Going to be in Alaska next week.

[GTkrockett]

Any of you AKIC willing to point out notable places to visit while in Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan? Thanks.

Doug

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[AKSubie]

Hey Doug, glad to see you will be making a journey to our wonderful country up here. In Juneau, I think you would want to see AKWRX's ride, if he's available then. Other than that, I really only know of the other tourist traps, the courthouse, museam, etc.....I know there are some hidden away places, like bars and what not to go, just don't know the names. I have never been to the other 2 places (yet) but I'm sure others could fill in if they've been there.

Ben

Although, if you make it to Anchorage, I'm sure we can all hook up for a drink or something.

[Nomadgene]

Juneau itself is pretty spectacular. Decent sized mountains rising straight up from the ocean, the town is built on the tiny bit of land between the water and the very steep pitches. The runway at the airport is nestled in as well and people unexperienced in Alaskan flying have been known to scream during the landings. There are some excellent flight seeing tours out of Juneau. There is a tremendous glacier with a lake in front of it on the north side of town that is a popular area for the outdoor enthusiasts. The historic downtown distric has some nice resturants and bars. I believe that there is a cable car in town as well that will take you up to the top of the mountains from the city area. The brewery that creates the semi-famous Alaskan Amber and other fine concoctions is located in Juneau as well.

Ketchikan is another of the inside passage stops for the cruise boats and the state ferry system. I was through there many years ago. I remember seeing tremendous totem poles. The local natives (either Haida or Tlingit pronounced hi-da and klinket respectively) have a stong influence there. I overheard some people who had gone to their dance ceremonies. I believe it is a regular thing that they do for the tourist groups coming through. There is a big fishing industry there as well.

Skagway is another of the stops on the inside passage. One of that towns claims to fame is the railway. I have been told it is pretty spectacular. It travels from town up to some old time mining areas.

The towns you mentioned(cept skagway) are not accessible by highway, so few of us get down there often. They have local roads but can only be accessed by the state ferry or by plane. All will be picteresque and probably small by lower 48 standards. They are set up to deal with the large cruise ships that come in and many of the sights are grouped so that people without vehicles can get to them. Hope you enjoy your visit. Let us know if you make it into Anchorge.

[GTkrockett]

hehe...you guys seem to have guessed that i will be travelling by cruise ship. been looking forward to this trip for over a year! wish anchorage was on the stop, but our furthest destination north is hubbard glacier.

got a couple excursions planned though...a helicopter/glacier trek and dog-sledding. i know, very touristy, but i'm in a group of people that "must" do this.

[hpracingwrx]

juneau is #1!!!
haha
there is the tram way, there are a lot of cool tourist shops, i would recommend eating at the twisted fish but u have to make reservations there early
if u travel by cruise all of this is right outside the dock right when u get off. u can go see the glacier, go to glacier gardens, the tour is alright but the view once u get to the top is awesome.
ull run outta time before u run outta things to do.
ill leave it at that

[AKWRX]

Originally posted by GTkrockett
hehe...you guys seem to have guessed that i will be travelling by cruise ship. got a couple excursions planned though...a helicopter/glacier trek and dog-sledding. i know, very touristy, but i'm in a group of people that "must" do this.

Juneau is the number one tourist destination in Alaska (per state department of tourism figures). About one million visitors visit every summer, mostly via tour ships which bring about 880,000. By all means, especially when time ashore is so limited, take as many of the "touristy" guided tours you can while in the Juneau area...you'll see a lot more and, believe me, you won't be dissapointed.