Answer: If you are visiting Juneau and plan to ship fresh-caught fish, it’s important to choose a hotel that can accommodate storing your catch before shipping. Many hotels in Juneau may not have large freezers available for guests, but some do offer assistance or can point you to nearby facilities.

Answer: Whale watching in Juneau is highly dependent on the time of day and tide conditions, but there are some general observations from experienced guides and visitors that can help you choose the best tour time.

Answer: The Tracy Arm Fjord excursion is absolutely a worthy choice when you’re in Juneau the third week of June. It offers a dramatic fjord, waterfalls, icebergs, and glaciers deep in wilderness. That said, because many tours are tied to cruise-ships, finding one that avoids the “cruise crowd” and fits your timeframe and style takes a little digging.

Answer: Hi,

Answer: Visiting Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau is a fantastic experience, and there are several ways to explore it depending on your interests, fitness level, and the amount of time you have. The glacier is accessible by road, so you can drive yourself or take a tour.

Answer: Both Super 8 and Best Western Country Lane in Juneau have their merits, but based on your preferences and the context of your trip, Best Western Country Lane is generally considered the better choice for a few reasons.

Answer: Visiting Juneau for a day after a cruise can be tricky if you need to store luggage, but there are several practical options to consider so you can enjoy the day unencumbered.

Answer: It sounds like you're planning an exciting day in Juneau with a lot of great sights to see! Given that you only have a short amount of time from 11:00 AM to 4:30 PM, it’s important to organize your itinerary for efficiency. Below is a suggested itinerary that should allow you to visit all the key spots you mentioned while making sure you’re not rushing too much. I’ll also add some extra suggestions for places you can see if time allows.

Answer: Helicopter dog sledding in Juneau is an unforgettable experience, and both the Mendenhall Glacier and Norris Glacier trips offered by HAL are excellent, but they have some differences that may affect your choice.

Answer: Good news — yes, you can take the bus from in the Mendenhall Valley area to downtown Juneau and back. Capital Transit operates many of the routes you’ll need.

Answer: Since you’ll be arriving in Juneau around 12:30 pm and checking into your hotel, you have a limited afternoon before your cruise the next day. Given your prior Alaska experience and the excursions already planned, you’ll want to pick something light, scenic, and relaxing rather than a full-day activity.

Answer: For a first-time visit to Alaska with interests in fishing, Northern Lights, seafood, sightseeing, dog sledding, and hot springs, splitting your time between Juneau and Fairbanks in early September requires balancing coastal and interior experiences. Here’s a detailed recommendation:

Answer: The NCL excursion “Alaska’s Whales & Rainforest Trails” in Juneau is highly recommended for nature enthusiasts and those interested in wildlife watching. The combination of a small-group rainforest hike and a whale and wildlife cruise offers a well-rounded experience that balances land and sea exploration.

Answer: Booking the 4:10 PM dog sledding/glacier landing combo tour in Juneau with a cruise ship departure at 9:00 PM and an “all aboard” time of 8:00 PM carries some risk. The tour’s stated return time of 7:40 PM leaves only 20 minutes before your ship’s all aboard deadline, which is a very tight window considering potential delays.

Answer: Tracy Arm Fjord is one of Southeast Alaska’s most scenic waterways, famous for its dramatic glaciers, towering cliffs, waterfalls, and occasional wildlife sightings. Whether it’s worth booking an excursion off your cruise ship depends on what you hope to experience.

Answer: For accessing a remote Forest Service cabin near Juneau by floatplane, Alaska Seaplanes is a well-known option, but there are several other floatplane operators in the area that you could consider for quotes, scheduling, and availability. Since your cabin is about a 30-minute flight from Juneau, most operators serving Southeast Alaska can accommodate this trip.

Answer: For a private van and driver in Juneau to transport 12 passengers from the cruise port to Mendenhall Glacier and back, there are a few options besides Evergreen that travelers have used and recommended over the years. Private hire is popular in Juneau, especially for small groups who want flexibility and personalized service.

Answer: Yes, taking a taxi or Uber from the Juneau cruise port to Mendenhall Glacier is definitely an option. Many cruise visitors use this method, especially if they want the convenience of a direct ride or are traveling with items that are not easily carried on buses, such as strollers or foldable scooters.

Answer: Hi — great question. Watching the July 4th (or more precisely the July 3 “midnight show” that spills into July 4) celebrations from Auke Bay / Point Lena area in Juneau is possible, but there are trade-offs, and some planning is needed. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what to expect, how to do it, and some alternative ideas.

Answer: For a 9-day Alaska Panhandle itinerary starting in Sitka and finishing in Juneau, with a focus on outdoors activities, wildlife, and adventure, here is a suggested plan for the period from May 29th to June 2nd/3rd:

Answer: Since you’ve already done the main excursions like whale watching and visiting Mendenhall Glacier, and want to explore Juneau independently, you can enjoy a self-guided day that balances history, culture, and scenic views. Juneau is compact, so you can see a variety of things without joining a formal tour.

Answer: Getting an Uber in Juneau is generally possible, but there are a few important considerations, especially if you only have four hours in town and plan to visit Mendenhall Glacier.

Answer: Visiting Juneau, the capital of Alaska, from a cruise ship can be a rewarding experience, as the city is compact and offers a mix of natural beauty, history, and local culture. Here’s a detailed guide to make the most of your port stop:

Answer: Juneau has a rich arts community, and while there are plenty of tourist shops selling mass-produced souvenirs, there are also a number of local galleries and artisan studios where you can find authentic Alaskan-made products.

Answer: Yes, there are several private tour operators in Juneau that cater to cruise passengers and offer visits to husky dog training ranches. These tours generally provide transportation from the cruise port, hands-on interaction with the dogs, and insight into how mushers train their teams for sledding. Most tours are designed to fit within the time frame of a typical port stop.

Answer: The Mendenhall Glacier area near Juneau is subject to periodic glacial outburst floods, also known as jökulhlaups. These events occur when meltwater trapped in a glacial lake is suddenly released, sometimes rapidly increasing the water flow in Mendenhall Lake and the surrounding river valleys. While the risk exists, the local authorities actively monitor conditions to protect residents and visitors.

Answer: Arriving at Juneau International Airport at 1:14 PM, you should have no trouble finding taxis to take you downtown to the Capital Inn. Juneau is a relatively small city, and taxis typically wait just outside the arrival area. During the afternoon, especially around 1 PM, there is usually a reasonable supply of cabs, though it can be a bit slower than during peak tourist morning hours.

Answer: With your time frame in Juneau (6:30 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.) and a group of four, it is possible to do both a whale watching excursion and visit Mendenhall Glacier, but careful planning is essential to make it practical and enjoyable. The key is minimizing travel time and coordinating tours efficiently.

Answer: When considering whale watching in Alaska, the three locations you mentioned—Juneau, Seward, and Anchorage—each have different advantages in terms of scenery, wildlife visibility, and overall experience.

Answer: Renting a car in Juneau gives you a lot of flexibility, especially since some of the top sights are spread out along the road to Mendenhall Glacier. You’ll have several hours, so planning an efficient route will help you see the highlights without feeling rushed.

Answer: Juneau is a relatively small city, so getting from the cruise port to the airport is straightforward, but your options are somewhat limited compared to larger cities. Most visitors use taxis, shuttle services, or ride-sharing apps, though public transport is minimal.

Answer: Visiting Juneau in mid-May is actually a good time for whale watching, as many species start returning to the area during spring after spending the winter in warmer waters. By May 21st, you have a good chance of seeing several types of whales, though sightings depend on weather, tides, and feeding patterns.

Answer: Juneau in late May is a wonderful time to visit, and staying several days with a car gives you the flexibility to explore beyond the cruise crowds. Here’s a detailed guide to help you plan:

Answer: Hi Nancy — great question. Here are some suggestions and thoughts for finding a *private kayaking guide* around Juneau, plus what to expect. True private-only (guide + kayak for just your group) tours are less common than shared small-group ones, but there are several operators and strategies you can try.

Answer: Yes, it is definitely possible to fly from Vancouver (YVR) to Juneau (JNU), but there are a few things to keep in mind regarding airlines, connections, and travel time.

Answer: Visiting Juneau during your cruise stop in August offers a range of shore excursions. Since you’ve indicated you’re looking for a reasonably priced tour suitable for senior citizens with minimal exercise, here are some strong recommendations and things to consider.

Answer: It sounds like you had a very frustrating experience with the North Star Glacier Helicopter and Airboat excursion in Juneau. While the company may have generally good reviews, your situation highlights a few important considerations when booking excursions, especially independently of a cruise ship.

Answer: With your port time from 2–9 PM in Juneau and a rented car, you have a good window to see several highlights. Since you want to include Mendenhall Glacier, Nugget Falls, Gold Creek, and Eagle Beach, planning the route efficiently will help maximize your time and minimize backtracking.

Answer: August is an excellent time to visit Juneau for both whale watching and the Mendenhall Glacier. Your plan to combine an independent glacier visit with a whale tour is very doable, and below is a detailed breakdown to help you plan your day smoothly.

Answer: Planning a 7-day Alaska itinerary focused on bears, glaciers, birding, marine life, and a scenic train ride is very doable, especially in Southeast Alaska. Given your preferences and desire to minimize rental car use, a combination of flights, ferries, and local tours is the most practical approach. Central Alaska is great for wildlife and Denali, but seeing marine life and coastal bears is better in Southeast Alaska. Southeast will generally be more expensive, but it aligns well with your interests.

Answer: For a group of 12 visiting Juneau for a full day, renting two minivans can indeed be a practical and cost-effective choice compared with using city buses or taxis, especially if you want flexibility to explore multiple locations like Mendenhall Glacier, take light hikes, ride the Mount Roberts Tramway, and spend time in town for meals and shopping.

Answer: Planning a week in Southeast Alaska with a group of six in August is very doable, but careful coordination of ferry schedules, accommodations, and activities will help maximize your time and reduce stress. Your general idea of flying into Juneau, using a vehicle, taking a ferry to Skagway or Haines, and returning to Juneau for the remainder of the trip is sound. Here’s a detailed breakdown and some recommendations.

Answer: For a visit to Mendenhall Glacier from Juneau, footwear choice depends on the type of activities you plan to do and the conditions of the trails. For most casual visitors, standard tennis or running shoes can be sufficient, especially if you plan to stay on the main trails and viewing areas near the Visitor Center.

Answer: For a short two-night stay in Juneau without a car, downtown Juneau is definitely your best option. It is the most walkable part of the city, with easy access to restaurants, shops, and attractions. Staying downtown will also make it convenient to reach whale watching tour departures, many of which leave from Auke Bay or the downtown docks, often with shuttles or short taxi/ride-share rides.

Answer: Juneau, Alaska, is the perfect place to indulge in fresh, local salmon, with a variety of restaurants offering delicious seafood dishes. Here are some great spots where you can enjoy the best salmon in town during your four-day stay:

Answer: Visiting Mendenhall Glacier, Nugget Falls, and Steep Creek in an afternoon after a morning whale-watching tour is doable, but there are a few logistics and wildlife considerations to keep in mind.

Answer: With the NCL Encore docking at AJ Dock at 2:30 pm, your window for shore excursions is relatively tight if you are considering a 6-hour Mendenhall Glacier and whale watching combo tour scheduled from 3:30 pm to 9:30 pm. While the tour company markets this as feasible, there are several factors to consider before committing.

Answer: Tracy Arm Fjord is one of the most spectacular fjords in Alaska, famous for its glaciers, waterfalls, and wildlife. From Juneau, it is accessible primarily by smaller boat tours rather than large cruise ships. However, your concern about timing is valid: many of these tours require you to embark shortly after your ship docks, leaving very little margin for delays.

Answer: Juneau has several stores where you can pick up camping supplies such as bear spray and camp stove fuel. Since you will have a car, it will be easy to reach most locations, and you should be able to get everything you need in one or two stops.

Answer: With a 2-10pm port stop in Juneau and previous visits to Mendenhall Glacier, you have a few excellent options for hiking or exploring close to town without needing a car. Since you want to spend 3-4 hours on your own and avoid shopping, here are some ideas:

Answer: Juneau’s cruise ship docks are very convenient, placing you within easy walking distance of many shops selling souvenirs. Since prices in Alaska can be high, it’s good to know where to get decent quality items without paying excessive markups. Most of the stores are clustered along South Franklin Street and the surrounding streets near the waterfront.

Answer: Visiting Mendenhall Glacier from the Juneau cruise port with a foldable travel scooter is very doable by taxi or rideshare, but planning ahead is essential, especially with multiple cruise ships in port at the same time.

Answer: Hi there,