Review of the Best of Juneau Excursion by Alaska Travel Adventures
Alaska, USA, Travel

Review of the Best of Juneau Excursion by Alaska Travel Adventures

Excursion length: 6.25 hours
All Ages
Mendenhall Glacier
This action packed excursion began with a school bus ride to Mendenhall Glacier. Mendenhall Glacier is a perfect blend of kid-friendly activities and breathtaking natural beauty.
Even if you don’t make the hike to Nugget Falls or the Photo point, you can still get a good photo of the glacier right at its entrance. Most people are busy getting to other areas of Mendenhall Glacier Park which means it’s easier to get a photo with an unobstructed view

Even if you don’t make the hike to Nugget Falls or the Photo point, you can still get a good photo of the glacier right at its entrance. Most people are busy getting to other areas of Mendenhall Glacier Park which means it’s easier to get a photo with an unobstructed view

We were only allowed 50 minutes to explore Mendenhall Glacier which was not enough time to really take in its beauty and really explore the grounds. We were ambitious and made the trek to Nugget Falls but didn’t have much time to spend there before speed walking back to our meeting point. Keep in mind that if you do choose to make it to Nugget Falls, that the trail is 2 miles there and back and can be heavily trafficked due to all the cruise ships in port.
Whichever route you choose, you can still see the best views of Mendenhall Glacier from the Photo Point or Nugget Falls Trail. Of course the 2 mile round trip hike to Nugget Falls will also give you the views of the powerful waterfall-1
Whichever route you choose, you can still see the best views of Mendenhall Glacier from the Photo Point or Nugget Falls Trail. Of course the 2 mile round trip hike to Nugget Falls will also give you the views of the powerful waterfall-2

Whichever route you choose, you can still see the best views of Mendenhall Glacier from the Photo Point or Nugget Falls Trail. Of course the 2 mile round trip hike to Nugget Falls will also give you the views of the powerful waterfall.

Whether you’re hiking to Nugget Falls, watching wildlife, or simply enjoying the view, Mendenhall Glacier is a destination that delights and inspires visitors of all ages. I really wish we were allotted more time here.

Whale Watching

After the Mendenhall Glacier, you are taken on a journey to Auke Bay where you will board a 48-passenger jet boat, specifically designed for whale watching in Juneau. With extra-large sliding windows and an outside viewing deck, you’ll have the perfect vantage point. This whale watching tour is operated by Alaska Travel Adventures and guarantees whale sightings.

Start your Alaskan whale watching tour in Auke Bay where you will board your watercraft

Start your Alaskan whale watching tour in Auke Bay where you will board your watercraft

What sets Alaska Travel Adventures apart from other whale watching tours is their exceptional ability to locate humpback whales and offer an exclusive, unobstructed viewing experience. Their water crafts are also one of the fastest of the whale watching tours, allowing the captain to quickly get you at a safe distance to the whale.

There was no shortage of wildlife sightings here.  We saw plenty of humpback whales and got videos of multiple flukes and their exhales of powerful spouts of water.  We also saw lots of seals and birds along the way.  

Tip:  Be sure to get near the front of the line to get a pick of the seating. Try to secure the sides near the windows to get the best views. If you are traveling with a larger group it’s a good idea to secure a row on each side to ensure easy access to either side of the watercraft when a whale breaches. You also may want to keep your video on, the whale sightings are quick so you will want to have your cameras ready.
Gold Creek Salmon Bake
After the whale watching tour, we boarded the school bus and went to the famous Gold Creek Salmon Bake in Juneau where we had dinner. Once you arrive you’ll be greeted by the delicious aroma of wild Alaskan salmon grilling over an open alder wood fire. Aside from the tasty salmon, the BBQ ribs and clam chowder were my favorites.
The Gold Creek Salmon Bake is the perfect family-friendly place to eat dinner in Juneau

The Gold Creek Salmon Bake is the perfect family-friendly place to eat dinner in Juneau

After your meal, if time allows, you can roast marshmallows over a crackling campfire, visit the Salmon Creek Trading Post, and take a leisurely stroll to the beautiful Salmon Creek waterfall.
The kids enjoyed everything about the Gold Creek Salmon Bake from the food and outdoor environment to roasting marshmallows over the campfire-1
The kids enjoyed everything about the Gold Creek Salmon Bake from the food and outdoor environment to roasting marshmallows over the campfire-2

The kids enjoyed everything about the Gold Creek Salmon Bake from the food and outdoor environment to roasting marshmallows over the campfire.

One of the highlights of the Salmon Bake is its gorgeous rainforest setting. The atmosphere and location are absolutely beautiful, reminiscent of a delightful dining area at a top-notch campsite. Once you’re done with dinner and exploring, a bus will take you back to the dock.
Overall, this family-friendly excursion was the perfect way to experience many of Juneau’s popular sites and activities in just one day. While there are plenty of other excursions available, most focus on just one or two destinations. In contrast, this tour packed in so much to see and do that I wished we had more time to explore Juneau.
If you are on a cruise and looking for a kid-friendly excursion, the Best of Juneau by Alaska Travel Adventures is an excellent choice. However, if you are staying in Juneau for a longer period, I recommend dedicating more time to exploring Mendenhall Glacier and considering a Helicopter Glacier Tour, with or without Dog Sledding, for an unforgettable experience.
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