Published December 7, 2023
7 min read
Discover the untamed beauty of Juneau, Alaska – a place where primeval forests, snow-capped peaks, and epic wildlife reign supreme. Located in America’s northwestern corner, Juneau is a friendly town and the perfect gateway to experiencing it all. From the traditional homeland of the native Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian communities to the promise of gold that attracted prospectors in the 1880s, Juneau is now home to a thriving, biodiverse ecosystem of various birds, fish, and large mammals. With so many creatures to see and various tour operators to choose from, here are five experiences not to miss.
1. Take a brown bear safari on Admiralty Island
Experience the thrill of encountering Alaska’s iconic wildlife – the brown bear. Head to Admiralty Island, just 15 miles southwest of Juneau, where you’ll find the highest density of brown bears in North America. With an estimated 1,600 brown bears calling the island home, this is an adventure you won’t want to miss. Book a fly-in day trip with Bear Creek Outfitters and Above and Beyond Alaska, and embark on safe, ethical hiking excursions across the island. Equipped with all the essential gear, including good-quality binoculars, you’ll have the opportunity to observe bears in their natural habitat and witness the magic of the salmon run from late July to the beginning of September. It won’t take long to understand exactly why the Indigenous Tlingit people call this land Kootznoowoo, meaning ‘Fortress of the Bears’.
2. Join a guided dog-sled tour
Experience the icy mountain landscapes and the famous Mendenhall Glacier. Book a tour with Temsco Helicopters, and embark on a scenic helicopter ride above the Tongass National Forest and the monumental Mendenhall Glacier. Then, hop on a sled pulled by enthusiastic huskies and let professional Iditarod and Yukon Quest dog racers guide you along drifts of crunchy snow and past craggy mountain peaks fringing the glacier’s white expanse. It’s a unique adventure you won’t soon forget.

