Alaska Concierge Trip Planning

Sawyer Glacier Bears at Pack Creek Helicopter Glacier Tour

Plan to Stay Awhile

Juneau, Alaska is a central location for Southeast Alaska sightseeing, cruises, wildlife viewing, hiking, glaciers, and more. Juneau is unique in that you can experience nearly every aspect of Alaska in a one place without expending excessive travel time and money traveling great distances or being stuck on a crowded bus. Walk in the Rainforest; view whales, bears, glaciers; enjoy our waters and water life by cruise, kayak, canoe, raft, or boat; bike, hike, trek, dog mush, dine, shop and escape - all within moments of your arrival. Plan your trip to experience the unique highlights that Juneau offers - at least a week, maybe 2 or longer.

Transportation to and within Juneau

Nearest Airport to Juneau:
Juneau International Airport has frequent daily domestic and international flights connecting through Seattle, Washington (95 minute flight) and Anchorage, Alaska (75 minute flight) on Alaska Airlines - Horizon Air (1-800-252-7522). In the summer months Delta also offers flights from Seattle to Juneau. Both airlines have many partners that connect from all over the world.

The Alaska State Marine Highway Ferry (1-800-642-0066) as well as small luxury adventure cruises serve Juneau and all of Southeast Alaska. They often route through Bellingham or Seattle, Washington, Vancouver, BC in Canada or the many nearby Alaska towns like Gustavus at Glacier Bay, Sitka, Haines or Skagway (which also links Alaska to the Yukon and British Columbia in Canada). There are also fast ferries in some areas.

Ground Transportation:
Most independent travelers arrive by air and benefit from the freedom of renting a car in Juneau. Chauffeur services, taxis and Ubers are also avaiable.

Budget, Avis, National and Hertz car rental agencies are located at the airport. Be sure to reserve your vehicle in advance as they often sell out in summer.

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Juneau weather

The Tongass National Forest
The Tongass is the largest temperate rainforest in the world. A common misconception is that Alaska is covered in ice and snow most of the year. Actually, temperatures in Juneau, where the mountains meet the sea, are quite mild: similar to parts of England and Scotland. The temperatures are great for sightseeing and active outdoor activities. Enjoy our refreshing clean air!

In the summer, if the forecast says rain, don't despair. While occasional drizzle is often likely, it is usually brief. When the sun shines, it feels deliciously warm because the air is so pristine. Juneau is one of the most scenic destinations on earth. Come, stay a while in our rainforest paradise. Enjoy the refreshing cool crisp and clean air. Bring some fleece and raingear, to be sure, but do not expect igloos.

Juneau, AK (99801) Weather Facts

Current Weather and Forecasts

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Lodging

Juneau offers many diverse forms of accommodations--hotels, hostels, motels, bed and breakfasts and vacation rentals. Alaska Concierge will be happy to help you plan your accommodations and we work with reserve your accommodations. Please note, Juneau lodging can be tight. Book Early!

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Dining

Juneau offers a host of dining experiences, many offering fresh locally sourced options. Some of our favorites are:

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Attractions

Juneau's waters, trails, mountains, glaciers, ice fields, wild life offer opportunities beyond compare. Check our Activities web page and feel free to call us with questions..

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Packing Tips

Alaska is VERY casual, leave your heels and wingtips at home, unless you are meeting with the governor.

BRING for your vacation...

What Should I Wear?
If you've done a little homework, you've probably seen or heard this advice a thousand times: dress in layers. From spring to early fall in Alaska, be prepared for temperatures in the 50-80 degree range, always with the possibility of a little rain and wind thrown in there. Your best bet is to dress in layers and bring a backpack, you'll stay warm and dry when it's chilly or wet, and you can peel off layers and stow them as the weather changes. Be sure to get the outer layer right. You want a shell that's waterproof and breathable to stay warm when it's windy and dry when it's rainy. One with a hood so you can throw it up if there is an unexpected shower. Gore-Tex is probably the most popular material that fills this bill.

Footwear: We advise against old-fashioned heavy hiking boots. They're heavy, stiff, and can cause blisters. Instead, get yourself a comfortable pair of lightweight hikers with good traction two pairs, actually, in case one gets wet. Some are made with Gore-Tex, so they're both waterproof and breathable.

Sun Protection: Bring a lightweight, brimmed hat for sun and rain, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Interestingly, the intensity of the sun in Alaska on a peak summer day is probably equivalent to a spring day in the Lower 48, because of the lower angle of the sun in the subarctic regions. But due to the long summer days, there are twice as many hours of daylight, so you definitely want to protect your skin.

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