questions about whales in Juneau and skagway

[ginger123snaps]

This is our second trip to alaska. First time was without kids years ago. This time we are bring 3 boys (ages 7, 7, 6).

 

Juneau: We have rented a car here. Is there a good place we can drive to for whale watching? I didn't want to do the tour..because I don't think they will have the patience and the cost for 5 of us is high (DH and I already did it last time). Right now I'm planning to drive to mendenhall glacier. Any other suggestions would be appreciated.

 

Skagway: Is there something in town that we can do without renting a car or is a rental necessary?

[Budget Queen]

It's difficult to whale watch from a car in Juneau. There is a lot of ocean front private property past Auke Bay,which limits some viewing access. The area is also vast with the whales having miles of range.

 

I would suggest, instead, you make some effort to view from your cruise ship. I'll speculate you would be a lot more successful.

 

It all depends on your itinerary. I noted tips on a recent thread about viewing scenery.

 

 

As for Skagway http://www.skagway.com There is also http://www.nps.gov/klgo

[mapleleaves]

In Juneau you could drive to the coast and along the coast to Roads End. Seeing whales isn't unheard of but it's definitely random ... the more time you spend along the water the better your chances will be.

Click on this map to enlarge it.

http://www.traveljuneau.com/images/junea-area-big.gif

 

The history of Skagway and the Goldrush could be very interesting for your kids. Visit the Klondike/Goldrush Museum, do a ranger-led tour. Walk or take the town bus out the Goldrush Cemetary to see where some of the colorful characters are buried. At the edge of the Cemetary there's a trail that leads to Lower Reid Falls. If your cruise starts in Seattle there is a Klondike/Goldrush museum there as well (free)

 

Check out the Skagway web site for info on hikes, buses, things to do: http://skagway.com/

 

Borrow an Alaska travel book from your library to learn more about the options available to you in Juneau and Skagway.

 

Have you looked thru last summers trip reports ? there were a few random whale sightings posted.