HISTORIC GOLD PANNING ADVENTURE
This approximately 90-minute adventure takes you to Last Chance Basin, where you’ll hear stories of the area’s history, including a discovery in 1880 that sparked Alaska’s first gold rush. Once at the basin, you’ll watch a gold-panning demonstration before trying it out yourself.
Excursion details
Lasting around 90 minutes, this informative and hands-on gold-panning excursion begins with an introduction to your guide, who’ll be dressed as a traditional gold prospector. They will also share stories of Juneau’s rich history with you during the roughly 20-minute transfer to Last Chance Basin, a former gold-mining area on the banks of Gold Creek.
The city of Juneau is named after prospector Joe Juneau. Guided by Tlingit Chief Kowee, Juneau and his partner Richard Harris discovered gold in Gold Creek in 1880. This find sparked Alaska’s first gold rush and opened a colourful chapter in the region’s history.
You’ll get a real sense of this history during your approximately 50-minute on-site experience at Last Chance Basin. Here, you’ll learn about the gold prospectors who flocked to the region, before watching a demonstration of traditional gold panning and then testing out your own panning skills.
Guided by an expert, you’ll learn how to shake and manoeuvre your pan for the best chance of a glittering find – and if you do have the good fortune to discover real gold, you get to keep your treasure and receive an official certificate. Afterwards, a transfer of about 20 minutes returns to the port.
Important information: Guests must be at least 4 years old to participate
