Columbus Cruise Review

Home > Cruise Destination Guide > Juneau

Time Zone: GMT - 9 (GMT - 8 between 5 April-27 October).

Currency: US Dollar (US$) = 100 cents.

Language: English.

Sightseeing: Founded during the gold rush in the late 19th century, the sophisticated city of Juneau is the capital of Alaska and occupies a spectacular position on the Gastineau Channel. It is surrounded by mountains, rainforest, fjords and glaciers and is only accessible by sea or air. There are many species of wildlife to be spotted in the waters around the city, including humpback whales, killer whales, porpoise, eagles and sea lions.

Shopping: Gold nugget jewellery; items carved from ivory and jade; handmade clothing and toys; items made from skin, fur or bone; and woven baskets of beach grass, bark and baleen. Native sea-oil candles, beaded mittens, fur mukluks and miniature hand-carved totem poles are also popular souvenirs.

Eating Out: Salmon, halibut and trout feature heavily on most menus. The delicious caribou stew is another favourite. Alaskan delicacies include smoked salmon, wild berry products and reindeer sausage.