Most cruises of the Alaska inside passage include a stop in Juneau. A picturesque town, Juneau, is the capital of the Last Frontier. However, it can be an extremely busy destination, with thousands of cruise passengers descending all at once. On the day we arrived in port, 5 other ships also docked within the same timeframe. There are a few secrets to avoid the tourist throngs and experience the city like a local. Join us on a one-day Juneau cruise adventure and uncover the city’s hidden gems.
This is just our suggested itinerary, and you can customize it to fit your interests. As a cruise visitor, I was excited to explore Juneau. I had heard so many wonderful things about this beautiful city, and I was eager to see them for myself.
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Tip 1: Book Excursions Early
Our #1 tip is to make bookings in advance. Organizing your trip well is essential to make the most of your Juneau cruise experience. You can ensure your place on desirable tours and experiences by planning ahead. By doing your homework, it helps you avoid losing out on experiences like whale viewing, or glacier trekking. Making bookings in advance will also help you avoid travel difficulties and save time.
How we Planned the Perfect Morning Exploration in Juneau
Today we have two morning excursions planned: Mendenhall Glacier Trek and tickets to ride the Goldbelt Tramway at our leisure. The iconic Mount Roberts Tram is one of the major attractions in Juneau. Reading reviews, I learned when multiple cruise ships are in the harbor, the return trip down the mountain can be over an hour or more wait in line. I read horror stories of those left standing in line missing their ship’s departure. Today, with many cruise ships in the harbor, I have a plan.
We will take the first tramway ride up at 8 am. This way, we while still making our 10:15 Mendenhall Glacier Trek tour. The tramway terminal is only a short few meters from the dock. Luckily, we got in line before the tramway depot doors opened. I laugh at the sign on the entrance door stating-No dogs, skis, snowboards, firearms, and bears are allowed on the tram.
Bird’s-eye View Top of Mount Roberts
First in line, we make the quick trip up to the top-an elevation of 1,800 feet. It only takes only 6-minutes. Ascending to the top of Mount Roberts, we had incredibly panoramic views of the Gastineau Channel. The tram car moves effortlessly through the surrounding misty rainforest-video. At the top, our first stop was the Mountain House (Shaa Hit). There is an 18-minute film “Seeing Daylight”, in the Chilkat Theater based on the Tinglit culture, but we skipped this.
Interesting Fact: There are two tram cars, one is “Yeil” representing the Raven, the other is “Chaak” the Eagle.
Instead, we headed outside first to the Juneau Raptor Center, which is permanently closed at this time, its Bald Eagle ambassador no longer in residence. Instead, we made our way to the Tr’Ale House. What used to be the nature center has been converted into a beer garden. However, you can still get trail updates and information.
With limited time, we hiked up the Alpine Loop trail to Father Brown’s Cross. With the cooler spring, there was plenty of snow still lying in ridge pockets, so I was glad we had our hiking boots. This is a true rainforest part of the Tongass National Forest with its many gnarled spruce trunks. Branches covered in lichens. One tree you cannot miss is the caretaker by Tlingit carver, Rick Beasley. It is carved into the trunk of a live Sitka spruce. Yeil, The Raven, is another carving you will see as you continue down the trail.
Mount Roberts Trail-Alpine Loop to Father Brown’s Cross
Father Brown’s cross overlooks the port with great views of Douglas Island and the Gastineau Channel. It commemorates the Jesuit priest for building the trail in 1908. Set in alpine meadow, I could imagine in the following weeks spring flowers emerging in the meadow.
The trail is steep, so remember to bring plenty of water and a snack as it is all uphill. There are plenty of tree roots to hop over as well. Running out of time, we simply could not complete the 3-mile Alpine Loop trail. Leaving the snow-covered ridge, we made our way back to the mountain house. I would like to come back and climb to the top of the mountain and take the Mt. Roberts Trail back down the mountain to Basin Road.
The Goldbelt Tram Gift Store has a nice selection of authentic items to purchase. I prefer to purchase items made in Alaska and always look for the symbol before I buy an item. For a quick bit, the Timberline Bar & Grill is available. We felt it was a little expensive. The Mount Roberts Tramway is a must-do for any visitor to Juneau.
Midmorning Adventure: Mendenhall Glacier Trek & Juneau Town Highlights
We booked this excursion through Holland America prior to our leaving Anchorage. We met our shore excursion guide on the waterfront beside the Information Center. Each driver for the bus tours provides a running commentary. Sometimes the storylines are funny. This was by far the largest crowd we had to deal with today.
TIP: If you want to avoid the tour bus crowd, consider taking a taxi, Uber, or local bus (Capital Transit) to Mendenhall. However, most drop you outside the park. It is a 1.5-mile walk to the visitor center.
Our guide for the day gave us a fact filled tour. “Sitaantaagu” the original Tinglit name for Mendenhall glacier means, “The Glacier Behind the Town.” A receding glacier it is rapidly melting about 150 feet each year. Located 13-miles north of town, it is easily accessible by the road system. Once we arrived at the park, we had a few hours on our own to explore.
Venture to Nugget Falls
On this tour, we could only do a few of the trails. We chose first to do the relatively easy trail to the iconic Nugget Falls. A mostly paved walk, its 2 -miles out-and-back winding its way through the lush Tongass National Forest before opening up to reveal the thundering, glacier-fed cascade of Nugget Falls. We could hear it long before we actually saw it.
Standing at the base of the falls, its sheer size struck me. I could reach out and touch the waterfall. Lingering for a few minutes, we walked the shoreline of Lake Mendenhall, taking in the breathtaking views of the glacier. The light seemed to be an ever-changing array of colors in the glacier’s crevasses. Continuing our shoreline exploring off-the-beaten-path, the only disruption was the constant barge of helicopters making for the top of the glacier.
Undeterred, we watched as kayakers made their way along the shoreline. This is an excursion I would do if we returned to Juneau. Making our way back to the observation platform, I had an unforgettable encounter finding a porcupine high in a poplar tree. Bring a good pair of binoculars to get the best views of the glacier and the wildlife.
Visit the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center
The Visitor Center is the perfect ending for our adventure. The draw here is the panoramic views from the front the front window of the glacier. A collection of interactive exhibits on the glacier, its history, and its importance to the local ecosystem. The exhibit hall is small but captured our interest. There is also a 15-minute film “Landscape of Change” that shows the glacier’s retreat over time.
Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure
Open daily 9 am-6 pm, they provide guided tours during the summer months-May thru October. Glacier Gardens is part of the Tongass National Forest rainforest.. Originally purchased by Steve Bowhay as a landscape business, the botanical gardens currently cover 50 acres. Our driver explained that the rushing river runs down from the melt snows on Thunder mountain. While creating ponds and waterfalls to tame the flow of the river, the owner flipped a large uprooted tree. Thus the creation of the upside-down flower tower.
Being so early in the season, there were few blooms. However the perennials were if ull bloom. The open cart ride up the steep slope of Thunder Mountain gave us good views of Juneau. The views from Mount Roberts are so much better. If you like flowers, this tour is a good addition, otherwise you can skip it.
DIPAC Macaulay Salmon Hatchery
Our tour guide briefly stopped by the hatchery. The driver recommended taking a look from the outside, claiming it was worth the visit. Alaska is the salmon capital of the world, so why not? The fish ladder this early in the season was devoid of any salmon. Stepping through the doors, we were met with an array of informative displays on the life cycle of salmon. We’ve previously toured the Solomon Gulch Fish Hatchery in Valdez, Alaska. However, I was struck by the sheer scale of the operation at Macaulay. Wandering the facility, we saw the hatchery’s process of collecting eggs, carefully nurturing the young fry, and eventually releasing them into the rivers and streams to continue their life cycle. Additionally, they have a touch tank with a variety of species. By far my favorite thing to do.
Afternoon Adventures: Whale Watching Voyage
Juneau is one of the best places in the world for whale watching. Humpback whales frequent the waters around Juneau as they make their way north. The whale watch cruises depart from small boat harbor, Auke Bay. It is a picturesque waterway, surrounded by the rugged Alaskan wilderness. I suggest dressing warmly in layers and wear waterproof boots with wool socks, as it is cold in May. Stephens Passage is a renowned whale watching, and they said they saw quite a few humpback whales.
I must say we got extremely lucky to be there during their bubble net feeding time. What is bubble feeding? It is when whales cooperate in coordinated groups to locate and trap small fish. They quickly release a shroud of bubbles from their blowholes. With their mouths gaping wide, they burst forth to engulf the concentrated prey.
I was hoping we might also spot orcas as we cruised, however not today. Alas, I will look during our time on the inside passage. In Glacier Bay National Park, we saw plenty of sea otters, sea lions, and bald eagles.
Stroll Juneau’s Historic Downtown
On our way back to town, our bus driver gave us the option of being dropped downtown or returning to the cruise terminal. Still full of energy, I wanted to wind down taking a leisurely stroll on my own. Taking a self-guided walking tour, I made my first venture out to the Whale Project. The distance between the Whale Project Park and Juneau’s downtown is around 1/4 mile. Tahku, which translates to “fierce winds” in Tlingit, is the name given to the sculptured humpback whale. The life-sized breaching whale sits within a fountain with Douglas Island as a backdrop. It’s well worth the short walk if you’re on a cruise ship to witness this incredible work of art.
Learn Alaskan History at the Museums
My next destination was the Alaska State Museum. The museums and government buildings are within walking distance of the cruise terminal. Most of the historic downtown is on the National Register of Historic Places. This museum is a great place to learn about the local indigenous culture and Russian influence on Alaska’s route to statehood. There is a minimal charge to enter and they have a senior/military discount. What I liked best was the great exhibits showcasing the natural resources, including the wildlife of the area. To get the most of the exhibits, you need to read the informational placards.You can easily spend an hour or two. There is so much to see.
If you don’t have the time to see the exhibits at the Alaska State Museum, then a quick trip to the SeaAlaska center may be a better fit. Here for just $7. The SeaAlaska Heritage Institute dedicates itself to the indigenous cultures in and around Juneau. Inside is small, but the replica Tsimshian clan house is pretty cool. The outside artwork by Haida artist Robert Davidson is simply stunning.
See, the Juneau-Douglas City Museum where I got a captivating glimpse into the rich history and cultural heritage of Alaska’s capital city. Housed in a quaint yellow building, this unassuming museum transports you back through the centuries to explore Juneau’s past. However, the museum’s true jewel may be the building itself, the site of the historic July 4th, 1959 Statehood Ceremony, when Alaska officially joined the United States.
Climbing to the Governor’s House
Taking a set of very steep stairs, I climbed up to Calhoun Avenue to see find the Alaska Governor’s Mansion. I was huffing and puffing by the time I was bound and determined to reach the top. Apparently, there are 156 steps to reach the top. This 14,400-square-foot colonial official residence of the Governor of Alaska, the First Lady of Alaska, and their families. The mansion has been home to all Alaska governors since it was built in 1912, except for the first territorial governor.
Visit the Alaska State Capitol- City’s Highlights
You can’t visit the capital city without seeing the Alaska State Capitol building. This impressive structure serves as the seat of Alaska’s government, housing the offices of the Governor and Lieutenant Governor, as well as the chambers of the Alaska Legislature. An architectural marvel built in 1931 to me it seemed to be a very art déco. They offer guided tours beginning June 3rd of their impressive contemporary Alaskan artwork collection. They also offer an audio self-guided tour that is 30-minutes long. Sadly, my ship arrived on May 31 so I could not tour the building today.
In front of the Alaska state capital stands a controversial statue honoring William Henry Seward, the U.S. Secretary of State, who negotiated the Alaska Purchase from Russia in 1867. The bronze statue depicts Seward holding the purchase treaty in one hand and his hat in the other. The statue was commissioned to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Alaska Purchase, but the controversy lies in the fact that Alaskan indigenous peoples were never invited to participate in the negotiations, despite their understanding of property ownership.
Just outside the Dimond courthouse on Main street you will find a life-sized bronze Alaskan brown bear created by R. T. Wallens in 1984. Commissioned by the city of Juneau to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of Alaska Statehood (1959-1984). The plaque reads, “Summer is the bountiful time of easy living for bears in Alaska and they have arranged their lives accordingly stuffing themselves on salmon, greens and berries while the season affords, and then retiring to sleep away the winter in fat comfort.”
Cruise Dock Waterfront Stores
This cruise dock area is full of quaint shops, art galleries, and cozy cafes. You can pick up some unique souvenirs, watch street performers, or just enjoy the lively atmosphere. The downtown area was bustling with activity. I stopped near an area with food trucks in Marine Park Plaza. I could not help but laugh at the ravens stealing a fish carcass from a nearby garbage can. These mischievous birds are quite large, each seemed to have a personality all its own.
With the eminent departing of the ship, I barely had time to have a drink before the gangway closed. Juneau boasts a thriving brewery scene, so made t a quick stop at the Red Dog Saloon, one of Juneau’s oldest and most famous bars. With its classic Wild West atmosphere, and sawdust covered floors-grab your Duck Fart Shot before you leave Juneau.
Discover Your Juneau Interests: More Tours to Choose From
Keep in mind that our schedule for today in Juneau only scratches the surface of what this incredible city has to offer. If you find yourself in the opportunity to visit, think about prolonging your stay to discover even more of Alaska’s capital.
- Treadwell Mine Ruins Tour: The Treadwell mine complex, formerly the biggest gold mine globally, generated millions of ounces of gold in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Today, you can hike to see the deteriorating foundations and corroding equipment that was left behind.
- Helicopter & Dogsled Glacier Excursion: I heard this was an amazing tour worth every penny. Standing on an enormous glacier, riding a dog sled and petting puppies!
- Mendenhall Lake Kayaking Adventure: Get up close to the glacier and Nugget Falls. Check out icebergs.
- Juneau Underground Peterson Gold Mine and Panning Experience: exploring a former underground gold mine and panning for your own gold nuggets.
Culinary Delights in Juneau
If you are cruising Holland America, you can choose the Juneau Culinary Walk excursion. This is by far the best way to sample the local cuisine. This tour even includes a stopover at the famous Tracy’s King Crab Shack. Although most renown for their remarkable King crab legs on this tour, you get to sample the award-winning crab bisque. The other tasty stops include Taku Smokeries, the Taste Alaska headquarters, Harbor Spice and Tea, and the Crystal Saloon.
Final Thoughts: One Day Making the Most of Our Juneau Cruise Adventure
Our day in the charming city of Juneau was an unforgettable experience. The people were friendly, and the modern feel offered something for everyone, in contrast to the frontier town of Skagway. We highly recommend visiting this truly special place if you’re ever in Alaska. By sharing our travels, we hope to help you plan an itinerary that lets you make the most of your day trip and capture lasting memories in this Alaskan paradise. Safe travels and enjoy your time in Juneau!
Have you cruised to Alaska? Did you venture to Juneau? What did you think? Share your experience with us writing in the comments below.
