Juneau, Alaska
Written by Missy Johnston
Juneau, Alaska
Alaska yacht charter often starts in Juneau which is Alaska’s capital and the state’s third largest city. Juneau is a cosmopolitan city located in the heart of the Tongass National Forest. Nestled at the base of the towering mountains overlooking the Gastineau Channel, Juneau is ideal for travelers who enjoy combining explorations of spectacular natural with local culture although some of the best views are made by sea and air.
One of the main attractions for yacht charter in Juneau is the Mendenhall Glacier, which surrounds Juneau by land, and has an impressive face of 100 feet high and 1.5 miles wide. There is a myriad of special activities that are available to see and enjoy various adventures on the top of the glacier.
Juneau, Alaska Entrance by Sea
What to See and Do in Juneau, Alaska
Hiking: Juneau’s nearby attractions are miles of scenic trails that weave through the temperate rainforest up to alpine meadow mountains.
Visit Mendenhall Glacier: There are many options for experiencing this glacier before or after your charter. Helicopter to the top of the glacier to stand on the top of the glacier or enjoy an extended hike that might include ice climbing and trekking across the glacier. Helicopter to the top of the glacier flying over Mendenhall Lake to a dog sledding compound on the glacier for a once in a lifetime dog sledding adventure.
Visit the Alaskan Brewing Company: In business since the 1980’s, enjoy a tour and then beer tasting if aged 21 or older of the fine brews that this brewery produces
Mendenhall Lake Sea Kayaking Tour: Sea kayak on Mendenhall Lake along the face of the Mendenhall Glacier for a completely different view of this famous glacier from the water. While paddling, be surrounded by floating icebergs with harbor seals perched on top. Paddle near the face of the glacier accompanied by a guide in a small-group setting. Permits to access Mendenhall Lake are extremely limited so this tour must be booked well in advance.
Taku Glacier Lodge: Fly to Taku Glacier Lodge either before or after your charter for the true ultimate Alaskan experience. Fly on float planes to Taku Lodge with onboard narration of the scenic flight area. On arrival enjoy a delicious Alaskan meal of fresh salmon. After enjoy a hike on one of the beautiful Lodge trails. Reservations are a must and this float plane and dinner trip must be reserved well in advance.
Last Chance Mining Museum: See artifacts and learn the history of the Juneau Gold Mining Company. Try gold panning yourself on Gold Creek. Finish the tour with a complementary drink at the Alaskan Hotel and Bar, said to be haunted, and possibly meet a ghost yourself of an Alaskan Gold Miner.
Juneau Ultimate Canopy & Zipline Tour: Head outside of Juneau for a zipline tour through the trees in the Tongass National Forest. Knowledgeable guides lead the tour to explain the natural world around and the wild and bird life that can be seen. At the end of the tour if salmon spawning season, walk across a suspended foot bridge over a salmon spawning stream for a bird’s eye view of the salmon swimming upstream to spawn. And finally, try your hand at ax throwing a true Alaskan sport.
The Alaska Museum: The official Alaska Museum is in downtown Juneau and is well worth seeing to understand the history, art and culture of the various regions of Alaska. The Alaska State Museum has permanent collections and traveling exhibits that highlight Alaska’s native peoples, natural history, the Alaska-Yukon gold rushes, and the American period of the state’s history. Exhibits include artwork and artifacts, photographs, murals, kayak models and a children’s room.
Juneau-Douglas City Museum: This museum is about local southeastern Alaskan culture, art and history, focusing on the settlement of this area, development of the fishing industry, and the rich heritage of the local Tlingit Indians on
Sea Lions on a Juneau Harbor Buoy