Juneau - What Else Besides Glacier

[GrammaZ]

We don't dock until 2:30 in Juneau and have rented a car to drive up to the glacier. Does anyone have any other suggestions of where to go after that? The glacier visitor centre closes at 7:30. We don't sail until 10:30. What time does it get dark in Alaska on September 17th? And what is open in the evenings is another problem.

[Toyz711]

last year, on sept 19th (in juneau) it was dark by 7pm. that's the problem with cruising up there that late. we got into juneau at 2:30, did the whale watching at 3:30..got back at 7pm..just went back to the ship (it had been raining and sleeting all day..i was wet!!)

the rest of the family took the shuttle ($7 pp each way) to mendendall. i don't know how long they were up there. they did some shopping when they got back. we ate together that night by 8pm.

while you don't get as much sunlight...it's still a great time to go. shopping was great, many "end of season" discounts. less ships in the ports (except for juneau, we still had 5 in port that day)

[qiangf2]

We don't dock until 2:30 in Juneau and have rented a car to drive up to the glacier. Does anyone have any other suggestions of where to go after that? The glacier visitor centre closes at 7:30. We don't sail until 10:30. What time does it get dark in Alaska on September 17th? And what is open in the evenings is another problem.

 

I would suggest to drive west to Shrine of Teresse. You may see Salmon run depending on which month you will get there. Also, we stopped by University of Alaska, Chapel by the lake to get a different view angle of the glacier.

[Acemac]

I'll second the sugestion to go to the Shrine. If you get lucky and the sun is out that day, sunsets out there are great. You could drive to the "end of the road", which is past the shrine and you could also drive to either end of Douglas Island.

 

The shops and restaurants should be open until your ship leaves!

[fool4greys]

What time does in get dark at the end of May?

 

59days to go!

[dyeadave]

What time does in get dark at the end of May?

 

59days to go!

It doesn't!:D

Actually, at the end of May you are only three weeks away from then longest day, June 20th, so you will not want to stay up to watch the sunset or get up for sunrise, for that matter!?!

Your day in Skagway will be even longer light, but if you are going up to the interior, you could even see the sun at midnight!:eek:

[TCB2006]

Another Alaska poster provided this link on a different thread a while back, so I saved it!! :D It shows sunrise/sunset for a variety of locations in Alaska.

 

http://www.sunrisesunset.com/usa/Alaska.asp

[cjnky]

Go to their website - www.traveljuneau.com or www.juneaualaska.com and order their visitor's guide. I'm sure you'll find more than enough things to do from that! :D

[TCB2006]

cjnky--it looks like you signed up on CC about the same time as we did. Have you been keeping a list of Alaska-related links?

[sue402001]

It doesn't!:D

Actually, at the end of May you are only three weeks away from then longest day, June 20th, so you will not want to stay up to watch the sunset or get up for sunrise, for that matter!?!

Your day in Skagway will be even longer light, but if you are going up to the interior, you could even see the sun at midnight!:eek:

 

Wouldn't you know it, I'll be there on the longest day of the year!! :p

[Budget Queen]

There is also the hatchery, which is worth a short stop, but probably you will be past the salmon runs, plenty of dead stinky fish around however. :) The Alaska Brewery, Glacier Gardens. Take a look at Chapel on the Lake at Alaska U, drive Douglas Island??? Do your homework and decide locations of interest and HOW long you want to be at Mendenhall. IF you are considering hiking and extended time there- a car rental isn't going to be the best value as you can take a shuttle bus.

[cruzingduo]

Is the mendenhall glacier & hatchery a worthwhile tour together? We know the glacier is, but should we combine it with the hatchery? We will be there June 10th.

[Budget Queen]

Is the mendenhall glacier & hatchery a worthwhile tour together? We know the glacier is, but should we combine it with the hatchery? We will be there June 10th.

 

They do have an excellent viewing salmon ladder. The inside is small with some fish in tanks, they also give some commentary. Verify if you are within a salmon run. No point in going if no fish. Probably too early in Ketchikan and Skagway??