A Stay in Downtown Juneau
by mcpangie
I had a lot of fun walking around Downtown Juneau and taking pictures of old buildings like this one. I thought the play of light on the building was interesting. There is so much to do in Juneau, and the downtown area has much to offer all within reach of your own two feet. Going out of Juneau a little and checking out Mendenhall Glacier and St. Teresa's Shrine are interesting trips. But what I like best about Juneau is that you can have a lot of fun right in downtown, you don't even need a car.
Downtown Juneau and Red Dog Saloon
by mht_in_la
Downtown Juneau is touristy, and Red Dog Saloon is the touristiest. Juneau is the largest port of call in Inside Passage. Its cruise ship dock can accommodate up to 5 ships at the same time. When cruise guests walk towards downtwon, Red Dog Saloon, on the cornor of Franklin St and Marine Way, is usually the first thing they see and drink at. Some locals, on the other hand, prefer to drink in the back alley behind the Saloon then fall asleep at the bus stop.
Besides government buildings, most downtown streets are full of souvenir shops that only open in the summer for the tourists. Many shop owners and workers don't live in Juneau either; they only come here during tourist season. These shops are well aware of the cruise schedule. They put out signs to welcome specific cruise ships according to their days of arrival.
Trash Cans
by emilienoelle
Juneau's public trash cans, those on the sidewalks for people to use, are all bear proof. Bear proof means that they are designed so that bears can't get into them and therefore will not come into town trying to get food from them. However, I found that these trash cans are also human proof. They have a handle that you have to push in and then lift up somehow. I stood on the sidewalk looking like an ass for five minutes trying to throw out a gum wrapper. After that I just kept my trash in my pocket and threw it out once I got inside someplace. I wish I had gotten a picture of one of these, but I didn't. Good luck!
Don't Forget Warm Clothes & Rain Gear
by starship
Juneau is located in a temperate rainforest! Annual precipitation is over 54 inches per year! Though the driest months are April, May and June, be prepared for at least a light rain or mist. April, May and June also record 2 to 3 sunny days per week but Juneau averages 278 cloudy days per year!!
Lessons Learned:
During our first visit in July, 2002, we were greeted not only by a cloudy day but by a cold, wet mist and sometimes light rain. We were really glad we had our coats with hoods with us. Other people bought ponchos which seemed to be available all over town (like Disney World!!).
On our second visit in June, 2004, we were greeted with a gorgeous sunny day and temperatures in the higher 80's!!!! It was definitely shirt-sleeve weather.
Be prepared by dressing in layers, bring jackets/coats or fleece and rain gear Hiking boots, sunglasses, water-resistant & warm clothing suggested if hiking. Warmer clothing suggested if you will be dog sledding or making a flightseeing, glacier landing. Cell phone would probably be a good idea in case of emergencies!
Self Guided Fishing Trip
by Elli99fh
We rented a skiff and spent all day fishing and sightseeing. It was great! Although we didn't catch "the big one", we had a great day on the water, caught lots of small ones, and enjoyed ourselves immensely. (I know... a starfish is not, technically, a fish. Yes, I threw it back.) Fishing pole, Leads, Hooks, bait. Shop at Western Auto if you need fishing or outdoor gear. They have a great selection. Get a chart so you don't get lost!
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Entrance
Mendenall Glacier
Great Stuff - simply served.
The walk was really nice
