
Shrine of St. Thérèse
A serene island sanctuary in Juneau, Alaska, dedicated to St. Thérèse, offering spiritual peace and stunning natural beauty.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peace

Shrine of St. Thérèse
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peace

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene island sanctuary in Juneau, Alaska, dedicated to St. Thérèse, offering spiritual peace and stunning natural beauty.
"Wow wow wow...100% make the time to visit regardless of you religious beliefs. The nature you will see is exquisite!"

🚗 Rent a car for flexibility
Easier to reach from cruise ship, worth the trip for the views and peace.
👟 Wear comfortable shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on trails and causeways.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Causeway to the Island Shrine
Island within the shrine grounds
A scenic walk across a causeway leads to a serene island housing the main shrine, dotted with small shrines depicting the life of Jesus.

Stations of the Cross Trail
Shrine grounds
A moving outdoor path with statuary, offering a contemplative journey through the Stations of the Cross.

Love Meditation Garden
Shrine grounds
A peaceful garden designed for quiet reflection and spiritual connection, often described as a place to find inner peace.

The Beautiful Church
Main shrine building
A stunning interior offering a place for quiet reflection, prayer, and purchasing saintly pendants.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the "Little Way"
Timing Your Visit for Serenity
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Rent a car for flexibility
Easier to reach from cruise ship, worth the trip for the views and peace.
👟 Wear comfortable shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on trails and causeways.
🙏 Bring a journal
Capture your thoughts and reflections in the peaceful gardens.
🌸 Ask for a rose
Many believe St. Thérèse sends a rose as a sign of answered prayers.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Rent a car for flexibility
Easier to reach from cruise ship, worth the trip for the views and peace.
👟 Wear comfortable shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on trails and causeways.
🙏 Bring a journal
Capture your thoughts and reflections in the peaceful gardens.
🌸 Ask for a rose
Many believe St. Thérèse sends a rose as a sign of answered prayers.
📸 Capture the scenery
The natural beauty surrounding the shrine is breathtaking.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Shrine of St. Thérèse for its breathtaking beauty, serene atmosphere, and spiritual significance. Many find the causeway walk to the island shrine and the contemplative gardens to be highlights, offering a peaceful escape and a chance for inner reflection. The natural setting and potential for wildlife sightings add to its appeal, making it a memorable stop for all, regardless of religious background.
"What a beautiful shrine a d surrounding property. There is a gravel lot for parking and a short steep trail down to the bathroom and retreat buildings. The bathrooms were heated and very clean, which was nice this time of year. Not far from that were some of the well maintained planting areas and the gift shop. But the real gem is the causeway to the island where the shrine to St Therese is. The walk is great out to the wooded island, with plenty of sea and land animals being seen to either side. Once you reach the island, there is a trail with a series of small shrines about the life of Jesus, statuary, and peaceful quiet. Inside the beautiful church is a guest book, a place to buy a Saint's pendant, and plenty of pews to sit in quiet reflection. I'm so glad we took the time to come out here as it was a highlight of our visit to Juneau."
Sea Hawk
"Wow wow wow...I have been to Juneau 4 times and this was my first visit to the national shrine of st. Terese. 100% make the time to visit regardless of you religious beliefs. The nature you will see is exquisite! If you are Catholic, the walk with the stations of the cross is incredibly moving and will raise your spirit. The love meditation garden is lovely and I could not imagine not finding some inner peace during your visit. 100% visit!!"
Bridget C
"Very nice, beautiful and breathtaking place.
We have good sunny weather and view was crazy good. If you visit in time when Salman at spawning you have grate chance to come really close and see it. This was grate time and opportunity to be there. If you on cruise jut rent a car and get here it worth it."
Andrey Samochkov
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Shrine is located about 7 miles from downtown Juneau. Many visitors rent a car for easy access, especially if arriving by cruise ship. Public transportation options may be limited, so checking local bus routes or ride-sharing services is advisable. The drive itself offers scenic views of the Alaskan landscape.
There is a gravel parking lot with a short, steep trail leading to the retreat buildings and bathrooms. While the main shrine is on an island accessed by a causeway, the path is generally well-maintained. It's recommended to check with the shrine directly for the most up-to-date accessibility information.
Renting a car is highly recommended for flexibility and ease of access from the cruise port. Alternatively, consider a taxi or a pre-booked tour that includes transportation to the shrine.
Yes, there is a gravel parking lot available for visitors.
Absolutely! The shrine is a place of peace and natural beauty that welcomes everyone, regardless of religious beliefs.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Shrine of St. Thérèse is generally free, making it an accessible spiritual and scenic destination for all visitors.
The shrine is typically open year-round, but specific hours for buildings like the gift shop or retreat houses may vary. It's best to check their official website or contact them directly for the most current information.
No, there is no entrance fee to visit the Shrine of St. Thérèse. It is a place open to all for reflection and appreciation.
Mass is often celebrated at the shrine, especially on feast days or during special events. Check the shrine's schedule for Mass times and participation opportunities.
The shrine hosts various events, including celebrations for feast days like St. Thérèse's on October 1st, and sometimes features relics of saints. It's advisable to check their calendar for upcoming programs.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visitors can walk the causeway to the island shrine, explore the Stations of the Cross trail, find peace in the Love Meditation Garden, and admire the beautiful church interior. You might also spot local wildlife like marmots.
Yes, the shrine is renowned for its peaceful atmosphere, serene gardens, and the quiet contemplation offered within the church. It's a welcome break from the bustle of cruise ship life.
Many visitors report seeing wildlife, including marmots along the trails and potentially salmon during spawning season. The surrounding natural environment is rich with local fauna.
The "Little Way" is St. Thérèse's spiritual path, emphasizing finding holiness in performing small, everyday actions with great love for God.
Yes, there is a gift shop on the premises where you can purchase items, including saint's pendants.
📸 📸 Photography
The causeway leading to the island shrine offers stunning views, as do the Stations of the Cross and the Love Meditation Garden. The natural beauty of the surrounding landscape also provides excellent photo opportunities.
Photography rules inside religious buildings can vary. It's generally respectful to refrain from flash photography and to be mindful of others in prayer. Check for any posted signage.
Nature photography, landscape shots of the causeway and island, and contemplative shots of the shrines and gardens are popular.
Drone usage is often restricted in religious sites and national parks. It's crucial to check local regulations and shrine policies before flying a drone.
Early morning or late afternoon often provides the best natural light for photography, creating softer shadows and a more serene atmosphere.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🧘♀️ Spiritual Seekers & Pilgrims
🌿 Nature Lovers & Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Spiritual Significance of St. Thérèse
Many visitors come to the shrine seeking her intercession, believing she sends "roses" as a sign of answered prayers. This devotion is a central theme for those who visit, seeking comfort, guidance, and miracles. The shrine itself serves as a physical manifestation of this devotion, offering a space for pilgrims to connect with her legacy and teachings.
Exploring the Shrine's Natural Beauty
The grounds are meticulously maintained, featuring well-kept planting areas and the contemplative Love Meditation Garden. The walk to the shrine itself is described as a "great walk" with opportunities to observe sea and land animals. This blend of natural splendor and spiritual tranquility makes the shrine a unique destination, offering a peaceful retreat from the everyday.
Visiting the Shrine: A Traveler's Perspective
Even those new to St. Thérèse's story are moved by the atmosphere and the natural surroundings. The causeway walk to the island shrine is a particular favorite, offering both scenic views and a sense of journey. The shrine is described as a "breathtaking place" that is "absolutely fantastic to visit." The opportunity to see salmon spawning during certain times of the year is also noted as a unique bonus.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit