The picturesque capital of Alaska, surrounded by towering mountains and glistening glaciers. It is only assessable by plane or boat. This coastal gem offers a unique blend of natural beauty and urban charm, providing visitors with opportunities to witness awe-inspiring wildlife, explore glacier-carved fjords, and delve into Alaska’s rich history and culture.
The Same
Juneau offered both The Dinks and The Family unforgettable experiences, from glacier tours to iconic local spots. They were both lucky enough to visit with acousin who lives in Juneau and yes even the locals hit up Tracy’s Crab Shack for red king crab, and the Red Dog Saloon.
Tracy’s Crab Shack
Gained it’s stellar reputation for using high-quality, locally sourced Alaskan king crab, ensuring that guests get a true taste of the region’s seafood bounty. Indulge in a range of king crab preparations, including king crab legs served with melted butter and various seasonings, as well as crab bisque and crab cakes. The dining experience is casual and laid-back, as the restaurant is situated near the waterfront in Juneau and provides outdoor seating with scenic views.
Red Dog Saloon
The Red Dog Saloon first opened its doors in 1898 during the height of the Klondike Gold Rush, making it one of the oldest continuously operating saloons in Alaska. It quickly became a popular gathering place for miners, loggers, and other pioneers seeking adventure and camaraderie. It is known for its rustic and lively atmosphere, with sawdust-covered floors, period decor, and an authentic Old West ambiance. The walls are adorned with historic memorabilia, including antique firearms, mining equipment, and vintage photographs, providing a glimpse into the region’s colorful past. One of the highlights of the Red Dog Saloon is its live music performances, featuring local musicians playing a variety of genres, including bluegrass, folk, and country. Guests can enjoy toe-tapping tunes and sing-alongs while sipping on cold beers or signature cocktails.
Note: If you are stopping in Juneau as part of a cruise. Check out our other Alaska blogs Alaska Cruise and Skagway, AK.
The Family
With only a single day in Juneau and spending time with family a priority, we opted for a morning tour. Our initial plan for the Helicopter Dogsled Glacier excursion unfortunately fell through due to the early closure of the dog sled camps. So we decided to take the Airboat & Helicopter Tour. Despite its high cost, the tour was truly remarkable and a once-in-a-lifetime experience that justified the expense.
Taku Glacier Air-boat and Helicopter Tour
The Taku Glacier, located in the Taku River valley near Juneau, Alaska, is one of the largest and most impressive glaciers in the Juneau Icefield. Like many glaciers around the world, the Taku Glacier has experienced periods of both retreat and advance over the years. While it has been steadily retreating in recent decades, it has also shown occasional periods of advance, during which it moves forward and accumulates ice. The Taku Glacier and its surrounding area provide important habitat for a variety of wildlife, including bears, mountain goats, eagles, and salmon. The glacier’s nutrient-rich meltwater supports diverse ecosystems both on land and in the ocean.
- Airboat: The airboat ride turned out to be an exciting and engaging adventure, allowing us to get remarkably close to the glacier – I was even able to touch it.
- Helicopter: The glacier’s icy surface, crevasses, and jagged ridges create a mesmerizing sight from above, offering a unique perspective on its immense size and beauty. The helicopter landing was executed perfectly, touching down amidst an area of captivating blue ice, a sight I had long wished to witness. Touching down on the glacier’s icy surface, you’ll have the opportunity to step out of the helicopter and explore this pristine wilderness firsthand. Our pilot led us on a guided walk across the glacier, pointing out interesting features and sharing fascinating facts about its formation and history. What’s more, we had the chance to sample glacier water from a small stream and fill our own bottles, completing a day filled with unforgettable moments.
- We were even able to see seals.
The Dinks
We were lucky enough to have two days in Juneau and decided to see most of it on our own.
Tahku, the Alaska Whale Sculpture
Tahku, the Alaska Whale Sculpture, stands proudly on the waterfront. This life-scale bronze masterpiece portrays a humpback whale in mid-breach, emerging from an infinity pool that seamlessly merges with its aquatic surroundings. It’s a great place to watch for eagles and just enjoy the tranquil waterfront.
The Goldbelt Tram
The Goldbelt Tram, also known as the Mount Roberts Tramway, is a popular attraction in Juneau, Alaska, offering visitors a scenic ride up Mount Roberts for stunning views of the surrounding landscape and opportunities for outdoor exploration. As the tram ascends Mount Roberts, passengers are treated to breathtaking vistas of the rugged Alaskan wilderness. From the comfort of the tram car, you’ll have the opportunity to admire snow-capped peaks, lush forests, and sparkling waterways stretching out below. The Mountain Station features a visitor center with exhibits on local wildlife, Native Alaskan culture, and the natural history of the area.
The cost of the tram has risen significantly over the years so we decided to save a little cash while also getting some exercise in by hike up to the top & ride the tram down. This 4.5-mile (7.2 km) trail offers stunning views of Juneau and the surrounding area as you ascend. The trail is considered difficult with a significant elevation gain of nearly 4,000 feet (1219 meters). The trim down is technically free with a $20 purchase at the top. We enjoyed a few local brews at the top & picked up a couple of souvenirs in the gift shop.
Mendenhall Glacier
Mendenhall Glacier is a massive glacier that stretches approximately 13 miles (21 kilometers) from its source in the Juneau Icefield to its terminus at Mendenhall Lake. As one of the most accessible glaciers in Alaska, it offers visitors the opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of glacial landscapes up close. Right at the cruise port there are several options for shuttles to the Glacier for the same price. We picked one and were off. Along the way our driver pointed out tons of eagles. The glacier is a thirteen-mile-long icy river as it gracefully culminates on the opposite shore of Mendenhall Lake which can be seen directly from the welcome center. There are several trails to choose from. We saw several porcupines but unfortunately no bears.
Alaskan Brewing Company
Founded in 1986 by Marcy and Geoff Larson, the Alaskan Brewing Company is one of the oldest and most respected craft breweries in Alaska. It was born out of a passion for brewing and a desire to create unique and flavorful beers inspired by the natural beauty and resources of the Last Frontier. Located right in port along the water, it was a perfect stop to grab a pint before heading back onto the ship. The brewery’s lineup includes a variety of flagship and seasonal beers, each showcasing the unique flavors and characteristics of Alaska. Some of its most popular offerings include:
- Alaskan Amber: A smooth and malty alt-style ale with notes of caramel and toasted grains.
- Alaskan White: A Belgian-style witbier brewed with coriander, orange peel, and Alaskan spruce tips.
- Alaskan Smoked Porter: A rich and complex porter with a smoky character imparted by locally sourced alder wood.
Summary
In Juneau, Alaska, two distinct experiences showcase the diversity of activities and attractions available in this scenic city. The Family opted for a thrilling adventure with the Taku Glacier Air-boat and Helicopter Tour. This excursion provided breathtaking aerial views of glaciers and pristine landscapes, followed by an exhilarating airboat ride close to the majestic Taku Glacier. Meanwhile, the Dinks immersed themselves in Juneau’s rich cultural and natural heritage. They explored the Alaska Whale Sculpture and learned about the city’s maritime history. A ride on the Goldbelt Tram offered panoramic views of Juneau and its surrounding mountains, while visiting the Mendenhall Glacier allowed them to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of one of Alaska’s most iconic natural wonders.
Both experiences in Juneau offer unique perspectives and highlights. The Family’s adventurous air and water tour provided unparalleled views and adrenaline-pumping moments, while the Dinks’ cultural and scenic exploration showcased Juneau’s history and natural splendor. Ultimately, the question of who did it better depends on personal preferences—whether seeking thrilling adventures amidst glaciers or immersing oneself in cultural and natural wonders, Juneau promises unforgettable experiences for all.
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