This is our third trip to Juneau, and hands down, they’ve got the best excursions! We’ve done everything from whale watching (with whales swimming right under our boat!) to the “Bike and Brew” tour, where we biked to Mendenhall Glacier and topped it off with beer tasting. This time, I’d heard about the Glacier Gardens and decided to go DIY.
We walked a few blocks from the pier to the bus station and hopped on Bus 3. FYI, Buses 3, 4, and 8 will all take you there, and it’s only $2 versus a $35 taxi ride. Sure, you might have to wait a bit for the bus, and it’s a little off the beaten path with a few extra stops along the way, but hey, we’re doing it like the locals! We asked the bus driver to let us know when to hop off, and he even announced it for us. After that, it was just a short 50-foot walk up the driveway to Glacier Gardens.
No reservations? No problem. We just signed up on the spot for about $30 and waited for them to call our name for the tram. Oh, and while we were waiting, we spotted a porcupine trying to hide in a tree stump—though I never got a good look at its face.
And now, let me tell you about these beautiful gardens...
The gardens are the creation of Steve and Cindy Bowhay a guide tell you the unforgettable tale of the Flower Towers, named America's Most Interesting Landmark in 2012 Reader's Digest. Bright floral arrangements and elegant landscapes complement the natural beauty of the rainforest and the cascading waterfalls nearby. At the 580 ft level you will find an amazing panoramic viewpoint of Juneau, and the Chilkat Mountains. You return to the lower gardens in the Visitor's Center atrium and hanging flower gardens !
We snagged seats in the back rows since we were heading up a super steep incline, but on the way down, we got to move to the front. Our guide? A hilarious local with a ton of knowledge and plenty of jokes to keep us entertained. When we reached the top, we were rewarded with jaw-dropping views of Juneau and tons of bald eagles soaring around. It was the kind of scenic, peaceful beauty you just want to soak in forever.
At the end of the tour, a couple of passengers decided to follow us back by bus instead of splurging on a pricey taxi ride. So, with our new friends in tow, we led them to the bus stop for the ride back. They were from Ovation of the Seas, which is about five times the size of our ship!
Once back in town, we popped into the famous "Red Dog Saloon" for—you guessed it—the legendary Duck Fart shot. I watched the girl ahead of me down hers and couldn’t wait for her reaction. She loved it, so it was my turn!
It’s a fun mix of Kahlua, Bailey’s Irish Cream, and a Crown Royal topper. Honestly, it was a blast to try and way smoother than tequila—no throat burn!
We had plans to hit up the famous Tracy's Crab Shack for some epic seafood, but the lines were crazy long. Our brilliant idea? Head back to the ship for a quick break and then return. Spoiler alert: that never happened. The whole tendering in and out thing was enough to keep us on board. Oh well, next time!
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