TravelWhiz by Wendy Orr
Mendenhall Glacier Juneau Alaska blue ice and mountains

Juneau, Alaska Vacations — Glaciers, Bears, and Extraordinary Wilderness

USA

Best Time to Visit: May through September
Climate: Subarctic with cool summers (12–18°C) and cold, wet winters. Juneau is one of the rainiest cities in the USA.

Juneau is one of the world's most extraordinary capital cities — accessible only by sea or air, surrounded by the Tongass National Forest, and home to the extraordinary Mendenhall Glacier. Juneau is a major port of call on the Alaska Inside Passage cruise route and offers extraordinary wildlife viewing, glacier trekking, and whale watching.

Why Visit Juneau, Alaska?

  • Mendenhall Glacier — a 19km glacier accessible from downtown Juneau
  • Whale watching — humpback whales are regularly seen in Juneau's waters
  • Grizzly bear viewing — bears fishing for salmon in the Tongass National Forest
  • Helicopter glacier tour — land on a glacier and explore on foot
  • Tracy Arm Fjord — a spectacular fjord with calving glaciers

Things to Do in Juneau, Alaska

Wendy can arrange any of these experiences as part of your personalised itinerary.

Mendenhall Glacier

Visit the extraordinary Mendenhall Glacier — a 19km glacier with a beautiful visitor centre, hiking trails, and the opportunity to see black bears.

Whale Watching

Take a whale watching tour from Juneau — humpback whales are regularly seen in the waters around Juneau, along with orcas, sea lions, and porpoises.

Helicopter Glacier Tour

Take a helicopter tour to a glacier and explore on foot — an extraordinary experience unique to Alaska.

Tracy Arm Fjord

Take a day cruise to the extraordinary Tracy Arm Fjord — calving glaciers, icebergs, harbour seals, and dramatic mountain scenery.

Grizzly Bear Viewing

Take a floatplane to a remote salmon stream to watch grizzly bears fishing — one of Alaska's most extraordinary wildlife experiences.

Mount Roberts Tramway

Take the Mount Roberts Tramway for extraordinary views of Juneau, the Gastineau Channel, and the surrounding mountains.

Ready to book your Juneau, Alaska trip?

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Where to Eat in Juneau, Alaska

Wendy's recommended restaurants — from fine dining to authentic local cuisine.

Local Favourite

The Rookery Café

Juneau's most beloved café — exceptional coffee, local seafood, and a warm Alaskan welcome.

Seafood

Tracy's King Crab Shack

Juneau's most famous seafood shack — extraordinary Alaskan king crab, Dungeness crab, and clam chowder.

Casual Seafood

Deckhand Dave's Fish Tacos

A beloved Juneau institution — exceptional fish tacos using fresh Alaskan halibut and salmon.

Where to Stay in Juneau, Alaska

Wendy has personal relationships with these properties and can often secure upgrades and exclusive rates.

Goldbelt Hotel Juneau

Mid-Range

Juneau's most comfortable hotel — well-located, good facilities, and excellent views of the Gastineau Channel.

Alaska's Capital Inn

Boutique

A beautiful bed and breakfast in a historic mansion — exceptional hospitality and a perfect location in downtown Juneau.

Pearson's Pond Luxury Inn

Boutique

A beautiful inn near the Mendenhall Glacier — exceptional hospitality, beautiful gardens, and a peaceful setting.

Planning Your Juneau, Alaska Trip

📅 Best Time to Visit

May through September — the best weather for outdoor activities and wildlife viewing. The cruise season runs from May to September.

🌤️ Climate

Subarctic with cool summers (12–18°C) and cold, wet winters. Juneau is one of the rainiest cities in the USA.

✈️ Getting There

Connecting flights from Calgary to Juneau International Airport (JNU) via Seattle or Anchorage. Total travel time approximately 4–6 hours. Also accessible by Alaska Inside Passage cruise.

Frequently Asked Questions — Juneau, Alaska

Is Juneau accessible by road?

No — Juneau is one of the few capital cities in the world that is not accessible by road. It can only be reached by sea or air, which adds to its extraordinary character.

What is the best way to see Juneau?

Most visitors arrive by cruise ship on the Alaska Inside Passage. However, flying into Juneau and spending 2–3 days exploring allows a much more in-depth experience.

Do Canadians need a visa to visit Alaska?

No — Canadian citizens can visit the USA (including Alaska) without a visa, but must carry a valid passport or NEXUS card.

Book Your Juneau, Alaska Trip with Wendy

As your trusted travel consultant, Wendy handles every detail of your Juneau, Alaska vacation — from flights and hotels to transfers and experiences. Get in touch for a free, no-obligation quote.

Book Your Juneau, Alaska Trip with Wendy

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