The Best Bear Viewing In Alaska!

Are there bears in Alaska? Yes! Alaska is Bear Country - and it is one of the few places in the world where all three species of North American bears live. Brown bears, black bears, and even polar bears can be found in Alaska. Many visitors travel to Alaska to see these magnificent creatures because the state has some of the best bear-viewing locations in the world.

Brown bears, also called grizzly bears, are found nearly everywhere in Alaska. Black bears inhabit most of Alaska’s forests. Polar bears frequent the sea ice and tundra of extreme northern and western Alaska. But for a truly memorable bear-viewing experience, consider taking a bear tour in Juneau, Alaska!

Five Fast Facts About Juneau

Juneau is the capital city of Alaska. It is located in the southeastern part of the state, on the Gastineau Channel, and is a popular destination for tourists. Each year, as many as 900,000 cruise ship passengers and an additional 100,000 independent travelers visit Juneau. The city features several attractions for visitors, but it is also a jumping-off point for Alaska cruise bear viewing as well as other types of bear tours in Juneau, Alaska!

Here are five fast facts about Juneau that many people don’t know:

• Juneau is inaccessible by road! Even though this city is located on the Alaska mainland, no roads connect it to the rest of Alaska – or North America! This means that everything, including visitors, arrives in Juneau by plane or boat.
• Juneau is metropolitan. Despite its remote location, Juneau is a thriving city. The state’s premier theater company can be found in Juneau, along with many clubs, bars, and restaurants. Visitors may come for bear tours in Juneau, Alaska, but they often stay for the city’s cosmopolitan flair!
• Juneau is BIG. The city and its surrounding municipality are larger than the state of Rhode Island.
• Juneau’s nearest neighbor is a giant glacier! One of the most famous glaciers in Alaska, the Mendenhall Glacier, is just 15 miles outside of Juneau. The Mendenhall Glacier is a top tourist attraction in Alaska, right after Alaska cruise bear viewing.
• Juneau is wild. The city, which is located 89 miles from the Tongass National Forest, is home to 280 species of birds, brown and black bears, five species of salmon, and whales.

Know Before You Go – The Bear Facts

Are there bears in Juneau, Alaska? Yes! Most visitors who want to see Juneau’s bears book a guided bear-viewing expedition to a prime viewing location. Other travelers may take a more DIY approach to their vacation, and plan out independent hikes to explore the many trails around the city and Mendenhall Glacier. But whether you go exploring on your own or travel with a group to see Alaska’s bears, there are a few key safety tips to keep in mind.

• Always make noise on a hike so you don’t surprise a bear. Stay alert and look for signs of bears in the woods.
• Never approach or crowd bears. To stay safe, you must respect their personal space.
• If you are camping (or picnicking) in bear country, keep food and garbage out of the bears’ reach.
• If you are approached by a bear, stay calm. Have your bear spray ready and stand your ground. Stay in a group and speak calmly. Do not run.
• Always give female bears with cubs extra space. Mother bears are fierce defenders of their young and may respond aggressively if they perceive a threat to their cubs.

Top Three Bear Tours Near Juneau

Are you looking for the best bear tours near Juneau, Alaska? You’re in luck – we’ve picked three that we think you will love!

Bear Tour #1 – Waterfall Creek (Chichagof Island)

One of the best bear tours in Juneau, Alaska is at Waterfall Creek on Chichagof Island. To increase your chances of seeing a bear (or two), plan a visit between July 15 and September 10, when they are most active. Trips to Chichagof Island are by guided tour, as you will have to take a floatplane to reach it! Peak viewing season at Waterfall Creek coincides with the return of the salmon. During this trip, you can watch groups of bears fish from the rapids of a small river below a stunning waterfall. In addition to seeing bears, you can enjoy the rich, local history of this protected wilderness area.

Bear Tour #2 – Pack Creek Brown Bear Sanctuary (Admiralty Island)

If you ask a local “Are there bears in Alaska,” they will point you to Admiralty Island and the Pack Creek Brown Bear Sanctuary. Pack Creek is located on Admiralty Island, which is just a short floatplane ride from Juneau. This famous bear-viewing location was named “Kootznoowoo,” or “Fortress of the Bear” by Alaska’s Tlingit people. After you land on the island, your guide will take you on a short hike through the forest to the viewing location, where you can watch the bears from a viewing platform. Highlights of bear viewing on Admiralty Island include watching the bears eat sedges and clams, play with siblings, and fish for salmon in the creek. Wildlife enthusiasts can enjoy the sight of the native birds, mammals and marine life that thrive in the rich ecosystem of old-growth rain forest and coastal marine environments that exist in perfect harmony on the island.

Bear Tour #3 – From Sitka to Juneau

For a truly unique experience, consider booking an Alaska cruise with bear viewing. Many tour operators offer cruises from Sitka to Juneau, for a multi-day Alaska experience! When you book a trip like this, you will embark in Sitka, then spend a day cruising around the city’s waterways with a guided tour to learn more about the area’s Tlingit culture and the native wildlife. Along the way, you will visit Kasnyku Bay and Hidden Falls, where you can see Alaska’s coastal brown bears feasting on salmon before their winter hibernation. Later, you will sail south to Kuiu Island, to see black bears. Finally, enjoy a cruise around Tracy Arm, where you can see pristine waterfalls, abundant harbor seals, towering icebergs, and granite cliffs before docking in Juneau after a multi-day adventure of a lifetime!

Bears, Bears, And More Bears!

Alaska bear viewing is a one-of-a-kind experience. Whether you opt for bear tours in Juneau, Alaska, or at some other incredible viewing location in the state, you won’t be disappointed. From Alaska cruise bear viewing to more adventurous trips into the backcountry, Alaska has something for everyone. Now grab your binoculars and get packing – it’s time for a beary exciting adventure.