Juneau, Alaska, is known for its warm and friendly hospitality. In fact, more than 130 Juneau residents volunteer to meet and greet visitors and are available to answer any questions they may have about Juneau or Alaska.

The Local Lingo and Frequently Asked Questions below are great resources, but don't hesitate to call one of our local information experts at
888-581-2201 for further assistance.

Local Lingo

Alaskan: Simultaneously a person, place, and thing, depending on context. This is a bar and hotel in downtown Juneau, a malt beverage brewed here by the Alaskan Brewing Company, and a state resident. You could have an Alaskan with an Alaskan at the Alaskan. (And you should.)
Amber: A type of Alaskan, an ale.
The Bridge: "The Bridge" is the one downtown that crosses Gastineau Channel to Douglas. Technically, it's called the Juneau-Douglas Bridge.
The Channel: Gastineau Channel, that body of water between Juneau and Douglas.
Chums: Dog salmon, as in "the chums are running." Soon to be your best friend. Get it?
DIPAC (pronounced die-pack): Stands for Douglas Island Pink and Chum. This is the fish hatchery now renamed the Macaulay Salmon Hatchery, where you can see chums, kings, and coho.
Dollies: Dolly Varden trout.
Douglas: A place, not a person. Refers to both the town and the island across the channel from downtown. When people say North Douglas, they mean West Douglas, where the North Douglas Highway goes. Makes perfect sense, right?
ExtraTufs: Knee-high slip-on rubber boots. XtraTufs is a brand name, but this is a generic term for all "Juneau Sneakers." They go with everything.
Lemon Creek: Might sound like a fancy wine, but it's the big valley between downtown and the airport. Also refers to a local glacier and stream.
The Road: There are lots of roads, but "The Road" is the long one that runs north and south. It's called Egan Drive between downtown and the Mendenhall Valley; north of there, it's either the Veterans Memorial Highway or Glacier Highway. Past Auke Bay, people call it "Out The Road." It ends 40 miles north of downtown.
The Shrine: The Shrine of St. Therese. A quaint stone Catholic church next to a hot fishing spot "Out The Road" at mile 28.
The S.O.B.: This is what the locals affectionately (wink-wink) call the State Office Building, where many of them work. It's sandwiched between Willoughby Avenue and Calhoun Street downtown.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How can you spot an Alaskan?
A:Southeast Alaskans are often decked out in rubber boots, well-worn Levis or Carhartts, and tattered, hooded sweatshirts. Their complexions are dewy, and they squint when the sun comes out, followed by comments about that strange yellow ball in the sky.
Q: Why don't locals use umbrellas?
A: Call it stubbornness or being in denial, but somehow the umbrella just never caught on here. People are drip-dry, and umbrellas just can't take the wind that so often accompanies the rain. Besides, umbrellas are for wimps.
Q: How high is Juneau?
A: The ocean gives you a clue. The Inside Passage is the Pacific Ocean, which places Juneau right at sea level. High tide used to lap South Franklin and Front Street, and canoes were parked where people are walking now.
Q: Does it always rain here?
A: No. Sometimes it snows. Juneau gets about 150 inches of precipitation a year; we call it "liquid sunshine." Around these parts, any day without rain is considered a beautiful day.
Q: What should we bring to wear?
A: During the spring, summer, and fall, dressing in layers is the key to being comfortable. A light shirt, short or long sleeves, makes an excellent first layer. Over that, a sweatshirt, wool sweater, or fleece pullover will provide warmth. The ideal outer layer is a light waterproof jacket. Layers should be easy to remove depending on weather changes and your activity.
Q: Do you take American money?
A: You betcha. We'll take all the money you want to give us. However, due to our proximity to Canada, don't be surprised if a cashier gives you Canadian coins for change. The two coinage types mingle freely here.
Q: Do I need a passport when I come to Juneau?
A: Only if you plan to continue your journey to Canada, Russia or the Far East.
Q: What time is it here?
A: Alaska time. Things will get done, unless the sun is out or the fishing is exceptionally good. Most of Alaska is on Alaska time, an hour earlier than Pacific time.
Q: Where's the Midnight Sun?
A: Go north above the Arctic Circle, where the sun never sets during the summer, about 66 degrees north latitude. Juneau is just above 58 degrees north latitude.
Q: How many hours of daylight do you have?
A: How many do you need? On Juneau's longest day, June 21, we have 18 hours and 18 minutes of the good stuff. On the shortest day in December, we have 6 hours and 21 minutes of daylight.
Q: When is the best time to see whales?
A: Whales are in the Juneau area year-round. However, from April to November the majority of humpback whales return to the waters of the northern Inside Passage.
Q: Do you have car rentals in Juneau?
A: Of course! Most national rental car firms operate out of the airport. Additionally, local auto dealers rent cars, vans, and even buses. Many of these firms will offer to pick you up or drop you off. Search our listings online for contact information.
Q: Can I drive to Glacier Bay?
A: No. Glacier Bay/Gustavus is only accessible by air or water. It is a short 33 miles from Juneau. Convenient commuter air service is available year-round. During the summer, daily jet service is provided by Alaska Airlines.
Q: Can I see Glacier Bay in one day?
A: What's your hurry? Yes, you sure can, although a minimum of two days is suggested. To visit Glacier Bay in one day, an early morning flight with one of several scheduled commuter plane services is required. The Glacier Bay cruise aboard the Spirit of Adventure departs at 7:30 am from Bartlett Cove. The late afternoon return trip to Juneau can be by commuter plane, jet, or ferry.
Q: Where can we get an Alaska Marine Highway Ferry schedule?
A: It is available on the web at www.ferryalaska.com.
Q: How can I get to the Ferry Terminal?
A: Taxi service is available. The nearest bus stop is 1.75 miles from the terminal.
Q: How far is the airport from downtown?
A: A short 10 miles. Many hotels offer courtesy van service. Taxi cabs and public bus service is also available.
Q: Where can I get more information on Alaska for a student report?
A: The official Student Information Guide to Alaska is available at www.state.ak.us/local/kids/home.html or at www.travelalaska.com.
Q: Can we get married in Alaska?
A: Yes -- with a little planning. Contact the Marriage Commissioner at Vital Statistics at 907-465-3038 to obtain a license or apply at www.hss.state.ak.us. The license must be picked up in person. It will be available three business days after the application is received and is good for 90 days, anywhere in Alaska. Complete information on planning your wedding in Juneau is available by calling toll-free at 888-581-2201.
Q: Where is the statue of Patsy Ann?
A: The statue, in memory of Juneau's most famous resident, an English Bull Terrier, is located on the downtown dock boardwalk halfway between the library and the small boat lightering ramp.
Q: Where will we find Totem Poles?
A: There are several totem poles and historic buildings on the National Register located in the downtown area. The City Museum has a complete list and detailed map, but below are a few and their approximate location:

• Harnessing the Atom Totem Pole, outside City Museum (Calhoun St. side)
  
• Friendship Totem Pole, lobby of Courthouse Building (4th and Seward)
  
• The Old Witch Totem Pole, State Office Building (8th floor Main Lobby)
  
• The Governor's Totem Pole, outside Governor's Mansion (716 Calhoun St.)
  
• Raven and Eagle Totem Poles, Village St. & Willoughby
  
• Wooshkeetann & Auk Tribe Totem Poles, outside Centennial Hall
  
• Four Story Totem Pole, outside City Museum