon. www.reddogsaloon.cc For more information on memorable things to do in Juneau, check Juneau Convention & Visitors Bureau, www.traveljuneau.com, or call (888) 581-2201. |
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1. Your first stop should be at the
top. Take an exhilarating ride to the 1800-foot level of Mount Roberts to
experience one of the most expansive and beautiful views offered in all Alaska.
Have a meal with a view, walk the trail, visit the Nature Center. Don’t miss the Chilkat Theater for an introduction to the Tlingit culture through the award
winning film “Seeing Daylight.” 
3. See the salmon run and
aquarium at the Macaulay Salmon Hatchery. Salmon are propagated at the hatchery
and released season after season. After a journey to parts unknown the salmon
return mystically to the hatchery where they splash and jump up over steel gates
returning to their birthplace to breed and die. Great place to buy fish.
5. Ice is nice! Get up close and
personal with the Mendenhall Glacier. Go trekking. Northstar Trekking offers
three levels of glacier trekking designed for those who only want to step on a
glacier to those looking for an over-the-edge experience. Each of the treks
includes approximately 30 minutes of sightseeing by helicopter before landing
on the glacier. All equipment is provided.
6. What’s brewing? Learn about the
history of brewing in Alaska and the 100-year old recipe that inspired their
Alaskan Amber. View the brewing, fermentation and bottling systems. The best
part is the free sampling!
7. Go for the gold. Hop the
ferry and take the Golden Circle tour, from Juneau to Skagway where you can ride
the White Pass & Yukon tourist train along the gold route through the mountains,
pass glaciers, gorges, and waterfalls.
9. For three times the fun experience a float plane
ride to the remote Taku Lodge, view several glaciers, enjoy a traditional salmon
bake and still have time for a walk on the wild side in the Alaskan wilderness.