BEST THINGS TO DO IN JUNEAU

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There are not a great number of things to do in
Juneau. However, Mother Nature puts on quite a
display for those adventurous enough to go
looking in the Last Frontier. While Mendenhall
Glacier steals most of the attention and tourist
traffic, those who visit Tracy Arm Fjord find
the scenery and wildlife unforgettable. For some
more accessible natural beauty, head to the
Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure and breath
in the flower-scented air. Juneau is also a
popular jumping-off point for some of the best
Alaska tours. And if you require some indoor
repose.
TRACY ARM FJORD
A fjord is a Nordic term meaning a narrow
waterway surrounded by sharp cliffs. So while
Juneaus Mendenhall Glacier steals most of the
tourist traffic, the 27-mile-long Tracy Arm Fjord
is the bigger, better, and more dramatic natural
gem. The inlet is very narrow at times, no
more than half a mile wide with cliffs that
rise more than 3,000 feet on either side
and waterfalls that cascade down the steep rock
walls. During the summer, you can spot eagles,
seals, bears, and whales here.
Recent visitors said that if you only have time
for one experience in Juneau, this is
it. Travelers described the glacial scenery as
incredible and breathtaking, and recommended
bringing along a quality set of binoculars and a
camera to capture the scene.
The Tracy Arm Fjord is 45 miles south of Juneau,
but worth the trek. If your cruise ship doesnt
sail through the glaciers, youll have to take a
boat tour, which usually lasts an entire
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day. Adventure Bound Alaska and Allen Marine
Tours operate well-reviewed excursions from May
through September, and you should reserve your
spot at least a week in advance space is
limited.
MENDENHALL GLACIER
Mendenhall Glacier welcomes more than 400,000
visitors each year, and its easy to see why
aside from its stunning arctic beauty, the
glacier is only 12 miles outside Juneau and its
the
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only glacier in Southeast Alaska accessible by
road (you can easily take a cab here). When
youre not gazing at the icebergs, the Coast
Mountains will likely grab your attention. Upon
arrival, your first stop should be at the
visitors center, where you can watch a 15-minute
film describing the changing landscape, talk
with forest rangers and relax in the warmth of
the glacier observation area. You can also pick
up a map detailing the various hiking paths
around the glacier.
Many recent visitors saw the glacier while on a
cruise port stop and highly recommended sharing
a cab with your fellow passengers to the glacier.
Travelers also advised stopping at the visitors
center to watch the informative film. Of all the
trails, reviewers highly recommend the East
Glacier Trail for its stunning views of the
glacier and the falls. For a more immersive
experience (and guidance from a local), consider
visiting with one of the best Alaska tours.
Juneau Whale Watching
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JUNEAU WHALE WATCHING
Many travelers make the trek to Alaska for two
things glaciers and whales. The latter can be a
bit more elusive to spot, which is why its best
to sign up for a whale-watching tour. In Juneau,
North Pacific humpbacks and orcas are the two
most common types of whales migrating through
these calm waters. Humpbacks feed off krill and
small baitfish, which Juneaus waters are chock
full of. The best time to see activity in Juneau
in the water is during migration season (May
through September). Though you may be able to
spot some movement from the shore (with the help
of some binoculars), youll score a better view
if you sign up for a whale-watching boat tour.
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There is no shortage of traveler-approved tours
to choose from, each offering a different
experience. If you dont want to share deck space
with dozens of other tourists, consider Harv and
Marvs Outback Alaska. The three-hour tours are
limited to six passengers and include a
complimentary stop at the Brotherhood Bridge for
a view of the Mendenhall Glacier. Gastineau
Guiding Company is unique in that it offers
hands-on experiences that allow passengers to
play a part in data collection for local
university and regional science programs
(collecting water and plankton samples and
recording marine mammal observations, for
example). Juneau Whale Watch and Adventures in
Alaska are two more companies travelers
recommend. You can find more recommendations in
our roundup of the best Alaska tours.
You can reach the glacier in several ways.
Hopping on this Charter bus USA is your cheapest
option.
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