Top Juneau Outdoor Activities

Explore Juneau’s incredible coastline on this small-group kayaking adventure through the beautiful Mendenhall Wetlands. Keep your camera ready as you glide past eagles perched in the trees, harbor seals resting on the rocks, and maybe even a curious sea lion or porpoise swimming nearby. From your kayak, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind view of the majestic Mendenhall Glacier, visible from six miles away as it winds through mountain peaks. This tour is intentionally limited to no more than 8 guests, creating a quiet, intimate experience. Unlike other tours, each guest paddles their own single kayak , allowing for better control, comfort, and opportunity to explore. (Double kayaks available on request) You’ll be fully outfitted with a high-quality dry suit, keeping you warm and dry in all weather conditions. Our experienced local guides provide hands-on instruction and support throughout the tour, making this adventure ideal for first-time kayakers as well as those with prior experience.

Try your hand at fly fishing or spinning reels in Juneau on this small-group fishing experience. All fishing gear, waders, rain gear, tackle, and fishing license are included, along with water and snacks. 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.

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.

When your ship anchors in Juneau port, get ready for a shore excursion pumped with adventure and incredible views. First, soar by helicopter over Juneau Icefield, and then land on Herbert Glacier to explore the remote landscape by foot. Learn about the surrounding Alaskan wilderness and capture memorable shots during your icefield walk. This tour includes hotel pickup and transportation to and from the helicopter facilities.

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!

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.

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.

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)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Set out on a whale watching adventure—and leave all the logistics to someone else. After convenient transport to Auke Bay via bus from downtown Juneau, you’ll have an easy transfer to the boat. Spend several hours with a naturalist guide spotting humpback and killer whales as well as harbor seals, sea lions, bald eagles, and black bears. Snacks, beverages, and binoculars are conveniently included.

This tour includes two hours on the water following the whales, and a quick 15 minute peek at the Mendenhall Glacier. It is just enough time to step off the bus, take a quick picture, and then head back downtown for the rest of your Alaska adventure! This tour is recommended for those who want to see the glacier, but don't want to spend too much time exploring the surrounding recreation area. On this tour, you will take one of the tour buses from downtown Juneau on a 20-minute, narrated tour through Juneau and Mendenhall Valley to Auke Bay. In Auke Bay you will board one of the boats and head out on a 2-hour whale watching experience. Upon returning to the harbor you will be escorted back to the bus for a quick trip inland to Mendenhall Glacier. You will have 15 minutes to get out and take a quick picture, and then get back on the bus for your next adventure in Juneau.

After 10 years of high adventure tours from Seattle to Juneau we are now offering a tour of the Juneau waters from a new perspective, a JETSKI! This exclusive tour is perfect for travelers with a sense of adventure who love the challenge of learning a new skill, all while taking in stunning views of Mendenhall Glacier, Auke Bay, Admiralty Island and the surrounding areas. This adventure provides fantastic opportunities to see whales, porpoise, seals, eagles, and more! Your professionally trained guide will give you knowledge of the local people and wildlife that once and currently inhabit this breathtaking area of SE Alaska. Nothing compares to the feeling of being on the same level of some of the most incredible ocean mammals when they come up to say hello! Not your typical nose to tail, single file, slow rides.. we cater each adventure based on each group and which wonders are put in front of us while on this grand adventure. Come & see for yourself! (4 Hours w transportation)

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.

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.

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.

This tour combines shoreline salmon fishing with one of Alaska’s most popular dining experiences! Start your adventure by joining us for guided shore fishing, where we’ll provide the gear you need including spin rods, boot-foot waders, and lures. There you will have the chance to catch all 5 species of wild pacific salmon and dolly varden. After fishing, we’ll take you to an authentic Alaskan all-you-can-eat salmon bake featuring grilled salmon, bbq ribs, baked beans, wild-rice pilaf, au gratin potatoes, fresh salads, sides, beverages and blueberry cake. All while enjoying live local music in a fun and festive atmosphere. Beer and wine are also available for purchase. The experience continues after dinner with a short walk along a natural salmon-spawning creek to the historic Wagner Mine near beautiful Salmon Creek waterfall. Guests can pan for gold, explore mining relics, and keep an eye out for spawning salmon along the way.

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.