Best of Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier, Whale Watching and Salmon Bake

Juneau , United States

Best of Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier, Whale Watching and Salmon Bake

Active

(147 reviews)

6h - 7h

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Come face-to-face with a glacier, marvel at huge humpback whales and top this excitement off with a scrumptious meal featuring wild Alaskan salmon grilled over an alder wood fire. You'll call this combination amazing; we call it the Best of Juneau®.

Available options

Best of Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier, Whale Watching and Salmon Bake

What's included

Whale Sighting Guarantee

Buffet and Hot & Cold Beverages

Live Entertainment

Naturalist Guide

Permits

Transportation

Detailed itinerary

Enjoy a narrated transfer to the spectacular Mendenhall Glacier and its Visitor Center, where a ranger can satisfy your curiosity about the natural wonders there. Roam the grounds, snap photos, take in the interactive exhibits and have the chance to watch bears feast on salmon.

Stop 2

From Mendenhall Glacier, we’ll take you to Auke Bay where you’ll board our state-of-the-art, 48-passenger jet boat custom designed for Juneau whale watching. It has extra-large windows, and an outside viewing deck.

Juneau has a healthy humpback whale population with some 65 whales returning each season to feed in the nutrient-rich waters, and our boat captains are experts at locating them. We guarantee whale sightings; if there are no whales during your cruise, we'll refund $100 to each adult and $50 for children. Your captain will let you know when whales are spotted, but it’s likely you'll first hear a collective chorus of "Oohhs!" and "Ahhs!" from your fellow adventurers as they witness a giant humpback suddenly breach.

Binoculars are available for your use onboard. Venture out on the deck to enjoy a panoramic view of your surroundings or to take a photo, or settle into your warm, comfortable interior surroundings to enjoy the scenery and wildlife sightings through the oversized windows.

Stop 3

After your whale watching cruise, you're off to the Gold Creek Salmon Bake. In a beautiful setting nestled in the rainforest, you'll arrive with the aroma of wild Alaskan salmon grilling over an open alder wood fire. The all-you-can-eat buffet also includes Cheechako Chicken, Alyeska Au Gratin Potatoes, Chilkoot Baked Beans, Tongass Wild-Rice Pilaf, and other sides, salads, beverages, and blueberry cake for dessert!

After your meal, roast marshmallows over a crackling campfire, visit the Salmon Creek Trading Post and stroll to the beautiful Salmon Creek waterfall. Take your time; you can return to the dock at your leisure.

What's not included

Gratuities

Souvenirs (available for purchase)

Alcoholic Beverages

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.3

45 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.8

102 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Please indicate your ship or hotel name when booking your tour

Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund.

Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Children 13-17 must have a signed parental consent form to participate in the absence of a parent or guardian

Meeting point

JUNEAU MEETING PLACE: On the sidewalk, under the cables of the Mt. Roberts Tram.
When you arrive at the meeting area, look for the Alaska Travel Adventures tour representative. They will be wearing a red jacket/shirt and a red hat. Look for our distinctive Caribou logo

Important notes

JUNEAU MEETING PLACE: On the sidewalk, under the cables of the Mt. Roberts Tram.
LOCAL PHONE NUMBER: 907-789-0052 Please be at the designated location 15 minutes prior to departure time.

• If you have not entered your pickup information in the Special Requirements box, please call Alaska Travel Adventures or meet your guide at the benches at the BASE OF THE MT. ROBERTS TRAM
• Please reconfirm with the local service provider prior to travel, or upon arrival at your destination. Please note that departure times and locations may vary slightly.
• Look for the Alaska Travel Adventures tour representative. They will most likely be wearing a red jacket with Alaska Travel Adventures embroidered on it (look for the distinctive Caribou) OR rain gear with an Alaska Travel Adventures name badge visible, and/or a RED Alaska Travel Adventures hat. You should contact the tour representative prior to departure time to make sure you board the proper bus for your tour.

About Juneau

Juneau, the capital of Alaska, is a unique blend of rugged wilderness and vibrant city life. Nestled between the Gastineau Channel and towering mountains, it offers stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and abundant outdoor adventures. As the only U.S. state capital accessible only by boat or plane, Juneau provides a sense of remoteness and untouched wilderness that is truly unparalleled.

Top Attractions

Mendenhall Glacier

Mendenhall Glacier is one of Juneau's most iconic natural attractions. This massive river of ice is surrounded by lush forests and offers stunning views, hiking trails, and opportunities for wildlife viewing.

Nature 2-4 hours Free (Visitor Center has a small fee for some exhibits)

Juneau-Douglas City Museum

The Juneau-Douglas City Museum offers a fascinating look into the history and culture of Juneau and the surrounding region. Housed in a historic building, the museum features exhibits on the Gold Rush, Native Alaskan heritage, and the city's development.

Historical 1-2 hours Free (donations appreciated)

Tracy Arm Fjord

Tracy Arm Fjord is a breathtaking natural wonder located about 70 miles south of Juneau. This stunning fjord is home to towering waterfalls, glaciers, and an abundance of wildlife, including seals, bears, and bald eagles.

Nature Full day Varies by tour operator (typically $150-$250 per person)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Alaskan King Crab

A delicacy in Alaska, Alaskan King Crab is known for its sweet and tender meat. It is typically steamed or boiled and served with butter or in crab dishes like crab legs or crab cakes.

Dinner Gluten-free, but check for any allergens in sauces or accompaniments.

Salmon

Alaskan salmon is renowned for its freshness and flavor. It can be grilled, baked, or smoked and is often served with local sides like roasted vegetables or wild rice.

Dinner Gluten-free, but check for any allergens in sauces or accompaniments.

Bannock

A traditional Alaskan bread made with flour, baking powder, and water, often cooked over an open fire. It can be sweet or savory and is a staple in Alaskan cuisine.

Snack Vegetarian, but may contain gluten.

Popular Activities

Hiking Kayaking Wildlife viewing Scenic boat tours Visiting museums and cultural attractions Enjoying local cuisine and shopping Visiting the Juneau-Douglas City Museum Attending local festivals and events

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season in Juneau, offering the warmest weather and the best conditions for outdoor activities. The long daylight hours, known as the 'Midnight Sun,' provide ample time for exploration. Wildlife is active, and the city hosts numerous festivals and events.

10°C to 18°C 50°F to 64°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish, Tagalog
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Alaska Time Zone (AKT, UTC-9)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Juneau is generally a safe city for visitors, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure, especially in crowded areas.
• Use licensed and reputable tour operators for outdoor activities and adventures.
• Let someone know your plans and expected return time when exploring the wilderness or hiking in remote areas.

Getting there

By air

Juneau International Airport • 12 km (7.5 miles) from city center

Getting around

Public transport

The Juneau Transit System offers affordable and convenient bus service throughout the city. Buses are well-maintained and frequent, making it easy to get around without a car.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Juneau Taxi

Rentals

Car, Bike

Neighborhoods

Downtown Juneau West Juneau North Douglas

Day trips

Tracy Arm Fjord

113 km (70 miles) • Full day

Glacier Bay National Park

160 km (100 miles) • Full day

Glacier Bay National Park is a stunning natural wonder located about 100 miles west of Juneau. The park is home to numerous glaciers, mountains, and wildlife, including whales, bears, and bald eagles.

Admiralty Island National Monument

48 km (30 miles) • Full day

Admiralty Island National Monument is a stunning natural wonder located about 30 miles south of Juneau. The island is home to the largest concentration of bald eagles in the world, as well as a variety of other wildlife, including bears, seals, and whales.

Festivals

Alaska Folk Festival • April Juneau Jazz & Classics Music Festival • June Juneau WhaleFest • November

Pro tips

Pack layers and waterproof clothing, as weather in Juneau can be unpredictable and change rapidly.
Book tours and accommodations in advance, especially during the summer tourist season, as they can fill up quickly.
Bring a camera and binoculars for wildlife viewing and photography, as Juneau is home to a variety of unique and majestic animals.
Try local Alaskan cuisine, including fresh seafood, game, and unique dishes like bannock and akutaq.
Explore the city's museums and cultural attractions to learn about the rich history and heritage of Juneau and the surrounding region.