Juneau is even better with a plan, and this tour gives you one. You’ll hit three craft breweries with a signature tasting flight at each stop, then add short, high-impact scenic moments like the Mendenhall Glacier view from Brotherhood Bridge. The vibe is casual and local, but there’s one catch: the glacier viewpoint stop is brief and the glacier can look a bit far away.

I especially like how the route blends beer with real Juneau geography. A downtown start at Devil’s Club Brewing Company pairs nicely with Alaskan Brewing Co., and then the tour pushes you out to Auke Bay for Forbidden Peak Brewing, where you’re not stuck in the usual tourist bubble. The schedule also moves at a good pace, so you get enough time to taste and ask questions without feeling dragged along.

A potential drawback for some people is the time split: you spend about 10 minutes at the main photo stop for the glacier, so if your heart is set on a long sit-down overlook, this may feel short. Still, for most folks, it’s a smart “see and sip” format that fits well into a busy day.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Small group size (max 14) means you’re not lost in a crowd, and you can actually talk with your guide.
• One signature tasting flight at each brewery keeps the beer part structured and fun without turning into a long crawl.
• Devil’s Club starts you downtown at one of Juneau’s fresher, more creative brewery stops.
• Auke Bay has the payoff at Forbidden Peak with a more local-feeling taproom above the harbor.
• Two quick scenery stops cover Brotherhood Bridge (glacier, river, towers) and the Tahku whale statue at Overstreet Park.
• Snacks at Alaskan Brewing Co. include chips and kelp salsa from Barnacle Foods while you’re there.

Brewery Stops That Actually Feel Like Juneau

This is a 3 hours 45 minutes, beer-forward sightseeing tour based out of Juneau. You meet at Elizabeth Peratrovich Plaza, and you end back at the same spot, which makes the day feel self-contained. Expect a small group (up to 14), a mobile ticket, and a guide who focuses on both brewing and place—how Juneau got to where it is.

The big value here is that the brewery time isn’t just a casual “walk in and look around” thing. Each brewery includes an admission ticket, and you get a signature tasting flight at every brewery stop. That structure helps you taste broadly without needing to make lots of menu decisions while you’re already a little excited.

Also, the route keeps the “views” portion from feeling like an afterthought. Brotherhood Bridge gives you the famous photo moment for the glacier, and then the tour ends with the Tahku whale statue at Overstreet Park—another easy, iconic Juneau moment.

Devil’s Club Brewing Company: A Creative Downtown Welcome

Your first stop is Devil’s Club Brewing Company, typically the kick-off brewery. This spot is known for being fresh and creative, and the space is described as friendly—exactly the kind of start that helps your group settle in right away.

You’ll have about 45 minutes here, which is enough time to slow down. You can try the tasting flight, learn how their beer is approached, and ask questions without feeling rushed. This first stop also matters because it sets expectations for the rest of the day: you’re going to get thoughtful beer, not just something poured fast.

One practical thing: since this is your early brewery, it’s a good place to pace yourself. If you start with your “lightest” picks, the later tastings at bigger-name breweries will feel more enjoyable.

Alaskan Brewing Co.: The OG Taproom Plus Kelp Salsa

After Devil’s Club, the tour heads to Alaskan Brewing Co., Juneau’s original craft brewery. It’s been brewing in Juneau since 1986, and the purpose-built taproom is described as a warm, comfortable place to hang out.

This is another 45 minutes, and you’ll likely recognize the appeal right away. The name is historic, but the taproom still feels like a real gathering spot rather than a museum stop.

Here’s the extra snack perk: while you’re at Alaskan Brewing Co., you get chips and kelp salsa from Barnacle Foods. That may sound small, but it’s actually useful. Beer tastes different when you’ve got something salty and briny in the mix, and kelp salsa is a very Juneau kind of flavor.

This stop also tends to be the best one for people who like a mix of beer talk and local context. Expect your guide to connect brewing with the broader way people live in Juneau.

Brotherhood Bridge: Mendenhall Glacier Photos, With Realistic Timing

Next comes the sightseeing portion at Brotherhood Bridge, where you get epic views of the Mendenhall Glacier, the river, and the towers. The stop is short—about 10 minutes—but it’s built for fast photo opportunities and a quick hit of scenery.

Here’s the honest consideration: because the time is limited, you’re not going to linger in a perfect viewing spot for a long stretch. And in at least some cases, the glacier can feel a bit far away from the bridge viewpoint. If you’re the type who wants to watch the glacier like it’s a TV show, this may leave you wishing for more minutes.

Still, for most people this works. Ten minutes is just enough to get oriented, grab the photos you came for, and feel that “I’m really in Alaska” moment without blowing up the schedule.

Forbidden Peak Brewing in Auke Bay: The Local-Frequented Peak

The last brewery stop is Forbidden Peak Brewing in Auke Bay. This is described as the peak of the trips, and the key reason is location: it’s above the harbor, and it’s also a place many short-term visitors don’t normally reach.

You’ll get about 45 minutes here, and that time feels valuable because the setting encourages you to slow down. Auke Bay brings a different rhythm than downtown Juneau, so the day doesn’t feel repetitive. It also helps that Forbidden Peak is popular with locals, which usually translates into a more relaxed, conversational atmosphere.

If you love discovering where locals actually go, this is the stop you’ll remember most. Even if you’re not a hardcore beer person, the setting and the “off the beaten path” feel make it a strong payoff for the drive out to Auke Bay.

Overstreet Park and the Tahku Whale Statue: A Juneau Icon Finish

Your final stop is Overstreet Park, where you’ll see Juneau’s waterfront whale statue—often referred to as the Tahku statue. This piece of public art was commissioned by local community leaders and completed in 2018, and it’s quickly become one of the most popular stops in town.

Time here is about 10 minutes, so think of it as a visual finale: a quick walk, a few photos, and a clean wrap-up before heading back to Elizabeth Peratrovich Plaza. Even if you’re not into statues, this one works because it’s clearly part of modern Juneau identity, not just a random roadside stop.

How the Tour Feels in Real Life (Guides, Pace, Group Vibe)

The tour runs with a group cap of 14, and that size shows. You can ask questions. You’re not competing with a line of people just to get a quick explanation. Guides tend to mix brewery talk with Juneau context, so the day feels like you’re getting a guided experience rather than just hopping between stops.

Names that come up often include Steve, Scott, Katie, and Derek. The common thread is engagement: lots of friendly conversation, local details, and a real sense of humor. Some guides also tailor tastings based on what your group likes or doesn’t like, which is a big deal when everyone wants different beer styles.

The pacing also tends to work well. You’re not stuck at one place too long, and you’re not shuffled instantly into the next stop. The day flows from breweries to viewpoints to a statue finish, which helps you feel like you “saw Juneau” instead of just “visited bars.”

Price Breakdown: Why $159 Can Make Sense

At $159 per person for about 3 hours 45 minutes, the question isn’t just what you pay—it’s what you get back.

Here’s the straightforward value case:

• Three brewery stops with admission tickets
• One signature tasting flight at each brewery
• Snacks at Alaskan Brewing Co. (chips and kelp salsa)
• A guide plus a structured route that includes scenic stops (Brotherhood Bridge and Overstreet Park)
• Time-efficient sightseeing that doesn’t require you to drive between downtown and Auke Bay yourself

If you were to do brewery visits independently, you’d still spend time traveling, figuring out logistics, and paying for tastings. This tour bundles the day into a single plan, which is why it draws repeat interest and sells early. In fact, it’s booked far ahead on average, so if you have a firm travel date, lock it in.

Also note that gratuities for the guide aren’t included, so plan to add something if you’re happy with the experience.

Who This Tour Is Best For

I’d book this if you want a day that mixes beer and sights without needing to be a beer expert. The tasting flights keep things approachable, and the viewpoints give you context for where you are in Juneau.

It’s also a good fit for:

• Couples who want a shared experience that still feels relaxed
• Solo visitors who like meeting people in a small group
• Folks who prefer short stops with clear highlights, rather than a long day of driving

If you’re chasing a super deep glacier-focused experience, you might find the 10-minute Brotherhood Bridge stop too short for your taste. But if your goal is a balanced “see it, taste it, then move on” day, this hits the sweet spot.

Practical Tips to Make It Go Smooth

A couple small moves can help you enjoy the day more:

• Start the day with a slower mindset. You’ll taste at three breweries, so pace matters.
• Bring your questions for the guide. The guides (like Steve, Scott, Katie, and Derek) tend to connect beer with Juneau life, not just recipes.
• Use the meeting point as your anchor. You start at Elizabeth Peratrovich Plaza and end there too, so take note of it when you arrive.

If you’re sensitive to strong flavors, you’ll still find variety in each flight. And since some guides adjust tastings based on preferences, you can usually steer your day toward what you like.

Should You Book This Craft Brews and Epic Views Tour?

I think this is a strong choice if you want a small-group Juneau day that’s built around real local brewing plus the must-see glacier and whale statue moments. The best reasons to book are the combination of three brewery tastings, a guide who keeps things engaging, and a route that takes you beyond downtown into Auke Bay.

If you mainly want a long, slow glacier hangout, or if you hate any alcohol-included structure, look for something else. But if you’re excited to sip, learn a bit, and still feel like you saw the city, this is a fun way to spend a half day.

FAQ

What is the duration of the tour?

The tour runs for about 3 hours 45 minutes.

How much does the tour cost?

It costs $159.00 per person.

How many brewery stops are included?

There are three brewery stops, each with a ticket included.

What is included with the beer?

You get one signature tasting flight at each brewery stop, plus chips and kelp salsa from Barnacle Foods during your time at Alaskan Brewing Co.

Is alcohol included?

Yes, the tasting flights include alcoholic beverages. Youth tickets do not include beverages.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Elizabeth Peratrovich Plaza in Juneau and ends back at the same meeting point.

Is there a whale statue stop?

Yes. The tour typically includes a stop at Overstreet Park to see the waterfront whale statue (Tahku).

How large is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 14 travelers.

What if I need to cancel?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.