Juneau Ghost Walk: Explore Alaska’s Haunted Capital

If you’re curious about the supernatural side of Juneau, this guided ghost walk promises a captivating two hours filled with eerie stories, local folklore, and historic sites. While it’s not a high-adrenaline adventure, it offers a well-paced glimpse into the city’s haunted corners—perfect for those interested in Alaska’s mysterious legends and history.

Three aspects stand out: first, the tour’s focus on authentic stories shared by locals and historians, giving it a genuine feel; second, the variety of iconic sites visited, from historic saloons to the state capitol—each with its own ghostly tale; and third, the affordability at just under $35, making it a cost-effective way to explore Juneau after dark.

A potential consideration is that the tour runs in the evening, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with spooky stories or who enjoy a bit of a chill. Also, the group size is limited to 20, which helps keep it intimate but means booking early is wise.

This experience is ideal for travelers who enjoy history, local legends, and a spooky vibe—especially those who don’t mind walking through a variety of sites around Juneau’s historic district.

Good To Know

• Authentic stories shared by local residents and historians
• Visiting iconic haunted sites like the Alaskan Hotel and Red Dog Saloon
• Suitable for ages 13 and up, with wheelchair-friendly routes
• Affordable price point offers good value for a two-hour guided experience
• Evening tour, perfect for a spooky night out
• Small group size ensures a personal and engaging atmosphere

What to Expect from the Juneau Ghost Walk

This tour offers a fascinating mix of history, folklore, and ghostly tales, carefully blended into a 2-hour walk through Juneau’s most storied locations. It’s designed to entertain and inform, appealing to those with a love of legends, history buffs, or visitors eager to experience the city’s darker side. Let’s explore what makes each stop memorable—and sometimes chilling.

Starting Point: Juneau Public Library

Our journey kicks off at the Juneau Public Library, where we learn about the Tlingit legend of Raven and Eagle. These figures symbolize creation and protection, but the stories also include local tales of trickster ravens mimicking voices—blurring the lines between folklore and the paranormal. This first stop sets a cultural tone, reminding us that supernatural stories are woven into the fabric of Juneau’s indigenous traditions.

A reviewer mentioned, “Discovering the Raven legend here really connected me to the local culture and made the stories feel authentic,” highlighting how this initial stop grounds the tour in regional storytelling.

Red Dog Saloon: From Frontier Tent to Haunted Landmark

Next, we visit the Red Dog Saloon, a Juneau fixture since its frontier days. Once a lively tent, it now stands as a historical site filled with artifacts. The most famous ghost here is the spirit of Professor Phineas Poon, the beloved piano player. Guests often report hearing piano music when no one is around or feeling a sudden chill—classic signs of a haunting.

One reviewer recounts, “My friend felt a cold hand brush her shoulder, and we all heard faint piano notes—like Phineas is still playing.” The saloon’s lively past and ghostly whispers make it a favorite stop.

The Lucky Lady Pub: Honoring a Local Legend

The Lucky Lady Pub celebrates Mary Joyce, an adventurous woman from the 1930s who famously mushed 1,000 miles to Fairbanks. Her spirit is said to linger here, with stories of ghostly footsteps and a fearless legacy. Visitors sometimes feel a sense of warmth or curiosity rather than fear at this stop.

A guest noted, “It felt like Mary’s spirit was welcoming us, not frightening us,” which encapsulates the more playful side of ghost stories in Juneau.

The Alaskan Hotel & Bar: Juneau’s Oldest Haunted Hotel

Built in 1913, the Alaskan Hotel is the oldest lodging in town and reportedly the most haunted. Guests frequently share sightings of ghostly apparitions, especially a woman named Alice, who is believed to wander the halls after a tragic end. The hotel’s historic ambiance combined with these stories makes it a must-see stop.

One reviewer mentioned, “I was skeptical at first, but I saw a fleeting shadow that I couldn’t explain; it felt like Alice was saying hello.” It’s a reminder that history and the supernatural often overlap.

Tripp’s Mt. Juneau Trading Post: A Spirit of the Mountain

Looking up at Mt. Juneau, the lore here warns of a shapeshifting otter-man spirit that lures travelers away. This story taps into Alaska’s wildlife-centric mythology, adding a supernatural twist to mountain legend.

A participant shared, “I kept feeling watched when I looked at the mountain; the stories about the otter-man make it even spookier,” emphasizing how local stories enhance the sense of mystery.

Aunt Claudia’s Doll Museum: Eerie and Eccentric

While not part of the official paid ticket, the Aunt Claudia’s Doll Museum is a fascinating stop where over 800 dolls from around the world are displayed. Some believe the dolls carry their owners’ energies or wandering spirits.

A reviewer commented, “The dolls felt alive—I kept feeling like I was being watched, and some are downright creepy.” It’s an offshoot of the tour where the spooky atmosphere isn’t just stories but also the eerie presence of those dolls.

Crystal Saloon: Ghostly Music and Moving Objects

The Crystal Saloon is famous for ghost stories involving moving objects and phantom music. Staff have reported objects shifting position and hearing music that isn’t playing. One worker described an encounter where they slammed into an invisible wall—reminding us that some spirits still linger in local taverns.

A guest said, “Hearing the music and seeing a glass move on its own made me believe the stories are true,” adding an authentic layer to the experience.

Juneau Drug Co Inc: A Historic Pharmacy and Morgue

Housed in the Valentine Building, this former pharmacy once served as a makeshift morgue after the 1918 sinking of the Princess Sophia. Staff report cold spots, ghostly touches, and apparitions, especially in the basement. It’s a vivid reminder of Juneau’s darker past.

One reviewer wrote, “I felt a sudden chill and had goosebumps while standing there; it’s easy to believe spirits still occupy this space.” History and hauntings collide at this site.

Annie Kallid’s Gallery Gifts & Framing: Friendly Ghost

This charming gallery is home to Hector, a ghost of a construction worker who is believed to help keep the place welcoming—by holding doors or finding lost items. It’s a lighter, friendlier ghost story, and some guests find it comforting rather than spooky.

A visitor commented, “Hector feels like a part of the team; it’s nice to think of spirits as helpful rather than scary.”

Silverbow Inn: A Past Full of Whispers

Once a bakery and family home, the Silverbow Inn carries whispers of its past. Guests and staff often report footsteps, moving objects, and occasional sightings of the original baker at work—who “still bakes” even today.

One guest said, “Walking into the inn felt like stepping back in time; the energy is warm and familiar, like a ghostly hug.”

Alaska State Capitol Building: Art and Mystery

The Capitol Building is not just a government hub but also a site of ghostly tales. Some believe a former legislator’s spirit roams the halls after hours, adding a touch of mystery to the political atmosphere.

While not officially haunted, several visitors have felt an unexplained presence, which adds a fun element to the tour.

Juneau-Douglas City Museum: Folklore and Bigfoot

Blending quirky folklore with historical facts, the City Museum shares stories of Alaska’s ice worms and whispers of Bigfoot sightings nearby. It’s a strange yet intriguing stop, especially for those interested in cryptids and local legends.

Some say the stories are exaggerated, but they undoubtedly add a layer of fun and curiosity to the experience.

State Office Building: Spirits of the Condemned?

The 11-story State Office Building is believed by some to harbor the spirits of those executed there in 1939 and 1950. While there are no official hauntings, the stories persist and contribute to the building’s mystique.

Sealaska Heritage Institute: Cultural Depth and Spirits

Here, the focus is on Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian traditions, with art and storytelling that touch on themes of reincarnation and past lives. While not explicitly haunted, the spiritual themes add depth to the visit.

City Hall and Patsy Ann Statue: Symbols of Local Spirit

Finally, the City Hall mural depicting Raven releasing humans ties directly into indigenous stories about creation and trickery, reminding us that the supernatural often exists in stories we tell ourselves. The Patsy Ann statue honors a dog that’s believed to still greet ships, a heartwarming end to the tour.

How the Tour Feels and What You Get

This ghost walk strikes a good balance of history, storytelling, and creepy encounters. The tour’s small group size helps keep the atmosphere intimate, allowing for questions and personal reactions. The walking pace is leisurely, making it accessible even for those with limited mobility—wheelchair-friendly routes are available.

The price of $34.99 represents solid value given the variety of sites and stories covered. You’ll learn about local legends, hear firsthand accounts, and visit a diverse mix of historic sites and cultural landmarks.

While no ghostly sightings or encounters are guaranteed, most stories are based on local reports, and the guide’s storytelling often includes detailed descriptions that heighten the sense of mystery. Several reviews mentioned the guides’ engaging narration, with some sharing their own eerie experiences or personal encounters, which adds credibility and a personal touch.

The tour starts at 7:00 pm, making it ideal for an after-dinner activity or a spooky end to your day exploring Juneau.

Who Should Consider This Experience?

This ghost walk is best suited for history buffs and those interested in Alaska’s folklore, adventure seekers looking for a spooky night, or anyone curious about the supernatural tales that linger in Juneau’s old buildings and streets. It’s family-friendly (ages 13+), and the wheelchair-friendly route ensures accessibility.

It’s a relaxing, engaging way to explore the city’s dark corners, especially if you enjoy stories with cultural significance or like a bit of a chill in the air after sunset.

The Sum Up

The Juneau Ghost Walk offers a well-rounded experience blending history, local legends, and spooky tales, all wrapped in an affordable package. Its visits to iconic locations and authentic storytelling make it a rewarding outing for those interested in Alaska’s haunted side. The small-group format fosters a personal connection and a more immersive atmosphere, making it more than just a walk but an exploration into the soul of Juneau’s mysterious past.

Ideal for travelers who want an evening of intrigue, cultural insight, and a touch of the supernatural without breaking the bank, this tour stands out as a memorable way to experience the city’s darker stories. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, the stories you hear will likely stay with you long after the tour ends.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, it is suitable for ages 13 and up, making it a good option for families with teenagers interested in ghost stories or local legends.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, during which you’ll walk through multiple historic and cultural sites around Juneau.

What is the price of the tour?
The tour costs $34.99 per person, offering good value considering the number of sites and stories explored.

Are there any accessibility options?
Yes, a wheelchair-friendly route is available, making it accessible to most travelers with mobility challenges.

What sites are visited during the tour?
You’ll visit places including the Juneau Public Library, Red Dog Saloon, the Alaskan Hotel, and several historic buildings, each with its own ghostly tale.

What kind of stories will I hear?
You’ll hear a mix of local legends, paranormal accounts, and historical insights—stories about haunted hotels, spirits of famous residents, and supernatural mountain lore.

Is the tour conducted indoors or outdoors?
Most of the tour is outdoors, walking between sites, but some stops are in covered or indoor locations like the Alaskan Hotel and the Doll Museum.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility if your plans change.

This detailed review should help you decide whether the Juneau Ghost Walk fits your interests and expectations, providing all the practical insights you need for a spooky, culturally enriching evening.