Cruises from Juneau

Juneau is the capital city of Alaska, inhabited by about 30,000 people. Accessible only by air and water, Juneau is the third largest city in Alaska and the largest city along the Inside Passage. It is located on a narrow landmass between the soaring Mount Juneau and the deep waters of Gastineau Channel. It was named after Jo Juneau, a gold prospector. Discovered in 1880, Juneau attained prosperity during the Gold Rush days. It was the headquarters of three gold mining operations in those days. In 1900 it became the capital of Alaska.

Summer temperatures range from 44 degree F to 65 degree F and rainfall is frequent throughout the year. You can reach Juneau by air from Anchorage or Seattle or enjoy a ferry ride from Bellingham, Washington. Alaska Airlines has partnerships with other airlines to connect other parts of the US to Juneau. Once you reach the capital, taxicabs and the comprehensive local public transit system can take care of your transport needs.

The best thing about Juneau is that it displays a happy mix of western commercialism and Alaskan tradition. Juneau is bustling with the staples of city life as well as native tradition. A shopper’s paradise, Juneau offers specialty shops, handicrafts stores and art galleries. In the summer there is a big flux of tourists from mainland Alaska. Juneau is fully equipped to take on its role as a prime tourist destination. It has over 900 rooms in bed and breakfasts, 12 hotels/motels, 64 restaurants, shopping malls and outdoor equipment rentals, car rentals and transit facilities.

But if you have come to Juneau to get away from city life and nestle in the arms of nature, the city will not disappoint you. Fishing is available from land or a boat in Juneau. You can get lucky with trophy fish, a staple of this region of Alaska. Go to the Juneau fish hatchery dock to find details about fishing options. Hiking, mountain biking and kayaking are other popular activities for the outdoor enthusiast.

Being the capital of Alaska, Juneau does not lag behind in glacial activity. One of the foremost attractions of Juneau is the Mendenhall Glacier. In the list of drive-in movies, drive-in chapels and drive-in coffee, please add a drive-in glacier. Located nine miles from downtown Juneau, Mendenhall, with a face 200 feet tall and 1.5 miles wide, travels along a path of twelve miles from its origin. Grinding everything in its path, Mendenhall is wasting away at a rate faster than it is flowing, steadily receding at the rate of 25-30 feet annually and putting out icebergs in the Mendenhall Lake. This lake has a campground that is open from mid-May to September. Camping fees are $8 per day with a fourteen-day limit.

Families with kids can take advantage of a six-minute tram ride offered from the dock area to an elevation of 1760 feet.

Juneau has something to offer to everyone.