Juneau Whale Watching & Wildlife Viewing
Humpbacks and orcas and bears, oh my! And seals and porcupines and eagles and ...
If you're ready to take a walk on the "wild" side, Juneau has some of the most spectacular wildlife viewing in the world. You can get up close to whales, bears, seals, eagles, and even goats on a variety of local wildlife tours.
Whales
If it's whales you want, it's whales you're gonna get. The best time to whale watch is from April to November, when humpback whales inhabit the waters of the northern Inside Passage. Whale watching tours are offered in Juneau by many experienced companies. Daily boat tours to Tracy Arm and Glacier Bay rarely return without whale sightings - and you'll often spot many on a single trip.
The orca, or killer whale, also shows up in Juneau. These whales, though much smaller than humpbacks, have been known to pursue seals, moose, and even other whales.
Bears
Yes, that is a bear you're seeing outside your hotel. Black bears are common not only in the forests around Juneau but immediately around the city, too. Averaging 200 to 600 pounds, Juneau's black bears are always a thrill to spot.
To see large brown bears, head out to Admiralty Island National Monument and the Kootznoowoo Wilderness Area. (Local trivia: Kootznoowoo is a Tlingit word meaning "Fortress of the Bears.") Big bears come a dime a dozen here - some 1,600 strong, or one for every square mile of the island.
The brave at heart can access Admiralty Island by kayak; the rest of us can take a boat or float plane and guides are recommended. The best time to view bears follows the salmon run (smart animals, they) which varies from year to year but traditionally includes most of July and August.
For more about bears, check this out: "Bear Viewing - A Wild Adventure"
Eagles and Other Feathered Friends
Southeast Alaska is home to approximately 20,000 eagles, our beloved national icon. With a human population of about 70,000, that's almost one eagle for every three people who live here.
By the way, if you're searching for a good fishing spot, just look for where the bald eagles congregate. Bald eagles often collect at food sources, such as salmon spawning streams or herring spawning areas along the coast. When spawning salmon return to the Macaulay Salmon Hatchery each summer, eagles concentrate at Juneau's Gastineau Channel. (Guess they're pretty smart, too.)
For more about birds, check this out: "Birds Eye View: Spring Bird Migration"