Juneau Alaska, has a secure, 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 concerning the outdoor.
Juneau is an odd alternative for the capital, and plenty of may argue Anchorage was the higher choose. Surrounded by mountains, I might solely attain Alaska’s capital by airplane or boat.
In case you are a solo traveler and need 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 secure for solo vacationers?
Juneau contrasts vastly with cities like New York and Los Angeles. It’s safer and has a really low crime charge, and I by no means felt uneasy strolling within the metropolis alone at evening.
In actual fact, concerning security, I would like to fret extra about wildlife. Between Might and early October, it’s important to bear in mind when heading into the Tongass Nationwide Forest.
Whereas black bears aren’t usually a menace 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 Might provides cheaper costs in the event you’re on a finances.
Cruise traces cater nicely to single friends by offering solo and single meet and greets. I’ve attended a number of and discover it’s a wonderful technique to meet others touring alone.
By assembly others, I might organize excursions collectively or make plans to dine with newly made associates. Listed here are some distinctive actions to take pleasure in in Juneau.
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Is Juneau Alaska good for solo journey?
In case you are a fan of the outside and likes to be lively, Juneau is certainly good for solo journey! Listed here 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 eager to go.
Temsco, Northstar, and Coastal Helicopters provide excursions, however I selected Coastal as a result of its pilots fly year-round.
Friends are weighed and allotted seats to distribute the burden on the craft. Fortunately, I obtained a front-row seat subsequent to the pilot, permitting me to soak up 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 staff of energetic huskies had been ready and raring to go.
Even in summer season, it may be mighty chilly on a glacier. Whereas I skilled freezing rain, you can 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 season 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 value 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 in all North America’s most accessible glaciers, and I didn’t want an costly helicopter trip 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; someday, it will likely 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 middle, I might see images of the retreat, learn concerning the animals that decision this place dwelling, and uncover what crops develop there.
I used to be stunned to be taught there are a number of porcupines that reside on the grounds, and I even caught a glimpse of 1.
Mendenhall Glacier is one in all 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 straightforward to see why. Even when I attempted, I couldn’t seize a nasty 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 slender 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 world.
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 Climbing
Climbing provides me solitude, and in Juneau, I’ve had many events to attach with Mom Nature.
Exterior 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, straightforward to stroll, and takes lower than one hour roundtrip. Whereas the route bought me slightly nearer to the glacier, I went to see the thundering waterfall, and it didn’t disappoint.
The Steep Creek Path, one other straightforward 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, chances are you’ll encounter bears looking for a simple meal.
Mount Roberts offers unbelievable aerial views of Juneau and Gastineau Channel on a transparent day. Avid hikers may need to sort out the usually muddy path, or you possibly can take the Mount Roberts Tram as I did.
On the peak, there are a number of choices for mountaineering. The Alpine Looping Path offers a brief route for inexperienced hikers.
Nevertheless, 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 spite of everything.
Alongside the best way, I met a number of different solo vacationers having fun with the surroundings and mountaineering.
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 number of, I believed the King tasted higher than the Dungeness. It’s no marvel it’s dearer.
For salmon lovers, the Gold Creek Salmon Bake offers an genuine outside BBQ of salmon and ribs.
From Might till October, the venue opens each 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 selections: plain or with honey butter.
Whereas different diners raved concerning 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 allergic reactions.
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 Might and September. Juneau and Icy Strait Level present the most effective tour choices, and all assure sightings.
Juneau is dwelling to some resident whales; nevertheless, the humpbacks migrate from Hawaii and Mexico within the spring and go away 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, so that they spend quite a lot 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 number 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 beneath 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 sometimes take pleasure in a glass of wine or a shot of chocolate tequila. Nevertheless, Juneau provides a novel drink that many can’t cross up because of its title.
The “Duck Fart” is a signature drink offered on the Pink Canine Saloon on 278 S Franklin Road. Product of Kahlua, Canadian Whiskey, and Bailey’s Irish Cream, I’m informed it tastes terrific.
Nevertheless, since I’m lactose-intolerant, I couldn’t attempt it myself. At the same time as a non-drinker, I discovered the environment on the Pink Canine enjoyable and full of life.
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 an excellent place to take pleasure in lunch and really feel the Alaskan spirit.
Solo journey suggestions for Juneau Alaska
Touring to Juneau in the summertime
Once I visited in summer season, the times had been lengthy. Across the summer season 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 improper?
Juneau is surrounded by rainforests created by rain, a number 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 reside in a moist metropolis, Vessi runners are my sneakers of alternative.
A automotive rental isn’t required in Juneau
I might attain desired areas by bus, taxi, and Lyft. The downtown space is walkable, with many selections for outlets and eating places.
You possibly can belief different folks to take images of you
Touring solo didn’t all the time 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 to 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!
