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Mendenhall glacier |
Overview Accessible only by sea or air, Alaska's 'Gateway to the
Glaciers' is the state's scenic capital, situated among spectacular
mountains on the shores of the Gastineau Channel. The holiday
destination of Juneau is however not as wild and uncultured as one
would expect of such a remote destination. It affords all the
pleasures of a large city, while also offering an abundance of
activities and natural escapes for outdoor enthusiasts in its
backyard.
In 1880 the city swarmed with gold prospectors, but today it is
the cruise ship passengers who pack the streets every summer,
enjoying the shopping, dining and picturesque surroundings.
Juneau's attractions include the Mount Roberts Tram and the
Mendenhall Glacier, Alaska's most visited glacier due to its easy
access and proximity to the city. Glacier Bay National Park is one
of the country's more dramatic regions and is also accessible from
Juneau, by boat or plane. Helicopter rides, fishing,
whale-watching, hiking and kayaking are popular activities in which
to fully appreciate the vast wilderness surrounding Juneau.
Nearby Attractions
Glacier Bay National Park
When the early explorers and pioneers of the 18th century sailed
this way, Glacier Bay was hidden under a huge sheet of solid ice,
more than 4,000ft (1,219m) thick and up to 20 miles (32km) wide.
Today the branching 65-mile (105km) long fjord...
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