Juneau’s most rewarding tours combine urban exploration with outdoor wonders. The City Highlights Bus Tour efficiently covers essential stops, including the historic governor’s mansion and the lively Red Dog Saloon – perfect for history buffs and first-time visitors. I particularly love the Mendenhall Glacier Waterfall & Whale Watching Tour for its incredible wildlife viewing opportunities; it’s a fantastic way to experience Alaska’s marine and land creatures in their natural habitat.
The Fly-In Norris Glacier Hike and Packraft Tour stands out as an exceptional adventure, offering an unforgettable combination of aerial views, glacier exploration, and water activities. For those seeking scenic beauty without strenuous activity, the panoramic landmarks tour provides excellent photo opportunities of the harbor and Mendenhall Glacier.
Let’s look at our favorite Juneau tours, ranked by experience and value.
Key Points
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The City Highlights Bus Tour offers a 1.5-hour exploration of Juneau’s historical downtown, featuring key landmarks and scenic crossings to Douglas Island.
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The Mendenhall Glacier Waterfall & Whale Watching Tour provides a 5-hour adventure with opportunities to see humpback whales, spawning salmon, and black bears.
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The Fly-In Norris Glacier Hike and Packraft Tour is a 5-hour excursion that includes a scenic floatplane flight, glacier hiking, and packrafting past icebergs.
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The Scenic Views and Landmarks tour offers panoramic views from Homestead Park, a scenic drive along Juneau’s highway, and breathtaking vistas of the Mendenhall Glacier and Coastal Range.
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The Adventure and Wildlife Experiences tour combines hiking, packrafting, and whale watching, providing opportunities to observe bears, whales, and explore Juneau’s natural wonders.
Juneau: City Highlights Bus Tour
The Juneau: City Highlights Bus Tour offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of Juneau’s must-see landmarks and scenic wonders.
This 1.5-hour tour takes guests on a journey through the city’s historical downtown, showcasing its vibrant gift shops, jewelry stores, and local eateries. Highlights include the governor’s mansion, the famous Red Dog Saloon, and a lifesize breaching whale sculpture.
The tour also crosses the Juneau-Douglas bridge to Douglas Island, providing panoramic views from Homestead Park. Guests will enjoy a scenic 10-mile drive along the only highway in Juneau, featuring fishing boat harbors and a wetland refuge.
The tour culminates with stunning views of the Mendenhall Glacier and Coastal Range at Brotherhood Bridge Park.
Read our full review: Juneau: City Highlights Bus Tour Review
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Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier Waterfall & Whale Watching Tour
Embarking on the Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier Waterfall & Whale Watching Tour, visitors can expect a captivating 5-hour exploration of Juneau’s natural wonders.
Priced at €193.50 per person, the tour provides the opportunity to search for humpback whales and observe spawning salmon and black bears.
Travelers can enjoy warm drinks and snacks while taking in the breathtaking views of the Mendenhall Glacier and Nugget Falls.
The tour includes round-trip transportation, a boat cruise, and free time to hike to the Nugget Falls overlook.
With knowledgeable staff, a whale sighting guarantee, and flexible cancellation policies, this tour offers an unforgettable adventure in Juneau.
Read our full review: Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier Waterfall & Whale Watching Tour Review
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From Juneau: Fly-In Norris Glacier Hike and Packraft Tour
One of the most unique tours in Juneau is the Fly-In Norris Glacier Hike and Packraft Tour. This 5-hour adventure takes you on a scenic floatplane flight to the Norris Glacier, where you’ll hike over the glacial terrain using micro-spikes.
Afterward, you’ll paddle a packraft past icebergs, exploring the glacier’s features. The tour, limited to 6 participants, costs $850.39 per person and includes roundtrip transportation, gear, and a professional guide.
It’s a must-do for adventurous travelers seeking a multi-sport glacier experience. Just note that guests must be able to climb in/out of the floatplane and hike over uneven terrain.
Read our full review: From Juneau: Fly-In Norris Glacier Hike and Packraft Tour Review
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The Sum Up
Juneau offers a variety of tours showcasing its natural wonders. The Mendenhall Glacier Waterfall & Whale Watching Tour and the Fly-In Norris Glacier Hike and Packraft Tour provide opportunities to witness Alaska’s stunning glaciers and marine life. The Juneau: City Highlights Bus Tour is a convenient way to explore the city’s highlights. Visitors can choose the tour that best fits their interests and budget to make the most of their Juneau experience.