Juneau Travel Guide, Alaska

Juneau, Travel guide – Location

Juneau travel guide presents important facts about the city located in the Alexander Archipelago on both sides of the Gastineau Canal and at the foothill of Mount Juneau. Gustavus and Haines are in the proximity.

Juneau, Travel guide – Geography

The city is set in a unique and picturesque location made up of a higher area towards the nearby Juneau Mountains with their captivating glaciers and a lower area on both sides of the Gastineau Canal including Douglas Island. The average elevation in Juneau is of 17m.

Due to local geography, climate in this area is humid continental with warm summers and not too cold winters. The temperature extremes are of about -7C in January and 19C in July while precipitations are heavier in winter and scarce in spring. Snow generally falls from late fall until March, making the nearby slopes perfect for skiing.

A unique phenomenon in the area is in June and it is called the Midnight Sun, when the sun doesn’t actually set and the day has about 18 hours of daylight.

Juneau, Travel guide – Flora and Fauna

Juneau has a rich flora and fauna, typical for its topography on both land and in the waters. These places are known for their large numbers of brown bears and bold eagles, as well as for the numerous whales and orcas which attract every visitor’s admiration. There are special cruises organized in these waters in order to observe the whales and unique bird species. Flora is represented by plant species like the Sugar Maple, Black Spruge, Alder, Muskeg, ferns, Birch and others placed according to altitude and geography.

Terrestrial fauna is a real treasure, being appreciated as game resource but also protected in some cases due to extensive hunting. Some of the most common animal species here besides the bears, are the bats, weasels, red and silver foxes, deers and so on.

The natural beauties of these places are conserved nearby Juneau in several national parks like the Tongass National Forest, Glacier Bay National Park and other such places.

Juneau, Travel guide – Transport

Due to its remoteness and surrounding rough topography Juneau is one of the few American cities not crossed by an interstate highway and is only accessible by plane or boat, which is a problematic aspect in certain situations. Many locals own light planes or small boats for transportation and others use the ferry and local airlines to get to the nearby states. Juneau International Airport is the only airport in the area and brings numerous tourists every year mainly for recreational activities.

For traveling within the city one can use the bus, taxi or rent a car from one of the many companies. The Mount Roberts Tramway is an original and very popular transport option for the ones willing to visit the surroundings. The aerial tram leaves from the docks where tourists arrive and takes visitors directly to Mount Roberts, offering them gorgeous scenery along the way.

Juneau, Travel guide – Population and Economy

Juneau is the capital city of the State of Alaska and has only 32.000 inhabitants. At the beginning these places were the fishing grounds of several indigene Indian tribes called the Tlingit, then they turned into a gold mining camp and continued developing into the nowadays flourishing city.

Juneau’s economy is primarily based on tourism, fishing and mining, because of the presence of so many natural resources in the area.

Juneau, Travel guide – Cuisine

Traditional cuisine in Juneau is based on local fish and seafood especially salmon, halibut, crabs, but also vegetables, pastry with delicious home baked bread, wild berries from the nearby forests, mushrooms and other such delicious ingredients.

Fish is one of the most popular ingredients and is usually served smoked, wind dried, boiled and accompanied by delicious sauces or vegetables. Some of the most delicious dished based on fish and seafood are the Blackened Shrimp, Salmon en Croute and Crab Cakes. Other main courses served here are the Breast of Duck on rice, Moose Stew, Rosemary lamb and Grilled Pork with garlic and potatoes.

Desserts are always a must so you can try the Raspberry Cheesecake, the Nectarine Tart, Baked Alaska which is made with layers of ice cream and sponge cake covered by meringue, Aqutaq, which is made with whipped animal oil and berries and other sweet treats.

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