In the 1880s, when prospectors Joe Juneau and Richard Harris founded the capital of Alaska, the town was known for its massive gold mines. But today, the city has become much more famous for its glaciers, whale watching, majestic mountain ranges and dogsledding. There's so much to explore in the destination, and the best way to take it all in is through a sailing with Princess Cruises. 

Need help sorting through all the things to do in Juneau, Alaska, from your cruise ship? Here, we've rounded up eleven must-do shore excursions. And, these top attractions are accessible by organized shore excursions or short transfers from the dock, so whatever catches your eye is just a short trip from your state room.

Key Takeaways

  • Juneau blends Alaska’s Gold Rush heritage with awe-inspiring natural wonders, offering glacier visits, wildlife encounters and outdoor adventures directly from your cruise ship.
  • Mendenhall Glacier, whale watching and glacier flightseeing provide iconic ways to experience Alaska’s icefields and marine life up close.
  • Adventure seekers can choose from dogsledding, wilderness ziplining and river rafting, while history enthusiasts can explore historic mines and try gold panning.
  • Culinary experiences highlight authentic local flavors, from wild-caught salmon and Dungeness crab to regionally crafted treats.
  • Princess Cruises shore excursions make it seamless to explore Juneau’s mountains, forests and waterways, creating a well-rounded Alaska experience.
Mendenhall Glacier, a massive ice formation with a brilliant blue hue, flowing into a turquoise lake, framed by rocky cliffs and patches of greenery under a partly cloudy sky.
The shimmering beauty of Mendenhall Glacier.

Mendelhall Glacier

Mendelhall Glacier is the most popular and accessible attraction for cruise passengers, with all kinds of transportation options from the dock, like shuttles and buses. As you approach Mendenhall Glacier and its deep blue crevices, you can hear the soft crackle of ice shifting and melting into crystal-clear streams that feed into the surrounding lake. The glacier’s source, the Juneau Icefield, flows from the town of Skagway, Alaska, to the Taku River, for a total of 1,500 square miles. When you set foot inside one of Mendenhall’s ice caves, paddle down Mendenhall Lake, or explore the iceberg research station, you'll quickly see why this natural marvel is one of the most popular Juneau shore excursions. With captivating hiking opportunities, your vacation won't be complete without an excursion to this ancient and vivid site.

A striking sculpture of a humpback whale breaching from the water, with its fins and body arched dramatically, set against a background of mountains, evergreen forests, and a partly cloudy sky
A whale's grand leap in the Alaskan waters.

Whale watching

Witnessing whales gliding through their natural habitats is one of the most incredible things to do in Juneau. In fact, Juneau is considered one of the best whale-watching locations in Alaska. The city offers plenty of whale watching, as they love to travel through cold Alaskan waters in distinct pods. The types of whales you'll see when you're in Juneau will depend on the time of year you visit: If you cruise to Alaska between May and September, you'll likely see one of the approximately 600 humpbacks that thrive along the Inside Passage. Whales will inhabit the waters throughout the year, however, so there's always a chance for you to observe these creatures up close. And, Juneau has other frequent wildlife sightings alongside whale-watching, including sea lions, eagles, and bears, depending on excursion type.

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Alaska mountains, bathed in soft sunlight, surrounded by a dramatic range of rugged snow-covered mountains and layers of clouds.
Majestic Alaska mountains crowned in clouds.

Glacier flightseeing

Why sightsee when you can flightsee? Flightseeing, also known as flight touring, grants you a bird's-eye view of the beauty imbued into Alaska's natural landscapes. View the deep crevasses and other glacial formations that you can't make out by sightseeing on land from a plane or helicopter. 

Soaring views from the Mount Roberts Tramway
A panoramic view of a coastal Alaskan town with marinas, forested mountains, and distant snow-covered peaks, seen from high on Mount Roberts with tramway cables in the foreground.

Goldbelt tramway

Trams evoke a sense of adventure reminiscent of the days when early mountaineers and gold rush pioneers first ventured into these rugged peaks. From the Goldbelt Tram, you'll see Juneau from high above as you rise 1,800 feet in the air, climbing Mount Roberts. Along the way, you'll have breathtaking views of the Gastineau Channel and surrounding mountains. The best part is, the tram departs directly from near the cruise dock and is very walkable, so it’s very accessible for cruise guests.

A team of sled dogs pulling a sled across a vast snowy plain, surrounded by distant rugged mountain peaks under a gray sky.
A thrilling dog sledding adventure on Alaska's snowy expanse.

Dogsledding

It's not a trip to Alaska without dog sledding — Juneau offers an authentic taste of this age-old tradition in a truly unforgettable setting, where many dog sledding tours are accessed by helicopter to the Juneau Icefield. At the dogsled summer camp, you’ll meet a team of energetic Alaskan huskies, bred for endurance and known for their eager, friendly nature. Guided by experienced mushers, you’ll not only witness the bond between the dogs and their musher but also learn about the careful training, history and care of these remarkable athletes during your Alaska cruise.