Juneau, Alaska, is a stop on most Inside Passage cruises, and there’s no shortage of ways to spend your time here. These are the excursions I’d have no hesitation recommending.
You get two hours of whale watching, but what really impressed me about this tour was the naturalist on board. I remember feeling like a marine biologist myself, in full discovery mode, listening to their knowledge and enthusiasm. It’s a team effort, with everyone scanning the waters for whales. In almost every video I took, there's a squeal of delight that comes with seeing a tail dive down deep, a blowhole spout a mist of seawater, or, if you’re lucky, witnessing a humpback breach. It’s the kind of experience that reminds you just how small we are in their world.
With several helicopter glacier tours to choose from, this is the one I have to send you on. I’m not kidding when I say that standing on a glacier, feeling the remoteness, and turning 360 degrees around you is something you don’t forget. The air feels incredibly clear, the landscape stretches out in every direction, and for a moment, it’s just you and this incredible expanse of ice.
One detail I really like about this tour is the amount of time you actually spend on the glacier… a full hour on the glacier surface. That’s an important distinction, because some glacier tours offer only 20–25 minute landings. And trust me, that hour goes by fast.
This is one of my favorite tours to recommend. If you’re looking for an active excursion while you’re in port, this one is it. You head out with a small group and canoe on Mendenhall Lake, rain or shine. Then you switch gears and get to hike close to the glacier.
While you aren’t directly on the glacier, I did get to snap a photo that really captured the blue ice and the sheer scale of Mendenhall Glacier. For me, this is the sweet spot if you want some adventure without committing to a helicopter tour.
What I appreciate about the Musher’s Camp tour (also available in Skagway) is that it really works for a mix of ages and activity levels. It’s one of those excursions where everyone can find something to enjoy, which can be a big plus when you’re traveling with kids, grandparents, or a group that doesn’t all want to do the same thing.
I could have spent hours hanging out with the dogs. They’re energetic, friendly, and clearly love what they do. The simulated mushing experience is also a lot of fun as you zoom through the rainforest, surrounded by all those shades of green and brown.
By Lexy | Alaska Shore Excursions
Lexy is the Business Development Manager at Alaska Shore Excursions and has spent the past five years working directly with the local partners who operate your Alaska excursions. She loves to travel and regularly gets to experience and vet the tours she recommends. Travel research is a hard perk of the job.
Mendenhall Glacier
Whale Watching
Dog Sledding
Salmon Bake
Helicopter
Kid-Friendly
Kayak
Adventure
Train
Yukon
Rafting
Misty Fjords National Monument
Boat
Fishing
Bear & Wildlife
Animal & Wildlife
