Port guides / Alaska & Pacific NW
Juneau
Alaska's landlocked wilderness capital, reachable only by boat or plane, featuring Mendenhall Glacier, humpback whale feeding grounds, and Gold Rush lore.
No roads connect Juneau to the rest of North America. Framed between Mount Juneau and the Gastineau Channel, Alaska's capital city is a port of call where vast tidewater glaciers, temperate rainforests, and pioneer saloons sit just minutes from the ship gangway.
Getting around Juneau
Downtown Juneau is nestled directly at the foot of the mountains:
- Downtown on foot: Ships tie up within a few minutes' walk of South Franklin Street, lined with historic storefronts, outdoor outfitters, the Red Dog Saloon, and local seafood shacks serving wild King crab legs.
- Glacier express shuttles: Commercial buses and public shuttles depart from the cruise docks every 30 minutes for the 13-mile trip out to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center.
- Whale watching transfers: Tour operators pick up passengers right at the pier for the 20-minute drive out to Auke Bay boat harbor.
Highlights of a Juneau port day
- Mendenhall Glacier & Nugget Falls: Juneau's crown jewel. Walk the Nugget Falls trail right to the base of a roaring 377-foot waterfall splashing into an iceberg-filled lake alongside the 13-mile-long river of ice.
- Whale Watching in Auke Bay: The nutrient-rich waters of Stephens Passage and Lynn Canal are a summer feeding sanctuary for humpback whales. Sightings are so reliable that most licensed boat captains offer a 100% money-back guarantee.
- Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway: Board the aerial cable car directly across from the Franklin Dock, rising 1,800 feet through old-growth spruce to mountain trails, native cultural exhibits, and panoramic views of the Gastineau Channel.
- Tracy Arm Fjord & Glacier Helicopter Flights: For an unforgettable adventure, take a catamaran into Tracy Arm to see the twin Sawyer Glaciers, or take a helicopter flight with a guided landing on the ancient ice of the Herbert or Taku Glaciers.
What to wear ashore
Juneau is located within the Tongass National Forest, a temperate coastal rainforest. Expect maritime weather that can change quickly. Dress in lightweight breathable layers: a moisture-wicking base, a warm fleece or packable down mid-layer, and a reliable waterproof jacket with a hood.