Top Juneau Outdoor Activities

Whale watching and visiting the Mendenhall Glacier are two of the most popular activities around Juneau — they're essential experiences for any local tourist that you won't want to miss. Check them both off your list on this half-day combo tour that includes flexible departure times and round-trip transportation from Mt. Roberts Tramway, making it ideal for a shore excursion or quick trip.

Spend 2 hours out on the Auke Bay Harbor's waters searching for humpback whales during this boat tour from Juneau. Listen to commentary from your guide and keep a lookout for other marine animals such as orca, bald eagles, and sea lions. Cap off the cruise with a 5-minute stop to snap photos of Mendenhall Glacier. Snacks, refreshments, and round-trip transportation from the Mt. Roberts Tramway in Juneau provided.

Paddle across Mendenhall Lake, past icebergs and waterfalls, on this guided Alaskan adventure. Explore the Tongass National Forest and hike near Mendenhall Glacier with expert guides. Enjoy breathtaking views and experience wildlife up close. This small-group tour offers a unique and unforgettable wilderness experience.

When your cruise stops at Juneau, see whales in their natural habitat on this whale-watching boat trip, all without the fuss of organizing shore transport. Prebook to secure your place, board a comfortable boat with outdoor decks and heated cabins, and cruise Alaska’s waters to see marine life in the wild. Then, enjoy guaranteed sightings of humpback whales, with a naturalist providing commentary on their behaviors as you cruise.

Although we are the original whale-watching company in Juneau (operating since 1994), we are still small and family-owned and operated! We want you to feel like part of the family, and we pride ourselves on prioritizing local hires in order to give back to our community and give you the best possible tour experience. We want our guides to love Juneau as much as you do! This tour offers an additional hour at the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area. This gives you an hour and forty-five minutes to two hours to look at salmon, visit the Visitor's Center, and make the hike to Nugget Falls! Our fleet consists of only mammal-friendly jet boats, and the small size and intimate setting will make you feel right at home with the whales. We pride ourselves on our quick transfers between vehicles! We don't want you to wait any longer than you absolutely have to!

Make your round-trip transfer between Juneau and Mendenhall Glacier hassle-free with this shuttle service. Discover the beauty of the glacier and its trails at a leisurely pace. Plus, during the drive each way, pick up historical fun facts and restaurant recommendations from the driver.

Try your hand at fly fishing or spinning reels in Juneau on this small-group fishing experience. You don’t need to provide any gear. Waders, poles, tackle, and rain gear are all included. Just show up ready for an adventure, and plan for around three hours for this fishing class.

While most visitors only see the Mendenhall Glacier from crowded viewpoints, this tour takes adventurous travelers on a canoe trip to the base of the glacier for a completely different perspective of the majestic ice. With canoe lessons and a guide, the tour is open to first-time paddlers and the mellow water means you can take along a camera and capture the arctic cliffs, icebergs, and pristine blue ice.

Kayak in the waters around Mendenhall Glacier safely and without needing to haul your own gear with you on this guided tour from Juneau. Get a paddling primer, then follow your guide through Fritz Cove and the protected Mendenhall Wetlands for possible views of all sorts of wildlife, including bald eagles and humpback whales.

The Mendenhall Glacier is one of Juneau’s most impressive natural wonders, stretching over 13 miles (21 kilometers). On this half-day tour, enjoy spectacular views of the glacier from the viewing platforms and walkways, and learn more about the mighty glacier at the Visitor Center. Then, set sail on a thrilling whale-watching cruise along the coast and look out for humpback whales, as well as other wildlife such as bald eagles and blue heron.

Whale watching is a must do activity while visiting Juneau. Join us for a boat tour out on the water as we get up close with these majestic creatures in their environment. Our captains and naturalists are there to show you a great time and answer any questions you have. We limit our capacity so you get an intimate VIP experience. Shuttle to and from Downtown Juneau is provided.

Get away from the crowds and experience Alaska’s grandest marine life from an intimate, 20-person vessel. Less disruptive to wildlife, you’ll get a front-row seat to the 49th State’s most beloved creatures—including whales, sea lions, eagles, and more. You’ll also get to scope out ice-blue glaciers, rocky shorelines, and hidden inlets from the comfort of the heated cabin or right from the catamaran's bow.

Alaska’s wild nature should be experienced in the open air, and that’s what you’ll do on this immersive e-bike tour. Great for any fitness level—and most ages—you’ll bike along mostly paved roads, getting views of Mendenhall Glacier, the world’s northernmost rainforest, and so much more. Since you choose your effort level, it’s an always-exhilarating adventure that’s always at your pace.

Experience the Mendenhall Glacier Guide Hike, a thrilling 6-7 mile adventure! Your journey begins with a 3-mile trek through the Tongass National Forest, the world's largest temperate rainforest. Your experienced guide will lead you through this wilderness, winding past beaver ponds and scrambling up exposed glacial terrain, where the trail fades into the wild. Upon emerging from the forest and reaching the final ridge, you'll be greeted by the breathtaking view of the Mendenhall Glacier's jagged facade and its ice river. Here, we savor panoramic views of the glacier, indulge in hearty snacks, and capture awe-inspiring photos. Gaze upon the glacier's deep blue crevasses, cascading icefall, surrounding mountains and Nugget Falls. This hiking tour is not for the faint of heart; it demands exceptional balance and sure-footedness. The trail includes 800 feet of elevation gain, through rocky, uneven, and slippery terrain. It's a memorable journey that promises unforgettable views.

At REEL1, We provide a guided fishing shuttle. We'll outfit you in fishing gear and take you to and from our favorite fishing spot, we supply a spin rod, boot-foot waders and lures so you can "REEL" in a big "1". You can expect to spend ~2 hours on the shore with great chances to catch a 5 species of wild pacific salmon or dolly varden. Book now to REEL1 with us.

Perhaps the most scenic US capital, Juneau—carved into a hillside, tumbling into the sea—is rife for road-tripping. On this private tour, you won’t have to worry about the driving, sitting back to enjoy views of Mendenhall Glacier, the Gastineau Channel, downtown, and more. You’ll likely also catch views of wildlife, including whales and seals, for a memorable, only-in-Alaska adventure.

While in Alaska, it can be hard to find activities for the whole family to agree on. This sled dog discovery tour in Juneau is the perfect solution—kids and people of all ages are sure to be excited to visit with the husky puppies. You’ll also learn from a musher all about dog sledding in Alaska and ride down a 1-mile (1.6-kilometers) track with a team of huskies, too.

If you’re looking for a unique experience that combines history with the great outdoors, book this Juneau Underground Peterson Gold Mine and Panning Experience. Go with a guide to the old mine and go on one of the only underground tours in all of Alaska—wearing a hardhat for safety. After learning about the mining done there, test your skills at gold panning.

The grandeur of Alaska's epic glaciers will thrill and delight you on Juneau's only FIVE glacier flightseeing tour. Leave behind the hustle and bustle of Downtown Juneau as you depart the waters with Wings Airways en route to the Juneau Icefield. Fly in a classic, 10 passenger, deHavilland Otter floatplane that guarantees a window seat for all as well as audio & written narration. Sit back and enjoy the 40-minute flight as you soar by blue glacial crevasses of the Norris, Hole-In-The-Wall, East Twin, West Twin, and the mighty Taku Glaciers! (Up to 5 aircraft available per departure, with 10 passengers per plane)

Auke Bay, with its harbor of whale watching vessels, lies about a half-hour’s ride from Juneau. This whale watching trip saves you the trouble of getting to the harbor and back with a round-trip shuttle directly from your cruise ship dock or a designated meeting point.

With this incredible tour, you’ll start with a helicopter flight over the ancient glaciers of the 1,500-square-mile Juneau Icefield. After seeing this marvel of Mother Nature from above, you’ll land at a remote glacier camp for yet another ride on the wild side: zooming across the Alaskan tundra—high, rugged mountains surrounding you—pulled by a rambunctious group of Alaskan huskies. It’s truly an only-in-Alaska experience.

Embark on an unforgettable journey into the Alaskan wilderness aboard your custom-built expedition vessel from Sitka shipyard. Your dedicated crew ensures a seamless experience as you explore, with knowledgeable guides and expert wildlife viewing opportunities: Onboard Comfort: Restrooms, large panoramic windows, and an outside observation deck. Galley Gift Shop: Curated with locally owned products. Refreshments: Beer, wine, and a variety of food and beverage options available for purchase. Wildlife Viewing: Search for whales, sea lions, porpoises, seals, bald eagles, and more! Experience and Expertise: Over 50 years of operation as a family and Alaska-Native owned company.

Alaska's dramatic glaciers are best experienced up close, and this full-day tour takes you right to them. Heading out from Juneau on a purpose-built expedition vessel, explore the Tracy Arm Wilderness Area from a vantage point on the water—a perspective many travelers miss. Snap photos of pristine scenery and experience the area's natural wonders from the comfort of the boat during this 8.5-hour adventure.