Alaska's capital city lies along a narrow strip of land between the beautiful Gastineau Channel with snowcapped Mount Juneau and Mount Roberts as a backdrop. Juneau is the second largest city in the United States-not in population, but in geographic area covering more than 7,770sq km (3,000 sq miles). The city was named after gold prospector Joe Juneau, who along with Richard Harris, discovered gold there in 1880.

The Juneau area is paradise for outdoor enthusiasts with wildlife viewing, sport fishing, hiking, biking, kayaking, dog sledding and glacier flight seeing. Humpback whales, killer whales, porpoise, eagles and sea lions can be spotted in the water surrounding the city. Bus tours departing from the cruise ship dock cover points of interest in Juneau, Mendenhall Glacier and the Chapel-by-the-Lake at Auke Lake.

Highlights
• Alaska State Museum
• Macaulay Salmon Hatchery
• Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center
• Mount Roberts Tramway
• Saint Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church

Juneau Convention and Visitor's Bureau
101 Egan Drive, Juneau, Alaska, USA
Tel: +1 90758 61737.
Website: www.traveljuneau.com

Gold nugget jewellery; items carved from ivory and jade; handmade clothing and toys; items made from skin, fur or bone; and woven baskets of beach grass, bark and baleen. Native sea-oil candles, beaded mittens, fur mukluks (boots) and miniature hand-carved totem poles are also popular souvenirs.

Salmon, halibut and crab are popular menu items. Clam chowder is another favourite. Alaskan delicacies include smoked salmon, wild berry products and reindeer sausage.

May through September is the most popular time to visit.

Alaska

GMT - 9.

US Dollar (US$) = 100 cents.

English.

Alaska, north of Canada and not connected to mainland USA.

31,000.

Federal Republic since 1789. Gained independence from the UK in 1776.

Protestant, with Roman Catholic and Jewish minorities.

Americans are renowned for their openness and friendliness to visitors. Shaking hands is the usual form of greeting. A relaxed and informal atmosphere is usually the norm. As long as the fundamental rules of courtesy and respect are observed, there need be no fear of offending anyone of any background.

Gifts are appreciated if one is invited to a private home. Casual dress is accepted in all restaurants and clubs, unless a special occasion is planned. Smoking is increasingly unpopular in the US; it is essential to ask permission before lighting up. Smoking is not allowed on city transport and restricted or forbidden in public buildings. There will be a posted notice where no smoking is requested.

Tipping: Widely practiced, as service charges are not usually included in the bill and waiters depend heavily on tips for their income. Waiters generally expect 10 to 15% gratuity. It should be noted that a cover charge is for admission to an establishment, not a tip for service.