Join us in Juneau!

Here’s a quick intro and what to expect:

Jessy and Jake chose Juneau because of the ties they have to it – it’s Jessy’s hometown but it has also become a special place for both of them to spend time in. Her parents, Anne and Ken, moved to Juneau after graduate school in the 70’s with interests and jobs that fit the environment, forestry and wildlife biology. They raised Jessy and her brother, Sam, there and continue to call Juneau home.

Overview

Juneau is the state capital and home to about 30,000 residents in Southeast Alaska. Despite its small size and lack of access (it is only accessible by plane or boat, there are no roads out) – there are big opportunities for outdoor adventure, wildlife viewing, cultural experiences, and so much in-your-face natural beauty. It’s nestled in the largest temperate rainforest in the world (that is still remaining), the Tongass National Forest, and sits below the Juneau Icefield that feeds numerous glaciers in the area, including the Mendenhall Glacier, right in Juneau's "backyard". It’s incredibly green and lush, with towering old growth forests and mountains that rise, what feels like, right out of the ocean. It’s a moderate climate but come prepared for rain (rain boots, quality rain jackets and pants, hat, gloves, non-cotton layers, and even an umbrella), we can’t emphasize that enough!

Alaska Native Heritage

The original inhabitants and stewards of the area are the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian indigenous peoples. Abundant natural resources and a deep respect for the land and their people supported a thriving way of life for thousands of years. They hunted, fished, and gathered from the forest and ocean. Their rich heritages and histories are celebrated and infused throughout the community and there are many opportunities to learn about and immerse yourself in these cultures.

Tourist Destination

Juneau hosts over one million cruise ship visitors and independent travelers annually and has many activities and sights for all ages and abilities – think whale watching, hiking, nature walks, kayaking, glacier and flight seeing, fishing, a charming downtown, great museums and heritage center, gold rush history, indigenous and local artists, a tram ride up one of the mountains above downtown, and a handful of cafes, restaurants, breweries, distilleries, and more. Being a visitor hub means that accommodations, rental cars, etc. book up quickly, so make reservations for these things as quickly as you can!