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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

Bikes, Glacier Views, and Microbrews begins with a 20 minute van ride out of historic downtown Juneau out to the Mendenhall Valley, where you'll be outfitted with bikes, helmets, and rain gear if necessary. The ride starts at the eastern side of the Mendenhall Glacier, with a 4 mile ride over to the western shore of Mendenhall Lake. Here, you'll enjoy a brief break and scenic view of the lake. Next, you'll hop back on the bikes and ride 4 miles back to the eastern side of the glacier, riding through two beautiful trails in the Tongass National Forest. After the ride, your guide will walk you to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, where you will have 45 minutes of independent exploration. View the glacier, enjoy the trails, and learn about the history of the area. Upon returning to the van, you will take a short drive to Forbidden Peak Brewery and taste a custom flight of local beers and enjoy views of Auke Bay. Your guide will then drive you back downtown at the end of the tour.

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.

Immerse yourself in the Alaskan wilderness on a trek through a vast temperate rainforest that includes views of waterfalls, wildlife, and glaciers. Your private guide takes you to off-the-beaten-path photo spots so you can capture authentic wilderness shots without other tourists getting in the way. Plus, throughout the hike, nature enthusiasts can learn about the unique ecosystem and its inhabitants.

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.

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.

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.

Enjoy the intimacy of just your group, up to 5 (maybe 6 - read further), on a private scenic tour of Juneau in a luxury Grand Highlander. Tour has unguided and guided parts. First, the unguided part. All will be dropped 1/4 mile from the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center (VC). ALL MUST WALK 0.25 MILE ON SIDEWALK THERE, AND 0.25 MILE BACK TO DROPOFF. No split parties. We will agree on a time to be spent there, depending on whether some walk to Nugget Falls. Next, the guided part. After pickup from the spot near the VC, we'll head to the shrine and hatchery. More beauty and knowledge to soak up! Time permitting, we'll explore more, before I return you to your desired dropoff. Guide is a local family man, who has lived in town for years. Start times are 9 and 2, but flexible. If your group has 6, I may be able to take them, no charge beyond 5. I have 6 passenger belts. Look at the back third row of my SUV in the photos - if 3 people can fit comfortably, I can take 6.

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.

Leave behind the hustle and bustle of Downtown Juneau as you depart the waters with Wings Airways en route to the Juneau Icefield and the historic Taku Glacier Lodge. With a guaranteed window seat for all and audio narration, sit back and enjoy the 25-minute flight as you soar by five massive glaciers including the largest in Juneau, the Taku! Enjoy approximately 2 hours on the lodge grounds feasting, exploring and relaxing before your return flight. With the combination of classic - 10 passenger - deHavilland Otter aircrafts, pristine glaciers, true wilderness, frequent black bear sightings, fresh Alaskan Salmon and Juneau’s only glacier view dining, this the ultimate all-in-one, 3 hour excursion and a must do!

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.

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! 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!

While visiting Alaska’s capital city, Juneau, it can be difficult to decide what activities to fit into your busy sightseeing schedule. Take the stress away from your planning with this Juneau shore excursion that combines a helicopter flight, dog sledding, and a glacier walk into one day, so you can get more from your time in the Last Frontier. This experience lasts nearly 4 hours, allowing ample time to enjoy each activity.