Summer is approaching, which means Juneau is getting ready for action. Alaska’s state capital really comes to life in the summer months, when locals take advantage of the good weather to get out and enjoy the best Juneau has to offer.
Check out some of the big events coming up around Juneau this year!
Historic Downtown Walking Tours
Throughout the summer months, local guides are available three days a week to welcome visitors and show them around town. Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday tours run from 1:30-3:00pm, starting at the Juneau-Douglas City Museum. Join an enthusiastic local and get the inside knowledge of this warm community. The tour ends at the Capital Inn, where afternoon tea is available. All are welcome to attend, with tickets for adults costing $25, and kids for $20. The walk itself is pretty accessible for the most part, though some stretches include uneven pavement and moderate inclinations. Find more information here.
Please bear in mind no tours run on the 4th of July.
Gold Rush Days
Learn about the history of Juneau and get to know some locals at the annual Gold Rush Days. The two days of festivities take place over June 16-17 at Savikko Park. Along with exhibits, there’s local food, plus games and competitions. Try your hand at the mining skills competition, or unleash your inner lumberjack at the logging tournament. Gold Rush Days is a family-friendly event, and all are welcome. Best of all, entry is free! Find out more here.
GLITZ Drag Show
Who says Alaskans can’t party? On June 17 the Centennial Hall Convention Center will host the fourth annual Juneau GLITZ Drag Show. Expect a night of fun and comedy, with all proceeds going towards supporting Juneau Pride SEAGLA. Prices start at $15, and more details can be found here.
Ken Leghorn Memorial Pack Creek Paddle Trip
In the summer months, Juneau is a haven for water sports and adventure. The Ken Leghorn Memorial Pack Creek paddle trip takes place throughout summer, and offers budding adventurers the chance to spend three days paddling around the Pack Creek Bear Sanctuary on Admiralty Island. Spend two nights camping with a small group and professional guide. The trip costs a hefty $550, but the float plane trip, food and kayaking gear are all included. Places are extremely limited, and you can find more information here.
Icy Strait Point Tours
Learn all about native Tlingit culture while soaking up some of Alaska’s most inspiring wilderness at Icy Straight Point. The site of a historic salmon cannery, Icy Straight Point is managed by a native owned and operated company, which commits to using all profits to support the local community. The offer cruises from Juneau to Icy Straight Point, where visitors can check out an immaculately preserved industrial frontier settlement. The entire settlement revolved around the now preserved cannery. Along with nature trails and tours of the settlement, they also boast some of the best halibut pizzas anywhere in Alaska. Find out more about Icy Straight Point tours here.