Unveiling Juneau’s Silver Screen: Exploring the Best Films Set There

Juneau, the capital city of Alaska, has long been the choice of film directors and authors for its magnificent landscapes and unique culture. From breathtaking glaciers to lush rainforests, Juneau’s varied terrains have been the backdrop of numerous acclaimed films and books. This article serves as a comprehensive travel guide to the locations and places in Juneau where various films, books, and TV series are set.

Famous Films Shot in Juneau

Juneau’s natural beauty and unique landscapes have made it a popular location for shooting films. Here are some of the most famous films shot in Juneau:

1. “The Proposal” (2009): This romantic comedy starring Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds was set in Sitka but filmed in various locations around Juneau. The film showcases the stunning Alaskan landscapes and captures the charm of small-town life.
2. “Into the Wild” (2007): This biographical adventure film, directed by Sean Penn, features several scenes shot in Juneau, capturing the city’s wild and scenic beauty.
3. “White Fang” (1991): This film adaptation of Jack London’s classic novel was filmed in and around Juneau. The film captures the harsh yet magnificent Alaskan wilderness.
4. “Insomnia” (2002): This psychological thriller directed by Christopher Nolan and starring Al Pacino and Robin Williams was partly filmed in Juneau, showcasing the city’s eerie beauty.
5. “On Deadly Ground” (1994): This action film starring Steven Seagal features breathtaking shots of Juneau’s wilderness and glaciers.

TV Shows Set in Juneau

In addition to films, Juneau has also been the setting for several popular TV shows:

1. “Northern Exposure” (1990-1995): This comedy-drama television series, although primarily filmed in Washington State, portrays the fictional Alaskan town of Cicely, drawing inspiration from Juneau’s landscapes.
2. “Deadliest Catch” (2005-present): This reality television series about crab fishing in the Bering Sea often features scenes in Juneau, particularly involving the professional fishermen who reside there.
3. “Gold Rush” (2010-present): This reality television series, which follows various family-run mining companies, often features scenes in Juneau, a city with a rich history of gold mining.

Animated Films Set in Juneau

Juneau’s stunning landscapes have also served as the inspiration for several animated films:

1. “Balto” (1995): This animated adventure film, based on a true story about a Siberian Husky who helped transport a diphtheria antitoxin serum to Nome, Alaska, in 1925, features scenes inspired by Juneau’s snowy landscapes.
2. “Brother Bear” (2003): This Disney animated film about a young Inuit boy who is transformed into a bear is set in a post-Ice Age Alaska, drawing inspiration from Juneau’s stunning landscapes.
3. “The Great Alaskan Race” (2019): This animated film, much like “Balto,” is based on the 1925 serum run to Nome and features beautiful animated renditions of Juneau’s landscapes.

Famous Books Set in Juneau

Juneau’s rich history and cultural significance have also made it a popular setting for numerous literary works. Here are a few classic and contemporary books set in Juneau:

Classics:

1. “The Call of the Wild” by Jack London: This classic novel set during the Klondike Gold Rush in the 1890s, epitomizes the harsh wilderness of Juneau.
2. “White Fang” by Jack London: Another of London’s classic novels, “White Fang” is set in Yukon Territory and Alaska, with significant portions taking place in what is now Juneau.
3. “Travels in Alaska” by John Muir: This travelogue by the famous naturalist details his journeys and observations in Alaska, including Juneau.

Contemporary:

1. “The Snow Child” by Eowyn Ivey: This magical realism novel is set in 1920s Alaska and captures the harsh yet beautiful landscapes of Juneau.
2. “Into the Wild” by Jon Krakauer: This non-fiction book, which inspired the eponymous film, details Christopher McCandless’s travels across North America, including a significant portion in Alaska.
3. “The Great Alone” by Kristin Hannah: This contemporary novel is set in the Alaskan wilderness of the 1970s, capturing the isolation and breathtaking beauty of Juneau.

Exploring Juneau’s Filming Locations – Where to Go

If you’re a film or book enthusiast, exploring the actual locations where your favorite scenes were set can be a thrilling experience. Here are some must-visit filming locations in Juneau:

1. Mendenhall Glacier: Featured in numerous films, this stunning glacier is a must-visit. It’s easily accessible and offers various activities, such as hiking and wildlife viewing.
2. Downtown Juneau: The heart of the city, with its charming buildings and quaint streets, has been a backdrop for several films and TV shows.
3. Admiralty Island: Known as “Fortress of the Bears,” this location is home to the highest density of brown bears in North America and has been featured in several nature documentaries.
4. Glacier Bay National Park: This massive national park, with its stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife, has inspired numerous filmmakers and authors.
5. Tongass National Forest: As the largest national forest in the U.S., Tongass has served as the backdrop for numerous films and books set in the Alaskan wilderness.

Where to Sleep in Juneau

When it comes to accommodation, Juneau offers a wide range of options to suit every budget and preference:

Budget:

1. Juneau Hostel: This budget-friendly option provides basic amenities in a central location.
2. Silverbow Inn: A boutique hotel located in the heart of downtown Juneau, offering affordable rooms with a charming, vintage feel.
3. Driftwood Hotel: This budget-friendly hotel is centrally located and offers clean, comfortable rooms.

Luxury:

1. The Westmark Baranof Hotel: This historic hotel offers comfortable rooms and a prime location in downtown Juneau.
2. Four Points by Sheraton Juneau: Offering stunning views of the Gastineau Channel, this hotel provides luxury accommodations in the heart of the city.
3. Pearson’s Pond Luxury Inn and Adventure Spa: For a truly luxurious experience, consider this top-rated inn located near the Mendenhall Glacier.

Where to Eat in Juneau

From fresh seafood to hearty stews, Juneau offers a variety of dining options:

Budget:

1. The Rookery Cafe: This local favorite offers delicious coffee and a variety of sandwiches and pastries at a reasonable price.
2. Pel Meni Dumpling Tzar: For a quick, budget-friendly bite, try these delicious Russian dumplings.
3. El Sombrero: This family-owned restaurant serves up tasty Mexican food at a great price.

Luxury:

1. Tracy’s King Crab Shack: This popular spot offers the best king crab in Juneau, along with a variety of other seafood dishes.
2. Salt: For a fine dining experience, visit Salt. Their menu features Alaskan seafood, locally sourced ingredients, and an extensive wine list.
3. The Hangar on the Wharf: This waterfront restaurant offers stunning views, a wide variety of dishes, and a selection of local beers.

Detailed Itinerary Day by Day

Day 1:

1. Morning: Start your day with a visit to the Mendenhall Glacier. Take a guided tour or hike one of the trails to see the glacier up close.
2. Afternoon: Head to downtown Juneau to explore the charming streets and buildings that have been featured in several films. Grab lunch at The Rookery Cafe.
3. Evening: Have dinner at Tracy’s King Crab Shack and then catch a show at Perseverance Theatre, Alaska’s largest professional theatre.

Day 2:

1. Morning: Take a tour of Admiralty Island to see the brown bears and other wildlife. Be sure to bring your camera!
2. Afternoon: Visit the Glacier Bay National Park. Take a boat tour or kayak to get a closer look at the stunning landscapes.
3. Evening: Dine at Salt for a fine dining experience featuring locally sourced ingredients.

Day 3:

1. Morning: Explore the Tongass National Forest. Go on a guided hike or take a flightseeing tour to truly appreciate its vastness.
2. Afternoon: Visit the Alaska State Museum to learn more about the state’s history and culture.
3. Evening: Have dinner at The Hangar on the Wharf, enjoying the stunning waterfront views.

Cryptid Legends and Curiosities

Juneau and the larger Alaskan region are ripe with cryptid legends and curiosities:

1. The Kushtaka: This mythical shape-shifting creature, also known as the “Land Otter Man,” is believed by the Tlingit and Tsimshian peoples to lure people to water with the intent to turn them into another Kushtaka.
2. The Hairy Man: Similar to Bigfoot or Sasquatch legends, stories of a large, hairy, human-like creature abound in Alaska, particularly in the areas surrounding Juneau.
3. Ice Worms: These real creatures, which live in glacial ice, have inspired local legends and feature in Jack London’s short story “In a Far Country”.

Hidden Gems in Juneau

Beyond the well-trodden paths, Juneau is home to several hidden gems:

1. The Shrine of St. Therese: This peaceful sanctuary located on a small island offers a tranquil retreat.
2. The Juneau Icefield: While the Mendenhall Glacier gets most of the attention, the vast Juneau Icefield offers stunning views and fewer crowds.
3. Mount Roberts: Take the tramway up for breathtaking views of Juneau and the surrounding area.