City Guides: Things to do While Boating in Juneau, Alaska
Juneau, Alaska, is a truly remote and memorable destination for boaters and travelers of all types. It's filled with a variety of natural attractions, scenic beauty and outdoor adventure combined with Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian culture.
This capital city, situated within the Tongass National Forest, is accessible only by air or sea from marinas or private boat docks for rent. Along with Skagway and Ketchikan, it’s also a popular stop for cruise ships traveling along Alaska’s Inside Passage.
Mendenhall Glacier
A highlight for many visitors is The Mendenhall Glacier, located just 12 miles from downtown Juneau. This magnificent river of ice stretches for more than 13 miles and offers various ways to experience its grandeur. The Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center provides educational exhibits and stunning views of the glacier and surrounding landscape.
For the more adventurous, hiking trails such as the Nugget Falls Trail offer closer encounters with the glacier and the thundering Nugget Falls. Kayaking tours on Mendenhall Lake provide a unique perspective as you paddle among icebergs surrounded by glacier views.
Juneau’s Wildlife
Juneau is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts seeking things to do from private boat slip rentals. Whale-watching tours are among the most popular activities, with humpback and orca whales frequently seen in the surrounding waters. Companies like Harv and Marv’s Outback Alaska and Alaska Shore Excursions offer tours that enhance the chances of memorable encounters with wildlife and Alaskan scenery.
The Alaska Raptor Center rehabilitates injured birds of prey. Learn about these majestic creatures while observing them up close. Bald eagles can be seen soaring through the sky as you travel about town.
Mount Roberts Tramway
For breathtaking panoramic views, the Mount Roberts Tramway is a must-visit. The tramway whisks visitors from the cruise ship docks up to an elevation of 1,800 feet. At the top, explore hiking trails, visit the nature center and enjoy a meal with a view at the Timberline Bar & Grill.
The tramway offers an excellent vantage point to appreciate Juneau’s stunning landscape of lush forested mountains and the bustling waters of Gastineau Channel. Don’t miss the forest scenery of 400-year-old mountain hemlocks, totem poles and beautiful foliage.
Historic Downtown Juneau
Juneau’s downtown area is rich in history and culture. The Alaska State Museum is home to exhibits that delve into the state’s native cultures, Russian colonization and the Gold Rush era. The nearby St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church, built in 1894, stands as a testament to the region’s diverse cultural influences. Wandering the streets of downtown Juneau, visitors can explore unique shops, galleries and eateries that reflect the city’s eclectic spirit.
Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure
A visit to Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure offers a unique botanical experience from private boat lift rentals. This 50-acre botanical garden, situated in the Tongass National Forest, features upside-down trees adorned with vibrant flower displays.
A guided tour on covered carts takes visitors through the rainforest, offering insights into the area’s flora and fauna. The tour culminates with a panoramic view from the top of Thunder Mountain, providing a stunning perspective of the Mendenhall Valley and Gastineau Channel.
Tracy Arm Fjord
A bit farther afield, but well worth the journey, is the Tracy Arm Fjord. This breathtaking fjord, located about 45 miles south of Juneau, is renowned for its towering granite walls, cascading waterfalls and drifting icebergs. Boat tours and cruise ships offer the best way to experience Tracy Arm. You’ll get close-up views of the Sawyer Glaciers and wildlife such as seals, whales and bald eagles.
Sealaska Heritage Institute
Sealaska Heritage Institute offers a dive into the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian cultures. The institute’s exhibits, events and educational programs celebrate the rich heritage and contemporary expressions of Alaska’s Native peoples. Another museum to visit from private boat docks for rent, the Juneau-Douglas City Museum, provides a comprehensive look at the region’s history from its indigenous roots through its Gold Rush past.
AJ Mine Gastineau Mill
For an up-close look at the region’s mining history, the AJ Mine Gastineau Mill tour is a fun and unique way to explore Juneau’s Gold Rush history from marinas, cruise ships or private boat slips for rent. Originally opened in 1916, the AJ Mine was one of the world's largest gold mines. It hasn’t been in operation since WWII.
The tour includes a walk through the historic tunnels as a guide demonstrates traditional mining techniques (such as drilling and how the rocks were dumped into a cart) and shares stories of the miners' daily lives and the technological advancements that have shaped the industry.
Check out the property’s authentic mining equipment and mill ruins. The mill tour showcases the ore-crushing and gold-extraction processes, highlighting the significant engineering feats of the early 20th century. Finish your tour with a gold-panning experience. You’ll be surprised to know that there’s still gold in them thar hills!
Enjoy your boating experiences in Juneau whether visiting from a cruise ship, by plane or on charter boat trips from private boat slips for rent.
