Unforgettable Excursions in Juneau, Alaska: Top Picks

According to IMARC Group, the global adventure tourism market was valued at an impressive $476 billion in 2024.

Excursions comprise a significant portion of this industry, as they provide short, guided experiences that are packed with adventure, nature, and local culture. These trips are ideal for travelers who want to explore more without having to plan every detail. You and your family might be going on a short vacation, and excursions in Juneau, Alaska, are one of the best ways to enjoy it.

With stunning wilderness, rich wildlife, and expert-led tours, Juneau has something for everyone. But you might wonder which areas are worth visiting. Below are the top picks for unforgettable excursions in Juneau, Alaska.

Juneau Fishing Trips

Fly-out fishing trips take you deep into Alaska’s wild streams by floatplane, far from the crowds. These adventures are great for beginners and experienced anglers. You’ll fish for salmon, Dolly Varden, and cutthroat trout in remote waters filled with wildlife.

Bear Creek Outfitters provides all the gear, guides, and transport. Your guide adjusts the trip to your skill level and offers helpful casting tips. Most trips follow a catch-and-release policy to protect fish populations.

With stunning views and quiet surroundings, the trip offers more than just fishing. It’s one of the Alaska adventure tours that lets you connect with nature in a personal way. If you’re looking for hands-on action in the wilderness, this is a great way to spend your day in Juneau.

Bear Watching

Bear-watching is one of the most thrilling experiences you can have in Juneau. Few sights match the power and beauty of a bear catching salmon in the wild. In and around Juneau, there are several top spots where you can safely witness this amazing behavior:

  • Steep Creek at Mendenhall Glacier
  • Pack Creek Bear Sanctuary on Admiralty Island
  • Fish Creek near Douglas Island
  • Peterson Creek in Auke Bay
  • Windfall Creek Trail near Herbert River

After visiting any of these spots, you’ll quickly see why bear-watching is a highlight of Alaska travel. Elevated boardwalks, ranger-led access, and natural salmon runs make these areas ideal for viewing. The best months are July through September, especially in the early morning or evening hours.

Among all the bear tours in Juneau offers, these excursions deliver wild, real encounters that you’ll never forget. For safety, stay quiet, follow signs, and never try to approach the animals. Park rangers are available to guide you.

Whale Watching Tours

Seeing humpback whales rise and splash across the ocean is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Juneau’s whale-watching tours are some of the best in the world. These tours usually happen on small boats with large, open viewing decks.

They’re led by local captains who know where to find the whales. Summer is the best time to go, as you may see:

  • Humpback whales
  • Orcas
  • Sea lions
  • Porpoises

Many tours include underwater microphones so you can hear the whales as they communicate. Guides also share fun facts about marine life, local history, and the methods used to protect the ecosystem. Don’t forget your camera–these are moments you’ll want to capture.

Whale watching gives you a peaceful, close-up look at ocean life. It’s one of the most loved excursions for families and nature lovers alike.

Ice Caves and Hiking

Exploring the ice caves near Mendenhall Glacier is one of the most stunning Alaska adventure tours you can take. These glowing blue and white caves sit beneath the glacier and feel like something from another world.

To reach them, you’ll take a moderate hike through forest trails, rocky slopes, and icy ground. Guided tours are highly recommended and often include:

  • Helmets
  • Safety gear
  • Clear instructions
  • Crampons or ice grips for your boots
  • A trained guide familiar with glacier terrain

Along the way, you may see waterfalls, glacier views, or even mountain goats. The caves constantly shift and change, making each visit unique. That change adds both wonder and challenge.

You don’t need to be an expert hiker, but good fitness helps. If you’re looking for something wild, beautiful, and unforgettable, ice cave hiking is the perfect choice.

Mount Roberts Tramway and Nature Trails

For panoramic views and easy access to nature, take a ride on the Mount Roberts Tramway. It lifts you 1,800 feet above sea level, revealing views of the Gastineau Channel, forested mountains, and downtown Juneau. Once at the top, you’ll find nature trails ranging from easy walks to longer hikes.

Along the way, you may see marmots, eagles, and alpine wildflowers. A visitor center offers exhibits on Tlingit culture and native plants. Whether you want to hike, relax at the mountaintop cafe, or simply enjoy the view, there’s something for everyone.

It’s a great half-day trip for families or anyone looking for a balance of comfort and adventure. Don’t forget to bring a jacket–the weather changes quickly at higher elevations.

Waterfalls and Wonders

Juneau is packed with natural beauty, and Nugget Falls is one of its highlights. Found near Mendenhall Glacier, this tall, rushing waterfall flows into a glacial lake. The short trail to the falls is flat, easy, and wheelchair accessible, making it perfect for families.

Along the way, you might spot spawning salmon or soaring eagles. Many guided tours include Nugget Falls, along with other scenic stops. Some even combine history, geology, and wildlife viewing in one trip.

If you’re looking for a bear tour that Juneau visitors love, a combo tour may include that, too. Nugget Falls is ideal for quick excursions full of power, calm, and classic Alaskan views.

Excursions in Juneau, Alaska: Unforgettable Adventures in the Wild

From glacier hikes to bear viewing and fly-out fishing, excursions in Juneau, Alaska, offer something for every type of explorer. Whether you’re drawn to ice caves, waterfalls, or wildlife, Juneau delivers a perfect mix of scenery, adventure, and peace.

At Bear Creek Outfitters, we’ve spent nearly 30 years crafting unforgettable wilderness trips. We’re proud locals, and our small-group adventures reflect our deep knowledge of Juneau and the Tongass National Forest.

Our expert guides bring years of hands-on experience to every tour, making your trip both safe and memorable. Contact us today to start planning your perfect Alaskan experience.

From Dock to Den: How Bear Tours in Juneau Work

Feel the thrill of the Alaskan wilderness with bear tours in Juneau, where the journey begins at the dock and leads you deep into bear country. Imagine standing just yards away from a wild brown bear, heart racing, as it fishes for salmon in a glacial stream.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning explorer, these adventures offer more than sightseeing. They create lifelong memories. With floatplane access to remote habitats, expert local guides, and breathtaking views of the Tongass National Forest, every moment is rooted in authenticity.

The wild is calling, so dive in and discover what makes bear tours in Juneau truly unforgettable.

Experience Nature Like Never Before

Are you ready to trade city noise for the crunch of pawprints on forest soil? Imagine gliding over sparkling waters in a floatplane, landing in a secluded part of Southeast Alaska, and watching brown bears roam freely, unbothered, wild, and wonderful.

Bear viewing tours in Juneau take you far beyond the typical tourist trail. Each step is designed to bring you closer to the heart of Alaska’s wild, where bears roam free and nature remains untouched.

You’re not only watching wildlife. You’re stepping into their world.

We immerse you in raw Alaskan beauty with the guidance of passionate locals who know the land, the wildlife, and the magic that binds them.

What Makes Juneau the Ultimate Bear Viewing Destination?

Juneau is home to some of the best Alaskan bear viewing opportunities in the state. Located in Southeast Alaska and surrounded by the lush Tongass National Forest, it provides ideal conditions for bear habitats. Bears thrive here thanks to abundant salmon streams and a rich ecosystem.

One of the top places for bear viewing is Pack Creek on Admiralty Island, famously known as the “Fortress of the Bears.” Admiralty Island is home to one of the densest brown bear populations in the world, where over 1,600 bears roam the island, outnumbering humans.

Key highlights of bear watching excursions in Juneau include:

  • Exclusive access to protected wilderness areas like Pack Creek
  • Small-group experiences for intimate wildlife encounters
  • Knowledgeable naturalist guides with years of experience
  • Scenic floatplane rides over remote Alaskan terrain
  • No zoo enclosures, only real bears in the wild

How the Journey Unfolds

Each bear tour in Juneau experience may vary slightly depending on:

  • Weather
  • Wildlife activity
  • Access

However, the essence remains the same: authentic encounters in the wild guided by seasoned professionals.

Every trip starts with being outfitted with the proper gear at our office and a thorough safety briefing.  This is followed by a scenic Floatplane flight that takes off and lands on the water delivering you to the location selected with your guide for the best bear viewing experience for that time of year.

Rather than a rigid schedule, guides tailor each excursion based on real-time conditions and wildlife patterns. This flexibility ensures the most rewarding and safe experience possible. Alaskan bear viewing is all about:

  • Patience
  • Respect
  • Immersion in nature

Whether spotting a mother and cub near a salmon stream or watching a lone bear forage along the shoreline, every outing offers something unique. Tours emphasize quiet observation and minimal impact, creating lasting memories without disturbing the ecosystem.

Knowledge Is Power: Safety and Sustainability

Wildlife tours in Juneau prioritize both guest safety and bear protection. Each tour is conducted with careful attention to:

Operators adhere to strict guidelines from the U.S. Forest Service and Alaska Department of Fish and Game to ensure that human presence does not disrupt natural bear behavior or habitat integrity.

Safety protocols include:

  • Maintaining a respectful distance from bears
  • Carrying bear spray and radios
  • Limiting group sizes to reduce noise and presence

Operators like Bear Creek Outfitters are deeply committed to conservation. Our locally based team focuses on preserving the delicate balance between tourism and nature by promoting Leave No Trace principles and low-impact travel.

We provide in-depth education on:

  • Local wildlife
  • Ecosystems
  • The cultural significance of the Tongass National Forest

By fostering understanding and respect for the environment, we ensure guests not only enjoy an unforgettable adventure but also return home as informed stewards of Alaska’s wild places.

More Than Bears: An Authentic Juneau Experience

Juneau’s pristine wilderness offers more than incredible bear encounters. It’s a gateway to diverse and immersive outdoor experiences that reflect the heart of Southeast Alaska.

Towering old-growth forests, rushing rivers, and glacier-fed waters all invite exploration. It’s a place where adventure extends beyond the forest and streams.

Many visitors combine bear watching excursions with other Juneau adventure trips like:

  • Guided fly fishing for salmon and trout
  • Whale watching and marine wildlife cruises
  • Glacier hikes and kayaking excursions

With so many immersive ways to connect with nature, Juneau transforms into an experience that lingers long after your visit. Whether it’s tracing a bear’s path along a remote salmon stream or drifting quietly past ice-blue glaciers, each adventure engages all your senses.

From the roar of cascading waterfalls to the quiet gaze of a wild bear, every moment etches itself into memory. Juneau becomes more than just a destination. It becomes a:

  • A Feeling you carry home
  • A story you’ll tell for years to come
  • A deep connection to the wild that stays with you

Bear Creek Outfitters: Local Passion, Legendary Experience

Founded in 1996, Bear Creek Outfitters is Southeast Alaska’s original fly fishing and wildlife viewing guide service. As pioneers of floatplane-accessed tours, they’ve spent nearly 30 years showing visitors the true spirit of Alaska.

We are locally owned and operated, based right in Juneau. Our guides are locals who know the terrain, the tides, and the trails. The team is small, passionate, and fiercely committed to keeping tours intimate, informative, and unforgettable.

Unlike high-volume tourist operations, Bear Creek Outfitters keeps things personal. Small groups mean better experiences and less impact on nature. Our tours feel less like a show and more like a shared moment in the wilderness.

Book Your Adventure Today With Bear Tours in Juneau

Ready to step into the wild? Your journey from dock to den awaits. Whether you’re drawn to the Pack Creek or Waterfall Creek bear tours, fly fishing, or a guided walk through the pristine rainforest, Juneau offers it all.

Don’t wait, but book your spot on one of the best bear tours in Juneau. Let Bear Creek Outfitters guide you through the experience of a lifetime. With decades of expertise and a deep love for the land, we’re ready to show you the real Alaska.