Juneau Ghost Walk: Explore Alaska’s Haunted Capital

If you’re heading to Juneau and have a curiosity for the mysterious, the Juneau Ghost Walk promises an intriguing evening exploring the city’s haunted spots and local legends. Designed as a guided, two-hour stroll through some of Juneau’s most storied sites, this experience aims to combine storytelling with a bit of spine-tingling fun. While it’s not a full-blown paranormal investigation, it’s a solid choice if you’re into folklore, history, and a touch of the supernatural.

What I really appreciate about this tour is how it balances local history with ghost stories, giving you a sense of the city’s past while adding a spooky twist. The tour visits some iconic landmarks like the Alaskan Hotel and the Red Dog Saloon, which are steeped in stories of apparitions and ghostly music. On top of that, the small group size (capped at 20) helps keep the experience intimate and engaging, allowing for plenty of storytelling and questions.

However, a few things to keep in mind: the price point of $34.99 isn’t overly expensive but does reflect a focus on storytelling rather than a high-spectacle ghost hunt. Also, the tour is suitable for ages 13 and up, so it’s not really meant for very young children or those who prefer a more kid-friendly outing. If spooky stories and local lore are your thing, this tour could be a highlight of your visit to Juneau.

This ghost walk is best suited for travelers who enjoy history mixed with ghost stories, and who don’t mind walking through potentially chilly or dark city streets at night. It’s a fun, atmospheric way to get a different perspective on Juneau, especially if you’re curious about its stories beyond the scenic views.

Key Points

• Balanced storytelling combines local folklore, history, and paranormal tales.
• Iconic locations like the Alaskan Hotel and Red Dog Saloon offer a glimpse into Juneau’s haunted past.
• The small group setting enriches the experience with personal stories and questions.
• The tour is cost-effective for what it offers, focusing on tales rather than a full-on ghost hunt.
• It’s family-friendly for ages 13 and up, with wheelchair accessibility.
• The duration is just right — enough to get immersed without feeling rushed.

A Deep Dive into the Juneau Ghost Walk

From the very start, this tour feels like walking into a storybook of Juneau’s past. Meeting at the Juneau Public Library, you’re immediately introduced to Tlingit legends like Raven and Eagle, symbols of creation and protection. These stories aren’t just folklore but are woven into the city’s culture, with locals still recounting tales of trickster ravens mimicking voices. It’s a fascinating way to begin, setting a tone that mixes myth with the possible paranormal.

Next, the walk moves to the Red Dog Saloon, a historic landmark that has transformed from a frontier tent to a lively bar. Here, the story of Professor Phineas Poon, the beloved piano player whose ghost supposedly still haunts the place, adds a charming layer of local color. This site exemplifies how Juneau’s history is intertwined with ghostly tales, making the stories feel rooted in real places. Several visitors have shared that they enjoyed hearing about the artifacts that fill the saloon, which lend authenticity to the ghostly accounts.

One of the more spirited stops is The Lucky Lady Pub, where the ghost of Mary Joyce—a legendary figure who once mush 1,000 miles—may still be felt. The atmosphere here is lively, but the stories about her fearless spirit and footsteps leave a lasting impression. This stop highlights how Juneau’s history of adventure and resilience continues to inspire ghost stories today.

The Alaskan Hotel & Bar, built in 1913, is arguably the tour’s most haunted location. Guests have reported seeing apparitions, particularly Alice, who is said to wander the halls after a tragic end. The hotel’s age and history make it a perfect setting for ghost stories, and many find it to be a highlight of the walk. The experience of hearing firsthand accounts from visitors or staff about ghostly encounters adds to the sense of authenticity.

Moving on, the tour visits Tripp’s Mt. Juneau Trading Post, where local lore warns of a shapeshifting otter-man spirit that might lure travelers away. This story taps into some of the more mysterious and creature-based legends that float around Juneau. It’s a reminder that not all paranormal tales are about ghostly apparitions but also involve cryptids and mythical beings.

The Aunt Claudia’s Doll Museum offers a different kind of eeriness. With over 800 dolls from around the world, some believe the collection carries the spirits of their past owners. The quiet, almost claustrophobic atmosphere here makes it a uniquely unsettling stop—an unexpected highlight for fans of weird and wonderful stories.

The Crystal Saloon keeps up the spooky vibe with tales of objects moving and phantom music. One staff member’s account of slamming into an invisible wall is especially memorable, echoing folklore from Japan but fitting in here with Juneau’s ghostly tales. The saloon’s lively history as a bar and gathering spot makes it a compelling stop.

Continuing, the Juneau Drug Co Inc, housed in the historic Valentine Building, is a place where the tragic sinking of the Princess Sophia in 1918 still echoes. Staff report cold spots, ghostly touches, and even apparitions in the basement, making it a place where history and haunting collide. Visiting a site with real tragic history lends weight to the stories and leaves a lasting impression.

The tour also visits Hector, the friendly ghost of a construction worker at Annie Claudia’s Gallery. Employees believe Hector helps with small tasks like holding doors or finding lost items, giving the ghost stories a playful, warm touch. It’s a good reminder that not all spirits are frightening—they can also be helpful and benign.

Next, the Silverbow Inn, once a bakery and family home, is rumored to host footsteps, moving objects, and even sightings of the original baker. It’s a cozy yet eerie atmosphere, perfect for imagining the lives that once filled the building. Guests often find these stories charming and a little spooky.

The Alaska State Capitol Building stands as a symbol of government and history, but some say a former legislator’s ghost still roams the halls at night. While this story might be less detailed, it adds a layer of mystery to the city’s political heart.

The Juneau-Douglas City Museum mixes folklore—like tales of Bigfoot and ice worms—with historical exhibits, blurring the lines between legend and reality. Visitors often find the museum’s quirky stories a fun addition to the city’s ghostly reputation.

The State Office Building, site of Alaska’s last executions, is believed to house restless spirits of the condemned. This darker piece of history makes it a fitting stop for those interested in the city’s more somber past.

The Sealaska Heritage Institute offers a cultural perspective, with stories of reincarnation adding a mystical depth. It’s a great way to connect the spiritual themes of the tour with traditional indigenous beliefs.

Finally, the City Hall features a mural depicting Raven releasing the first humans, reminding us that the supernatural stories are woven into the very fabric of the city’s mythology. The statue of Patsy Ann, a beloved dog known for predicting ships’ arrivals, cements Juneau’s quirky, spirit-filled character.

What We Think

This tour offers a genuine taste of Juneau’s legends, with each site providing a different flavor of supernatural tales. The small group size makes it easy to engage with the guide, ask questions, and feel immersed. The price of $34.99 feels reasonable considering you’re guided through a variety of sites with local stories, some of which are quite atmospheric.

While it’s largely a storytelling experience, some locations like the Alaskan Hotel and Juneau Drug Co offer tangible, physical evidence like cold spots or apparitions, which some might find convincing. Others might view these tales as fun folklore, but the stories are delivered with enough authenticity that they feel convincing.

The timing at 7 p.m. works well for those wanting an atmospheric evening activity, especially since the city’s streets quiet down and the dark sets the mood. The wheelchair-friendly route is an important detail, ensuring accessibility for diverse travelers.

Of course, keep in mind this isn’t a full-on paranormal investigation or a spooky scare. It’s more of a storytelling walk designed to entertain and educate about Juneau’s haunted lore. If you’re someone who prefers ghost hunts with EMF meters and ghost-hunting gear, this might not satisfy that craving. But if you love stories, local history, and a bit of spooky atmosphere, this is a solid choice.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This ghost walk is perfect for those who appreciate a mix of history and mystery, especially if you enjoy local folklore and ghost stories. It’s suitable for travelers aged 13 and up, making it a good option for teens and adults alike. The storytelling approach makes it a fun, relaxed way to experience Juneau after dark without feeling intense or overly frightening.

It’s also well-suited for couples, small groups of friends, or anyone interested in the culture and legends of Alaska’s capital. But if you’re traveling with very young children or looking for a family-friendly activity, this might be a bit too spooky or mature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children? Yes, it’s recommended for ages 13 and up. It’s designed to be fun and spooky without being overly frightening.

How long does the tour last? It lasts approximately 2 hours, and you’ll visit a variety of sites around downtown Juneau.

Where does the tour start and end? It begins at the Juneau Public Library and ends back at the same meeting point.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users? Yes, a wheelchair-friendly route is available, making it accessible for most travelers.

What is the price of the tour? The cost is $34.99 per person, which is quite reasonable for a guided experience focusing on local stories.

Are any tickets included in the price? The main guided tour is included. Some sites like Aunt Claudia’s Doll Museum and the Alaska State Capitol do not include admission fees, so you might want to budget for those if you plan to explore further.

What type of stories will I hear? You’ll hear about local legends, paranormal encounters, and tales of cryptids and spirits associated with Juneau’s history and cultural sites.

Do I need to book in advance? Yes, as the tour operates at a set time (7 p.m.) and has a limited group size for a more intimate experience.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve got an interest in ghost stories or local legends, the Juneau Ghost Walk can be a fun, atmospheric way to spend an evening. It’s a good mix of storytelling, history, and local color, with enough genuine tales to keep you entertained. While it’s not a high-adrenaline paranormal investigation, it’s authentic enough to leave you with a few chills and some new stories to tell.

This experience is best suited for those who appreciate cultural lore and enjoy wandering through historical sites at night. If you’re curious about Juneau’s haunted side but want a relaxed, well-paced tour, this could be just the thing to add some mystery to your trip.

Happy haunting, and enjoy your journey through Juneau’s mysterious side!