One of Alaska’s oldest cities, it sits in the
state’s panhandle and is a popular cruise-ship stop. The fact that it is
reachable only by ferry or a plane gives it the ‘remote’ title, making it one of
the most distinguished capitals of the world. Welcome to Juneau!
History has it that in 1880, a local Tlingit Indian
Chief led prosecutors Joe Juneau and Richard Harris to what later became known
as Gold Creek. Here, the two men discovered
nuggets strewn on the ground. Soon after, a town site was established, making Juneau the first city founded after
the purchase of Alaska by the United States from Russia. The area later became
home to what was at the time the largest hard-rock gold mine in the world – the
Treadwell Mine. Juneau became Alaska’s territorial capital in 1906, and, after statehood
in 1959, its state capital.
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At the base of 3,819 ft, Juneau snuggles between
Mount Juneau, Mount Roberts and Gastineau Channel in the south-eastern region of
Alaska. It is a sombrely wild city. From the narrow streets of downtown Juneau
to the hiking trails and the trams, Juneau has something for everyone. I love
almost everything that this pristine city has to offer. However, there are some
experiences that just last forever.
Here are my favourite four:
Immerse yourself at the Mendenhall Glacier
An epitome of grandeur, Mendenhall
offers nature’s wildest treasures. Also known as Sitaantaagu, it is 22 km long and is a part of the Tongass National
Forest. You can experience Mendenhall by going on an excursion, where everything is planned;
you could also soak
in nature’s grand creation by exploring it yourself. Go to the visitor centre
which is half kilometres from the glacier’s face, overlooking the lake. It is easily accessible at a nominal fee and provides information
on trails, wildlife around the glacier, ranger talks, exhibits and even
children’s activities. You have six
trails’ worth of options for getting really close: The almost-ten kilometre
West Glacier Trail will take you right to the glacier’s face, while you can
also hike to a good viewing platform a quarter mile away. Or, take the more
challenging Nugget Falls trail that ends at a five-story-high waterfall
neighbouring the glacier.
Bus tour or taxi to
the glacier from downtown Juneau is 20 kilometres and taxi from Juneau Airport
is 8 kilometres. The taxi fare is usually between $30-$35 and bus from downtown
Juneau is a roundtrip $20.
Travel Tip: The trails at
the glacier are open all year round.
Go up the Mount Roberts Tramway
I still remember getting off the gangway
and looking up. With my eyes flickering with the light drizzle and the dangling
cars looked at me like they had a trick up their sleeve, I discovered Mount
Roberts Tramway. South of downtown Juneau, the tram starts right at the cruise
ship pier and hence, is hard to miss. It opened in 1996 and stands at 1,800
feet from the cruise ship dock. One of the most vertical tramways in the world,
it sweeps you through the rain forest, showing you extensive views of Juneau and
Gastineau Channel.
Once you reach the Mountain House at
the 1,800-foot level of Mount Roberts, there are a variety of things to do. The
Mount Roberts Alpine Loop Trail will bring you to an expansive view of the
mountains, valleys and snow gullies. During the trail, you will come across
interpretive signs describing many of the flowers, plants, trees, birds and
animals that you’re likely to encounter. Atop, there is also a Nature Centre
which offers reading material, viewing films for everyone. While there, one can
also visit the Raven Eagles Gifts and Gallery. The gallery features original
arts of the native Tlingit community besides other souvenirs and handmade
crafts.
The tickets for the tramway are
available at the office just as you walk through the cruise ship dock at $33
for adults and $16 for kids (6-12).
Travel Tip: Mount Roberts
Tramway is the only aerial tramway in south–east Alaska. So don’t miss it!
Explore
downtown Juneau by foot
I’m always a little weary of the ‘downtown’ area of any
city. The influx of people coupled with chaos and noise can get heavy on the
mind. But, when you have a city whose busy area is so compact and easy to
navigate on foot, then the question answers itself.
Pick up a walking map at any of the four centres and start at the city’s waterfront. Enjoy the docks, look out for the
Saloon Central, admire the Senate building, have a beer at Juneau’s first bar, The Missouri (now
The Imperial), spot an onion dome, which is the St Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church, a reminder of the Russian presence
in 19th century Alaska and don’t overlook The Juneau Tree Walk project.
Get tipsy at the
Alaskan Brewing Company
‘Amber is my favourite’, is
what I said to myself as I walked out of this 47,000 square foot brewery, about
8 kilometres from downtown Juneau. A visit to the Alaskan Brewing Company shows
you the rich history of brewing in Alaska. From the opening since 1986, the
brewery has been hand-crafting delicious varieties of beer. They
look at the last frontier for inspiration for every beer they make. The water for these beers comes from
glacial-fed streams and the more than 90 inches of rainfall Juneau receives every year. There
are free tours to the brewery year round and for $5 per person, you are treated to samples of beer at the
tasting room. For the ardent beer lovers, I recommend the Liquid Alaska Tour
bus that shuttles you from the Depot in downtown to the brewery for $20 round
trip which includes a guided tasting.
The samples include five kinds of beer in not so tiny glasses.
The bus provides hourly
transportation between the two locations, departing from the
depot beginning at 10:40 am. The brewery (including the tasting room)
is open from September 25 to April 30, Monday through Saturday from
11 am to 6 pm.
Travel Tip: The
award winning Alaskan Porter ages in a bottle much like fine wine. You’ve got try it.
