| In 1880, for Joe Juneau and Richard Harris, the going was slow
and frustrating as they searched for gold with the help of Indian
guides. Finally, after climbing mountains, forging streams and
facing countless difficulties, they found nuggets "as large
as beans." Out of their discoveries came three of the largest
gold mines in the world. By the end of World War II, more than
USD$150 million in gold was mined. Eventually the mines closed,
but the town Joe Juneau founded became the capital of Alaska and
the business of gold was replaced by the business of government.
Some 30,000 people live in Juneau and its total area makes it
the biggest town, in size, in North and South America - and the
second largest in the world. Only Kirunda, Sweden, with 5,458
square miles, exceeds Juneau's 3,108 square miles. Few cities in
the USA and none in Alaska are as beautiful as Juneau. Residents
claim it is the most scenic capital in the country, while others
describe it as a 'little San Francisco'.
| The
One Thing You Don't Want to Miss |
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| When you're in Juneau, you shouldn't
miss the amazing glacial landscape. The best view
available is from the seat of a helicopter on one of
our shore excursions, where you can watch for bear,
mountain goats, and moose. Then, once you've landed,
we'll take you on a once-in-a-lifetime dogsled ride. |
| Other
Fun Things to Do |
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Relive Juneau's gold-rush history and pan
for gold in the authentic setting of Gold
Creek. Trace the route taken by Joe Juneau and
Richard Harris in their search for gold over
100 years ago. Get hands-on experience panning
for gold in Gold Creek. "Guaranteed gold
in every pan!" Then explore Juneau's
mining past with a look at the remnants of a
century-old mine. |
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Fly in a floatplane over five breathtaking
glaciers to the Taku Glacier Lodge for a king
salmon feast. And don't be surprised if a
black bear wanders into the yard. |
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Take a fully narrated helicopter flight over
four translucent glaciers within the Juneau
Ice Field. You'll soar past towering peaks and
picturesque alpine lakes on this exciting
adventure. |
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Explore Juneau on foot. With more trails
than roads, Alaska's capital features
world-class hiking - through glacial
waterfalls and the largest temperate rain
forest in the state. |
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| Sporting
Adventures |
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You won't have to tell your friends about
"the one that got away" when you go
sportfishing in Alaska. The waters abound with
king and silver salmon. |
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On Auke Bay, take a high-speed catamaran
ride specifically designed for
wildlife-watching. The bay is rich with
humpback and killer whales, sea lions, and
porpoises. |
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Helicopter glacier trekking is one of the
most exciting ways to explore the scenic
wonders of the glaciers. We'll fly you in and
hike with you in some of the most fascinating
areas in the world. And no experience is
necessary. |
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