Table Of Content
Head up the Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway to Raven Eagle Gifts & Gallery for some of the best Native Alaskan artwork, from masks to carvings and framed prints. Always look for the “Made in Alaska” mark to make sure you’re buying a genuine piece. Gold mining gave rise to a busy settlement and remained an important industry here for nearly 60 years until the last mine closed during WWII. Juneau became Alaska’s state capital in 1906, as the fur trade in the former capital, Sitka, declined.
Tracy’s Crab Shack
When cruising to Alaska, most ships stop at the Juneau cruise port. Located in southeast Alaska, Juneau is only accessible by boat or plane. To ensure you make the most of your visit from the moment you step off the cruise ship, here’s a comprehensive guide to navigating your arrival in this vibrant city. Keep in mind that the average summer temperatures here only reach the low- to mid-sixties.
Navigating Juneau Alaska’s Port of Call
You can contemplate quietly while viewing the lovely chapel, which was built in the 1940s. To get to the Shrine, you must rent a car, take a taxi, or book a tour with a company. Whether you need a lift ($15 for two) or want a guided tour ($200 for two), Alaska Pedicab Juneau is a relaxing way to get around town. Capital Transit has a four-stop “ride-free zone” that can get you to the capital building and the downtown transit center, where you can transfer to ride to other locations.
Top Things to Do in Juneau, Alaska
Along the way are interpretive wildlife signs, viewing platforms and carvings by the Native peoples of this area of Alaska. In addition to traditional motorized taxis and buses is a unique option – pedicabs. These are basically three-person tricycles that are pedaled by a local guide. They are priced by the hour (available at the port) and your guide will tell interesting stories about the town and its people along the way.
Your adventure will end in a historic pub for a tasting of three local beers. For the art and history mavens, stop by artist galleries like Sketch and Trickster to watch local artists at work. Delve in the world of Southeast Native Alaska cultures with a stop at the Walter Soboleff Building and an authentic clan house. Stroll up to the Juneau-Douglas City Museum for a peek into Juneau’s past and take a guided tour of the historic downtown Juneau area and the Alaska Capitol Building. Make your way to the Willoughby District by way of one of the many staircase “streets” Southeast Alaska is famous for – the views are worth it.
Juneau's record cruise season meant a busier downtown — and more complaints from locals - KTOO
Juneau's record cruise season meant a busier downtown — and more complaints from locals.
Posted: Wed, 08 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Juneau is surrounded by the Tongass National Forest, which is the largest national forest in the United States. Being surrounded by such luscious wilderness means there are endless opportunities to get out into nature. Our boat left and returned from Juneau but we did not have any excursions with the provider. Baranof Island - Baranof Island is known for its resident Sitka deer and brown bears, which you may be lucky to see on your Juneau cruise.
Most tour companies provide a shuttle from the cruise ports to their dock. There will likely be an inside (heated) area with good views and outside decks for those photo opportunities. Several seaplane (float plane) companies offer private excursions for groups which are priced by the hour. You will board near the cruise port; and, take off and land upon your return on the water. (An added fun Alaskan-style bonus!) This also helps with scheduling around your time in port. Bask in stunning views of glaciers, strings of cascading waterfalls, and wildlife ranging from marine mammals to a variety of waterfowl, shorebirds, and seabirds.
It has excellent exhibitions inside explaining what a glacier is and the life span of the Mendenhall glacier. Visit the visitors centre by excurion, glacier express bus or public bus. If you want to experience something unique we highly recommend an excursion by helicopter to the Mendenhall glacier. Astounding ice-capped mountains welcome the cruising traveler to Juneau. Alaska is called the Land of the Midnight Sun, and its capital shines with a wide selection of delicious dining and native Alaskan art shopping.
SEAFARING SAFARI
During glacier viewing, the crew prepares a delicious hot-chocolate bar with an array of toppings and liqueurs. Located within a short walk of the cruise ship dock, the Alaska State Capitol Building offers free 30-minute guided tours Tuesday-Friday. Located just outside of Juneau, the Mendenhall Glacier is a magnificent natural wonder that should not be missed.
The Mendenhall Glacier is the #1 recommended thing to see in this Juneau cruise port guide, and for good reason. I don’t know if there’s anywhere else in the world where you can reach a glacier within a 20-minute drive. Glacier Bay - One of the most incredible places in Alaska, Glacier Bay is the historic home of the Huna Tlingit people. Creatures that live freely in the rugged area include wolves, bears, deer, squirrels, moose, foxes, and marmots, while whales and sea lions swim through the waters. As the name implies, it’s a top spot for seeing an impressive array of glaciers, including the famous Marjerie Glacier. On your Alaska cruise, take a trip to the nearby Mendenhall Glacier and you could spot bears in the woods around the icy lake.
You need to try the dark chocolate fudge or Klondike pecan fudge. If it’s hot in Juneau, like it was for us, then you can also try their delicious ice cream. Every time we passed by, there was a line, so expect a bit of a wait to get your crab legs. Tracy’s Crab Shack is a great place to eat seafood, especially if you want crab legs.
Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. The good news is that each tram carries 60 people and one runs every five minutes. And, locals ride the tram as well – the perfect opportunity to ask about where to go and what to see while in town.
No comments:
Post a Comment