Estimated reading time: 12 minutes
Last Modified Date: September 26, 2025
Key Takeaways
- Juneau, Alaska’s capital, is only accessible by plane or boat, making it a uniquely remote destination.
- The Mendenhall Glacier offers some of the most accessible glacier viewing opportunities, with options for hiking, kayaking, and shuttle tours.
- The Tracy Arm Fjord Cruise provides spectacular views of the twin Sawyer Glaciers and opportunities to witness glacier calving.
- The Taku Glacier is one of the few advancing glaciers in the region and can be visited via seaplane tours.
- Summer (May-September) offers the best weather conditions and full operation of most tours and activities.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- How to Get to Juneau
- Must-Do Glacier Adventures in and around Juneau
- Glacier and Fjord Excursions
- Additional Activities and Tips in Juneau
- Frequently Asked Questions about Juneau Glacier & Fjord Adventures
- Conclusion
Introduction
Nestled between towering coastal mountains and the scenic Gastineau Channel, Juneau stands as a testament to Alaska’s untamed wilderness. Unlike most capital cities, Juneau offers visitors immediate access to pristine nature, with countless things to do in Juneau Alaska that showcase its incredible glacier landscapes. This remote city, only accessible by air or sea, serves as the perfect gateway to experience Alaska’s legendary glaciers up close – from kayaking alongside massive ice walls to witnessing the thunderous crash of calving ice.
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How to Get to Juneau, Alaska by Air, Sea, and Ferry Routes
Understanding how to get to Juneau is essential for planning your Alaskan adventure, as this capital city’s unique geographical location makes it one of the few state capitals inaccessible by road.
By Air
Alaska Airlines offers daily year-round service from Seattle and Anchorage, with flights from Seattle taking approximately 2.5 hours. Delta Airlines operates seasonal routes as well. The Juneau International Airport is conveniently located just 10 minutes from downtown, making for an easy transfer to accommodations. When booking your flight, request a window seat for breathtaking views of the Juneau Icefield and surrounding mountain peaks. For an unforgettable Alaskan experience, these aerial views provide your first glimpse of the region’s spectacular glacier landscapes. [SOURCE]
By Sea
Juneau serves as a major port for cruise ships, with vessels docking right in the downtown area during the busy summer season. For more independent travelers, the Alaska Marine Highway System (state ferry) offers year-round service connecting Juneau to over 30 coastal communities. These ferries accommodate vehicles and provide a more flexible schedule than cruises, allowing you to explore at your own pace. The ferry journey itself becomes part of the adventure, with opportunities to spot marine wildlife and enjoy spectacular coastal scenery. [SOURCE]
Road/Ferry Combination
While you cannot drive directly to Juneau, you can combine road travel with ferry transport. Travelers can drive the Alaska-Canadian Highway (ALCAN) to reach either northern British Columbia or other parts of Alaska, then continue their journey by ferry to Juneau. This option gives road trippers the flexibility to bring their own vehicle while still experiencing the beauty of the Inside Passage by sea.
Travel Planning Tips
- Book transportation well in advance, especially during peak summer months (June-August)
- Consider the scenic benefits of ferry travel, which offers unique viewing opportunities
- Pack layers and waterproof gear – Juneau’s weather can change rapidly
- Allow extra days in your itinerary to account for possible weather delays
Glacier Adventures in Juneau, Alaska: Tours, Hiking, and Kayak Experiences
Mendenhall Glacier Area
Just 12 miles from downtown Juneau, the Mendenhall Glacier offers visitors their most accessible opportunity to experience a massive ice field up close. Stretching over 13 miles from the Juneau Icefield, this river of ice is known for its striking blue coloration and dynamic features. The glacier flows into Mendenhall Lake, where icebergs of varying sizes create a constantly changing landscape perfect for photography. [SOURCE]
Mendenhall Glacier Tours
Several tour options cater to different activity levels and interests:
- Shuttle Tours: Convenient round-trip transportation from downtown to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, with informative narration along the way. These tours allow you to explore the visitor center exhibits and nearby trails at your own pace.
- Guided Hiking: Expert guides lead visitors along trails like Nugget Falls and Photo Point, explaining glacier features, local ecology, and wildlife. These trails offer spectacular views of the glacier face.
- Helicopter Tours: For a truly unforgettable experience, helicopter tours land directly on the glacier, allowing you to walk on the ice and observe crevasses, ice caves, and other formations up close.
Mendenhall Glacier Kayak Adventures
For water enthusiasts, kayaking on Mendenhall Lake offers an immersive glacier experience. Guided kayak tours provide all necessary equipment and instruction, making this adventure accessible even to beginners. Paddling among icebergs, you’ll gain unique perspectives of the glacier’s face while potentially spotting local wildlife like eagles, beaver, and black bears along the shoreline.
The popular Paddle and Trek combination tours allow visitors to kayak across the lake and then hike to areas closer to the glacier’s edge, creating a comprehensive glacier experience from multiple vantage points. [SOURCE]
Taku Glacier
Unique Aspects
While many glaciers worldwide are retreating, Taku Glacier stands as a remarkable exception. As one of the few advancing glaciers in the region, Taku continues to grow and extend its reach. This massive glacier stretches over 36 miles, making it the thickest glacier measured in the Juneau Icefield at over 4,800 feet deep. Its remote location means it’s only accessible by air or water, preserving its pristine, untouched quality. [SOURCE]
Taku Glacier Tour Options
The most popular way to experience Taku Glacier is through the Taku Glacier Lodge & Seaplane Tour. This excursion combines:
- A scenic flight over five different glaciers of the Juneau Icefield
- Landing at the historic Taku Lodge, built in 1923 along the Taku River
- A salmon feast prepared on alder wood grills
- Opportunities to explore the lodge grounds and surrounding forest trails
- Unparalleled views of the glacier from both air and ground
This combination of flightseeing and wilderness experience creates a multi-faceted glacier adventure that showcases the natural beauty and pioneering history of the region. [SOURCE]
Tracy Arm Fjord Cruise and Connected Glacier Excursions
Tracy Arm Fjord Cruise
A Tracy Arm Fjord Cruise offers one of Alaska’s most dramatic glacier viewing experiences. This narrow, 27-mile fjord is flanked by towering granite walls that rise 3,000 feet straight up from the water, creating a majestic corridor leading to the twin Sawyer Glaciers. The journey through this stunning passageway reveals:
- Numerous cascading waterfalls tumbling down sheer rock faces
- Floating icebergs in vibrant shades of blue
- Harbor seals lounging on ice floes
- The possibility of witnessing Sawyer Glacier calving, where massive chunks of ice break off and crash into the water
Most cruises depart from Juneau in the morning, allowing a full day to explore this natural wonder. Smaller tour boats can navigate closer to the glacier faces than large cruise ships, providing more intimate viewing opportunities. Binoculars are highly recommended for spotting wildlife along the shore, including mountain goats navigating the steep cliffs. [SOURCE]
Connected Fjord Experiences
For those seeking a more comprehensive fjord experience, some tours combine Tracy Arm with nearby Endicott Arm, another spectacular fjord featuring the impressive Dawes Glacier. The captain will often decide which fjord offers better conditions on a given day, ensuring optimal glacier viewing.
These fjord excursions highlight the dynamic nature of glacial environments, where ancient ice meets tidewater in a constantly changing landscape. Tour narration typically explains glacier formation, behavior, and the significant impact of climate change on these ice formations. Most tours include meals onboard and heated indoor cabins, making this adventure comfortable even in variable weather conditions. [SOURCE]
A Tracy Arm Fjord Cruise creates unforgettable memories for visitors to Alaska’s spectacular coastline, combining the thrill of glacier viewing with the serenity of wilderness travel.
Additional Things to Do in Juneau, Alaska, and Practical Travel Tips
More Things to Do in Juneau, Alaska
Beyond the spectacular glacier experiences, Juneau offers numerous other activities that showcase Alaska’s natural wonders and cultural heritage:
- Tongass National Forest Hiking: Explore the world’s largest temperate rainforest on trails like Perseverance Trail or Mount Roberts Trail, which offer panoramic views of the city and channel from its summit.
- Whale Watching Tours: The waters around Juneau are prime feeding grounds for humpback whales from May through September. These tours often spot orcas, sea lions, and bald eagles as well.
- Historic Downtown Exploration: Wander through Juneau’s compact downtown area with its Gold Rush era buildings, local shops, and the Alaska State Capitol.
- Cultural Experiences: Visit the Alaska State Museum or Sealaska Heritage Institute to learn about the rich traditions of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples.
- Fishing Charters: Try your hand at catching salmon or halibut with experienced guides in the productive waters around Juneau.
Practical Tips for Visiting Juneau
Best Times to Visit
The prime time for visiting Juneau is from May through September, when temperatures are mild (averaging 55-65°F) and daylight hours are long. July and August typically offer the best weather conditions but also bring the most visitors. May and September provide slightly fewer crowds while still offering good access to most activities.
Essential Gear
Alaska’s weather can change rapidly, so proper preparation is key for enjoying your visit:
- Waterproof jacket and pants – Juneau receives an average of 62 inches of rainfall annually
- Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with good traction for trails and glacier viewing areas
- Layered clothing that can be added or removed as temperatures fluctuate
- Sunglasses – essential for reducing glare from ice and water
- Gloves and a warm hat – particularly for glacier excursions where temperatures are cooler
- Camera with extra batteries – cold temperatures drain batteries faster
Consider planning your budget carefully, as Alaska excursions can be costly but are well worth the investment. [SOURCE]
Safety Advice
When exploring glaciers and surrounding areas, safety should be your priority:
- Always follow the guide’s instructions when on tours or near glacial features
- Never approach glacier faces independently due to the risk of calving ice
- Stay on marked trails when hiking to avoid hidden hazards
- Be aware of wildlife – maintain safe distances and never feed wild animals
- Inform others of your plans when exploring independently
Frequently Asked Questions about Juneau Glacier & Fjord Adventures
When is the best season to visit Juneau, Alaska, for glacier and fjord adventures?
The optimal season is from May through September, aligning with Alaska’s summer travel season when tours operate at full capacity. Mid-June through August offer the warmest conditions, while May and September provide slightly fewer crowds with variable weather. Winter has very limited glacier or fjord access due to storms and closures.
What is the average cost of glacier tours and cruises in Juneau, Alaska?
Prices for glacier tours and fjord cruises vary by duration, activity, and inclusions. A half-day guided experience can range from $65–$150 USD, while helicopter landings, seaplane trips, or longer cruises may cost $300–$800 USD. Always confirm if meals, gear, or transport are included in the price.
What gear and clothing are recommended for Juneau glacier tours and kayaking trips?
Expect rapidly changing coastal weather. Pack a waterproof jacket and pants, layered clothing for warmth, sturdy waterproof boots, gloves, a hat, and sunglasses to reduce glare from ice and water. Sunscreen is essential in summer, and cameras or phones need extra batteries since cold temperatures drain power faster.
How can travelers safely experience Tracy Arm Fjord, Sawyer Glacier, and other glacier excursions?
Always book with a licensed guide or tour company when approaching glacier faces or kayaking near icebergs. Independent travel to glacier fronts is unsafe due to calving ice and shifting conditions. Follow all guide instructions, wear life jackets or safety gear, and stay on marked hiking trails. Smaller fjord boats offer closer yet controlled viewing in varying weather.
How many days in Juneau are recommended for glacier tours, fjord cruises, and local activities?
A stay of about 3 to 5 days is ideal. This allows time for a mix of glacier hikes or kayaking at Mendenhall, a fjord cruise to Tracy Arm or Endicott Arm, and additional activities like whale watching, rainforest hiking, or exploring downtown Juneau. Extra days also provide flexibility in case of weather delays.
Conclusion
Juneau offers a rare combination of accessibility and wilderness, making it one of the most rewarding destinations in Alaska for glacier and fjord adventures. With Mendenhall Glacier just minutes from downtown, and Taku and Sawyer Glaciers accessible by air and sea, visitors can experience multiple environments within a single trip.
Tracy Arm Fjord cruises bring travelers face-to-face with towering ice walls and the dramatic calving of Sawyer Glacier, while kayak and hiking tours provide a more intimate connection with the landscape. Beyond glaciers, Juneau’s rainforest trails, whale-watching opportunities, and Indigenous heritage sites enrich the overall travel experience.
For those building a broader itinerary along the Inside Passage, Juneau pairs well with destinations like Sitka and Ketchikan, creating a balanced journey of natural wonders and cultural exploration. Including multiple towns helps travelers appreciate the diversity of Southeast Alaska while maximizing time on the coast.
By planning ahead and allowing a few extra days for flexibility, visitors can enjoy both iconic glacier excursions and quieter moments in the Tongass National Forest. Whether you are traveling for adventure, photography, or cultural discovery, Juneau remains an essential stop in any Alaska travel guide.
Start planning your Juneau adventure today, and prepare to be amazed by the natural wonders waiting in Alaska’s capital city. For more inspiration and to experience Alaska’s breathtaking landscapes in stunning detail, visit Pathfinders Travel YouTube channel, featuring Wonders of the World Travel Documentaries in 4K resolution.
