You might even see floating icebergs from the glacier. Mount Roberts trailhead will lead you to the Goldbelt Tram in 45 minutes to an hour. Great value shore excursions, prices lower than the cruise lines. Yes, only if you are 16 or older. Plus, you can feel great about your purchase since this is a non-profit store. The Visitor Center is in Downtown Juneau, just past the city sign. Helicopter landing on the Mendenhall glacier The mendenhall glacier is one of the most accessible glaciers in the world and it is not very often that you have to opportunity to actually land on a glacier and explore this massive pack of ice by foot. Join our email crew and get 10% off our PNW hoodies & shirts!We'll also include you in sporadic emails, travel guides, and updates about the area! While on the topic of glaciers, how about the chance to actually stand on one! Nearest stop to Glacier Gardens is less than a mile walk. The weather is perfect, the food is delicious, and there are so many things to do, especially in the summer. Taxi from Juneau to Mount Roberts Tramway. Theyre usually about $350 to $500 per person, but since youre paying that much, they will send someone to pick you up from the docks and take you to the helipad. If the salmon are running, you might get to see black bears catching fish here. Passengers can disembark the cruise ship at the port area located south of downtown. View on Map. But if youre willing to walk just another couple of blocks along Franklin Street and into downtown, youll find a world of locally owned shops and one-of-a-kind souvenirs. Inside the Visitor Center, US Forest Service Rangers can answer questions about the glacier. You'll start going up Franklin Street, turn . Thats the best answer we can give you. You never disappoint - thanx! And if they want to check their laptops, stop at Southeast Waffle Company in Auke Bay for free wi-fi, or the library branch in the Mendenhall Mall. Heritage Coffee is a low-key, locally-owned chain of coffee shops. Find the trailhead on the map above. }); If you dont mind an uphill walk (or calling a cab), the Wickersham State Historic Site is a house thats been converted into a museum dedicated to its former owner, Judge James Wickersham. Wonderful day!!! This Victorian home has historical photos, memorabilia and period furniture of its notable former residents. The northern section is rated as easy with no elevation and meanders about a quarter of a mile along the water. The choice was to either take one of the expensive shuttle buses that departs by the Tramway or take a public bus which required a little more time/walking for only $4 roundtrip pp. A serving costs $7 or $8, cash only. While in Juneau, there are several interesting and informative locations to learn about the long and varied human history of Alaska. If you want to do something specific, booking it in advance is best. Located in Southeast Alaska, it overlooks the Gastineau Channel and is surrounded by mountains. Here you board a boat specially designed for whale watching. is a house thats been converted into a museum dedicated to its former owner, Judge James Wickersham. as long as you can see the ships you wont get lost. Several seaplane (float plane) companies offer private excursions for groups which are priced by the hour. You can even book a dog sledding experience while there for more adventures. Once you arrive at the top, the adventure continues. It has excellent exhibitions inside explaining what a glacier is and the life span of the Mendenhall glacier. You cant come all the way to Alaska, home of, without sampling the crustacean that sends fishermen out to brave the wild seas. All their proceeds go to support local education. You might even want to leave the upper station and go hiking over the mountain tops where you will have beautiful views over the surrounding islands and mountain range. This is a great . We did Mendenhall, spent as long as we wanted walking trails then went to the Shrine of St. Therese, then did a beach walk, went to Skater's Cabin and did some geocaching also! With locations across the Lone Star state, the popular store is now popping, Read More The Best Buc-ees Snacks for Your Next Road Trip. I'm planning on taking the $16 r/t bus to Mendenhall Glacier, and probably Mt. But for the most reliable and. Its the perfect spot for people interested in learning more about glaciers and how they form. Via Capital Transit. You will soar to the top of the mountain, rising over 1,800 feet. Speaking of local love, if you enjoy ice cream dont miss a chance to visit the much-loved Coppa Cafe. If you do have your excursion booked, there is a designated parking area for tour buses to make it easy for cruise passengers to join them. From the awe-inspiring carved panels on the outside of the building to the full-size clan house and interactive displays both located inside, this is the best opportunity in the world to learn about the Native peoples and lifeways of this region. If you have the time and the money, you can take a helicopter tour that will land on the glacier and allow you to walk around. . there are also interesting statues along the dock too look at. If you make a purchase after clicking one of these links, Ill earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. The exterior looks quite humble, but the interior is rife with the gilt icons and ornate paneling typical of this type of church. Insider tip: If you are traveling with a group (or make some friends on the cruise ship), booking an airplane tour is a terrific and affordable way to fly over the glaciers. The cruise ships typically dock just south of downtown Juneau in the following docking facilities, listed in order of distance from downtown Juneau: . At the very least, the library looks close, so at least my kids could get onto their laptops for free that day! This is where to go if you want something unique and totally Alaska. This low-key, hole-in-the-wall eatery is named for the Russian dumplings it offers. Juneau is the only state capital that you cannot reach by driving. Its located right at the end of the cruise ship dock, so you can enjoy the view of the Gastineau Channel while eating. About the Mendenhall Glacier; . On this tour, you will visit Overstreet Park, which features an impressive multi-million-dollar life-sized whale art installation titled Takhu. Any suggestions on how to get a family of 6 out there without breaking the bank? is locally owned and youll have access to a much wider variety of souvenirs. It also makes it difficult to eat (meaning you miss out on Juneaus amazing restaurants), unless you bring a snack with you on the bus and eat it on the walk. Another great repository of history in the state is Juneaus SLAM, or State Library, Archive and Museum, all housed in one building. containerId: "cruiseline-horizontal-check-prices-widget-juneau-alaska", I checked Temscos website and it looks like theyre only doing three flights a week. Youll board a pontoon boat, which will take you through Mendenhall Lake. See description above. Roberts. Juneau has its share of big box stores including Fred Meyer (the local version of Kroger), Safeway, and Walmart, but youd need a taxi to reach them. Wether you are looking for wildlife, art, culture or scenery it is all within reach from this port of call. However you choose to visit the Mendenhall Glacier, I guarantee youll have fun at one of the most beautiful places in a beautiful state. And for souvenirs of the Russian history that weaves through much of Southeast Alaska, make a trip to the House of Russia on Franklin Street. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. A short cruise stopover isnt enough time for a full-on bear-viewing expedition but if youre starting or ending your cruise in Juneau, leave yourself time for a day tour to nearby Admiralty Island, where the massive brown bears have the human population outnumbered. When it comes to souvenirs, youll find the best authentic Alaska Native goods in the gift shop of the Sealaska Heritage Institute in the. Stops at these destinations offer a chance to see rare glimpses into the daily lives and cultures of several of the lands inhabitants dating back thousands of years. Its quite a strenuous hike in places, and if you have sticks take them, although I'm 54 and borderline obese, but managed it no problem. After-hours Returns How it Works: Lock the vehicle and place the keys in the key drop box for After Hours Returns located in the return area. READ MORE: Visit Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau, Alaska. The Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center welcomes you to learn about this beautiful glacier and its surrounding area. The following maps of downtown Skagway, Ketchikan, and Juneau Alaska will help you orient yourself and give you a head start when the cruise doors open to release you into the Alaskan wilds! My list of the best Juneau whale-watching tours will guide you in choosing the best ones. You can even look for gold yourself. Discover the best of Old San Juan in one day! The ride from downtown Juneau to Mendenhall Glacier takes over an hour though so keep that in mind when planning your day. Its quite pricy, but well worth the experience. Souvenir shopping is a must-do activity in Juneau, and there are some great places to find the best souvenirs from Alaska. An aerial tram goes about halfway up the mountain you can see its cables from the docks. How close is downtown Juneau to the ship's dock? The Alaska Shirt Company is a great place to buy souvenirs because they offer a large selection of items at super affordable prices, like four hats for $12 cheap. Speak with the representatives to gather the details of what is included in your preferred activity. Lets look at the different ways to get out there using public transportation and you can decide which works best. You will find helpful employees providing directions, free maps, brochures, and coupons. Well guide you through the port and its surrounding area. to me they are 5 minutes away but i walk fast. This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies. This tour takes you up in a helicopter to see everything from abovethe Juneau Icefield, the Herbert Glacier, the Tongass National Forest, and more. There are excellent views of the Gastineau Channel and Douglas Island and signs about local flora and fauna. Guided tours, including the gear you need, carry you in a helicopter to safe locations on the ice field. Capital Transit operates a bus from Glacier Highway and 9th Street to Marine Way at Downtown Library hourly. Its 12.5 miles from the cruise ship docks, so you wont have time to walk. We tried the French Vanilla Cold Brew, and it was amazing! You can book last-minute excursions here, but I wouldnt wait to book a tour, especially if your port time is limited. We'll send you the latest cruise updates daily to your inbox. Every which way you look in Juneau, youll find beautiful mountains or sea. They are priced by the hour (available at the port) and your guide will tell interesting stories about the town and its people along the way. Make sure you will receive a full refund if the trip is cancelled for any reason. For our most cost-effective method, Capital Transit (the city bus) will give you a ride most of the way for only $2 per person each way. Call them to see. It is also know as cultural and transportation hub and this makes it the heart of Southeast Alaska. And the best thing to do up there, IMO, is hike, but a car gets you to many trails. Theres a reason the locals love it so much. 2023 Copyright by Cruise Crocodile. ), If youre interested in all local art, one of the best downtown galleries is the very eclectic, . A gold strike in the (now) aptly named Gold Creek led to the towns formation and the creek is still there, running straight along the fringe of downtown. Professional freelance writer and published indie author. The only potential drawback is accidentally spending too much time at the glacier, which is very possible given all of the trails and walking routes nearby. You can drive through downtown up to Gold Creek, see the mining ruins/museum, and hike there before heading out to the glacier. Depending on your activity level you can view the massive glacier and its lake from an indoor visitor center, or head out on a hike. Roberts tram. There are many tours that are offerred in Juneau. Turns on site high speed to be attractive for people and search engines. This is the oldest man-made attraction of Juneau. FacebookTweetPinLike For as long as I can remember, seeing the leaves change colors in New England has been on my bucket list of travel itineraries. The cuisine at Salt is so world-class, you might feel inspired to dress up. Tracys Crab Shack is a great place to eat seafood, especially if you want crab legs. (Also, the kiosks at the boardwalk often have prices comparable to pre-booking.). If, however, there is a discounted deal that seems irresistible, then read the fine print. A small grocery store, the. Visit the church to learn much more about its history. Also in this area is the Wickersham State Historic Site. The tram down is only $10pp. Sometimes you can get access in coffee shops or bars with a purchase. Read More 5 New England States in 5 Days Day One: Lets Get the Road Trip Started to Stowe, FacebookTweetPinLike Ill let you in on a secret many Texans already know. The dogs will pull you on a sled through the snow-covered wilderness. Located in Juneau, the Alaskan Brewing Company Tasting Room is a must-visit for any beer lover. It is especially popular amongst the Americans that are looking for a fun and relaxed afternoon at the bar. At the visitors centre you will find exhibitions and educational programs about ecosystem, protections of fish and wildlife. Sometimes you can get access in coffee shops or bars with a purchase. The atmosphere doesnt get much more Alaskan than the old-timey. The taxis in Juneau are usually available at the dock, but keep in mind they are quite pricey. Use these tips for your visit to the Mendenhall Glacier. . And, many establishments stay open for extended hours when cruise ships are docked. Most of the tour bus operators will tell you the. At the top, plenty of hiking trails lead to waterfalls, tree carvings, and a wildlife viewing platform. There are no refunds for poor weather and they don't run out of tickets. Trove is a fun, upscale gift shop that supports local artists and designers. However, I do not want to book the trip through the cruise line because they don't have a trip that goes directly to here. 22 reviews 3 helpful votes How to get to Glacier Gardens Rainforest from cruise termina 7 years ago Save Hello, I would like to visit this beautiful place on my cruise. You will find booths that are selling shore excursions and shuttle busses to the Mendenhall glacier. At the upper tram terminal, youll find stunning views, a small cafe, a modest nature center thats especially great if you have kids along, and a theater that shows either a short film or live cultural performances, depending on your timing. Recommended option Line 3 bus 1h 7m I also agree on the Mt. If trying your luck (and testing your skills) is on the list of fun things to do while docked at the Juneau cruise port, then we have great news Pacific halibut and five species of salmon await. key: "623eb945c1f4820d9891e847df79a252", I just reserved a car from them with no deposit (so no loss if we don't pick it up) for our stop in two weeks. A serving costs $7 or $8, cash only. Several tour operators specialize in getting you out to the whales, then back in good time to catch your ship again. He Works So I Travel participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. At the docks is the tourist information for any kind of information. The vibrant colors of the ever-changing foliage during the autumn paint a scenic picture. Honestly, no one ever asked for a ticket, nor did I see a place to show it. Consider taking a flight seeing tour over the Taku glacier, Mendenhall glacier or Glacier Bay. It is the gateway to the glaciers, wildlife and nature. It doesnt get more Alaskan than that! A small grocery store, the Foodland IGA, is a short walk from downtown Juneau. Robert trail. Therefore, resist the temptation to pre-book a shore excursion. focuses on creative, made-from-scratch cooking. (The formline is the basis of the intricate, evocative shapes that are so characteristic of Southeast Alaska Native art.). Recommended Line 3 bus Take the line 3 bus from Glacier Avenue and 12th Street to Glacier Highway & Jordan Avenue 21 min $2 Taxi If you dont mind an uphill walk (or calling a cab), the. So they charge full price for kids on the Tram? They did not seem to have that many on the lot close to the port. (The formline is the basis of the intricate, evocative shapes that are so characteristic of Southeast Alaska Native art. We wait. If you dont pay a visit to the Sealaska Heritage Institutes Walter Soboleff Building, located just a few short blocks from the cruise docks, youre really missing out. For example, Franklin Street is lined with shops and leads further into the downtown area where there are more eateries, galleries and shops to explore. You can go shopping, catch the aerial tram, and eat at popular restaurants without walking too far. This blue monument is the oldest continuously used Orthodox church in South East Alaska. If someone I knew was coming into town and I couldnt take them myself, I would recommend the Blue Bus or a similar company. To give you an idea on the cost: A taxi from the dock to the Mendenhall Glacier: Compared to the cost of the Mendenhall shuttle bus it will be cheaper to take a taxi if your group is 4 persons or more. Youll learn all about glaciershow they form and moveand how theyve shaped the landscape in Juneau. Just outside of town is the Last Chance Mining Museum & Historical Park. 24/7 Customer Service Port of Juneau Airport Shuttle The entire store is dedicated to Alaska T-shirts, hats, and other clothing items. Find it in the centre of town. One thing, though, their office is a lot further than it seems on the map! Then its time for your guided icefield walk. This 13-mile-long river of ice with stunning turquoise blue highlights is a remnant of the last ice age. But if you have a craving for snacks while downtown, all is not lost. The general gallery is packed with items depicting Juneaus environment, businesses, homesteaders, fishing and maritime lifestyles of the residents. WiFi is at a premium in Alaska, and that goes double in popular cruise ports like Juneau. The library is close enough to the port (for some of the ships) that you could about throw a stone at itbut don't. But for the most reliable and free WiFi, head to the public library when its open. If the top of the mountain is cloudy, you may not want to ride up. Soon miners, saloons and missionaries would create the community of Harrisburg that would later be recalled Juneau. The downtown transit center is only a few blocks from where your ship will be anchored, but the nearest bus stop (at Dredge Lake) is a mile and a half from the glacier. You can also find a short cut to the top. Juneau is the only state capital that you cannot reach by driving. On January 25, 2017, Port Juneau announced the begining of construction works for a new (4th) cruise berth (located close to the Marine Park terminal . Unlike Caribbean cruises, port excursions in Alaska are expensive, so make sure to budget for those once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Their Taco Tuesday makes for good cheap eats, and the vinegar-infused shrubs are divine. Back in the days Juneau was called Dzantiki Heeni (meaning Base of the Flounders river). Were talking about crab, of course, and Tracys King Crab Shack is the place to get it. You might check for a city bus or take a shore excursion. The Airport is located 10 miles from downtown. Jon Bon Jovi was there a week after we left. Powered by Invision Community. What is the best time to visit Juneau Alaska? portSlug: "juneau-alaska" Any content or photos on this website are copyright protected and cannot be used for commercial purposes. A wide boardwalk connects the berths and offers an accessible way to disembark and. Buy your tickets at the bus office or on the bus itself. new Cruiseline.check_price({ It does cost $5 to enter, and you can get your ticket from the automated machines in the parking lot. It is inexpensive compared to the other excursions, but it gives you a nice look at the city of Juneau and delivers you to the base of the Mendenhall Glacier Visitors Center. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Q&A with James Rodriguez, President & CEO of Atlas Ocean Voyages, Q&A: Cruise Insurance with Steve Dasseos of the TripInsuranceStore.com - Summer Session '23. This low-key, hole-in-the-wall eatery is named for the Russian dumplings it offers. Simply take the Mt. The Mendenhall Glacier is one of Alaskas most popular tourist attractions and for good reason. Find the new Tracys Crab shack on the pier at the cruise terminal. READ MORE: Where to Eat in Juneau, Alaska. Insider tip: As a former resident of southeast Alaska, this writer would suggest that you avoid booking shore excursions prior to your arrival at the Juneau cruise port. The Juneau Cruise Port sits right alongside the historic downtown area, within walking distance of seafood restaurants and frontier-themed shops. This mega gas station planted its roots in Texas in the early 1980s and has been branching out ever since. You will definitely want to snap a photo in front of the city sign to commemorate your time in this one-of-a-kind capital city. Learn about new cruise ship launches, itineraries, policies, and trends shaping the world of cruising. Amazing places deserve to be shared with others - why not Write a Review! The tour starts with a ride in a helicopter, which will take you to where a dog sled team will pick you up. We'd like to visit the Alaskan Brewery, but it looks like it's pretty far out of town. Another convenient option is to book a spot on a tour bus that leaves downtown from a parking lot right next to the docks. Juneau is also gateway to the famous Tracy Arms. The cruise docks naturally funnel you onto Franklin Street. It is an important historical event of which the citizens of Juneau feel like it needs to be remembered. This is the largest temperate rainforest left in the world so, there is rain lots of it. You can read more about us here! You will find many things to see and do for every budget, from pricey excursions to self-guided adventures. They offer modern, casual cuisine accompanied by an extensive selection of wine and cocktails. , an easygoing, seafood-oriented pub where you can watch seaplanes come and go from Gastineau Channel, the waters just offshore from Juneau. It is the largest glacier in the Juneau area, and you can see it up close and personal. These are small booths where you can book a variety of adventure excursions, including whale watching, flightseeing, wildlife tours and several other Alaskan adventures. Ride the tram back down for an aerial view of the terrain you just covered. They also have items such as lotions, candles, and other bath products. Christi All over town and especially around the docks you will find there is a local shuttle bus offered to the Mendenhall Visitors Centre where you will have a good view over the glacier. For $45, theyll pick you up from the Mount Roberts Tram parking lot, give you a narrated tour about Juneau and its history en route, drop you off at the glacier and then pick you up whenever youre ready to come back. The tasting room is located five miles from downtown Juneau. For our most cost-effective method, Capital Transit (the city bus) will give you a ride most of the way for only $2 per person each way. The Mendenhall Glacier Shuttle bus to Mendenhall Glacier is a convenient option near the cruise port that costs $45 per adult return. } But thats still only a fraction of what Juneau has to offer to savvy cruise visitors. With the entrance fee, you can access the salmon viewing boardwalk, the Photo Point trail, and the bookstore, among other features. There will likely be an inside (heated) area with good views and outside decks for those photo opportunities. Juneau Mendenhall Glacier Canoe paddle and trek Alaska is the perfect way to see one of the most beautiful places in the world. i dont know if they are free or not. Their downtown location is enormous and offers some of the best WiFi youll find near the cruise docks, although they usually limit access by providing a short-term passcode with each purchase. This truly is one of the best experiences you could ever treat yourself to. Youll find everything from T-shirts to jewelry and mugs to magnets, but some of the best souvenirs from Alaska are those that are locally produced.
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