Whales, Glaciers, and Railroads: A Journey Through Alaska's Wild Beauty

After nearly a full day of flying from the Philippines, stepping off the plane in Juneau felt like arriving in a completely different world. The air was cold and sharp, a huge contrast to the heat I had just left behind. I had prepared for the change in weather, but nothing prepares you for that first breath of Alaskan air after being in the sky for so long. The mountains surrounding the runway were the first hint that this trip was going to be something special.

By the time I arrived in Juneau, it was already late in the afternoon. I made my way into town and checked into the Alaskan Hotel and Bar, a historic building in the heart of downtown. After such a long journey, I didn’t try to do too much. I unpacked, got comfortable, and let myself rest. It felt good to slow down and let the reality of being in Alaska sink in.

Juneau is Alaska’s capital, but it doesn’t feel like one. It’s more like a small town nestled between mountains and the sea, where everything is close and quiet. The next morning, I woke up refreshed and ready to explore. I started with a walk along the Juneau Seawalk. The views of the Gastineau Channel were peaceful, and the humpback whale sculpture, Tahku, was even more impressive in person. It looked like it had just breached from the water, frozen midair, with foggy mountains behind it and seabirds passing through the mist.

One place I absolutely recommend is the Alaska State Museum. It’s beautifully curated and full of insight into the cultures, history, and complexity of this massive state. From Alaska Native art to artifacts from the gold rush, Russian occupation, and early statehood, the exhibits helped me better understand the land I was about to explore. It was calm, educational, and deeply worth the time. If you only visit one museum in Alaska, make it this one.

Later that afternoon, I had lunch at The Hangar on the Wharf. It was cozy, with views of the harbor, and filled with locals and UnCruise crew members grabbing a bite between shifts. The food was filling and warm, just what I needed after a chilly walk outside.

But the true highlight came when I sat down for a meal at Tracy’s King Crab Shack. This was my very first experience tasting Alaskan king crab, and it was everything I had imagined. The crab legs were huge, full of soft, sweet meat, and dripping with butter. I sat at my table wrapped in layers, happily cracking shells and dipping each bite into seasoned butter. It was messy in the best way, and it felt like a proper introduction to Alaska. That single meal made the trip feel real.

During my time walking around town, I also noticed something unexpected. I heard Tagalog and saw several fellow Filipinos working in shops and on the docks. That small connection to home made me feel a little more rooted, even while standing at what felt like the edge of the continent.

I spent two nights in Juneau before embarking on the cruise, and that quiet start gave me time to ease into the pace of Alaska. The people were kind, the food was unforgettable, and the views already felt like something out of a movie. It was only the beginning, but I knew even then that this trip would stay with me long after I returned home.

If you have more time in Juneau, I’d recommend checking out the Goldbelt Tram. It takes you high above the city in just a few minutes, and the views from the top are stunning, especially on a clear day. From there, you can hike trails that lead further into the alpine landscape. Another popular spot is Mendenhall Glacier, just outside the city. You can reach it easily by shuttle or public bus, and it offers a close-up look at one of Alaska’s most accessible glaciers, complete with a visitor center and nearby trails. I didn’t make it to these places this time, but they’re high on my list if I ever come back—something to keep in mind if you're planning your own stop in Juneau.