Juneau’s rugged scenery, fascinating history, and quirky local legends make it a perfect city for walking tours. Unlike many cruise destinations, Juneau offers an array of options that combine outdoor adventure, local stories, and even spooky tales. We particularly like the Juneau Shore Excursion: Helicopter Tour and Guided Icefield Walk for its breathtaking scenery and unique access to the glaciers. It’s an experience that combines high-flying views with a grounded walk on Herbert Glacier, which offers a rare glimpse into the icy wilderness that surrounds the city. For a more relaxed, social vibe, the Walking Pub Crawl in Downtown Juneau is perfect for those who want to explore local bars with entertaining storytelling. Then, for a touch of the supernatural, the Juneau Ghost Walk reveals the city’s haunted corners and ghostly legends. Each of these tours showcases a different facet of Juneau, giving visitors a well-rounded way to explore the city on foot.
Quick Overview
Our list includes three top walking tours in Juneau, each offering something unique:
– The Juneau Shore Excursion: Helicopter Tour and Guided Icefield Walk combines aerial views of glaciers with an exciting walk on Herbert Glacier.
– The Walking Pub Crawl in Downtown Juneau provides a fun, social way to discover Juneau’s historic taverns and local stories.
– The Juneau Ghost Walk explores Juneau’s spooky side with tales of ghostly apparitions and haunted sites.
Now, let’s take a closer look at each tour to help you decide which one fits your style.
1. Juneau Shore Excursion: Helicopter Tour and Guided Icefield Walk
At number 1 on our list, this adventure-packed tour combines a helicopter flight over the Juneau Icefield with an actual walk on Herbert Glacier. Starting with a narrated helicopter flight, you’ll soar over the stunning Juneau Icefield, one of the largest icefields in North America, providing incredible views and plenty of photo opportunities. The helicopter then lands on Herbert Glacier, where your pilot becomes your guide for a 22-minute walk across the ice. During this time, you’ll learn about the glacier’s formation and significance in Alaskan ecology, all while drinking glacier-fed water straight from the ice.
What makes this tour stand out is the combination of flightseeing and ground exploration—a rare chance to get both aerial perspectives and a hands-on experience on a remote glacier. The reviews are glowing, with a 5.0-star rating from over 530 travelers, many calling it a “once-in-a-lifetime” experience. The expert pilot-guides make sure you’re safe and informed, sharing stories of the Icefield’s glaciers, wildlife, and climate change.
The price of $425.65 is high, but it includes the helicopter ride, glacier walk, and transport from the cruise port. This tour is ideal for active travelers who want to see Alaska’s icy wilderness from a whole new perspective. Note: the shuttle departs an hour before the flight, so plan accordingly.
Bottom Line: This tour offers a rare combination of aerial and terrestrial glacier exploration, perfect for adventurous travelers with an eye for dramatic scenery.
2. Walking Pub Crawl in Downtown Juneau
For those who want a more relaxed way to experience Juneau’s local flavor, the Walking Pub Crawl provides a lively evening exploring the city’s historic bars and taverns. Starting at Franklin Street, you’ll visit the famous Red Dog Saloon, an iconic spot that’s been a fixture since the days of the gold rush. Over two hours, your guide shares stories of Juneau’s past and present, including tales of hauntings, frontier adventures, and notable characters.
The tour isn’t just about drinks; it’s about local stories and camaraderie. You’ll sample Alaskan craft beers, spirits, and a Juneau specialty shot, all while enjoying a local snack. The guide’s storytelling makes the experience memorable, and many reviews highlight Kris’s knowledge of the local scene.
Priced at $115, this tour is an affordable way to spend an evening and get insider tips for your trip. It’s best suited for travelers who want to unwind, socialize, and learn about Juneau’s lively bar scene. Keep in mind, the rating is 3.5/5 based on three reviews, so it’s more about the experience than perfect reviews.
Bottom Line: An entertaining, laid-back way to enjoy Juneau’s historic pubs and local lore, especially suitable for those who love socializing over drinks.
$115.00 per person
3. Juneau Ghost Walk: Explore Alaska’s Haunted Capital
If you’re interested in the spooky side of Juneau, the Juneau Ghost Walk offers a two-hour stroll through the city’s haunted sites. Starting at the Juneau Public Library, you’ll hear about the legend of Raven and Eagle, tied to Tlingit folklore, and then visit the historic Red Dog Saloon, where tales of a ghostly piano player named Professor Poon add a spectral twist to the bar’s lively history.
The tour continues through the Lucky Lady Pub, honoring Mary Joyce, a legendary local figure, and then to the Alaskan Hotel & Bar, Juneau’s oldest hotel, reputed for ghostly sightings. Throughout, the tour combines local legends, historic insights, and paranormal stories, creating a fascinating blend of fact and folklore.
While the tour has no reviews yet, its focus on local legends and haunted sites makes it ideal for ghost story enthusiasts and history buffs alike. The price is modest at $34.99, making it an accessible choice for a fun, spooky evening.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers interested in local legends and ghost stories, this tour adds an eerie twist to Juneau’s history.
$34.99 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect Juneau Walking Tour
Picking the right tour depends on your interests and energy level. If you crave dramatic scenery and outdoor adventure, the Helicopter Icefield Walk is hard to beat. For a relaxed, social night out, the Pub Crawl offers fun storytelling and local drinks. If spooky stories and local legends fascinate you, the Ghost Walk is a great choice.
Consider your budget, physical activity preferences, and curiosity about local history or legends when choosing. Book early, especially for popular outdoor adventures or ghost tours, to secure your spot.
Final Thoughts
Juneau offers a variety of walking tour options that suit different interests—from thrilling glacier walks to fun pub nights and mysterious ghost stories. For adventure lovers, the helicopter and icefield walk tops the list. History buffs and curious explorers might prefer the ghost walk, while social travelers will enjoy the pub crawl.
No matter which tour you select, each offers a unique way to experience Juneau’s character. Be sure to book early, especially for the high-demand glacier tour, and prepare for a memorable Alaska adventure.