‘Scenic Juneau & Gardens’ shore excursion is a perfect blend of city history and Alaskan nature.

Mendenhall Glacier Excursion

It starts off with a narrated bus tour of Juneau, its highlights and its rich culture, as you make your way towards Mendenhall Valley. As the first stop, the valley offers incredible views all around, including Mendenhall Glacier off in the distance, provided the weather is clear on the day.

The bus stops beside the historic Brotherhood Bridge, going over the Mendenhall River, which symbolises bridging a gap between the Native and Non-Native communities. Named in honour of the Alaska Native Brotherhood, it is decorated with ten bronze medallions depicting Raven and Eagle clans of the Tlingit people.

Juneau Glacier Gardens

Following some free time to wander around the bridge and the valley, you travel to Juneau Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure, located near Juneau International Airport. The gardens opened in 1998 by Steve and Cindy Bowhay, within Tongass National Forest. You board a tram-like vehicle on a guided tour up through this temperate rainforest habitat towards Thunder Mountain. Up there, 580 feet above sea level, you have an amazing view of the capital city of Alaska, including its airport, which I was lucky to capture a flight taking off of.

Driving down, you learn the story of the gardens, the owners, and the background to the upside-down tree trunks. Back at the bottom, you can enjoy the beautiful Atrium and a Café, where you can grab a souvenir, snacks or a beverage, before heading back to the ship.

How much do Glacier Gardens cost?

The ticket prices for adults are a little over $35, however, for most up to date information, please visit their official website here.

How long does the excursion take?

All in all, the whole ‘Scenic Juneau & Gardens’ excursion takes a little over three hours, with a little over one hour for each, the Mendenhall Valley and Juneau Glacier Gardens, with the rest spent in transit.