An Unforgettable Day in Juneau, Alaska

By Lindsey Brown, Travel Advisor
May 12, 2026

As our ship docked in Alaska’s capital city, Juneau, we were eager to begin our day ashore—and our first impression did not disappoint. Juneau is absolutely beautiful. The downtown area is clean, incredibly walkable, and rich with culture, including striking totem poles throughout the town.

Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier Excursion

For our excursion, we chose a whale watching tour combined with a visit to the Mendenhall Glacier through Alaska Shore Excursions. The 4.5-hour experience was $239 per person and included round-trip transportation, snacks and beverages onboard, glacier admission, and even a whale sighting guarantee (or your money back for that portion).

We began by walking through downtown to the meeting point near the Mount Roberts Tramway before boarding a tour bus to Auke Bay. Our driver, a local Alaskan, made the journey even more memorable by sharing fascinating stories about Juneau’s history, the Tongass National Forest, and even a fun trick for remembering the five species of salmon (something every Alaskan 5th grader apparently knows!).

An Incredible Whale Watching Experience

At Auke Bay, we boarded a comfortable boat with a heated cabin, large viewing windows, and onboard restrooms. Along the way, we spotted bald eagles and seals before heading into prime whale-watching waters.

Our knowledgeable guide stayed in communication with other local captains to ensure we were in the best possible location—and it paid off.

We witnessed a mama humpback whale and her calf swimming right beside the boat. It’s hard to put into words just how incredible that moment was. Seeing a humpback whale breach against the backdrop of Alaska’s rugged mountains is something I will never forget. Each tail slap and breach was powerful—a humbling reminder of the beauty and wonder of nature.

Exploring Mendenhall Glacier

The second part of our excursion brought us to the world-famous Mendenhall Glacier. We had about 45 minutes to explore, which gave us enough time to walk to Nugget Falls and visit the interactive visitor center.

Inside, you’ll find educational displays about the glacier, local wildlife (including black bears), and the surrounding ecosystem. The paved trail to Nugget Falls is easy to navigate and leads you right to the glacial lake, where you can feel the refreshing (and very cold!) mist from the cascading waterfall.

For those looking for a more adventurous option, guided kayaking excursions are available, allowing you to paddle right up to the glacier. While we didn’t do this ourselves, it looked like an amazing experience!

A Perfect Ending in Juneau

Before heading back to the ship, we took a stroll along the Seawalk and stopped to admire Tahku, a life-sized bronze sculpture of a breaching whale. It was the perfect way to wrap up an unforgettable day.

Whether you choose to ride the Mount Roberts Tram (pro tip: go on a clear day), book an exciting excursion, or simply explore the charming downtown, Juneau offers something truly special for every traveler.

Ready to Experience Alaska?

If you’re on the fence about taking an Alaskan cruise—this is your sign to go for it. It’s an experience you won’t regret.

I would love to help you plan your own Alaskan adventure!
📧 Email me at Lindsey@wishesfamilytravel.com for a personalized quote
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Disclaimer: This excursion was purchased at full retail price available to the general public.