Juneau, Alaska,

Welcome back to my blog. In today's post I'll show you around Juneau, one of three ports which we stopped at in Alaska. Juneau is the capital of Alaska, and has been since 1906. Downtown Juneua is nestled at the base of Mount Juneau and across the channel from Douglas Island.


Above: Downtown Juneau from the ship

The city is named after gold prospector Joe Juneau. One of the most interesting things about the city is that is only accessible by sea and air. Cars and trucks have to be transported to and from Juneau by barge or ferry.


Above: One of the many floatplanes found in Alaska


Above: Juneau at night

One of the most popular places in Juneau is The Mount Roberts Tramway, an aerial tramway stretching from a station on the cruise ship docks to a point on the southwestern ridge of Mount Roberts.


Above: The view from The Mount Roberts Tramway

During my time in Juneau I also visited a salmon hatchery where wild Harbor Seals are known to hang out.


Above: A regular visitor to the Salmon Hatchery

Probably the most famous attraction in Juneau is the Mendenhall Glacier, a receding Glacier found to the west of downtown Juneau. Visitors can also visit nearby waterfalls and the visitor centre.


Above: The Mendenhall Glacier Valley


Above: Mendenhall Glacier and waterfall


Above: An up-close shot of the waterfall

I was incredibly fortunate to see a black bear on my way back to the visitor centre at the Mendenhall Glacier. The bear was happily foraging for roots right by the pathway and had attracted a lot of attention. The guides told us she was a regular to the area and probably about 6 years old.


Above: The black bear

I'll show you around Vancouver next time. It's a beautiful city so don't miss it!