Juneau is the capital Alaska and a major stop on an Alaskan cruise. I share a few things to do in Juneau Alaska.
Mendenhall Glacier, Lake and Ice Caves
Juneau is famous for the 13 mile long Mendenhall Glacier which ends at Mendenhall Lake. The glacier has its very own visitor center and there are a few nature trails and hikes around the area. In addition, there’s also a wooden walkway over the lake which offers stunning views of the glacier. It’s very easy to get to the glacier, there are day trips on sale in downtown Juneau. Alternatively, hire your own set of wheels to explore Juneau. You can also combine a Juneau city tour with a visit to the glacier which is perfect if you visit Juneau on a cruise.
Wildlife at Mendenhall Glacier
On the trails and hikes around Mendenhall glacier you are likely to see amazing flora and fauna as well as the following wildlife;
- Eagles
- Mountain Goats
- Bears
- Beavers
- Salmon
It’s be nice to see a bear from a distance but not close up as we don’t want to experience a scene from the Revenant. In Mendenhall Lake you’ll see icebergs which have detached from Mendenhall Glacier. What’s more, if you’re lucky you will may see the symbol of America, a bald eagle, sat on a glacier.
Hire a Car to Explore the Things to do in Juneau
Juneau Icefield
For the most adventurous travelers, it’s possible to take an 8 hour hike to the Juneau Ice Fields and Glacier Caves. You’ll be rewarded with incredible , memories, photographs and probably sore legs the next day!
Devils Paw on the Alaska, British Columbia border
British Columbia, Canada is over the border from Juneau, Alaska. Standing on the border is a mountain called Devils Paw.
Gastineau Channel
All visitors to Juneau will sail through the Gastineau Channel as the cruise port is located here. Enjoy the views and keep your eyes open for any sea life.
Alaska State Capitol Building
Alaska State Capitol building is an eye catching Neoclassical building in Juneau. Completed in 1931 it houses the Governors Office.
Alaska Governor’s Mansion (famous for Sara Palin)
Where does the governor of Alaska live? In the historic 1912 Governor’s Mansion. It’s located on a hill overlooking Juneau and there’s a totem pole beside it.
Alaska State Museum
This region of the world is the only place you’ll find authentic totem poles. Alaska State Museum has several on display as well as explanations of their meanings. Additionally, you’ll find collections of other native artifacts on display here. Lastly, other nearby cities which have totem poles on show include Vancouver and Ketchikan.
Saint Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church
The United States purchased Alaska from Russia in 1867. However, it was not during the Russian period that the Saint Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church of Juneau was built. It was built as a result of a long lasting influence from the Orthodox Church. I was surprised to see this Orthodox church here, in fact it reminded me of Kiev, Ukraine.
Cable Car to Mount Roberts Peak
Mount Roberts Tramway takes passengers from the cruise port to Mount Roberts Peak. Passengers are rewarded with panoramic view of Juneau from the top. It’s a 550 meter, 6 minute ride to the top.
Tracy Arm Fjord
Sawyer Glacier and Tracy Arm Fjord is a wonderful day trip by boat from Juneau. Get ready to see snow capped mountains, stunning waterfalls and of course glaciers as well as icebergs. Finally, if you’re lucky you could see black bears, bald eagles, harbor seals and orcas.
Whale Watching
Juneau is a fantastic place to take a whale watching tour. For great whale photos you will need a camera with strong zoom and patience. You don’t know where the whale will appear next and when it does you’ll have to react quickly to get the body. However, you do have a little more time to react and get a picture of the tail. If you have never been to see whales in their true habitat, I recommend you do it at least once in your life.
How to Travel from Juneau to Skagway by Cruise Ship
Cruise Ship from Juneau to Skagway
The next destination on my Princess cruise is Skagway which is an overnight cruise. During this overnight cruise there is great entertainment and unlimited food. There is also a gym for those feeling guilty for eating so much. A bench press is a whole new experience on a rocking ship! Enjoy your cruise to Skagway, Alaska.
What a beautiful place. I love to visit national parks but have never thought of this area before. I can’t wait to visit there now, your pictures and description have inspired me.
That shot of the whale tail is fantastic. What a great trip you had through Canada and Alaska. The more I read of these posts, the more envious I am! I also love the icebergs in Mendenhall Lake. What a treat to see so much beauty.
That is an amazing place! And I do believe that your photo of the whale is still good even if you weren’t able to get the body.
Great tips including the bear sighting, not gonna risk a Revenant scene as well. Lol
Alaska has been on my bucket list for so long but I haven’t made it yet. The Juneau glacier looks amazing, it looks like the perfect glacier going into a lake!! I would also love to do whale watching there. It all just looks so stunning, I need to try and get there soon 🙂
I saw my very first glacier last year in Iceland. It was an amazing experience. And here you get to go Whale watching too! Sounds like the perfect destination for me. Stunning pictures by the way
Juneau looks amazing! Alaska looks so picturesque. It is literally at my doorstep in Canada and I would love to fly up there at some stage. I enjoy whale watching a great deal as seeing these majestic creatures swim by is simply magical. The glaciers in Mendenhall lake look incredibly pristine. All things perfect about this destination for me.
Alaska is high up on my bucket list, along with Canada. Both seem to be really blessed when it comes to natural beauty, lakes and mountain views. Those glaciers are spectacular! I’ve been really enjoying your adventures at some of the most beautiful natural features in North America – can’t wait to read more.
Alaska looks incredibly beautiful but I’m not sure how I would cope in the cold! Mendenhall Glacier would be an incredible experience as would whale watching. Looking forward to hearing all about your cruise!
Oh I feel so silly. I didn’t know this was the capital of Alaska! Love the idea of seeing whales and watching huge chunks of ice float by.
There are so many lovely spots in this part of the world and the landscapes look surreal. I am not sure how i would survive in this cold but for views like this, i should try.
I took my mom on the Alaskan cruise and we loved seeing the Mendenhall glacier. I was able to walk down the paths to the Glacier as my mom who struggles physically sometimes, enjoyed hanging out & viewing it from the visitor center relaxing in the warm inside while looking at it from the big windows.
What a great experience. Wish we had a few more hours exploring Juneau though. Skagway was fun..that train is awesome!
Another beautiful stop on your travel! I envy you!
Juneau is one of my favorite cities in Alaska and the hike to Mendenhall Glaicer is gorgeous. I would like to return again one day! The picture of Flora and Fauna is my favorite too.
We stopped here and camped for bout 4 days not long ago, super town, only in Alaska can you have a capital city with no road in or out! Did you love Tracy Arm? So many whales and Ice carvings. Great article!
Ahhh this looks incredible! I can’t get over how colorful it appears even though it is so cold. Would love to see a real ice burg and wild whales!
Thank you for this I am heading to Alaska later on in the year as part of my trip across the pond and didn’t really have an itinary of what to look out for and thanks to you I now do. I hope I get to see the Whales when I am there supper excited now.
I haven’t seen glaciers floating in water. Your pictures tempted me to plan for visit. Mendenhall Lake look so picturesque and relaxing. Watching whales tour is must do activity for me too.I would also like to take cable car for full view of downside.
The place looks so beautiful and stunning. The pic of the Mendenhall Glacier is awesome. I have always been fond of glaciers floating on water and would definitely want to see them someday. 🙂
I remember learning about Juneau because it was the name of a song by a band I liked back in the day! Haha. This looks like a wonderful journey and I would love to take it myself sometime
Really surreal sights from Alaska. That red mushroom is straight out of Alice in Wonderland! Whale watching is something I have always wanted to do but they are available nowhere near my place!
I was able to visit Juneau when I was working for Norwegian Cruise Line. I was mesmerized when I saw the mountains. It was in August and it did not feel that cold. I was not able to do whale watching but I had a great time taking a lot of photos. The weather was just awesome. I saw a lot of colorful and big totem poles. I would love to visit Juneau again someday.
Overnight cruise sounds interesting! If you’re pressed for time for those cruises which are for 4 days to 1 week, this overnight one looks like a good alternative with all the entertainment & food! Interesting pic of the Whale’s tail!