Quezi

Alaska Capitol Building - courtesy mhowry - CC-BY

Juneau has been the capital of Alaska since 1906.  In area it is one of the largest cities in the world, larger than Rhode Island and Delaware and almost as large as the area of both those states combined.  It is also the only U.S. state capital to border another country.  Beyond the eastern city limit is British Columbia, Canada.

Summer activities in Juneau include hiking, biking and kayaking, rainforest ziplines, whale watching and wildlife viewing, city sightseeing (including the Mendenhall Glacier), Juneau Ice field flights, trekking and dog sledding, the Mt. Robert’s Tram and alpine hiking, sport fishing along with salmon hatchery, cannery, brewery, and the  botanical garden tours. In the winter Juneau comes alive with a variety of theater, symphony, and opera performances along with excellent cross-country and downhill skiing.

For shoppers, Juneau is dominated by the cruise ship industry and is loaded with jewelry, t-shirt, and trinket shops. There are a couple of stores dealing with local crafts and products.  For diners, Juneau can surprise with its variety of restaurants from local specialties to Asian fusion cuisine.  And prices are reasonable, considering everything comes in by plane or boat.

Juneau is considered a safe city.  Just apply normal precautions.

Juneau has a much milder climate than most would expect in Alaska.  The average high temperature in July is 65 F (18 C), and the average low temperature in January is 20 F (−7 C).  It is only place in Alaska where the average daytime high temperature is above freezing during the winter months. Are you ready for tropical Alaska?  Some of the more cold-hardy palm trees might actually grow there.

Juneau is accessible only by sea or air and only one commercial airline serves the city through Juneau International Airport.  Public transportation is bus and a few taxis.

Juneau population is 30,988 (2008).

1 is the international calling code for the United States

907 is the area code for Juneau

For more information about Juneau