LDS Alaskan Shore Excursons - Juneau

Juneau is the capital city of Alaska and an unusual capital it is. You can't drive here, there are no roads into or out of the city so you have to fly or come by water, those are the only options. You will see why it is so inaccessible once you look at the imposing mountains and cascading waterfalls that surround the area.

You can easily walk through the entire town and when you do watch the narrow alleys you pass. Many of them have long, steep wooden walkways that are impressive. At least they are impressive if you don't have to walk up them, probably not so cool if you do. And don't forget to stop by the Red Dog Saloon and get your picture taken coming out of the swinging doors.

We only offer one tour here in Juneau but it combines the better parts of what you can see and do in the area. We start off with a city tour which doesn't really take too long but our guides seem to like to point out every building and tell you the entire history of each one. Once out of the city the road runs alongside the ocean with the mountains on the other side. Keep your eyes open when you cross the streams in this area. It is prime salmon fishing ground for Bald Eagles and often you will see 10 or 12 eagles scouring the banks looking for dinner. In fact it is the same dinner you are about to have in a couple of hours. About 40 minutes later we approach the Mendenhall Glacier Park.

Alaskans like to call this a "drive in" glacier and while you do get close it is still a few miles away. We get to spend an hour here, or maybe a few minutes but the view is inspiring and the glacier massive. Take along your binoculars and just look at the rugged, craggy peaks of ice as they flow ever so slowly down the mountain side. The bright blue color you might see along the face of the glacier indicates a new iceberg calved from that place not too long ago revealing the new ice beneath. There is a nice visitor center here with panoramic windows from which to view the glacier, especially good if the weather is less than perfect. There is also a movie about glaciers if you want to take the time to see it.

Most of our passengers like to set off on foot along the many paths leading down to the lake directly in front of the glacier face. It isn't a hard walk and the paths are smooth and even. Once we have spent our time here we board the bus once again and start off towards the surrounding mountains to visit the chapel in the mountains. It is a picturesque little chapel and the full length picture windows in the front of the chapel look out directly towards Mendenhall Glacier. You will enjoy this bird's eye view of the glacier not to mention the beautiful mountain flowers.

This is just a short 15 or 20 minute break and then we are off to the Salmon Bake. The outdoor village is situated at the base of a mountain and the picnic tables are garnished with red and white table cloths and protected overhead with canvas tarps. The specialty here is salmon of course. The fresh salmon is BBQ'd on a grill right in front of you with a special sweet sauce. A salad bar rounds out the main course along with ribs and chicken if salmon isn't your thing. Don't forget to look around for the campfire. Wander by, grab a stick and roast some marshmellows for dessert. Once you are done with dinner you have a choice to make.

There is a shuttle offered by the Salmon Bake every 20 minutes that will take you back to town for shopping or exploring or to the ship. You may choose to linger a little while and hike the short path up the mountain to a waterfall. It is nice and if the salmon are running you will see them along the creek bed spawning.

You will still have some time to shop in town so take a few minutes and take the hike. Once you get back in town try to count the numerous waterfalls on the surrounding mountains, you'll be amazed at the number you can spot. By the way just a recommendation from the VP, stop by the Alaskan Fudge Shop in town, it can't be beat.