Juneau Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Juneau.
Healthcare System
Juneau has modern healthcare facilities that meet US standards, with Bartlett Regional Hospital serving as the primary medical center. The US healthcare system is private and can be extremely expensive for those without insurance. Emergency rooms are required by law to treat patients regardless of ability to pay, but non-emergency care may require proof of insurance or payment upfront.
Hospitals
Bartlett Regional Hospital (3260 Hospital Drive) is the only hospital in Juneau, offering 24/7 emergency services, surgery, and various specialties. The Juneau Urgent Care clinic provides walk-in services for non-emergency medical issues. Wait times in the ER are generally reasonable except during peak tourist season.
Pharmacies
Several pharmacies are available including Safeway Pharmacy, Fred Meyer Pharmacy, and Ron's Apothecary Shoppe. Most common medications are available, but bring sufficient prescription medications as specialized drugs may require ordering. Pharmacies typically close by 9 PM on weekdays and have limited weekend hours.
Insurance
Travel health insurance is strongly recommended for international visitors and essential for those from countries without reciprocal healthcare agreements with the US. Even US visitors should verify their insurance covers Alaska, as some plans have geographic limitations. Medical evacuation insurance is highly recommended for those planning backcountry activities.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring copies of prescriptions and a list of medications with generic names, as brand names may differ
- US healthcare costs are among the highest in the world; a simple ER visit can cost thousands of dollars without insurance
- Pharmacies require a US prescription; bring sufficient medication for your entire trip
- Medical evacuation from remote areas can cost $10,000-$50,000; ensure your insurance covers this
- The nearest major medical center is in Anchorage (2-hour flight) or Seattle (2.5-hour flight)
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Black bears, brown bears, and occasionally aggressive moose can be encountered on trails and even in residential areas. Bear attacks are rare but can be fatal if proper precautions aren't taken.
Even in summer, temperatures can drop suddenly, and rain is common. Hypothermia can occur in temperatures as warm as 50°F when combined with rain and wind. Cold water immersion is particularly dangerous.
Trails can be muddy, slippery, and poorly marked. Cell phone coverage is limited or non-existent on many trails. Visitors underestimate distances and difficulty, leading to exhaustion or getting lost.
Opportunistic theft from vehicles and unattended belongings, particularly in parking areas near popular tourist sites and trailheads. Break-ins targeting rental cars with visible luggage.
Cold water temperatures (40-50°F year-round), strong currents, sudden weather changes, and rough seas pose risks for kayaking, whale watching, and fishing excursions. Survival time in water is less than 30 minutes without proper gear.
Glacier calving (ice falling) can create dangerous waves and flying ice debris. Walking on glaciers without proper equipment and knowledge is extremely dangerous due to hidden crevasses.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Some operators near the cruise ship docks offer tours at inflated prices or lack proper licensing and insurance. Tours may not deliver promised experiences or may be unsafe.
Mass-produced items from Asia are sold as authentic Alaska Native art at inflated prices. Genuine Native art is protected by the Indian Arts and Crafts Act.
Some taxi drivers may take longer routes or quote inflated flat rates to tourists unfamiliar with the area, particularly from the airport or cruise docks.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Wildlife Safety
- Purchase bear spray ($40-60) and keep it accessible on your hip, not in your backpack
- Make noise while hiking by talking, clapping, or using bear bells, especially in areas with limited visibility
- If you encounter a bear, remain calm, speak in a calm voice, and slowly back away; never run
- Store all food, toiletries, and scented items in bear-proof containers or your vehicle trunk
- Give moose even more space than bears; they are responsible for more injuries in Alaska than bears
- Never get between a mother and her young with any wildlife species
Hiking and Outdoor Activities
- Tell someone your hiking plans, expected return time, and activate check-in protocols
- The '10 Essentials' are critical: navigation, sun protection, insulation, illumination, first-aid, fire, repair kit/tools, nutrition, hydration, emergency shelter
- Start hikes early in the day to ensure you return before dark and weather deteriorates
- Turn back if weather worsens; trails will still be there tomorrow
- Download offline maps as cell service is unreliable outside downtown
- Wear waterproof boots with good traction; trails are often muddy and slippery
- Bring more water and snacks than you think you'll need
Weather Preparedness
- Always carry rain gear, even on sunny days; weather changes rapidly
- Layer clothing: base layer (synthetic or wool), insulating layer (fleece or down), waterproof outer layer
- Avoid cotton clothing which retains moisture and loses insulating properties when wet
- Bring gloves and a warm hat even in summer; temperatures at glaciers are significantly colder
- Check weather forecasts but be prepared for conditions to differ from predictions
- Know the signs of hypothermia: shivering, confusion, slurred speech, exhaustion
Water Safety
- Always wear a life jacket when on the water, regardless of swimming ability
- Dress for water temperature, not air temperature; wear layers under rain gear
- File a float plan with someone on shore before any boating or kayaking trip
- Stay seated in small boats and don't overload them
- Be aware that alcohol and boating is illegal and extremely dangerous in cold water
- Keep a safe distance from marine wildlife; federal law requires 100 yards from whales
General Safety
- Keep valuables secured and out of sight in vehicles, especially at trailheads
- Stay on designated trails and boardwalks to protect both yourself and fragile ecosystems
- Bring a portable phone charger; cold weather drains batteries quickly
- Know your physical limits; Alaska's terrain is more challenging than it appears
- Purchase travel insurance that specifically covers adventure activities and medical evacuation
- Keep emergency cash as some remote areas don't accept cards and ATMs are limited
Cruise Ship Passengers
- Be aware of your ship's departure time and allow extra time to return; ships will not wait
- Keep your ship's emergency contact information with you at all times
- Book shore excursions through reputable operators; your ship can provide recommendations
- Downtown is walkable from the cruise docks, but Mendenhall Glacier requires transportation
- Be cautious of aggressive sales tactics in the immediate dock area
- Dress in layers; it may be warm on the ship but cool and rainy on shore
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Juneau is very safe for women travelers, including solo female travelers. The city has low rates of violent crime, and women commonly hike, dine, and explore alone. The tourism infrastructure is well-developed, and locals are generally respectful and helpful. Standard travel precautions apply, but women should not feel unsafe exploring Juneau independently.
- Solo hiking is common but inform someone of your plans; consider joining group hikes through local organizations or tour companies
- Downtown is safe to walk at night, but use common sense and stay in well-lit areas
- Local bars and restaurants are generally welcoming; unwanted attention is uncommon but standard bar safety practices apply
- Women-specific hiking groups and outdoor clubs are active in Juneau and welcome visitors
- Trust your instincts; if a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself
- Hotel staff and tour operators are professional and respectful
- Consider staying in accommodations with 24-hour front desk service for added security
- The outdoor community in Alaska is very inclusive and supportive of women adventurers
LGBTQ+ Travelers
LGBTQ+ rights are fully protected in Alaska and the United States. Same-sex marriage is legal nationwide. Juneau has local ordinances protecting against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, housing, and public accommodations.
- Juneau has a small but active LGBTQ+ community; SEAGLA (Southeast Alaska Gay and Lesbian Alliance) organizes events and provides resources
- Rainbow flags are visible in some downtown businesses indicating welcoming environments
- No specifically LGBTQ+ bars or clubs, but local establishments are generally welcoming
- Hotels and tour operators are professional and non-discriminatory
- More conservative attitudes may be encountered in very rural areas outside Juneau
- Juneau Pride events occur annually, typically in June
- Medical providers are professional and accustomed to serving diverse populations
- Overall, LGBTQ+ travelers should feel comfortable and safe visiting Juneau
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is highly recommended for Juneau due to the high cost of US healthcare, the potential need for medical evacuation from remote areas, and the weather-dependent nature of activities. Trip cancellations due to weather are common, and many adventure activities carry inherent risks. The remote location means that medical evacuation can be extremely expensive ($10,000-$50,000+) and may be necessary for serious injuries or illnesses.
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