I was Fortunate to Stay in Juneau Alaska for Three Full Days
- Kathy Condon
- 3 days ago
- 7 min read
Updated: 5 hours ago
While living in Vancouver, Washington, I considered visiting Alaska, but I wasn’t excited about going to a colder climate. However, when I became a travel writer after moving to
Palm Springs, the appeal grew even stronger. Plus, I realized a visit to Alaska would mean I had been to all 50 States. I set out to visit Alaska and explore a town, rather than stopping into one while on one of the famous Alaskan cruises.
Before attending the TravMedia IMM Conference in New York, I initiated a conversation with Kristi Switzer of Travel Juneau. Since our schedules did not align with the conference time slots, we decided to meet for breakfast at a nearby restaurant before the conference. We had a delightful meeting and connected well, and I could promise publication of the articles.
The host has provided support for travel, accommodation, meals, and tours. However, the opinions expressed in this post are honest and reflect the author's genuine experience. Affiliate links are included in this article, and if you purchase through one of these links, I will earn a small commission.
The Invitation Came to Visit Juneau Alaska
Now, to say I was thrilled when the official invitation from Travel Juneau came, I wanted to shout from the rooftops. At last, I was going to go there, and my friends cheered for me, for they knew it was something I wanted to do.
Since this was a massive milestone in my life—my 50th state—I used my advice to decide how to celebrate once I had met a particular goal. However, what I came up with did not seem special enough for this momentous occasion. I need not have been concerned—let me share some highlights from this fabulous trip with you.
Arriving in Juneau Alaska
One of the things I noticed when flying in was the hundreds of small islands we were flying over, with no signs of buildings or paths. I learned later that many locals have boats, so they often pack a picnic and head to one of them for privacy and relaxation.
Kristi met me at the airport. Then we headed off to one of her special places. The Mendenhall Glacier is about five miles from Juneau International Airport.
Much to my excitement, I saw my first black bear cross the road in front of me. Kristi explained that they live in harmony with the bears--we leave them alone, and they leave us alone.
We parked the car and walked through the archway, and before us stood the magnificent glacier, the first one I had ever seen. Immediately, I noticed the silence. They say a visit to Alaska changes you — that thought immediately surfaced as I was struck by the silence and the beauty, which was something I had never experienced before. This truly was going to be an adventure of a lifetime.
My First Day Flight Over Glaciers
Staying at the Baranof Hotel, it was an easy walk to the dock where Wings Airways flew out of on seaplanes to Taku Lodge. Along with other guests, we loaded onto three seaplanes. Once in the air, the smooth ride glided over outstanding views of five glaciers in the 1,000 glaciers in the Juneau ice fields. The sun shone brightly, and the scene below me was breathtaking.
Then we arrived at Taku Lodge, and once the seaplanes were secure, we were advised to take some time before lunch to explore the beautiful grounds, with the Hole-in-the-Wall literally across the river. While there was a resident bear, he didn’t come to visit us, even though the grill wafted the scent of cooking salmon for our meal.
Our dinner was truly exceptional, and we appreciated the history of this private lodge, which partners with Wing Airways to make it a very special tour for us. As we flew home, I smiled to myself—I didn’t need to figure out a special celebration for making it to my 50th state—I already had celebrated with this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Day Two in Juneau Alaska
Now that I had seen the glaciers from the air, on this day, I would have the opportunity to see one of them from a boat on the Tracy Arm Fjord. This seven-hour cruise was not only relaxing, but its views were stunning as we floated past the Tongass National Forest, the largest temperate rainforest in the world.
Admittedly, I was probably most excited about seeing my first iceberg, which proved to be a baby one as we entered deeper into the fjord. I marveled at the various shapes and was amused when harbor seals were sunning on one of them. It wasn’t long before our Captain had to maneuver carefully because the icebergs became more plentiful as we approached the South and North Sawyer Glaciers with the sun shining brightly.
While we stayed near the base of the glacier for a bit, we didn’t see any icebergs break off (glacier calve), but marveled at the enormity of the glacier. Yes, the outside was covered with dirt—imagine if you were traveling through an environment for hundreds of years, you would be covered with dirt too.
However, once the layer of dirt is removed, it is pure enough to be used in drinks. The crew on the boat scooped up a small iceberg and brought it on board the ship. It was crystal clear, and it found its way to our cocktails, available for purchase on the boat.
On the way back, we relaxed and talked with our fellow boatmates. Since we were doing well on time, the Captain took the boat entirely around one of the most enormous icebergs we saw on the cruise.
Back at the Juneau Dock
With the late afternoon and evening free to explore on my own, I stopped in for a salmon donut at Jelly Fish Donuts & Dumpling. Hmmm. Salmon and donuts, of course, I had to try them. Let’s say that, while I liked the popular salmon spread, I can forgo it on a donut. However, I enjoyed the donut made with spruce tips, an herb gathered by Alaskans in the spring from the spruce trees.
Day Three
With the morning on my own, I was free to explore downtown, Juneau. Starting breakfast with my Travel Juneau colleague proved to be perfect, as I learned more about how this community supports one another. I smiled when I realized the sunshine resulted in bonfires and get-togethers on nearby islands the previous evening.
Off on my own, I headed to the Sealaska Heritage Institute, located an easy walk from the waterfront where cruise ships arrive. Around the plaza are masks and totems that celebrate the family lineage, clan histories, and cultural beliefs.
I purchased my ticket at the gift shop and headed through the doors, revealing exquisite artifacts enclosed in cases, along with a narrative sharing their importance. I was intrigued by the fact that they have an artist studio on-site to teach people the crafts of their ancestors. Alas, no artist was there when I arrived as one of the first people through the door that morning.
Then I walked through another set of doors, and I was in awe. Before me was a carefully constructed Clan House, representing the meeting place for the Native Alaskans. The woodwork and carvings were stunning. This one is used as a meeting place and for lectures. After this influx of learning about the Alaskan culture, I wandered around the outstanding gift shop.
Time to Meet for Juneau Food Tour
Chief Eating Officer, Midgi Moore, of Juneau Food Tour was our leader. Her love and enthusiasm for Juneau were more than apparent, as she not only shared the area's rich food scene but also its rich history.
First stop-Barnacle Foods-Spruce tip treats – Loved them and bought biscuits.
Second stop-Tracy’s King Crab Shack—King crab bisque, crab cake, roll.
Third stop-Taste of Alaska – smoked salmon dip, smoked salmon caviar, kelp salsa & chips.
Fourth Stop- Deckhand Dave’s- Rockfish tacos and local beers.
Fifth Stop – Harbor Tea and Spice – Alaska-made Ice Cave Blue herbal tea.
Sixth Stop- Crystal Saloon-Denali Brewing Co. Blueberry Mojito
Seventh Stop – Alaska Fudge Company – Tasty Treats
Another Boat Ride
Juneau only has 45 miles of roadway. Thus, travel by boat is so commonplace. It's like residents in the lower states getting in their cars.
Then it was off to meet at the waterfront for Whale Quest and Orca Lodge Tour.
With the sky overcast, we head out on the Stephens Passage to Auke Bay, known as a favorite feeding area for humpback whales. However, first, we served a massive buffet at Orca Lodge. Not only was the food authentic, but we also learned that the staff were interns from all over the world who came here to learn about the Alaskan culture.
Then we boarded the boat, and we were treated to humpback whales frolicking in the bay. It was as if they said, “Hey, the boat is here, let’s give them a show.”
Leaving Alaska
As you can see, I had an outstanding trip to Alaska. I didn’t even have time to elaborate about other things I experienced. I took a trip to the top of the Goldbelt Tram, overlooking the port of Juneau. Plus, an engaging evening with the owner of Jorgenson House, and cooking lessons by her fabulous Chef Amara.
Thus, I can now wear a badge saying I have visited all 50 states. I cannot think of a better way of ending that quest. Juneau is a special place for many reasons. My instincts were right from the first night’s visit. I have never experienced a place like this, whose beauty radiates everywhere. The pride people have in their community is real, and the closeness of the citizens is genuinely something to be envied.
Thank you, Travel Juneau, for making my trip to Juneau, Alaska, spectacular.
Kathy Condon is a Travel Writer and Award-winning Author. Her niche is in luxury experiences, hidden delights, and communities living in the shadows of larger cities. 760-902-3094 www.PalmSpringsInsiderGuide.com kathy@kathycondon.net