Juneau Alaska, has a protected, walkable downtown and welcoming locals, making it a must-visit vacation spot for solo vacationers.
I immediately related with Juneau Alaska, the second I arrived. Whereas it’s the capital of Alaska, it has a small-town really feel, and vacationing there’s all in regards to the outdoor.
Juneau is an odd selection for the capital, and plenty of may argue Anchorage was the higher decide. Surrounded by mountains, I may solely attain Alaska’s capital by aircraft or boat.
If you’re a solo traveler and wish to immerse your self within the wilderness, come alongside as I recount my many adventures within the final frontier!
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Is Juneau Alaska protected for solo vacationers?
Juneau contrasts significantly with cities like New York and Los Angeles. It’s safer and has a really low crime price, and I by no means felt uneasy strolling within the metropolis alone at evening.
In actual fact, relating to security, I want to fret extra about wildlife. Between Could and early October, it’s important to bear in mind when heading into the Tongass Nationwide Forest.
Whereas black bears aren’t usually a risk to people, I by no means wished to satisfy a protecting mother together with her cubs.
Most vacationers arrive in Juneau by cruise ship, which docks downtown. Touring to Alaska in Could affords cheaper costs should you’re on a funds.
Cruise traces cater properly to single friends by offering solo and single meet and greets. I’ve attended a couple of and discover it’s a wonderful technique to meet others touring alone.
By assembly others, I may organize excursions collectively or make plans to dine with newly made buddies. Listed below are some distinctive actions to take pleasure in in Juneau.
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Is Juneau Alaska good for solo journey?
If you’re a fan of the outside and likes to be lively, Juneau is certainly good for solo journey! Listed below are a few of my favourite issues to do in Juneau alone:
Canine Sledding
Canine sledding was by no means actually on my bucket checklist, however I went. At near $1,000 USD, it’s not budget-friendly however attracts no scarcity of vacationers desirous to go.
Temsco, Northstar, and Coastal Helicopters supply excursions, however I selected Coastal as a result of its pilots fly year-round.
Company are weighed and allotted seats to distribute the load on the craft. Fortunately, I acquired a front-row seat subsequent to the pilot, permitting me to absorb the aerial views of Juneau Icefield.
Seeing the turquoise hues and deep crevices within the ice was breathtaking. However all too quickly, I used to be on the glacier, the place my canine sled group of energetic huskies have been ready and raring to go.
Even in summer time, it may be mighty chilly on a glacier. Whereas I skilled freezing rain, you might be blessed with hotter temperatures and sunshine.
I felt the chilly even with a water-proof winter coat, hat, and gloves.
Throughout my 3-1/2-hour tour, I realized that the summer time canine sledding camps are a technique to train canines who participate within the world-renowned Iditarod race.
The grueling race covers a distance of over 1,000 miles.
Though I discovered it bitterly chilly on the glacier, the canines loved the colder local weather. They selected to put on the frigid ice quite than take refuge in dry huts.
Contemplating the excessive price of the tour, I used to be grateful I wasn’t paying for a household of 4. It’s a good thing about touring solo!
See A Glacier
Mendenhall Glacier is one among North America’s most accessible glaciers, and I didn’t want an costly helicopter experience to see it.
Of my 4 journeys to the glacier, I reached the park by shuttle and as soon as by taxi. The journey took half-hour.
Sadly, this glacier is retreating quickly; sooner or later, it is going to be out of sight behind the mountain. Since I’ve visited this space many occasions over 15 years, I’ve seen the results of local weather change firsthand.
Contained in the customer heart, I may see images of the retreat, learn in regards to the animals that decision this place dwelling, and uncover what crops develop there.
I used to be shocked to be taught there are a couple of porcupines that reside on the grounds, and I even caught a glimpse of 1.
Mendenhall Glacier is one among many choices for glacier viewing. Additional north, a day journey to Glacier Bay Nationwide Park offers views of a number of tidewater and valley glaciers.
Glacier Bay Nationwide Park and Protect is a UNESCO World Website, and it’s simple to see why. Even when I attempted, I couldn’t seize a foul picture in Glacier Bay.
I discovered Margerie essentially the most picturesque of all of the glaciers within the park. Its turquoise hues have to be seen to be believed.
South of Juneau, Tracy Arm Fjord offers one other choice to see a glacier. Sawyer Glacier sits on the finish of the fjord, however the journey to achieve it took my breath away.
The slim fjord had a mystical really feel, with low-lying clouds and granite cliffs on both facet.
Surrounded by a rainforest and considerable rain, numerous waterfalls lined the route. The silence was solely damaged by the sound of the wake, sea birds, or whales that frequent the realm.
This was a tour the place I met quite a few solo vacationers, all fulfilling bucket checklist desires. It was fascinating to share tales.
Go Mountain climbing
Mountain climbing affords me solitude, and in Juneau, I’ve had many events to attach with Mom Nature.
Outdoors of downtown, Mendenhall Glacier Park offers quite a few trails, with the one to Nugget Falls being the most well-liked.
The trail to Nugget Falls is flat, simple to stroll, and takes lower than one hour roundtrip. Whereas the route received me a little bit nearer to the glacier, I went to see the thundering waterfall, and it didn’t disappoint.
The Steep Creek Path, one other simple route, introduced me to the sting of Mendenhall Lake. I used to be fortunate to see house-sized icebergs gracing the chilly waters in entrance of the glacier.
When the salmon run within the fall, you could encounter bears trying to find a simple meal.
Mount Roberts offers implausible aerial views of Juneau and Gastineau Channel on a transparent day. Avid hikers may wish to deal with the customarily muddy path, or you may take the Mount Roberts Tram as I did.
On the peak, there are a couple of choices for mountain climbing. The Alpine Looping Path offers a brief route for inexperienced hikers.
Nonetheless, I took an extended path to Father Brown Cross, and it was so value the additional effort.
Whereas I hiked in July, one of many warmest months, I encountered snow and plenty of mosquitoes. I used to be in a rainforest, in any case.
Alongside the way in which, I met a number of different solo vacationers having fun with the surroundings and mountain climbing.
Take pleasure in Alaskan Seafood
No journey to Alaska is full with out tasting its seafood. Head to Tracy’s Crab Shack for crab legs, however be ready to pay upwards of $100 for King crab.
Whereas they promote completely different sorts of crab and I attempted a couple of, I assumed the King tasted higher than the Dungeness. It’s no marvel it’s costlier.
For salmon lovers, the Gold Creek Salmon Bake offers an genuine out of doors BBQ of salmon and ribs.
From Could till October, the venue opens every day and welcomes friends to take pleasure in an all-you-can-eat meal. Take my recommendation and arrive hungry.
The coho salmon was contemporary and cooked to perfection over an alder hearth. I had two decisions: plain or with honey butter.
Whereas different diners raved in regards to the honey butter, I caught with the plain, being lactose-intolerant.
I loaded my plate with pork ribs, rice pilaf, salad, and Chilkoot baked beans together with the salmon. There was chowder and selfmade blueberry cake, which I needed to bypass because of meals allergy symptoms.
Whereas friends have the choice to buy Alaskan beer to accompany their meal, I caught to sizzling tea because it was chilly and raining.
Whale Watching
Whale watching is a top-notch exercise when visiting Juneau between Could and September. Juneau and Icy Strait Level present one of the best tour choices, and all assure sightings.
Juneau is dwelling to some resident whales; nonetheless, the humpbacks migrate from Hawaii and Mexico within the spring and depart within the fall.
The waters round Juneau present a marine-rich feeding floor for humpbacks, orca, minke, and grey whales.
Whereas I’ve loved a number of whale-watching excursions in Alaska, they differ from excursions in Hawaii and Mexico.
Whales are extra playful in heat climate locations as a result of they’re there to mate and provides beginning.
Whales feed in Alaska, in order that they spend a substantial amount of time underwater, gaining weight to maintain them for his or her winter break. I’ve seen many tails and backs throughout my excursions however solely witnessed one breach.
Even after a couple of whale-watching excursions and eight cruises to Alaska, I’ve but to see the phenomenon of bubble internet feeding.
Whale sightings are nonetheless unbelievable, and one time, I noticed two grownup humpbacks and a calf swim underneath my boat. It was an expertise I’ll always remember.
Have A Duck Fart
I’ve to confess I’m not a drinker, and I solely often take pleasure in a glass of wine or a shot of chocolate tequila. Nonetheless, Juneau affords a novel drink that many can’t move up because of its identify.
The “Duck Fart” is a signature drink offered on the Purple Canine Saloon on 278 S Franklin Road. Manufactured from Kahlua, Canadian Whiskey, and Bailey’s Irish Cream, I’m advised it tastes terrific.
Nonetheless, since I’m lactose-intolerant, I couldn’t strive it myself. Whilst a non-drinker, I discovered the environment on the Purple Canine enjoyable and vigorous.
Sawdust covers the ground, and the décor a bit quirky with wagon wheel chandeliers, mounted animal heads, and a full-sized bear on show. It’s a fantastic place to take pleasure in lunch and really feel the Alaskan spirit.
Solo journey suggestions for Juneau Alaska
Touring to Juneau in the summertime
After I visited in summer time, the times have been lengthy. Across the summer time solstice, the solar didn’t set till after 10 pm, which gave me extra hours to discover.
So, evening owl solo vacationers rejoice: the final frontier is the place to be.
I bear in mind my first go to to Alaska and was oblivious about what to pack. I assumed I’d expertise the identical local weather as additional south. Boy, was I incorrect?
Juneau is surrounded by rainforests created by rain, a lot of it. Whereas I didn’t have sufficient heat garments on my first journey, I now put on waterproof sneakers, layers, and a waterproof jacket.
Since I dwell in a moist metropolis, Vessi runners are my sneakers of selection.
A automotive rental isn’t required in Juneau
I may attain desired areas by bus, taxi, and Lyft. The downtown space is walkable, with many decisions for retailers and eating places.
You may belief different individuals to take images of you
Touring solo didn’t at all times imply I wanted to make use of a selfie stick. With many vacationers in Juneau, strangers volunteered to take an image for me.
TALK TO TRISHA
Let me enable you plan your journey!
I’ve been giving skilled and real recommendation to solo vacationers and digital nomads for the final 15 years. You select the vacation spot and I’ll reply all of your questions!
