Juneau, Alaska

Juneau, Alaska: Wildlife & Glaciers in Alaska's Capital

As Alaska’s isolated capital city, accessible only by boat or plane, Juneau offers an ideal mix of ancient glacial landscapes, rich Tlingit heritage, and coastal wildlife experiences. You can stand at the foot of the massive Mendenhall Glacier, watch humpback whales breach in Stephens Passage, or savor wild Alaskan salmon right along the waterfront.

Things to do

Whale Watching

Cruise into Stephens Passage, one of North America’s top feeding grounds, for guaranteed sightings of humpback whales, sea lions, and killer whales.

~$130 – $190 USD per person

Mendenhall Glacier & Nugget Falls

Take in panoramic views of a 13-mile river of ice and hike the scenic, flat trail leading directly to the roaring base of 377-foot Nugget Falls.

~$15 – $75 USD per person (Visitor Center fee is $15; roundtrip shuttle buses from the cruise docks range from $55 – $75

Whale Statue

Visit "Tahku," a life-sized 25-foot bronze humpback whale sculpture that appears to splash dramatically out of an infinity pool along the waterfront.

$0 USD

Goldbelt Tram

Soar 1,800 feet above the port through rainforest canopies to Mount Roberts for sweeping channel views, alpine hiking trails, and local Tlingit culture.

~$60 – $80 USD per person (All-day pass)

Red Dog Saloon

Iconic Gold Rush-era Western saloon featuring sawdust floors, historical Alaskan memorabilia, live piano tunes, hearty pub fare, and the famous Duck Fart shot - Juneau’s legendary layered cocktail made with Kahlúa, Baileys Irish Cream, and Crown Royal.

~$10 – $25 USD per person (Drinks ~$8–$12; famous Duck Fart shot ~$8.50; pub entrees ~$12–$22)

Sealaska Heritage Center

Explore authentic Southeast Alaskan Native history, featuring hand-carved totem poles, a traditional clan house, and living cultural art exhibits.

~$15 – $20 USD per person

Wings Airways Taku Glacier Lodge

Take a classic seaplane flight over five glaciers to a remote historic lodge for a wild Alaskan king salmon feast and brown bear viewing.

~$380 – $450 USD per person

Perseverance Trail Hike

One of Juneau’s most popular and historic hikes, offering a scenic walk along Gold Creek into a mountain basin framed by waterfalls, lush rainforest, and ruins of Gold Rush-era mining operations. The main trail is a well-maintained, wide gravel path with moderate elevation gain, making it accessible for most fitness levels.

$0 USD (Free admission; accessible via a short taxi/rideshare or a ~20-minute uphill walk from downtown Juneau).

Glacier Sea Kayaking

Paddle through tranquil, ice-dotted waters along the coast with expert guides for an up-close perspective of glaciers and coastal marine wildlife.

~$120 – $220 USD per person

Places to Eat

Tracy's King Crab Shack

World-famous King Crab legs, rich crab bisque, and signature crab cakes right on the waterfront near the cruise docks.

~$30 – $75+ USD per person (Single crab leg combos start around $35; full bucket meals higher)

Twisted Fish Co.

Upscale casual waterfront dining specializing in flame-grilled Alaskan salmon, halibut, and local craft cocktails right along South Franklin Street.

~$25 – $50 USD per person

Deckhand Dave's Fish Tacos

Open-air court run by a former wild Alaskan fisherman serving panko-crusted halibut, wild salmon, and rockfish tacos with house-made sauces.

~$15 – $28 USD per person

Hanger on the Wharf

Housed in a historic seaplane hangar with expansive floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Gastineau Channel; extensive menu featuring over 20 craft beers on tap and fresh seafood.

~$20 – $40 USD per person

Gold Creek Salmon Bake

All-you-can-eat wild alderwood-glazed salmon grilled outdoors under a rainforest canopy, complete with toasted marshmallows around a campfire.

~$85 USD per person

Devil's Club Brewing Co.

A craft brewery in historic downtown Juneau serving wild-foraged ingredient beers, wood-fired sourdough pizzas, and small plates.

~$15 – $30 USD per person

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse