Nestled at the base of Mount Juneau, the city of Juneau is
Alaska's capital city. It still retains a small-town charm, noted
for its friendly locals and beautiful setting. A number of Juneau's
attractions are centred on the natural landscape surrounding it,
such as the magnificent, easily-accessible Mendenhall Glacier
located just thirteen miles from the town centre. This huge glacier
can also be seen from a number of roads in the city centre.
Juneau is also the starting point to other wonderful attractions
including Glacier Bay National Park and Tracy Arm Fjord. In
addition, the city boasts some of the most spectacular wildlife
viewing in the world. From Juneau, whales, brown bear and eagles
can be just minutes away. A variety of wildlife tours can get you
up close to black bear, porpoise, sea lions, harbour seals, sea
otters, mountain goats and Sitka black tail deer.
There are also plenty of attractions in the centre - Juneau
is home to a number of shops, restaurants and galleries, each well
worth a visit. Other highlights include Saint Nicholas Russian
Orthodox Church, the oldest original and continuously used church
in southeast Alaska. Another popular option is AJ Mine/Gastineau
Mill Enterprises, where you can experience the feeling of being
'underground' and view historic mining equipment dating back to the
1880s - the time of the region's original gold rush.
