THINGS TO DO IN JUNEAU
Clancy and Declan with the Patsy Anne statue on the cruise ship dock in Juneau, Alaska
A guest post by 11 year old twins, Declan and Clancy Thomas with photographs by Grandpa, Tony Edwards.
Last summer our Grandparents took us on a trip to Juneau, Alaska’s capital city. We spent four days exploring and had a lot of fun going on different tours. There are so many exciting and adventurous things to do in Juneau. Here’s our top five things to do.
Clancy and Grandma enjoying the food at the Gold Creek Salmon Bake in Juneau, Alaska.
5. Gold Creek Salmon Bake
The Gold Creek Salmon Bake is a traditional Alaskan salmon bake served up with live music, great food and even smores! We loved panning for gold but we didn’t strike it rich. It’s a fun experience for families who want to try some real Alaskan salmon. Learn more at https://www.alaskatraveladventures.com/day-tours/juneau/gold-creek-salmon-bake/
4. Mt. Roberts Tramway
If you look up in downtown Juneau chances are you’ll see the red tram that takes you up Mt. Roberts. Taking the tramway is so much more fun than walking. At the top there are great views of Juneau and there is a trail that goes all the way to the top of the mountain. The Mt. Roberts Tramway is a breathtaking experience that’s right in downtown Juneau! Learn more at http://mountrobertstramway.com/
Bob, the miner, explains a pneumatic shovel at the Gastineau Mine Tour.
3. AJ Mine Gastineau Mill Tour
The AJ Mine Gastineau Mill Tour is an entertaining tour of an old gold mine and mill. The tour guide told us lots of facts about mining. After the tour there is a gold panning station where they teach you how to go panning for gold and then you can do it on your own. We even got a few flecks of gold and they gave us a little bottle to put it in and take it home! This is a fun tour for kids and parents alike. Learn more at https://ajgastineauminetour.com/
Declan holds a chunk of glacier on the Tracy Arm Boat Tour.
2. Tracy Arm Fjord and Glacier Explorer
The Tracy Arm Fjord and Glacier Explorer is a 7 hour tour with snacks, hot chocolate, and incredible views. We saw a lot of wildlife including bears and whales as well as the amazing glaciers! This is a great tour to go on if you want to see beautiful scenery, wildlife and glaciers all in one day. Learn more at http://allenmarinetours.com/juneau/tracy-arm-fjord-glacier-explorer/
Where else in the USA can you ride a bus to a glacier but Juneau, AK?
1. Mendenhall Glacier
The Mendenhall Glacier was our favorite thing in Juneau! It was one of the coolest things we’ve have ever seen. Taking the blue bus out to the glacier is a great thing to do if you’re a kid or an adult. If you want an amazing view of a huge glacier this is the place to go! Find info on the blue bus here http://www.mmtoursofjuneau.com/land-tours
A magnificent view of a glacier on the Tracy Arm Boat Tour.
Juneau also has great whale watching which we didn’t try out because we’ve grown up here in Ketchikan, Alaska with plenty of whales in our own backyard. Check out Harv and Marv’s tours if you want to go whale watching – they’re a small local company.
Some things to remember for tours in Juneau, AK
- Dress warm.
- Bring a raincoat.
- Bring plenty of snacks!
- Don’t forget a tip for your guide and/or bus driver!
Please don’t forget to tip your guide after you go on any of these tours.