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.

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

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. 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 April and November, 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.

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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.

Mount Roberts 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.

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. 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.

Mastering the art of salmon preparation—watch as every slice tells a story of skill and tradition.

Wild salmon fishing

Few experiences capture the spirit of Alaska like fishing for wild salmon. Standing on the shore with a rod in hand, you’ll be immersed in the beauty and quiet majesty of Juneau’s natural surroundings. Whether you're a seasoned angler or trying your hand for the first time, this adventure offers an authentic connection to the region’s wildlife and culture. Feel the thrill of the catch, take in breathtaking views and create memories that embody the essence of an Alaskan summer. It’s a must for anyone looking to embrace the local way of life.

Close-up of a person panning for gold with a metal pan containing water, gravel, and sediment. Hands with gold rings gently tilt the pan, surrounded by a rustic outdoor setting with stones and wood.
Striking gold, one pan at a time.

Gold panning and mine exploration

Step back in time and relive the excitement of Juneau's gold rush days with this immersive mining experience. As you explore the historic Alaska Gastineau Mill, you’ll journey underground into the heart of a gold mine, learning firsthand from seasoned miners how they extracted precious metals from the rock. The thrill of panning for gold yourself is unforgettable — especially with "pay dirt" guaranteed! With its rich history and hands-on adventure, this excursion offers a unique glimpse into Alaska's storied past and a chance to strike gold, literally and figuratively.

Zipline cables stretched high above a dense evergreen forest, with a backdrop of snow-capped mountains and a dramatic cloudy sky.
Zipping over Alaska's rugged beauty.

Wilderness ziplining

As you glide through the treetops on a zipline, you’ll take in incredible mountain views and feel the rush of adventure in one of the most scenic settings imaginable. This adventure will give you the exhilaration of flying like one of the many bald eagles you can see above the lush forest. As you move from platform to platform, you’ll have the chance to rappel down tree trunks and cross swaying suspension bridges like a true Alaska explorer!

A homemade salmon bake pie served on a wooden table, with a slice showcasing vibrant layers of salmon, vegetables, and flaky crust. A floral centerpiece and table setting add warmth to the scene.
A taste of Alaska’s tradition on a plate.

Bite into local flavours

Discover the rich flavors of Juneau on a culinary journey that takes you through the heart of the city. As you stroll through charming downtown streets, you’ll savor local delicacies from some of the area’s most beloved eateries, from fresh seafood to artisanal treats. Sample wild-caught king salmon, halibut tacos and smoked black cod fresh from local waters, or indulge in crab bisque made with freshly harvested Dungeness crab. Beyond seafood, discover artisanal treats like locally brewed spruce-tip ale, wildberry jams and decadent confections crafted with Alaskan kelp.

View from a mountain ridge in Alaska, showcasing lush green hills, scattered small lakes, a winding river in the valley, and layers of forested mountains under a blue sky with fluffy white clouds.
A breathtaking hike in the heart of Alaska's wilderness.

Juneau nature hiking

With more trails than roads, Juneau is a hiker’s paradise. Exploring the area's temperate rainforest and rugged terrain on foot provides a rare opportunity to connect with the stunning landscapes that define Alaska. Embrace the wild spirit of the state with this up-close nature experience offering vistas of towering waterfalls and icy glaciers.

A vibrant inflatable raft on the shore of a tranquil lake, surrounded by dense forest, with a majestic glacier flowing down from towering mountains under overcast skies.
Ready to paddle with a glacier as your backdrop.

River rafting adventures

Feel the crisp mountain air fill your lungs and hear the gentle roar of the water around you as you set off down the Mendenhall River. Whether you’re paddling through gentle rapids or simply relaxing while your guide does the work, the journey provides unforgettable views of the towering Mendenhall Glacier and surrounding peaks. Floating past icebergs and keeping an eye out for wildlife like bald eagles makes this adventure both exciting and peaceful. Maybe you’re eager to get some light exercise or prefer to simply soak in the surroundings — either way, this river adventure is a wonderful way to connect with Alaska’s untamed beauty.

Juneau is overflowing with unforgettable experiences, and we’ve only just begun to explore the incredible adventures that await you in this scenic Alaska gem. To uncover even more of what this vibrant city has to offer, learn more about Juneau’s port and start planning your next adventure with Princess Cruises.