Alaska's Capital City
Juneau is Alaska’s state capital and third‑largest city, home to about 30,000 residents. Founded in 1880 when prospector Joseph Juneau discovered gold at Gold Creek, the city has transformed from a mining camp into the center of Alaska’s government while preserving its frontier character.
Visitors discover countless things to do in Juneau throughout the year. Explore exhibits at the Alaska State Museum, browse downtown galleries filled with Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian artwork, or join community festivals and farmers markets that showcase local culture. Outdoor enthusiasts can kayak near Mendenhall Glacier, hike coastal rainforest trails, or spot humpback whales on a Juneau whale‑watching cruise. Photographers enjoy close‑up wildlife sightings—including bald eagles and seals—along with sweeping mountain and glacier vistas.
Whether you seek glacier treks, Native art shopping, or family‑friendly adventures, Juneau delivers big experiences in a walkable, welcoming setting that makes every itinerary unforgettable.
Juneau Shopping
Several of Juneau's cruise ship docks run parallel to the prime shopping district in Juneau, making it easy to disembark and stroll along the water, window-shopping as you go.
As Alaska's capital city, Juneau is a year-round destination, and many of the stores you will find cater to both seasonal visitor's and year-round locals. Whether you are looking for a jewelry gift for a loved one, high-quality Native Art, or the local quilt shop, Juneau has what you're looking for.
Juneau Activities
World-class nature-enthusiasts flock to Juneau each year to glacier-walk, get up close with humpback and orca whales, see bears on Admiralty Island, and to catch the fish of a lifetime!
While Juneau is a large city by Alaskan standards, it's still possible to get back to nature, whether on a day trip to Tracy Arm Fjord or Admiralty Island or even just a quick ride up the tram from downtown Juneau to a breathtaking view overlooking Juneau's Gastineau Channel.
Juneau Restaurants
Craving iconic Alaskan king crab legs? Juneau restaurants serve them fresh from nearby waters, making the capital a top spot for seafood lovers.
Beyond its legendary catch, Juneau’s dining scene showcases inventive menus from award‑winning chefs so that you will find plenty of flavorful choices for a memorable night out.
About Juneau
Juneau is an active city with opportunities for adrenaline junkies to history buffs. Whether you are looking to spot wildlife, sport fish, engage with the local arts community, or take a stroll downtown, you will find Juneau a great hub of excitement to begin or end any adventure!
Learn about Native art at the Alaska State Musuem, take part in a Juneau Arts Council First Friday event, sip locally made gin at the wildly popular Amalga Distillery, and run or hike leisurely along hundreds of miles of Juneau's outdoor trails.
Juneau ACTIVITIES
Harv's Original 6-Passenger Boat Public Experience
Join locally trained captains for a personalized Alaskan whale watching tour. Our departure times are not the same everyday because each day is different. Cruise ships arrive at different times and passengers may have different activities planned for the day. We schedule the tour for the time that best fits each guests' needs and time frame. Itinerary: If your tour time is 9:30am, this is the time we plan for transportation to leave! PLEASE arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the listed tour time, so that we can leave on time! We would then plan to arrive at the harbor where our boats depart by 10:00am. When you arrive at the harbor, you will be met by your captain or guide and have an opportunity to use the restroom on land (there is one on the boat, it's just not as roomy) and then you will head down the dock to board our vessel for your whale watching adventure! You will start heading back to the harbor at approximately 12:35pm (depending on where you are) so that you can be disembarking by about 12:55pm to meet your returning transport at 1:00pm. FAQs: **Q. What is the best time of the year to see whales around Juneau?** **A.** *The best months are May through September for Humpback Whales.* **Q. Do you have a whale sighting guarantee?** **A.** *No/Yes. After seeing whales on 100% of the trips, we decided not to use this as a means to get customers. We promise to do the best we can to locate whales on each and every trip. If you do not see a whale on your tour, you will receive a 50% refund.* **Q. Can you see whales anytime of the day? **A.** Yes. Humpback Whales surface + or - every 15 minutes to breathe. **Q. Is there a bathroom on board. **A.** Yes, flushing toilet and locking door. **Q. Are the boats covered and do they have heaters? **A.** Yes. The boats have enclosed cabins with large windows and heaters if the weather is cold. **Q. Do people get sea sick on your boats? **A. Almost never. 15 passengers in the last 11 years. **Q. What other things of interest might we see on the whale watching tour? **A. Eagles, Sea lions, seals, lighthouses, mountain glaciers, remote islands and beautiful mountains. **Q. What if I have another tour scheduled before or after your tour? **A. If you have another tour scheduled that ends within an hour before your pick up time or beginning within an hour after of your scheduled drop off time of our tour, you will need to let us know as soon as possible. **Q. What type of whales are near Juneau, Alaska? **A. Humpback and Orca Whales. We have seen Humpback Whales on 100% of our trips since 2004. We see Orca Whales about 20% of the time.
Tracy Arm Fjord & Glacier Explorer
Travel by deluxe jetboat to explore the very best of the Tracy Arm Wilderness Area, including exciting close-up views of the majestic Sawyer Glaciers. Relax in the warm, spacious cabin as your experienced captain guides you through scenic passages and into the heart of a wild place that has, until recently, been buried for centuries by glacial ice. Here, the extraordinary maneuverability of the Katlian Express will allow you to glide quietly past curious seals and icebergs – to get as close as possible to the ever-changing face of South Sawyer Glacier. Be sure to spend as much time as possible on the topside observation deck where you can enjoy this unforgettable experience with all your senses. At times, you can even feel the “white thunder” as immense spires of ice break from the glacier and crash into the sea. Before departing the ice pack you will also view beautiful North Sawyer Glacier, which cannot be approached by large cruise ships. While exploring the length of this ice-carved fjord you will cruise beneath cliffs that rise 4000-feet above the jade-colored sea, and you can even feel the mist on your face as the vessel glides near a plunging waterfall. There will be stops along the way to view and photograph wildlife, such as Bald Eagles, Harbor Seals and Mountain Goats. Encounters with bears and whales are not uncommon. Throughout the voyage, your onboard naturalist will provide a wealth of information about the area, which naturalist John Muir called “one of the most dramatically stunning fjords of Southeast Alaska”. You’ll also enjoy a picnic-style meal and a variety of complimentary snacks and beverages served by your friendly Alaskan crew as you trace the rugged shores of Stephens Passage on the cruise north to Juneau. *Tour highlights: -Live your Alaskan dreams on this cruise exploration of the spectacular Tracy Arm Wilderness Area, including exciting up-close views of the dynamic Twin Sawyer Glaciers! -The exceptional agility of our vessel will allow you to have an in-depth exploration of this amazing fjord, plus close views of the glaciers that your cruise ship cannot provide! -Your Captain will make many detours and stops, allowing you incredible opportunities to view and photograph cobalt-blue icebergs, spectacular cliffs, 1000-foot waterfalls & abundant wildlife!
Norris Adventure: Seaplane, Paddle & Glacier Hike
Experience 3 iconic Alaskan adventures—flightseeing, glacier hiking, and packrafting—all in just 5 hours! This is Juneau’s first multi-sport adventure of this kind. Packrafting is one of the fastest growing sports in Alaska. This Packraft adventure begins with boarding a six-passenger floatplane and taking off from the water. The scenic flight will head towards the mouth of the Taku Inlet, a gateway to flowing glaciers of the Juneau icefield. Keep an eye out for mountain goats, black bears and moose along the way. After landing on the Norris Glacier fed lake, hike over the glacially carved terrain to a cove where your packraft awaits. From here, you will be outfitted in single person packrafts and introduced paddling techniques by your guides. Once you launch your packraft, your paddle to the glacier will take you past icebergs, all while taking in the stunning mountain and glacier landscapes around you. As you approach the glacier, prepare to beach your boat right on the Norris Glacier, your guide will assist you in getting out of your packraft and into micro-spikes. Explore the moonscape-like area of the glacier all by foot and get panoramic views of Norris and Taku glaciers. Look for crevasses, glacier pools, moulins, and other incredible ice features. Glacier features come and go throughout the season, just like the ebb and flow of our glaciers. Upon completion of your glacier hike, slide back into your packraft and paddle back to shore. Your floatplane awaits to take you back to Juneau. what_is_included: * Professional Guide * Roundtrip van and floatplane transportation * All paddling equipment and glacier gear (helmet, microspikes, and trekking poles) * Forest Service permits * Rain Gear (hooded jacket, rubber boots, and pants) * Hearty snack pack * Souvenir water bottle what_is_not_included: We provide all the gear on our trips except for personal clothing. Regarding the weather, we recommend you prepare for rain and hope for sunshine. Due to the cool, damp climate, it is best NOT to wear cotton or denim and instead, wear clothing made of polyester, wool, fleece, nylon, polypropylene, and/or capilene. You are more than welcome to bring personal items on any of our tours (Camera, reusable water bottle, food, layers, etc.).
Juneau Whale Watching & Tracy's Crab Shack Combo Tour
For this Juneau shore excursion, you're whisked off to the boat harbor for a 2 hour on the water guaranteed whale spotting. On-board our custom-made whale watching tour boat, you'll enjoy our wide viewing windows in a heated cabin and yes, there is a 'head' for your convenience. Once our informative and delightful captain spots the whales, the boat slows and out you go on our spacious decks to watch these beasts in their natural summer habitat. Your Naturalists' commentary is full of information about our Humpback whales and other possible wildlife such as Stellar Sea Lions, Dall's Porpoises, Bald Eagles -and just maybe you'll see a transient Orca whale. Our humpback whales come to feed in our cool, rich waters near Auke Bay for the summer. Although we guarantee a whale sighting, we can't guarantee what the humpbacks can do - But, you will be delighted if they tail-slap, head lunge, breach, or gather for bubble-net feeding. We then drop you off right in front of Tracy's crab shack! Bon appetit!
Paddle With Whales Kayak Adventure
Step aboard our comfortable 6-passenger motorboat for an extraordinary journey through the Inside Passage, heading to the most abundant humpback whale feeding area and one of Alaska’s prime kayaking destinations. As we set sail towards the Channel Islands State Marine Park, your seasoned captain and kayak guide will lead you on an incredible wildlife viewing adventure within this vibrant and diverse ecosystem while you kayak with whales. The Channel Islands serve as a thriving habitat for an array of marine life, including humpback whales, orcas, steller sea lions, porpoises, various bird species, and seals. Your knowledgeable kayak guide and boat captain will lead you through this dynamic natural history experience, sharing their local expertise about the area while actively searching for the best wildlife encounters. Upon arriving at a secluded beach, your guide will acquaint you with the kayaks and provide a brief introduction to this unique mode of exploration. In no time, you’ll glide across the serene waters in double kayaks, embarking on a quest for more intimate wildlife interactions. As you paddle, you’ll be surrounded by the breathtaking backdrop of snow-capped peaks and meandering glaciers that adorn the distant horizon. This active eco-adventure was voted as one of the top 10 Best Kayak Tours by USA Today in 2023. It is designed to accommodate participants of all experience levels, granting you a remarkable opportunity to witness the grandeur of Southeast Alaska’s landscapes and seascapes while immersing yourself in the captivating world of its wildlife from a fresh and unforgettable perspective. what_is_included: * Professional Guides & Boat Captain * All equipment & tandem kayak * Rain Gear (hooded jacket, rubber boots, and pants) * State Marine Park permits * Roundtrip van transportation location & water taxi * Hearty Snacks and lunch * Souvenir water bottle what_is_not_included: We provide all the gear on our trips except for personal clothing and hiking boots. Regarding the weather, we recommend you prepare for rain and hope for sunshine. Due to the cool, damp climate, it is best NOT to wear cotton or denim and instead, wear clothing made of polyester, wool, fleece, nylon, polypropylene, and/or capilene. You are more than welcome to bring personal items on any of our tours (Camera, reusable water bottle, food, layers, etc.).
Private Juneau SUV Sightseeing & Hiking Tour
We will take your group on a private, flexible Juneau sightseeing and hiking tour designed around your interests, schedule, and activity level. Your local guide will help choose the best route for the day based on weather, road conditions, trail conditions, and what your group wants to experience. Possible stops include Mendenhall Glacier viewpoints, Brotherhood Bridge, Shrine of St. Therese, Eagle Beach, Auke Bay, DIPAC Salmon Hatchery, scenic coastal drives, rainforest trails, and local photo spots. We will provide comfortable private SUV transportation, local knowledge, scenic stops, and an optional guided hike or nature walk. The hiking portion can be easy, moderate, or adjusted for guests who prefer limited walking. Our goal is to give you a personal, cruise-friendly Juneau experience that avoids the crowds and shows you the area through the eyes of a local guide.
5-Glacier Seaplane Exploration from Juneau
The grandeur of Alaska’s epic glaciers will thrill and delight you on Juneau’s ONLY five glacier seaplane tour. Your adventure begins the moment your floatplane departs the waters of the historic downtown Juneau waterfront. Fly in a classic, 10 passenger, deHavilland Otter floatplane which offers each guest an individual window seat view and headset for continuous narration throughout the flight. En route, you'll soar over the lush wilderness that is the Tongass National Forest until your first glimpse of five distinctly different and majestic glaciers within the 1,500-square-mile Juneau Icefield. Glide past deep crevasses and azure blue meltwater pools of the Norris, Hole-In-The-Wall, East and West Twin Glaciers, as well as the famous Taku Glacier. With a base of 5 miles wide, the Taku Glacier is the largest out of the entire Juneau Icefield. Seeing glaciers from the air and doing so by authentic bush plane, is a MUST DO and is the quintessential Alaskan experience!
Alaska Culinary Experience & Evening Whale Quest
-Embark on an evening wildlife cruise featuring delicious Alaska-themed appetizers with a local tour operator boasting 50 years of expertise! -Meet at the designated meeting location and set out to Allen Marine’s whale watching facility in Auke Bay. Downtown Juneau is about 30 minutes from our whale watching facility. -Sail onboard an Alaskan-built expedition vessel with comfortable seating, wrap around windows, heated cabin, restroom, outside viewing deck and galley gift shop. -Cruising time is approximately 2.5 hours on the water. All tour timing is approximate. -While onboard keep your eyes open for humpback whales, orca, sea lions, eagles, seals, porpoise, and more! An on-board naturalist will explain the behavior and habitat of wildlife encountered while on tour. -The culinary experience highlights delicious, locally sourced cuisine. The delicious appetizer spread includes dishes such as smoked salmon dip, seafood chowder, reindeer sausage, quinoa & barley salad, chef’s choice dessert and much more! -Every voyage is unique; custom-designed by your experienced Alaskan captain and crew. Evening tour timing allows you to get the most out of your day in Juneau, no matter how many activities you want to fit into it. -After the tour concludes, meet your shuttle driver for transport to conclude the day’s tour.
Salmon Fishing Charter
There’s nothing like the sound of a screaming reel and a bent-over rod as a King Salmon dives deeper, you’re hooked up! And from this point on, it’s likely your hooked on salmon fishing in Alaska. Our light tackle gear will give you the fight of a lifetime no matter what species of salmon is on the end of your line. In May/June we are typically targeting the King (Chinook) Salmon, the largest of all the salmon who put up quite the fight. During the months of July and August, our focus is likely to be the Coho (Silver) Salmon. These silver bullets are sure to put even the most experienced anglers to the test. Often darting rapidly and jumping out of the water, they never give up without a fun fight. It’s not uncommon to hook into two, three, or more simultaneously, creating what we like to call organized chaos. While hooking these Cohos may seem like the only task, getting these fish netted and into the boat before they shake your hook is an even greater challenge. And that’s how we troll, at 49th Fathom Charters.
A Tour With Taste
If you are a foodie then this tour is for you! Enjoy delectable king crab bisque, wild Alaska salmon, hog wings, and, of course, beer! You won't want to miss the tastiest tour in town! Locals will colorfully detail some of Juneau’s history and culture as you stroll along the beautiful streets of downtown Juneau. A brief introduction is given, then the fun begins! Each tour combines walking to tasting locations, eating delicious local foods, and learning about the lively history and culture that makes Juneau so special. Each participant will be provided a reusable shopping bag filled with recipes, additional tastings, as well as nearly $50.00 in coupon from downtown retailers. There are seven tasting locations with NINE tastings total, including a wine pairing and beer tasting: *Tracy's King Crab Shack: King crab bisque and a crab cake *Deckhand Dave's: Panko crusted salmon filets, house-made tartar sauce *McGivney's Downtown: Hot wings, Alaska brewed beer *V's Cellar Door: Halibut fusion nachos *SALT: Chef's choice, with wine pairing *Harbor Tea & Spice: Ice Cave Blue Blend tea *Alaskan Hotel & Bar: Locally brewed beer *Chef Stef's: Spruce tip salted caramels (in gift bag) *Salts by Kate: Spruce tip salt Our guides will make recommendations for great restaurants and things to do while you are visiting Juneau. You will "meet” Patsy Ann, Juneau’s official canine greeter. Landmarks include the new Walter Soboleff Center, which features beautiful Alaska Native artwork.
Juneau GIFTS
Juneau STORIES
FEATURED STORES
Harv & Marv Outback Alaska Whale Watching
Juneau, Alaska
