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Previously, only AJ Dock (privately owned facility) could accommodate larger vessels. This adventure normally starts with a breathtaking 20-minute scenic flight over impressive Juneau Icefield, Alaskan fjords, snow-capped mountains, and awe-inspiring glacier formations.
Dining and Shopping: Local Treats & Treasures
While you’re there, be sure to check out the jewelry, home decor, and artistic Lubiwood wooden puzzles. You can choose to ride in the back of the sled or sit in front of your guide. This tour has many great things, from the helicopter ride to holding and playing with the husky puppies.
How do I access the Juneau cruise port?
The seaplanes get extremely close to the glaciers and sites, so you get the chance to see the most incredible formations of 5 different glaciers. For shopping – the majority of shops aimed at visitors are strung along this to the left of the port. You’ll also find a restaurant, theater, and shop at the top of the tram. You can watch an 18-minute award-winning movie about the local Tlingit people.
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A Popular Port Has Called on Cruise Ships to Stop Sounding Their Horns - InsideHook
A Popular Port Has Called on Cruise Ships to Stop Sounding Their Horns.
Posted: Wed, 07 Jun 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
If you’d like to visit, but aren’t interested in eating any king crab, they also have a shop. The Mendenhall Glacier is the #1 recommended thing to see in this Juneau cruise port guide, and for good reason. I don’t know if there’s anywhere else in the world where you can reach a glacier within a 20-minute drive.
Spectacular Things to Do in Juneau Cruise Port
Here are some of the best ways to enjoy the capital of Alaska. Juneau, along with 90% of Alaska, keeps time within the Alaska Standard Time Zone (AKST). Alaska Standard Time Zone is one hour behind Pacific Time and four hours behind the Eastern Time Zone. However, Sourdoughs (longtime Alaskans) might use some unusual local slang, including “termination dust” (the first snowfall of the year in the mountains) and the “ALCAN” (Alaska/Canada Highway). Juneau, Alaska also has the unique distinction of being completely landlocked. You can only get to Juneau one of two ways…boat or airplane.
There was also a small selection of geological souvenirs and books to buy. You can opt to do things like zip-lining, hiking through the forest, or visiting the famous Glacier Gardens. Whatever you decide to do, you’re sure to be impressed and left in awe by the 17-million-acre Tongass National Forest. One of the best things to do on an Alaskan cruise is to go on a whale-watching tour.
Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center
A stroll through Totem Bight State Historical Park or the Alaska State Capitol grounds will offer an up-close and personal experience with these remarkable cultural treasures. Be sure to check out the quaint boutiques and art galleries, where you can find unique souvenirs and locally-made crafts. If you’re a food enthusiast, you’ll be delighted by the diverse culinary scene in downtown Juneau. From freshly caught seafood to international cuisine, there’s something to satisfy every palate. The tasting room is located five miles from downtown Juneau.
Take a Tour of the Alaska State Capitol Building
This is well worth a visit to get a real understanding of the culture and history of Alaska. If this is your first port you will be able to discover more about First Nations and their influence on all the places you are heading for. Please don’t forget to come back to whatsinport.com for new and updated port guides.
Final Insider Tips for an Unforgettable Visit
Your trail options range from the relatively easy one-mile trek to the base of Nugget Falls (also visible from the visitor center) or challenging loop trails into the nearby mountains. Speaking of local love, if you enjoy ice cream don’t miss a chance to visit the much-loved Coppa Cafe. It’s in Glacier Ave, which is a bit of a walk from downtown. They used to have an amazing ice cream cart off Franklin Street, but since ownership changed hands, they no longer offer that delicacy. While in Juneau, take the opportunity to visit some of the city’s iconic landmarks and museums. One must-see attraction is the Alaska State Capitol, located just a short distance from the cruise port.
If you want to do something specific, booking it in advance is best. You can save money by booking through an independent operator rather than with one of the cruise lines. Chartered fishing boats (with a limit of six people) ply the waters for saltwater catches. And, guided fly fishing is available on lakes, rivers and streams for some freshwater experience. Speak with the representatives to gather the details of what is included in your preferred activity.
In 1941 people of Japanese ancestry living on the west coast of the USA were removed and incarcerates in isolated government internment camps. The seniors at Juneau High School left an empty chair during their graduation ceremony for their absent, fellow student who should have been there. It is an important historical event of which the citizens of Juneau feel like it needs to be remembered. It is especially popular amongst the Americans that are looking for a fun and relaxed afternoon at the bar. Mendenhall Glacier (width 1,5 mi / 2,4 km, length over 12 mi / 19 km to Mendenhall Lake) is another tour destination.
If you’re considering forgoing an excursion to explore on your own, have no fear, there are plenty of affordable things to do near the cruise port in downtown Juneau. With that said, let’s visit some of the best and most popular shore excursion destinations that conveniently leave from the Juneau cruise port area. At the summit is also a live bald eagle display and the chance to see them in the wild along a series of alpine walking trails. These paths offer unobstructed views of the landscapes and exceptional photo opportunities. Along the way are interpretive wildlife signs, viewing platforms and carvings by the Native peoples of this area of Alaska.
At the Visitor Center, you can see the outside operations of an active hatchery, learn about the fascinating life cycle of salmon and learn about its importance in Alaska. You can observe adult and baby salmons but also see over 150 local marine species in the various aquariums and touch tanks. Located approximately 15 minutes drive from Juneau port, Macaulay Salmon Hatchery is the largest Salmon Hatchery in Southeast Alaska raising over 130 million chum, king, and coho salmon annually. Looking for an adrenaline-pumped activity that will make your cruise to Alaska unforgettable? Board your stable and modernly equipped canoe and start paddling across Mendenhall Lake into the face of the Mendenhall Glacier.
In 2023, ABAK/Above & Beyond Alaska LLC (Juneau-based, employee-owned tour company specializing in Wilderness Adventure Tours) inaugurated the "Fly-In Norris Glacier Hike & Pack Raft" tour. The multi-sports tour starts with flightseeing (floatplane flight over Taku Inlet) followed by land-based activities - pack rafting and Norris Glacier hiking. Juneau Airport is approx 13 km (8 mi) northwest of downtown and handles both cargo and passenger aircraft. Cargo flights (by the airlines Alaska Air Cargo, Empire Airlines, Alaska Central Express) link to Anchorage, Ketchikan, Seattle. Regularly scheduled passenger flights (by Alaska Airlines, Alaska Seaplanes, Harris Air) link to Petersburg/Mitkof Island, Seattle, Sitka, Anchorage, Ketchikan, Yakutat, Gustavus.
A gold strike in the aptly named Gold Creek led to the town’s formation back in 1880. The creek is still there, running straight along the fringe of downtown. Familiarize yourself with the layout and take advantage of the transportation options available, such as taxis and pedicabs. This will allow you to make the most of your time and explore beyond the immediate vicinity of the port. To truly understand the essence of Juneau, a visit to its museums is a must. The Juneau-Douglas City Museum and the Alaska State Museum are two prominent institutions that showcase the captivating history, heritage, and artwork of the region.
The tram is pricey ($55 for an all-day pass for adults and $40 for kids ages 3-12). However, the panoramic views of Juneau and the Gastineau Channel are stunning. You can experience the excitement of kayaking on a glacial lake at the Mendenhall Glacier’s terminus. Several tour companies provide round-trip transfers from the cruise ports. Juneau, Alaska, is an excellent place for various activities, including wildlife viewing, learning the history of Alaska Natives, hiking, glacier viewing, and whale watching. Cruise passengers can disembark and explore the city on foot, enjoying the shops, restaurants, and popular attractions that are clustered in the downtown area.
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