Cruise Port Guide · Alaska
Juneau, Alaska
Juneau is Alaska’s capital, and you can only get there by sea or by air. It sits between steep mountains and the Gastineau Channel, close to the Mendenhall Glacier, with a downtown full of Gold Rush history.
Juneau at a glance
Our consultants who’ve been here
Karie, Patty & Susan
“Don’t leave Juneau without stopping in at the Red Dog Saloon!” – Karie
Our top picks in Juneau
Our recommendations on what to see and do, based on our own experience in port.
Downtown Juneau and the Red Dog Saloon
Alaska’s capital sits at the foot of steep mountains, and downtown is just a short walk from the ship. Karie spent the day walking and shopping with a stop at a couple of saloons, and her favourite was the Red Dog Saloon, with its swinging doors and Gold Rush–era feel. Patty’s group visited on a cool, damp day and still loved the live entertainment and sawdust floors at the Red Dog, then popped into Alaskan Fudge Co. for a tasting and to see how it’s made.
- Cost
- Free to explore
- From the ship
- A short walk
- Don’t miss
- The Red Dog Saloon
- Sweet stop
- Alaskan Fudge Co.
King crab at Tracy’s King Crab Shack
At the end of the day, Patty’s group stopped at the famous Tracy’s King Crab Shack, right near the cruise docks. If you’re a seafood lover, fresh Alaska king crab is a must on a Juneau port day, and it’s the perfect last stop before heading back on board.
- Where
- Near the cruise docks
- Known for
- Alaska king crab
- Best time
- End of the day, after the lunch rush
- Good for
- Seafood lovers
A gold mine tour and gold panning
Susan’s group booked a gold mine tour, walking through the old mining areas and hearing the stories of the people who came north chasing their fortune. You get a real sense of how tough life was back then! Then came the fun part: gold panning. They didn’t strike it rich, but Susan came home with a few tiny pieces of gold!
- Includes
- A mine tour and gold panning
- Good for
- All ages
- Take home
- Any gold you find!
- Book
- As a ship or private excursion
More ideas for your day in Juneau
Popular things to do that we book for clients.
Mendenhall GlacierOne of the most popular excursions from Juneau, about 20 minutes from downtown. Trails and viewpoints look out over the glacier and its lake, and the short walk to Nugget Falls takes you even closer. Bring a rain jacket, the weather changes fast!
Mount Roberts TramwayRide the tram straight up from the cruise ship docks for big views over Juneau and the Gastineau Channel. At the top, you’ll find walking trails, a nature centre and a restaurant, so it’s easy to spend an hour or two up there.
Whale watchingThe waters around Juneau are known for humpback whales in the summer months, and whale watching is one of the most popular tours here. Many tours pair it with a visit to Mendenhall Glacier, so you can see both on one port day.
Shop downtownBrowse local shops, galleries and Alaska Native art along South Franklin Street, an easy walk from the ship. It’s a great way to fill the time before or after a tour, and you’ll be right by the Red Dog Saloon too!
Know before you go
- Pack in layers: the weather changes quickly, so bring a waterproof jacket, warm layers and comfortable walking shoes. Patty had a damp, cool day in Juneau!
- Book excursions early: popular Juneau tours like whale watching and glacier trips can sell out.
- Bring your passport: Alaska cruises visit U.S. ports. Bring a passport valid for at least six months past your return date (the safest rule of thumb).
- Go in late May or September for deals: Susan sailed in September and found the port shops had almost everything on sale before they closed for the season.
Juneau FAQs
Quick answers for your day in port
What is there to do in Juneau on a cruise?
Walk downtown and visit the Red Dog Saloon, stop at Alaskan Fudge Co., eat king crab at Tracy’s King Crab Shack, take a gold mine tour and try gold panning, or book an excursion to Mendenhall Glacier or a whale watching tour.
Can you walk around Juneau from the cruise ship?
Yes. Downtown Juneau, including the Red Dog Saloon and many shops, is a short walk from the cruise docks.
What is the Red Dog Saloon?
A Gold Rush–style saloon in downtown Juneau with swinging doors, sawdust on the floors and live entertainment. Karie and Patty both visited, and Karie says it was her favourite stop.
What’s the weather like in Juneau?
It can be damp and cool, even in summer. Bring a waterproof jacket and warm layers.
Do I need a passport for an Alaska cruise from Vancouver?
Yes. Alaska cruises visit U.S. ports, and Canadians must travel with a valid passport. We recommend it be valid for at least six months past your return date. Some destinations only require three months, but six months is the safest rule of thumb.
Does it cost more to book an Alaska cruise with a travel agent?
No, there’s no fee to book a cruise with Travitude Travel Group. You get a travel consultant who has actually been to Alaska and can help you choose the right ship, itinerary and shore excursions.
Start planning
Ready for an Alaska cruise?
Tell us how you like to travel, and we’ll help you find the right ship, itinerary and excursions in Juneau.