American settlers first ventured here in the late 19th century, drawn to Juneau by its precious nuggets of gold. But its appeal hasn’t diminished in the decades since the gold rush. Cruise ships bob in the port and sea planes touch down here daily, bringing thousands of visitors to one of the most beautiful and unique state capitals in the US.
Glorious nature and wildlife
Standing in the shadow of Mount Roberts, Juneau is the perfect place to get back to nature. Strap on your hiking boots and breathe in the fresh sea air – there’s nothing quite like an outdoor adventure through the unspoilt Alaskan wilderness.
Mendenhall Glacier should be the first place on your radar. This enormous two kilometre-long ice field is constantly moving and provides an epic glimpse into the local topography. Photo Point Trail is where you’ll find the best views of the glacier’s face.
Continue the alfresco fun with a zipline experience. The largest temperate rainforest in the world can be found in Juneau and you can whiz through the misty green canopy at speed, giving you a whole new perspective of the city and its stunning surroundings.
Turn down the tempo with a leisurely stroll – in Juneau there are more than 400 kilometres of hiking routes to choose from. Perseverance Trail is one of the best. Follow the well-marked path from Gold Creek into the scenic Silverbow Basin and keep a lookout for the abandoned Perseverance Mine, which operated from 1885 to 1921.
Observe wildlife both on land and in the surrounding channels during your trip to Juneau. Brown and black bears stake their claim among the wild plains, while whales, sea lions and porpoise glide elegantly through the icy waters. Cruise out on a boat excursion from the harbour and, if you’re lucky, you’ll be able to watch humpbacks and ocras breach the surface of the mirror-like waters.
Step into the past
As one of Alaska’s oldest cities, the former mining town is full of narrow streets and quaint houses. Trace Juneau’s rich heritage by taking a tour of the local museums and architectural highlights.
Having been revamped in recent years, the Alaska State Museum illustrates the state’s history in style. More than 30,000 objects are exhibited here, including Alaska Native materials, historic artefacts, paintings and ancient fossils.
Learn more about the city’s mining history at Juneau-Douglas City Museum. The interactive displays narrate the capital’s rise to prominence as one of the largest hard-rock gold mines in the world – a title it laid claim to right up to the closure of the last local mining company during the 1940s.
Finish your trip back in time at the onion-domed St Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church. Established in the late 19th century, this spiritual spot is the oldest Russian Orthodox church in Alaska. The Shrine of St Thérèse, the patron saint of Alaska, is just as nice, built on a wooded island along Glacier Highway in the 1930s.
Tuck into local specialities
After a day of outdoor fun, there’s nothing like refuelling inside a cozy restaurant. And Juneau is one of the top foodie destinations in Alaska. Continue your adventurous streak and dig into the delicacies on offer in the city.
Alaskan seafood is a speciality here, with crab, sushi and salmon to pique your palette. Try halibut cake at The Rookery, slurp down crab bisque at Tracy’s King Crab Shack and feast on seared scallops at Salt. For something a little different, head to Pel'Meni for a hearty bowl of plump dumplings.
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