Juneau Historic Gold Panning Adventure

4.2
12 reviews

Excursion Overview

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 tour bus, 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.

Things You Need to Know

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
  • 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.

Duration: 1.5 hours (Includes round trip transportation from the cruise ship dock)

  • 45 minutes - roundtrip scenic driving tour with narration
  • 45 minutes - gold panning instruction & exploration

Meeting Instructions:

  • This tour meets in front of the Goldbelt Mt. Robert's Tramway building. Fully detailed instructions are included on your finalized ticket vouchers.

ADA Accessibility of Tour:

  • This tour is not limited mobility or wheelchair accessible, as there is rocky and uneven terrain.

Refund Policy:

  • You may cancel for any reason up to seven (7) days prior to the date of the tour for a full refund.
  • Please see our Refund Policy Page for complete details.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Yes, you will be able to keep any gold you find during the panning session. Guests are given a small container as a keepsake.

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.

The maximum capacity of the tour bus is 24 guests. If you have more than 24 passengers in your party, multiple buses will provide transportation for your group.

 

Guest Reviews

4.2

12 total

42%
42%
8%
8%
0%

Bethany O

On Jul 2024

Awesome guide, but activity seemed less than authentic with only finding gold in the pre filled pans while panning in the river (which was better than a trough imo) was fruitless. Informative, yes!

Beverly G

On Jul 2024

Way too short. Ride there was longer than the experience. Would have liked to pan longer. Need more for the amount of money spent. Disappointed!

Brittiny S

On Jul 2024

pretty fun for a family event

Jean S

On Jun 2024

Our 9 year old grandson loved it. Clearly the gold is planted in the tray of dirt that is given out. Being encouraged to look for more and gather some dirt seems a little disingenuous. Still it is more fun than panning in a trough. I'd do it once with a younger child.

Pavel M

On Jun 2024

Everyone in our group hit the "pay dirt" and found gold flakes on the bottom of our very first pans, but, no matter how much we dug afterwards, nothing ever "panned out". It was a fun experience, though, and our tour guide was entertaining and knowledgeable about Alaska history and gold mining trade.

$99.00

Best Price Guarantee!

$99.00

Duration: 1.5 hours

Best Price Guarantee!

Duration: 1.5 hours



Adult (13+): $99.00

Child (12 and Under): $79.00