Wheelchair Accessible Juneau: Explore with Ease

This trip was hosted. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

I completed my travel to all 50 United States with a trip to Alaska on a Princess cruise with my friend Brittany. I didn’t know what to expect as far as wheelchair accessibility but the trip started out better than expected in the capital city of Juneau.

Juneau, filled with contradictions of green hills and snow-covered mountains, of historic and modern architecture, is a city you don’t want to miss and fortunately, is a stop included on many Alaska cruises.

Things to Do

Take a Whale Watching Cruise

Spouts from whales in the water — Whales spouting in the water in Juneau, Alaska. Photo credit: Marcia Frost

I booked a whale watching cruise as an excursion. I went on an accessible bus, where the driver gave us a brief history lesson on Juneau before we arrived at the boat.

I had seen humpbacks in Hawaii years ago. The whales are in Alaska during the warmer months before they head there so I was looking forward to seeing them in Juneau. I had fun watching for their spouts, an indication you might see them lifting their heads up. We also had a good look at Mendenhall Glacier along the way.

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Buy Fresh Fish at Taku Fisheries

Outside of the Taku Smokeries & Store — Taku Smokeries & Store is the place to get salmon in Juneau. Photo credit: Marcia Frost

Taku is known throughout Alaska as one of the top fisheries. The store in Juneau is huge and unique. It’s a place where you can learn about five types of salmon and taste samples. You can purchase canned, freeze dried, frozen, fresh and packaged salmon. They prepare it for you to take or ship it to your home.

I had a special reason to go to Taku. My severe seafood allergy keeps me from any fish that might have been exposed to cross-contamination. Taku is the only place in Alaska that has Kosher salmon, which means it is never near shellfish. It was delicious.

Ride the Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway

The front of the red and white Goldbelt Tram. — Ride directly into the Tram in a wheelchair or scooter. Photo credit: Marcia Frost

If you do only one thing in Juneau, it should be the Mount Roberts Tramway. The ride is easy. I rode my scooter right on the tram for the trip up 1,800 feet.

The top of the mountain is filled with activities, including hiking trails, an Indigenous art gallery, a theater playing a documentary on the Tlingit people and a gift shop. I am glad we did have some time to see the views at the top. It is a breathtaking spot where you take in the fresh air and say, “I am really in Alaska.”

SheBuysTravel Tip: Between Taku and the Tramway, stop at the Alaska Commercial Fishermen’s Memorial. It is a beautifully done dedication to men and women who lost their lives in the Alaska commercial fishing industry.

Planning a wheelchair friendly day

Getting There

Juneau is an island and only reachable by boat or plane. Cruise ships represent the most popular way to get there. Our cruise on the Royal Princess gave us the entire day to explore. If you want to stay longer, Juneau has hotels with accessible rooms.

Wheelchair Excursions

Most cruise ships now offer wheelchair-friendly excursions, but they book up so make plans as soon as you book your cruise. Also check with the excursion desk to make sure your equipment works with the planned sightseeing.

Green covered hills, a mountain with Mendenhall Glacier in the background — A view of the mountains and Glacier shows the beauty of Alaska. Photo credit: Marcia Frost

Utilize the tourism board

Travel Juneau holds a wealth of information to help you plan the most accessible day. Order their brochure in advance and check out their page on Accessible Tourism in the city.

Consider splitting your group

Kayaks in the water with Mendenhall Glacier in the background. — Brittany got close to Mendenhall Glacier on a kayaking trip. Photo credit: Brittany Lambright

Brittany is an adrenaline junky and loves physical activity. She spent the first half of the day kayaking around Mendenhall Glacier, which is not completely wheelchair accessible, while I was on the whale watching cruise. We met up later and did the Mount Roberts Tramway together. Allow everyone to enjoy things to their ability.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Regardless of the temperature, the sun in Alaska is strong. Wear plenty of sunblock.

What makes Juneau wheelchair accessible

Cars on the road and people walking along the shops in downtown Juneau — Downtown Juneau is easy to get around. Photo credit: Marcia Frost

I felt safe wheeling around Juneau, even when I was by myself.
Downtown Juneau is flat, so it is walkable (and wheelable).
From the cruise pier, you can get to attractions, shopping and food without needing an accessible taxi or bus.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Keep track of time with a watch or phone as it stays light in Alaska much later than in the continental United States. When the ship was ready to sail at 9:00 pm, it was still light out.

Where to shop and eat

Three halibut tacos in soft shells with tomato and a white sauce — Halibut tacos from Timberline Bar & Grill. Photo credit: Marcia Frost

I didn’t have much time in Downtown Juneau, though many of our fellow passengers ate and shopped with no complaints. We did pick up souvenirs at the gift shop on Mount Roberts. We also ate dinner there at the Timberline Bar & Grill. Brittany sampled Alaska beer with her halibut tacos. She loved them both. I thought my pulled pork was tender and tasty.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Even in the summer, weather in Alaska is unpredictable. I put a bag on my scooter and carried a sweatshirt and a rain poncho with me after learning this on my day in Juneau.