Juneau

Juneau Travel Secrets

Juneau, the capital of Alaska, is mainly accessed by air or sea with very limited road transport. With many visitors arriving by cruise ship and in their thousands, discovering the travel secrets of Juneau is essential to avoid the crowds and to experience life beyond the mass tourist market.

Sightseeing in Juneau

Many people head for the mighty Mendenhall Glacier which is a spectacular sight just outside Juneau. Planning your trip and adding a little extra time will enable you to take one of the many trails in the area and observe the wild flora and see ice formations from a different perspective. Bears and bald eagles have been sighted in the trails around Mendenhall. Learning where the Mendenhall Glacier was around 200 years ago and where it is today gives a realistic view of global warming. Juneau is located in the centre of the Tongass National Park which is the world’s largest temperate rainforest. A walk in the Glacier Gardens or on the Richard Marriot Trail is the perfect way to appreciate why conservationists are so keen to protect nature in this area where hemlock and a wide variety of trees provides the forest canopy, look out for deer which may be seen at times. Keeping your eyes peeled and taking time to look around is the ideal way to see wildlife, and in the words of a local fisherman, “I see something new every day out here that always thrills me.” One thing is for sure, when walking in Alaska be sure to wear long trousers and use insect repellent as the mosquitoes are vicious in summer.

Art, Crafts and Local Produce

In Juneau town centre there are a number of souvenir shops aimed at the mass tourist market but walk on and seek out the local art and crafts. Juneau is known for its independent bookstores where local books on Alaska can be sourced. Back in town there are some great restaurants where steaming fresh crab chowder is served the catch of the day is popular with fish being in such abundance. Locally brewed beer from right in the centre of Juneau is the perfect accompaniment.

The magic of travelling in Alaska is to see the very best of nature and to enjoy and respect the great outdoors.

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