We learned a lot from our tour guide in Juneau, Alaska. His name was Archie, and he was hands down THE BEST guide we've ever encountered in all of our travels! A native Tlingit, he delivered the insight of a local with the wit of a stand-up comedian. Among the general information - population is 32,000 people, there are only 4.5 hours of sunlight in the winter, there is a 5% sales tax - Archie shared some good random tidbits. For instance, did you know that all McDonald's "Filet-O-Fish" sandwiches are made with true Alaskan cod? Or that there is a $300 fee if residents put their garbage out improperly or at the wrong time due to bear activity?
We also learned some facts about the renowned glacier that is right in the city of Juneau, Mendenhall Glacier. It is TWO MILES wide (wow!), and 100 feet of snow falls each year on the Mendenhall Ice Field. The glacier is constantly changing - we JUST missed a calving by mere minutes! When we came back the next day, we noticed a chunk of the glacier gone and fresh icebergs floating in their blue glory. The hike to Nugget Falls is leisurely and so scenic that you wouldn't even notice or mind if it were strenuous. Feeling the mist from the falls and being pounded by the deafening sound of its rushing waters are worth getting up close. The Visitor Center is also worth a visit with interactive exhibits, multiple park rangers available to answer questions, and spotting scopes to view wildlife. We saw a mountain goat and her kid that was born just a day before!
Mendenhall Glacier and Nugget Falls (Jenny Johnston) Nugget Falls. It's a lot LOUDER and stronger than it looks! (Jenny Johnston) Nugget Falls (Jenny Johnston)
After your exploration of Juneau, you might have worked up an appetite. May I recommend, or better yet I will just tell you...eat at SALT! It is locally owned and on par with establishments you would find in bigger cities. We had high hopes for this place, but it even surpassed those. I'll just tease you with a peak of our Panzanella with Burrata, Fried Calamari with artichokes & pickled peppers, and Truffle Frites with Mornay Sauce & Fried Egg. Trust me. You will not be disappointed...or hungry!
SALT restaurant, downtown Juneau. Calamari and Burrata Panzanella (Jenny Johnston) SALT restaurant, downtown Juneau. Truffle fries and Burrata Panzanella (Jenny Johnston)
Mary has kept in regular contact and prepared me for everything so far
Michael Sinner
3 weeks ago
Very prompt responses. Erin found us the trip we were looking for and gave us good advice.
Nancy Brown-Koeller
1 month ago
I don’t have the words to describe it but the last week has been one of the best I can remember. 6 days of adventure in South East Alaska including trekking through lush rain forest, sitting in silence listening to glaciers calving, up early to see the northern lights, kayaking and stupidly swimming in iceberg frozen waters ! (That actually hurt).
Animal sightings including black and brown bears, Minke and hundreds of Humpack Whales, porpoises, sea lions, mountain goats, harbour seals, bald eagles, salmon and more birds than I can count. Wonderful friends and connections made. A huge shout out to Trevor and his totally amazing crew on the Admiralty Dream whose energy and enthusiasm made this most incredible experience.
DAVID JAMES
1 month ago
From the initial booking all the way through the trip, this was by far our favorite trip. Small boat travel is the only way to see a location. The excursions were so much more than I could explain. The locations were remote and awesome.
Lori I
2 months ago
Personal, knowledgeable service. We felt so informed and supported before our trip. Highly recommend and would use again.
