Sadly looks like you are going to see the standard Juneau liquid sunshine by the time you get here!
Summer has been here for the last 10 days!
Both towns are extremely expensive and busy this time of year. Accomodation is generally in short supply and occasionally is fully booked! Juneau is kinda split between the valley (airport area) and downtown, with accomodation, food and restaraunts in both locations.
Check out these sites for info on accomodation, eating and local information:
http://www.traveljuneau.com/planner/index.cfm
http://www.kinyradio.com
2 FBO's in JNU. Coastal Fuel and AeroServices - both very good.
Both airports are in excellent shape and have (amongst about everything else) 732 and 734 service into them. I've seen 747's and DC-10's here in Juneau, well once anyway (big Microsoft party)!
zerozero has told you most everything you need to know. Be advised that JNU is extremely busy this time of year, with 3 parallel operations happening simultaneously. Runway operations; floatplane operations from the float-pond; and helicopter operations (flying in formations of up to 6 machines), originating from 4 seperate locations on the airport!
There are a large number of floatplane operations from downtown (8 miles East) and between the two, is yet another heliport with 12, or so, A-stars operating from it!
There are extensive aerial tour operations over the icefield, with both helicopter and fixed-wing operators buzzing around in large numbers. Be very cautious about entering that area until you do a little local research with the operators here. You'll think your in the wilderness until you stumble into a flight of 20 machines!
Not trying to freak you out, but keep your eye's peeled in this very active area.
There is some
very important information contained on the FAA Juneau FSDO website.
http://www.alaska.faa.gov/jnufsdo/airspace.htm
Fabulous place to visit. Water; huge mountains; glaciers; animals that would eat you as soon as look at you!
Sitka is a very pretty place, nice to walk around. Good fishing too!
Between Sitka and Juneau, might be worth stopping in Gustavus, the entry to Glacier Bay. A trip from Gustavus to see the whales at Point Adolphus is generally one of the highlights of any trip to S.E. Alaska. Boat trip into Glacier Bay is also highly recommended.
Trips from Juneau include float-planes, helicopters and other trips on the icefield NorthStar Trekking has the ultimate helicopter trip
http://www.glaciertrekking.com/ which include hiking on the glacier - it really is cool (literally) and is worth every penny! Whale watching and other boat trips are very worthwhile as well. (None of this is cheap)!
Best low cost activities include; Mendenhall Glacier; walk out to this stunning and accesible glacier. Mendenhall wetlands; walk out around the end of the runway and get a fabulous view of everything around here. Sitting by the floatpond for an hour or two on a busy day! Dipac and Sheep Creek; watch millions of Salmon coming home! Eagle beach; stunning views of water and mountains, often see whales right off the beach here. Walking downtown and checking out the touristas! Also 2 good museums downtown.
The Hangar is good restaraunt downtown (converted floatplane hangar - has great pictures of early aviation in the area). Armadillo has good mexican food. Baccars is the best place for breakfast and lunch (owned by a Brit!). There are any number of skanky or touristy bars - not that I've ever been in any of them!
Good guide books for here include Lonely Planet Alaska. Alaska Yukon Guide (Moon books) and Fodors - definitely worth going to the library before you go!
Fabulous place. Have fun!
[ 17 August 2001: Message edited by: Cyclic Hotline ]