Attention Norwegian guests and guests docking at the AJ dock. Please be advised this tour must begin at least 45 minutes from after your arrival to Juneau as you will be docking outside of town and will need to take a shuttle to Downtown Juneau. Pan for real gold and enjoy the thrill that sparked the Gold Rush!
Meet your guide just a few steps from the pier, at the main cruise ship terminal. After everyone is comfortably settled in the van, you will embark on your journey. Your local prospector/guide will provide narration as you make your way through downtown Juneau. Have your cameras ready as you pass by the capitol building before heading up to Gold Creek and Last Chance Basin.
Once you arrive at the creek, your gold panning adventure begins. Your guide will detail the rich history of gold panning that first began in 1880 when Joe Juneau and Rich Harris successfully found gold. Next, you will be given a proper introduction to gold panning, before trying your hand at getting lucky yourself. Take home any gold that you find.
The area is so plentiful, that we guarantee you will strike gold! After the "gold fever" experience, take a break to look around the remnants of the original buildings of the Alaska-Juneau Mining Company. Take home a souvenir Orelove Brothers Gold Claim Certificate, all the gold you find, and an appreciation of what it was like to seek your fortune in the wilds of Alaska more than a century ago.
Duration: 1.5 hours (Includes round trip transportation from the cruise ship dock)
Inclusions:
- Roundtrip transportation from the cruise ship dock
- Use of rain ponchos if needed
- Gold panning lessons
- Take home the gold you pan
- Gold Claim Certificate for the gold you find
Requirements:
- Guests should wear warm layered clothing and plan to bring additional raingear to ensure maximum comfort
- All children age 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult
- Minors aged 13-17 must present a signed parental consent form in the absence of a parent or guardian
Duration: 1.5 hours. Tour times below are approximate:
- 45 minutes - roundtrip scenic driving tour with narration
- 45 minutes - gold panning instruction & exploration
Meeting Instructions:
- This tour meets in front of the Mt. Robert's Tramway building. Fully detailed instructions are included on your finalized ticket vouchers.
ADA Accessibility:
- This tour is not limited mobility accessible, as there is rocky and uneven terrain.
How many passengers does the tour van hold?
The maximum capacity of the tour van is 24 guests. If you have more than 24 passengers in your party, multiple buses will provide transportation for your group.
Do I get to keep the gold I find?
Yes, you will be able to keep any gold you find during the panning session. Guests are given a small container as a keepsake.
Will my tour be canceled if it rains?
This tour will operate as scheduled in rain or sunshine. Participants should be prepared for inclement weather and dress in warm layers. Raingear is provided, however, guests are encouraged to bring their own to ensure maximum comfort while on tour.
Are there any age restrictions for this tour?
We welcome all ages on this tour, with a couple of requirements in regard to minors. Any children age 12 or under must be accompanied by an adult. Those minors age 13-17 must have a signed waiver from a parent or guardian to be permitted on the tour without them.
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Customer Reviews
Sep 2023 - Michèle G.
Very good excursion. 30 minutes extra would have made this excursion perfect! Excellent guide!
Jul 2023 - Edward W.
Great experience. We had so much fun panning for gold and were thrilled to hit pay dirt. The guides were excellent and explained and demonstrated how to do it. The bus ride was short and comfortable with the guide giving lots of information about the area.
Jul 2023 - Rhonda C.
We had to scramble to make the cruise as our ship didn't let us know we could depart. The shuttle driver kept us entertained with history bits on our drive out and back to the creek. He was very helpful and patient helping us pan for gold and I believe everyone found a few flakes. This is the second time we've done this excursion. It's way more fun panning in a rushing creek than in a trough!
Jul 2022 - Patrick C.
Great experience with my 10-year-old grandson!
