glacier gardens rainforest adventure

It's been almost 10 years since we took an Alaska cruise and visited Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure, and I still remember how awesome it was! I highly recommend taking this tour if you get the opportunity. The flower colors are amazing, and you might forget you are still in Alaska.

This is attraction #2 in Juneau after the Mendenhall glacier (#1). It's gorgeous. The only place in the world where you can see upside down trees! It's hard to believe that the gardens are growing at the place where there was only glacier. So beautiful! I go back every season. Can't wait for another one. Don't miss it, if you are in Juneau!

Excellent quirky guide who knew his plants and geology. ..recommended. also a nice cup of tea and cakes available after the tour of the forest. If anyone did not appreciate this gardentit would be related to their own ignorance of the plants and geographical interest which was very informative.

It was cold and rainy the day we where there. That being said the gardens flowers and presentation was very nice. The upside down trees were a good thought and are certainly unique' The golf cart ride through the forest left something to be desired. A good overall presentation.

The Glacier Gardens established by the uniquely tireless efforts of their founder Steve Bowhay and his wife Cindy, are a veritable miracle in the heart of the Southeast Alaska. The tour in the Glacier Gardens excitingly combines the cultivated fantasy-themed unusual garden creations with the quirks of wild forest and diverse nature. The ride to the top of the mountain, be it a golf-cart or a bigger 18-person vehicle, verges on the adventurous escapades, for the path is rather narrow and extremely steep, featuring sharp bends, so one can't marvel enough the skills of a driver. Our driver-guide Matt mastered the skills in a very impressive way, his knowledge of nature and good humor turned the tour into a fully enjoyable episode, greatly exceeding our expectations. The inside of the greenhouses continues to amaze. The flower installations, the 'umbrella-ceiling', etc. combined with the friendliness of the staff, make the visit a truly unforgettable experience.

Have to agree with others who gave this place a poor review. We felt incredibly ripped off by our visit. As others have said - there are pretty flowers at the entrance and the rest is a fairly uninspiring golf cart ride through the forest. Would have much preferred to have gone for an independent walk elsewhere through the forest. An overpriced, uninspiring and time-wasting destination - steer clear!

After seeing this place on TripAdvisor, I knew this was someplace we wanted to see on our visit to Juneau. We took their advice and went on the City bus #3 going and #4 on the way back. The bus depot is the closest to the port to start your 30 minute journey. It is $2 one way per person to ride the bus. You need the exact change. I think we should of taken a cab or booked with other stuff for the shore excursion in this case.Glacier Gardens is $25 per person. When you first get there you see all the beautiful flowers hanging everywhere. You are immediately welcomed by one of the staff and they take you on your excursion. You are taken in a golf cart up into the Tongass Natl Forest on their property which is so soothing and beautiful to the top of the property to a viewing platform with a great overlook! They explain how the place originated and the flora and fauna facts. Was interesting to hear that they dig up all the plants that cannot survive in the winter and place them in the greenhouse and replant after the snow/frost EVERY year! Can't imagine that task. they love what they do and it shows. The upside down one-of-a-kind flower towers are awesome and very creative. We do recommend this place but for time better spent...take a taxi or along with another shore excursion.

Easily accessible using the Juneau bus system, this experience was very enjoyable. The staff was very knowledgeable about their gardens history and content. The flowers were beautiful, the trees stunning, and the morale and enthusiasm of the employees very high.

The guides take you up in a tram and talk the whole time about what you are seeing. The vegetation is so abundant and the views are fabulous of the water areas and mountains in the area. Beautiful in the entrance area and also out in the Park area too. Good stop especially for garden lovers.

Guides were knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the entire attraction; providing lots of information & answering all our questions. Although it was rainy & a tad chilly, the experience was very enjoyable: beautiful flowers, fascinating engineering feats, gorgeous vistas of the area.

Extremely impressed with the amount of work that has gone into this little garden. Took a tour off a cruise ship and was tremendously surprised.

It's incredible to think this is the result of one man's dream and we are so fortunate to be able to visit and see it. The entrance fee of $25 is a bit steep, but worth it. We were in Juneau for a few hours on a cruise ship. We took the #4 bus from the main transportation bus center on Main St. The cost is $2 each way; make sure you have exact amount as driver does not make change. It takes about 35-40 mins. each way. Get off 2 stops after Wal-mart at the Gastineau Humane Society and walk back 1 block. To return, cross the street and the bus stop is right in front of the Humane Society.

Absolutely beautiful gardens and the unique use of upside down tree stumps for flowers is amazing. Gorgeous flowers everywhere and the cart ride up to the top observatory was fun and our guide explained so much about the trees,moss,and the history of the area..The view from the top out over the flats to the outer islands and mountains was equally pretty. So fortunate to have a sunny day, don't miss the gift shop and the "umbrella ceiling" not unlike a Chihuly glass ceiling for color, and the event space with the hanging plants and flowers.Not expensive and well worth the two hour visit. An amazing find in Alaska!

Drizzly day. But the wetness of the day seemed to enhance the scenery somehow. The flowers on the upside down trees seemed to shine, but I feared that the tour bus tires were going to spin on the wet roadway since we ascended to an observation platform that was at least 800 feet from where we started. Tour guy was punny (literally). But in spite of that, it was enjoyable.

The Glacier Gardens were a beautiful sight! The tour guides were very informative about each individual plant and talked about the history of the gardens. There was a short free driving tour that went 600 feet above sea level. The gift shop was cute as well. Definitely worth the visit!