Juneau port
Overview:
Juneau, Alaska's capitol city stretching along a narrow strip
between mountains and the Gastineau Channel, is an unexpectedly
cosmopolitan port stop on Inside Passage cruises. Mountains and
stretches of wilderness cut off any land access to Juneau making it
very reliant on its cruise industry.
Juneau's best attractions lie in the scenery surrounding it; some
of the best are longer excursions, but quick popular trips include
riding Mt Roberts Tramway for an eagle's eye view of the city or
visiting nearby Mendenhall Glacier.
Several ships can dock at the terminal located just next to
downtown. When the docks are full, which is often in peak season,
ships anchor in the harbour and tender passengers in. The town can
get incredibly crowded on days in the peak cruise season.
Contact:
Tourist Kiosk
101 Egan Dr or at Davis Log Cabin Visitor Information Center
on 134 Third
Street
Tel: +1 (907) 586 2201
www.traveljuneau.com
Transport:
From the cruise docks, downtown Juneau is a short walk, although
shuttle buses are available for nasty weather days. Taxis are also
widely available which can take you as far as Mendenhall Glacier.
Capitol Transit, the public bus system, traverses the town
regularly.
Attractions:
Most cruisers jump into the scenery as fast as possible, either
on the tram ride up Mt Roberts from downtown Juneau, or take a
quick ride out of town to Mendenhall Glacier, Alaska's most popular
sight. Places close to town include a great salmon hatchery, an
Alaska State Museum and tours of the famous Alaska Brewing Company.
Great hikes in Glacier Gardens, river trips and gold panning
excursions are just out of downtown.
Restaurants:
- Red Dog Saloon - Iconic restaurant and bar popular with
cruisers
- Gold Room - One of the state's oldest restaurant emitting some
frontier charm
- Silverbow - The state's oldest bakery
Best dish: Baked freshly caught wild salmon
Shopping:
There are many small souvenir shops near the cruise terminal.
Downtown Franklin Street and Mendenhall Valley both are popular
shopping districts both with tourist merchandise and boutique
shops. Many art galleries are spread around town including great
examples of Native American arts and crafts.
Best buy: Smoked Salmon or small totem pole
Excursions:
- River raft on any class of rapids
- Trek the glaciers
- Whale Watch up close on a rented boat
- Zip through the rainforest in a canopy tour
- Helicopter over the glaciers