Juneau is a city built for exploring on foot. Its compact layout, rich history, and stunning scenery make it perfect for walking tours that give you a true taste of Alaska’s capital. Whether you’re after awe-inspiring natural beauty, lively local stories, or ghostly tales, Juneau offers options that fit different tastes and energy levels.
One of our favorite experiences is the Juneau Shore Excursion: Helicopter Tour and Guided Icefield Walk, which combines the thrill of flying over glaciers with a hands-on walk on Herbert Glacier—an unforgettable adventure for lovers of wilderness and scenery.
While some tours focus on natural wonders, others explore the lively local bar scene or the eerie side of Juneau’s past. We’ve rounded up three standout walking experiences, each offering a unique perspective of this charming city.
1. Juneau Shore Excursion: Helicopter Tour and Guided Icefield Walk
For around $425.65 per person, this semi-private helicopter and icefield experience stands out for its breathtaking views and hands-on glacier exploration. The tour kicks off with a narrated helicopter flight over the Juneau Icefield, providing spectacular panoramic views that simply can’t be matched from the ground.
The flight lasts about 15 minutes, with a landing on Herbert Glacier, where you’ll step out to walk on the ice and learn about the glacier’s formation, geology, and surrounding wilderness from your expert pilot-guide.
This tour’s highlight is the guided walk on the glacier itself, a rare opportunity to step foot on a real icefield and learn about its dynamics firsthand. The pilot will share stories of glaciers, climate change, and local ecology, offering both education and awe.
The reviews speak for themselves: with a perfect 5.0/5 from over 500 reviews, people find it “thrilling,” “educational,” and “breathtaking.” Many say it’s the trip of a lifetime, with some calling it the “highlight of their visit.”
Since this tour includes flights, glacier walks, and expert narration, it offers excellent value for those wanting a full-day, immersive experience. It’s best suited for travelers comfortable with helicopter travel and physical activity.
Bottom Line: If you’re craving an adrenaline-pumping, visually stunning adventure that combines flight and glacier exploration, this tour is hard to beat.
2. Walking Pub Crawl in Downtown Juneau
For a more relaxed, social experience, the Walking Pub Crawl in Downtown Juneau offers a lively way to explore the city’s bar scene and local history. Priced at $115 per person and lasting about two hours, this tour takes you through some of Juneau’s most iconic watering holes, including the historic Red Dog Saloon.
Your guide, a local storyteller, will entertain with stories of hauntings, gold rush escapades, and colorful characters from Juneau’s past while you sample craft beers, local spirits, and a tasty snack.
The tour ends at the Red Dog Saloon, famous for its history and lively atmosphere. The guide’s stories of hauntings—like the ghost of Professor Phineas Poon—add a fun spooky twist, making this a great evening activity after a day of sightseeing. While reviews are limited, one reviewer called it “a great way to get insider tips and start the trip with good vibes.”
This pub crawl is perfect for travelers interested in local culture, nightlife, and story-rich environments. It’s less about physical activity and more about socializing and enjoying Juneau’s lively scene.
Bottom Line: If you want a fun, casual way to meet people and learn local legends, this tour offers good value and entertainment.
3. Juneau Ghost Walk: Explore Alaska’s Haunted Capital
At just $34.99 per person, the Juneau Ghost Walk provides an eerie but fascinating look into the city’s supernatural side. Over two hours, you’ll visit haunted sites like the historic Alaskan Hotel and the Red Dog Saloon, hearing stories of ghostly apparitions, maritime mysteries, and local legends that have persisted for generations.
The tour begins at the Juneau Public Library, where the guide shares the legend of Raven and Eagle, symbols of creation and protection in Tlingit folklore.
What makes this walk unique is its blend of local folklore and history, with stories of paranormal encounters that make the city’s past feel alive in a different way. Notable tales include the ghost of a piano player haunting the Alaskan Hotel and the spirit of Mary Joyce at The Lucky Lady Pub.
The tour offers a captivating mix of storytelling, history, and supernatural intrigue that appeals to those looking for an atmospheric evening.
While this tour doesn’t have reviews yet, it’s well-suited for history buffs and anyone curious about the city’s darker, mysterious side. It’s accessible for most mobility levels and makes for an excellent after-dinner activity.
Bottom Line: For an inexpensive yet compelling venture into Juneau’s ghostly stories, this walk provides a memorable, spooky experience.
How to Choose the Right Walking Tour in Juneau
When deciding between these options, consider your interests and energy level. The Icefield Walk and Helicopter Tour offers an unforgettable outdoor adventure for those comfortable with physical activity and helicopter travel. It’s perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers willing to invest more.
If you prefer a social, laid-back evening, the Walking Pub Crawl provides a fun, budget-friendly way to experience local culture, history, and drinks along with some good storytelling. It’s suited for travelers who want to unwind and explore the city’s vibrant scene.
Finally, for a spooky twist, the Juneau Ghost Walk offers a low-cost, atmospheric evening exploring Juneau’s haunted sites and legends—ideal for those interested in local folklore and ghost stories.
Choosing the best tour depends on your priorities: adventure, socializing, or ghost stories. Booking early, especially for the helicopter icefield experience, is recommended to secure a spot.
Final Thoughts
Juneau offers a range of walking tours that cater to adventure, history, and local culture. For those craving an adrenaline rush and stunning scenery, the Helicopter and Icefield Walk is a must. Travelers wanting a relaxed, social night will find the Pub Crawl perfect. And history buffs or the curious about the supernatural will enjoy the Ghost Walk.
No matter your choice, Juneau’s walking tours are a fantastic way to connect with the city’s natural beauty and local stories. Be sure to reserve your spot early, especially for the popular icefield tour, and you’ll be set for a memorable Alaskan experience.