Transportation in Juneau and Victoria

[capeachyevey]

We are first time cruisers with an 8-year-old and 2-year-old. We are doing a big family excursion in Skagway (we're travelling with extended family). But, we intend to do our own (cheap or free) thing in Juneau and Victoria. We're thinking of visiting the Mendenhall Glacier and the Macaulay Salmon Hatchery in Juneau. Not sure about Victoria yet. My question is how should we plan to get around? Our toddler will need a car seat. Is it better to just rent a car? Is there adequate public transportation that we can rely on? Are there shuttles? Are taxis affordable? Any help would be awesome!

Edited June 2, 2014 by capeachyevey

[Kamloops50]

We are first time cruisers with an 8-year-old and 2-year-old. We are doing a big family excursion in Skagway (we're travelling with extended family). But, we intend to do our own (cheap or free) thing in Juneau and Victoria. We're thinking of visiting the Mendenhall Glacier and the Macaulay Salmon Hatchery in Juneau. Not sure about Victoria yet. My question is how should we plan to get around? Our toddler will need a car seat. Is it better to just rent a car? Is there adequate public transportation that we can rely on? Are there shuttles? Are taxis affordable? Any help would be awesome!

There are shuttle to the glacier in Juneau. I personally wouldn't rent a car for a day in Juneau or Victoria.

[mapleleaves]

How long are you in port?

 

In Juneau, price a rental car vs 4 transfers on the MGT bus to Mendenhall. But keep in mind that with a car, you can also drive to the Hatchery, drive along the coast to Roads End, stopping at Auke Lake, the Shrine and Eagle Beach to watch for eagles/whales and let the kids run around.

 

Most stops in Victoria are for a few hours in the evening. Unless you have specific sites to see, not much point in renting a car. The Inner Harbor is a lovely area to walk around ....Parliament Bldgs, Empress Hotel, busy docks, buskers, even totems and gardens. The kids might be tired of boats but there's a cute little ferry that you could take from the Inner Harbor to Fishermans Wharf, then walk the rest of the way back to your pier. http://fishermanswharfvictoria.com/

[capeachyevey]

How long are you in port?

 

In Juneau, price a rental car vs 4 transfers on the MGT bus to Mendenhall. But keep in mind that with a car, you can also drive to the Hatchery, drive along the coast to Roads End, stopping at Auke Lake, the Shrine and Eagle Beach to watch for eagles/whales and let the kids run around.

 

We'll be in port from 7am to 6pm.

 

Most stops in Victoria are for a few hours in the evening. Unless you have specific sites to see, not much point in renting a car. The Inner Harbor is a lovely area to walk around ....Parliament Bldgs, Empress Hotel, busy docks, buskers, even totems and gardens. The kids might be tired of boats but there's a cute little ferry that you could take from the Inner Harbor to Fishermans Wharf, then walk the rest of the way back to your pier. http://fishermanswharfvictoria.com/

 

We'll be there from 3pm to 11pm. I was thinking about Fisherman's Wharf. Trying to make it a fun experience with something a little different.

 

Thanks for the feedback. Just trying to make some decisions. We sail in one month!

[Putterdude]

First of all, welcome to Cruise Critic, I hope it is a good experience. You will have no trouble getting a shuttle out to Mendenhall from the cruise dock. With regard to Victoria, at the cruise terminal there will be a shuttle service but you will likely find it less expensive to take cab into downtown and have a walk around. Victoria's fishermans' wharf is not at all like San Francisco's, there is little in the way of entertainment however your children might enjoy Miniature World and the buskers that preform nightly on the causeway of the inner harbour in front of the Empress hotel.

 

http://www.miniatureworld.com/

[epixx]

For young kids in Victoria, I recommend Beacon Hill Park. It's close to where the cruise ship docks, away from the crowds, has lovely views of the water, and has really nice playgrounds that the kids can enjoy. Bring a stroller so that the adults can also enjoy a pleasant walk.

[smallfish]

Hi, there is also a Bug Zoo cross street of Minuate world may be good for the young one.