juneau to glacier bay national park tour

Experience True Nature

Wilderness adventure tours beyond imagination, glacier bay cruises | glacier bay tours from juneau, welcome to the ice age - join alaska's famous glacier bay cruise .

Glacier Bay National Park - with its high mountain peaks, ice-sculptured fjords, an abundance of marine wildlife and massive tidewater glaciers - is one of Alaska's most spectacular National Parks and best seen during your Glacier Bay Cruise. When Captain George Vancouver sailed through the ice-choked waters of Icy Strait in 1794, Glacier Bay was little more than a dent in a mountain of ice. In 1879 John Muir made his legendary discovery of Glacier Bay and found that the end of the bay had retreated 20 miles from Icy Strait. Today, glaciers still cover 27 percent of the Park. There are more than 50 named glaciers of which seven are active tidewater glaciers that calve icebergs into the sea. Two of them, Johns Hopkins and Margerie Glaciers, are advancing. Encircling the park to the west is the Fairweather Range, the highest coastal mountains in the world at 15,000 feet. Experience Glacier Bay from the comfort of the catamaran during a Glacier Bay Cruise. The bay is rich with marine life, including the endangered humpback whale, orcas, threatened Stellar sea lion, harbor seals, sea otters and porpoises. In addition Glacier Bay is home to a large bear population, both brown and black, as well as the blue glacier bear, a rare color phase of the black. Sitka blacktail deer and mountain goats thrive in the park. Popular activities are kayaking, glacier viewing and whale watching tour to Point Adolphus .

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Glacier Bay Tours: Juneau & Sitka, Alaska

Dates unscheduled, (contact us to request dates).

Family Friendly

Double Booking

Single booking, roommate rebate.

Includes all lodging, all meals, support van, leaders, ferry, intra-tour flight, kayak tour, glacier boat tour, tour maps & narratives.

Assembly Point

All transfers between pre tour hotel and tour locations are included.

THIS TOUR STARTS IN JUNEAU AND ENDS IN SITKA

Not Included: Airfare to Juneau International Airport, or from Sitka Rocky Gutierrez Airport,  Guide Gratuity.

Meeting Time

Hotel 8:30 am, drop-off time.

Glacier Bay National Park

Glacier Bay National Park is a homeland, a living laboratory, a national park, a designated wilderness, a biosphere reserve, and a world heritage site. From the marine park sheltering humpback whales, seals and puffins, past its emerald–green forests to its snow-capped mountains and spectacular glaciers, the Glacier Bay wildness is remote, dynamic and intact. It is located in the northernmost section of the Alaskan panhandle, between the Gulf of Alaska and Canada, nearest to the city of Juneau, the capital of Alaska. This tour visits three locations – Juneau, Glacier Bay and Sitka.

Alaska by Boot and Boat:

We start the tour in Juneau, the state capital.  There is no road access to Juneau, which keeps the city isolated and unique.  The Juneau Icefield towers above the city, and our first hike will take us to see a finger of the icefield reaching down towards the sea in the Mendenhall Glacier.  Next day, we fly to the town of Gustavus, considered the gateway to Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. Glacier Bay Lodge is the crown jewel of the Mission 66 initiative to build roads, hiking trails, visitor centers and lodges in America’s National Parks. The architecture reflects the cultural and scenic heritage of Glacier Bay and its Tlingit influence. This will be our home for two nights, as we explore by boat and by boot the surrounding wilderness and waterways that make up the national park.

A thrilling seaplane flight will take us to our third location, Sitka. The town has renown for its gorgeous scenery, and is also the site of some fascinating history. The native Tlingit people clashed with the Russians for more than a century, until the sale of the Alaskan Territory from Russian to the United States took place at Sitka.  We enjoy a sea kayak excursion along with some hiking options in this small, beautiful community.  The combination of these three sites where nature, history and modern life intersects, provides a fascinating exploratory tour.

The departure from this tour is from Sitka.  An early morning flight from Sitka to Juneau is available on day 1, and an evening flight back to Juneau is available on day 6, if you have booked round trip tickets to Sitka or Juneau.

See our detailed itinerary here,  or  contact us for more information!  Timberline Adventures offers  guided hike and bike tours  across the U.S. and Canada, and our experts across the country are ready to guide you in your outdoor experience.

View Timberline Adventures’ other Alaska  hiking tour offerings.

Total Distance: 26.8 miles

Inn highlights.

• Glacier Bay Lodge
• Sitka Hotel

Timberline Adventures / 214 Mohawk Dr. Boulder, CO 80303 / 1-800-417-2453 or 303-664-8388 / Fax: 303-664-8395

Routes, mileage and accommodations are subject to change due to safety, road/trail conditions, weather and availability.

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Glacier Bay Getaway

Quick Details

• Map Marker Location: Juneau
• Hour Glass Duration: 12 Hours
• User Ages: Ages 3+

Discover the Majesty of Alaska’s Glaciers and Wildlife

Experience a remarkable day of glaciers, wildlife and stunning scenery. This offering is brought to you by Alaska Dream Cruises. Alaska Dream Cruises is authorized by Special Use Permit to provide guiding and outfitting services in the Tongass National Forest and is an authorized Concessioner of the National Park Service, Department of the Interior

Tour Highlights

• Live your Alaskan dreams on this extensive exploration of the West Arm of Glacier Bay National Park
• Round-trip cruise transportation from Auke Bay
• Stops for photography and viewing at South Marble Island and Gloomy Knob
• Tidewater glacier viewing, including the stunning Margerie Glacier
• Narration from a knowledgeable captain and naturalist
• Opportunities for wildlife viewing, including humpback whales, orcas, porpoises, harbor seals, Steller sea lions, black and brown bears, wolves, mountain goats, moose, and more!
• Chevron down What to Bring
• While snacks and beverages will be available for purchase, lunch is not included. Please feel free to bring your own meal items.
• Keep a rain jacket, hat, and gloves close at hand at all times.
• Warm Layers.
• Camera and/or handheld video equipment.
• A facemask to wear onboard.
• USD Cash / Credit Cards for onboard purchases!
• Chevron down Vessel Amenities
• Complimentary hot chocolate, coffee, tea, and select snacks
• Additional beverages, including alcohol, and snacks available for purchase in the galley
• Souvenirs sourced from Alaskan makers available in the gift shop
• Spacious outdoor observation deck
• Climate controlled interior seating with panoramic windows
• Includes one, or more, restroom(s)
• Chevron down Good to Know

Motion Sickness: Persons sensitive to motion sickness may wish to take medication at least one hour prior to the tour departure time.

Tour Minimums: Tours do need to hit a minimum capacity to run. We will contact guests 48 hours in advance if tour has not reached the minimum.

Cancellation Policy: A $10/person processing fee will be charged for cancellations made after the booking is confirmed. Full refund if you cancel at least 7 days prior to the tour date. 50% refund if you cancel 3-6 days prior to the tour date. No refund if you cancel less than 48 hours prior to the tour date. If the tour is cancelled by the operator for any reason, the customer will receive a full refund.

• Chevron down Participation Requirements

Age Restrictions: Guests must be 3+ due to the longer duration.

Please note: there are no changing tables available, and there is no room for strollers onboard. While there is no charge for children two years old & younger, all guests must have a ticket due to coast guard regulations.

Accessibility: Participants must be able to walk approximately 100 feet down an awning covered passenger ramp with a handrail. Boarding the vessel requires transiting 3-4 steps with non-lifting assistance only. The topside observation deck is accessed via stairs with a handrail.

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Embark on an exhilarating day trip from Juneau aboard a purpose-built expedition vessel, designed to take you on an unforgettable exploration of the Tracy Arm Wilderness Area.

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Alaska Culinary Experience & Evening Whale Quest

Embark on an evening wildlife cruise with a local tour operator who has over 50 years of experience offering tours in the region. Enjoy Alaska-themed appetizers as your spot whales and wildlife. Learn about the region’s nature, geography, and history from our onboard naturalist. Indulge in delicious Alaskan-themed appetizers, adding a culinary flair to your adventure.

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An Evening at Orca Point Lodge: Dinner & Cruise

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Glacier Bay Day Tour

Sample itineraries.

• Whale Watching
• Guided Kayaking & Rentals
• Flightseeing
• National Park & Ranger Programs
• Explore Gustavus
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Are You Ready?

Magnificent glaciers & towering mountains.

Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, AK — a World Heritage Site in the United States — is a 3.3 million acre treasure of natural wonders and wildlife near Juneau, Alaska. Magnificent glaciers, towering snow-capped mountains, abundant birds & wildlife, and mile after mile of pristine coastline. Whether you are here for a day or a week, you'll find endless opportunities for discovery and adventure here. Glacier Bay Lodge, nestled under the spruce trees that line Bartlett Cove, offers the only hotel accommodations within the park.

Take to the waters and see magnificent glaciers and wildlife

Whether you are here for a day or a week, you'll find endless opportunities for discovery and adventure.

Explore secluded inlets surrounded by dramatic coastal mountains.

Be a part of it

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Last updated: May 25, 2023

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Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve PO Box 140 Gustavus, AK 99826

907 697-2230

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GLACIER BAY NATIONAL PARK TOURS

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Good for Kids Adventuresome Favorite/Top Tour Good for Families Historical ADA Accessible Roundtrip Transportation Historical Includes Food Apply

Icy Strait Premier Whale Watching Adventure

$180 / person

Every summer, humpback whales come to Hoonah in huge numbers to feed on the nutrient-rich waters before migrating south again in the winter. On this tour, you'll have the chance to spot humpbacks and orcas in the beautiful Al READ MORE...

Sitka Marine Wildlife Exploration by Boat

$179 / person

This small capacity (up to 6 guests) marine tour takes guests to some of the most stunning locales for whale watching and wildlife viewing. Guests will want to keep an eye out for seals, otters, and birds in addition to whal READ MORE...

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About glacier bay national park tours.

Glacier Bay offers some Alaska's most amazing scenery and wilderness. While you're in Sitka or Icy Strait Point, you can visit Glacier Bay National Park to find out what makes it truly spectacular .

You can take a boat tour on a fjord that was formed from a melted glacier. If you want to view majestic wildlife, we recommend a  whale watching tour  via catamaran. Or, if you're interested in history and adventure, you can ride on a hand-carved Tlingit dugout canoe. The boat & land combo tour offers visits to Japonski Island to learn about Sitka's role in WWII.

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Glacier Bay Boat Tours & Charters

Private Charters

First Out, Last In Yacht Adventures

P.O. Box 332 - Haines, Alaska 99827 (907) 766-2854, or Toll Free: 1 (877) 881-2854 E-mail & Reservations

Private Alaska Live-aboard Yacht Charters for 2-6 people; Special concessioner's permit for entry into Glacier Bay National Park; Yacht trips of 4-7 days include Glacier Bay, Excursion Inlet, Elfin Cove, Pelican, Hoonah, Juneau, and Gustavus. Private charters are customized to your group including glacier viewing, wildlife viewing, whale watching, salmon & halibut fishing, crabbing, zodiac treks, kayaking, hiking. All inclusive trips feature three staterooms, hot meals, snacks, beverages, fish cleaning, vacuum packing, freezing and boxing of your catch, bait and gear, USCG licensed captain and 1st Aid & CPR captain and crew, 4-star USCG safety vessel 45' Legend, genuine Alaskan hospitality from a born-and-raised Alaskan. Avoid the crowds- Cruise the Inside Passage- Enjoy Alaska at her best... See our WEBSITE for more detailed information.

The "Taz"- (Cross Sound Express)

The TAZ is a US Coast Guard certified 47', 23-passenger excursion vessel. Cross Sound Express offers custom tours and charters along with their daily whale watch tours. The M/V TAZ is an ideal vessel for whale watching, wildlife viewing and photography expeditions. Great viewing from both inside and outside on deck. Very stable, large windows, comfortable heated interior, and enclosed restroom. Cross Sound Express is an authorized National Park Service Charter Vessel Concessionaire in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. We are permitted to enter Glacier Bay all year!

The Snow Goose

P.O. Box 1468 - Bellingham, Washington 98225 (360) 393-6657 E-mail & Reservations

The Snow Goose is different... Obviously different from the enormous Cruise Ships that ply these waters every summer, but we’re different from the smaller ships as well. For us, it’s not only about simply seeing the landscape; it’s about exploring the details hidden within and finding the unexpected. It’s about getting back to the basics, and finding your bearings again – a reset button for the soul. We take pride in realizing the entirety of our surroundings and embracing it with open arms. Check out our site to learn more.

Fairweather Adventures

More Charter Listings...

Public touring/ bay access vessels, baranof wind (not linking at this time).

See the official Glacier Bay National Park Link for all the details regarding backcountry passes and park regulations. See our Alaskan Cruises & Tour Packages section for details on booking an Alaskan dream cruise up the Inside Passage and into Glacier Bay .

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RSJU01 Best of Alaska Holiday - Rail & Drive Tour from Juneau

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• Code: RSJU01

Juneau is many things: a mountain town, a coastal community and the most scenic capital city in the U.S. A natural wonder, wildlife hotspot and cultural jewel, Juneau is rich in history, art, music and Native heritage. Your rail, drive & fly tour starts with the exciting day trip to Glacier Bay National Park - one of Alaska's most spectacular National Parks and best viewed during the day cruise on board the “Spirit of Adventure” catamaran. The bay is rich with marine life, including the endangered humpback whale, orcas, threatened Stellar sea lion, harbor seals, sea otters and porpoises. In addition Glacier Bay is home to a large bear population, both brown and black, as well as the blue glacier bear, a rare color phase of the black. Fly to Anchorage, which is home to lot of adventures along with metropolitan amenities. Board the last full-service railroad in North America and choose between the “Adventure Class” seating in the one-storey railway car or the “Deluxe Dome Railcar” on board the Alaska Railroad or with one of the privately operated trains. All train cars feature large panorama windows ensuring unobstructed views around every bend of the majestic beauty of the glaciers, mountains and Alaskan wildlife. Stay two days at Denali National Park which is the natural habitat for many types of wildlife including caribou, moose, wolves, Dall sheep, bald eagles, and the mighty grizzly bears. It is most likely you will spot some of them while taking our full day Denali Transit Bus to Eielson Center, Wonder Lake or Kantishna Roadhouse. Your train journey continues to Fairbanks where you’ll pick up your rental car. Fairbanks is the bouncing-off point for trips into Alaska’s remote villages, the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and Gates of the Arctic National Park. Your itinerary takes you to Copper Center, the gateway to Wrangell - St. Elias National Park. It is your choice to spend a full day at Kennicott / McCarthy, drive to Valdez and join the Columbia Glacier Cruise or try your luck fishing for salmon in famous Copper River. The finale to this tour is Anchorage. Please read our itinerary to have more detailed day-to-day experience. On request, this trip can be customized and can be organized in reverse order.

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Prices & Dates

Attractions & add-ons, accommodation, information, rates in us $ / per person, what’s included.

8 Nights Comfort OR First-Class Accommodation

Hotel and State Taxes

03 Days Midsize Rental Car (For additional Upgrades and Extras Click Here )

Unlimited Free Mileage

Rental Car Licensing Fees

CFC, State & City Rental Car Sales Taxes

One Way Rental Fee

Round Trip Flight from Juneau to Gustavus

Full Day Glacier Bay Wildlife & Glacier Cruise

Lunch & Non-Alcoholic Beverages onboard

Return Transfer in Gustavus

Glacier Bay National Park Fee

Flight from Anchorage to Juneau

Denali Transit Bus Ticket to Eielson Visitor Center

Juneau, Denali & Fairbanks Railroad Station and Airport Transfers

Tour Documentation

Sightseeing Information

Railroad Transportation Anchorage – Denali National Park

Railroad Transportation Denali National Park – Fairbanks

Comfort Hotel Category includes Reserved Seats in Standard Adventure Class Train ( upgrade to Dome Car Train is available for $280.00 per person )

First Class Hotel Category includes Reserved Seats in Upper Level Panorama Dome Car Train, Priority Check-in & Boarding, Use of Private Outdoor Viewing Platform, Priority Dining Room Seating, Enhanced Reclining Seats

Tour Departures

Daily  from  May  25th  –  September  15th

We have compiled a list of car rental categories that fit Alaska trips and are suitable for various budgets, trip durations, as well as group sizes. Please ask us for the category that best fits your requirements.

Customizing Tours

All of our tours are flexible and you can add, modify or exchange nights in destinations to suit your timetable and preferred routing. Thus, sometimes it will be necessary to observe ferry schedules, national park opening/closing dates etc. to match certain dates and/or departures. Please check also each itinerary online.

Included Services

Please refer to the appropriate tour page for a listing of included services. Our service generally includes the rental car, accommodation, applicable local taxes, ferry trips as scheduled, sightseeing as per itinerary, a detailed tour description, highway or road logs. Not included are: Meals, tunnel tolls, gasoline, entrance fees, additional sightseeing tours. The rental of a compact car (automatic) is always included in our flexible self drive tour packages. Additional rental days or upgrade to a Mid and Full Size Car, Mini Van or Sport Utility Vehicles (4x4) are available. The displayed upgrade rental rates are always per car (not per person) - and of course for the total length of the tour package. Our advertised rates include all local taxes, licensing fee, airport fee, road tax and unlimited mileage. Rental Car insurance is not included as most US guests can use their own private insurance. A valid driver license and a valid major credit card are mandatory for all individual vehicle rentals and/or tour packages including vehicle rentals. Driving on gravel roads/highways is at own risk. The rental car insurance is void on the following highways Denali Highway, Dalton Highway, Top of the World Highway, Taylor Highway, McCarthy Road, Dempster Highway and all other gravel roads. You will be responsible for any damages. Drivers have to be more than 25 years of age. Contact us if you are below 25 years of age.

Advance Reservation

If you travel during the high season from the middle/end of June until the end of August we recommend booking as early as possible to avoid disappointments with sold out situations in highly frequented national parks and gateways - because the northern tour season is very short. The same applies in/around national holidays. Any hotel accommodation, rentals cars and ferry space must be definitely booked well in advance. Thus, tour operator such as our company may still have space on a short notice. Accordingly it is well worth to contact us.

Travel Month

The last two weeks of May, June and September are perfect months for a vacation in the Land of the Midnight Sun. The weather is usually stable and sunny with almost 24 hours of daylight. July and August are prime travel months and are obviously very busy.

Emergency Assistance

You can contact us in case of an emergency. We have a dedicated 24/7 helpline available for our guests.

Available Room Occupancy / Bed Configuration

Single: A room assigned to one person. Room with one bed (double, queen, king size)

Double: A room assigned to two people. Room with two double/queen beds or a king size bed.

Triple: A room assigned to three people. Room with two double/queen beds

Quad: A room assigned to four people. Room with two double/queen beds The maximum occupancy per room is four. Please request if you require a roll-a-way bed.

We can arrange our self drive tours including 2 rooms and 1 rental car if your group is larger than 4.

Bed and Breakfast (B&B) Option

We can substitute the overnight in a hotel with the overnight in a Bed and Breakfast. In this case breakfast is included. The rate of the first class / comfort hotel class will remain the same. We can only exchange some of the hotels since B&B’s are not available in all locations.

Northern Lights Observation

Because of the long daylight hours it is uncommon to see the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) displays from mid May until mid August. The Aurora occurs mainly during the fall / winter months from September – April. Please refer also to our winter touring program.

VISA / Identification

The Visa/entry requirements do change frequently. Please check requirements on the appropriate government pages. We are unable to take any responsibility for such information however you will definitely need your passport to cross the US/Canadian Border. Please ask us if your self drive tour enters Canada.

Travel Insurance

We strongly encourage you to purchase travel insurance to cover: cancellation fees associated with an outing as well as airfare or other nonrefundable expense in the event you need to cancel a trip; medical expenses incurred on a trip; and the cost of a possible medical evacuation from a trip, canceled flights due to weather. We have made arrangements with our trusted travel insurance provider for you to purchase a comprehensive travel insurance plan. Please contact us for details

Sarah, Washington D.C.: I am very happy to give you some feedback: Already for the second time we had our trip to Alaska organized by Alaska Active Tours and the booking team was again a bliss to work with. They organised all the different mode of transportation for us - including flights, train travel and rental car, selected and booked wonderful hotels and lodges, gave us comprehensive advice and perfect travel and sightseeing tips. Our own wishes were easily integrated into the itinerary. If I have to pick a must-do activity, then it is the Glacier Bay cruise and the Admiralty Island bear viewing tour. Denali Park is a very special place but unfortunately it was raining that day. We can highly recommend this special travel agency and look forward to our next trip to Alaska in a few years.. Until then a nice holiday and greetings from Washington D.C.

How to Visit Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska: Ultimate Guide

Last Updated on April 9, 2024

Glacier Bay National Park is a place of incredible beauty in a remote wilderness with glaciers, mountains and wildlife. It is truly unforgettable. It’s a place that can be quickly visited on a cruise ship, which is how 95% of visitors experience its beauty.

If you visit Glacier Bay National Park on your own you gain the opportunity to go deeper with this unique place . You can go deeper into this gorgeous wilderness, meet the people, the wildlife, the glaciers, the very land itself. Make sure you give yourself enough time to spend a few hours just experiencing it. Possibly walking along the beach, or sitting on the beach, or taking some deep breaths next to a giant tree, or sitting on covered deck of the lodge enjoying a beer or a cup of coffee while the rain falls around you. Expect to be changed.

How to get to Glacier Bay National Park from Juneau

• How much does it cost to go to Glacier Bay?
• Where to stay (including details about camping)
• What to do in Glacier Bay
• 4 Day Glacier Bay National Park itinerary
• Getting food and supplies
• What to pack

Related : How to visit Alaska without a car

Listen to our conversation with Glacier Bay Ranger Matt Enderle on the Alaska Uncovered Podcast:

Glacier Bay is located west of Juneau, Alaska . You’ll need to get to Juneau first in order to get to the park. Glacier Bay National Park is located on a peninsula that is surrounded by water and icefields and there are no roads in or out. You can only access Glacier Bay National Park by boat or by plane from Juneau. You can NOT drive to Glacier Bay ! We’ll discuss both options. The vast majority of visitors to Glacier Bay visit on a cruise ship, this post focuses on how to get there if you’re traveling on your own.

How to get to Glacier Bay National Park by Boat from Juneau

This is the least expensive, slowest and most complicated way to get to Glacier Bay National Park. It’s awesome, super scenic and relaxing, as long as you can handle a few logistics and have more time for travel. You can fly to Juneau from Seattle (2 hours) and then take the Alaska ferry from Juneau to Gustavus and then take a taxi or the Glacier Bay lodge shuttle from the ferry dock to Bartlett Cove in Glacier Bay National Park (the cost of both is about $30 round trip). The ferry schedule varies from year and is generally released in February for the coming summer season. Usually the ferry goes to Glacier Bay about three days a week.

I previously wrote about taking the ferry all the way from Bellingham, WA. In that post I also talk about how to read the ferry schedule and what’s available on board the ferry. The ferry from Juneau to Gustavus takes 4-6 hours depending on whether or not it stops in another port on the way. If you fly to Juneau and then take the ferry, you’ll need to take a taxi or rideshare from the airport to the ferry terminal. This costs around $20 each way.

One reason to consider the ferry is that you can bring bear spray (discussed below) and cooking fuel for your campstove (though you cannot use the campstove on the ferry). Getting supplies in Gustavus is challenging so this is something worth considering. You can always leave those items there and fly back. This is discussed in more detail below under “food and supplies”.

How to get to Glacier Bay National Park by Plane from Juneau

This is the faster and more expensive way to go. It’s also less complicated as there are more flight options and you don’t need to get between the airport and ferry terminal in Juneau. You’ll already be at the airport. The first step is to fly to Juneau and the second step is to book a flight from Juneau to Gustavus. The flight between Juneau and Gustavus will be on a small plane, which is a fun addition to your adventure!

Keep in mind that the flights on small planes in Alaska are subject to delays and cancellations based on weather. It’s important to stay flexible and give yourself a good amount of time between flights in Juneau (especially on the way back). Alaska Airlines does operate one flight a day on a jet between Gustavus and Juneau from early June through late August.

How Much Does it Cost to go to Glacier Bay National Park?

The cost of a trip to Glacier Bay can vary widely. Glacier Bay National Park does not charge an entrance fee . You can visit it almost for free (once you get there) if you:

• Stay in the free Bartlett Cove Campground
• Skip any tours in favor of hiking and beachwalking out of Bartlett Cove
• Bring all your own camp food with you

I recommend building a budget so you can see some of the highlights , since you’ll need to invest some money to travel to Alaska in the first place! Read all my tips for saving money on your trip to Alaska here .

Below is a sample of some of the things you should plan to budget for to visit Glacier Bay National Park:

When should I visit Glacier Bay National Park?

The Glacier Bay Lodge and the Glacier Bay Day Boat Tour (both discussed below) are open from Memorial day weekend (late May) until Labor Day (early September) . This is the time that you want to visit! Outside of this time, a visit to Glacier Bay as an independent traveler isn’t a realistic option.

I recommend visiting in the earlier part of the season (late May and early June) because it’s less crowded. It is also statistically less rainy than later in August and September. It’s important to keep in mind that Glacier Bay National Park is RAINY and CHILLY at any time in the summer. Typical summer temperatures are in the 50s and 60s, though you could experience warmer weather at times. It is imperative that if you plan a visit to Glacier Bay National Park that you are prepared for and expecting rain.

Where to Stay in Glacier Bay

There are vacation rentals available in Gustavus, but here I will focus on your two options for staying in the park, since the town is 10 miles away. Definitely stay in Bartlett Cove if you are coming to visit Glacier Bay National Park as an independent traveler. You have two options, the Glacier Bay Lodge and the Bartlett Cove Campground .

The Glacier Bay Lodge is expensive, starting at around $250 per night for a solid, comfortable, though basic room. Rooms are situated around the lodge in cabins. There are no TVs and NO CELL SERVICE. Wifi is available in the lodge lobby, but not in the rooms. The other option is to camp in the Bartlett Cove Campground, which I highly recommend as long as you have a tent with a SOLID rainfly. Read my guide to camping in Alaska here !

Camping at Bartlett Cove Campground in Glacier Bay National Park

This campground is absolutely fantastic. I cannot say enough wonderful things about it. There are only two downsides to it: it’s in a very rainy place and it’s remote, so if you forgot something you’ll have to improvise. This is bear country, and the park service has strict rules for the campground to ensure safety of bears and people.

When you arrive, you’ll go to the Visitor Information station that’s near the dock (and a 5 minute walk from the lodge). They’ll issue your free permit and give you an orientation. It’s important to pay attention to the rules and follow them. The big ones are no food, cooking materials or toiletries in the tent area (they have food caches that are like sheds that you keep these things in, there are several in the campground). The other big rule is no cooking by your tent . The sites are in the trees, and you can cook and eat anywhere on the beach in the intertidal zone (so that the smells wash away when the tide comes in). Here are the reasons why the campground is awesome:

• It’s FREE
• It’s BEAUTIFUL
• New (in 2019) composting toilets
• There are showers (they aren’t in the campground, they are a the lodge which is a 5 minute walk away), you go to the gift shop and pay $5 and they give you a key to the shower for half an hour. They also provide a towel, soap, shampoo and conditioner!
• Laundry is available (again, it’s at the lodge). It’s coin operated $2 for wash, $2 for dry
• Covered set of picnic tables near the dock (this is not right in the campground but it’s very close, 5 minute walk)
• Flush restrooms in that same location (near the dock)
• There is a filtered water bottle filling station by the dock
• There is a hose and wash station for gear by the dock
• Trash AND RECYCLING are available near the dock
• If you forgot food, didn’t bring enough food, don’t want to cook or if you change your mind about cooking in bad weather there’s a lodge (5 minute walk) where you can just go and have your meals, or a meal, or a drink!).
• The lodge also has a lobby with chairs where you can sit and read a book, there’s also a small LIBRARY upstairs where you can do the same.
• Did I mention it’s beautiful? And remote? And awesome?

Things to do in Glacier Bay National Park

1. glacier bay day boat tour.

In my opinion, the Day Boat Tour is a MUST do . I’m telling you this because it’s expensive ($240/person) and you might be tempted not to do it, but really, it’s absolutely incredible! I’ve never been on a day boat tour anywhere in Alaska that wasn’t awesome, but this one is really incredible! I highly recommend it. One of the best day tours you can do in Alaska . This is also the only way to see the glaciers in Glacier Bay, as they are not viewable from Bartlett Cove where you’ll be staying.

Glacier Bay is absolutely beautiful without seeing the Glaciers, but you don’t want to miss this!! If it’s good weather, you’ll be able to see mountains all around as well, but if if it’s rainy, foggy or cloudy you’ll still be able to see the glaciers at the head of the bay and lots of wildlife ! I saw many whales (including some breaching, which is when they jump out of the water and I had never seen that before, so cool!), two bears, many sea lions, sea otters, seals and lots and lots of birds of all kinds. Amazing!

You’ll want to book the boat ahead of time, you can do that here . It’s operated by the lodge. The boat is a full day, it departs at 7:30 am from the dock in Bartlett Cove and you return about 3:30. They provide hot drinks, a clam chowder snack, and lunch (a sandwich and chips). There are additional snacks as well as beer and wine available for purchase on board.

Make sure to dress warmly for this trip so you can be outside on deck as much as you want. When you’re at the head of the bay near the glaciers, it will be colder, and the boat is fast so it’s very windy on deck even in warm and clear weather. They also provide maps, binoculars and there will be a park ranger on board to tell you everything you want to know about what you’re seeing! They also love your questions!

Related : Best places to see wildlife in Alaska

2. Visit the Huna Tribal House

The Huna Tribal House is the most unique and important element of a visit to Glacier Bay. It is a place where the story of reconcilation is being played out right now. In Glacier Bay, the Huna Tlingit are collaborating with the park service to build opportunity for Huna Tlingit people on their land. This is a unique and collaborative effort, and while certainly not complete, it’s movement in the right direction and incredibly hopeful and beautiful.

There are regular interpretive programs (check the schedule in the visitor center at the lodge) led by Huna Tlingit Cultural Interpreters . Even with all of Glacier Bay’s natural beauty, wildlife and solitude, this is one of the biggest highlights of a visit to Glacier Bay National Park. I was so grateful for the opportunity to learn about Huna Tlingit culture and witness this breathtaking art, both in and on the Tribal House as well as the totem poles.

3. Kayaking around the Beardslee Islands

Glacier Bay Sea Kayaks offers half day and full day kayak rentals or tours around Bartlett Cove. They do not allow you to rent and kayak alone, so if you are a solo traveler you’ll need to join a tour. You don’t need any previous experience to take part in this! They will provide all the gear you need and teach you what you need to know. The full day tour includes lunch.

Paddling gives a different perspective on the water and is a wonderful way to see wildlife. If you’re wanting to plan a multi day backcountry kayaking adventure, they can help you with that too!

4. Hiking in Bartlett Cove

There are a number of trails near Bartlett Cove, the park service has an excellent trail guide here .

The Forest Trail is a short, 1 mile, minimal elevation gain loop through the forest and along the beach. This is a good trail for getting oriented when you arrive, or to stretch your legs after the day boat tour.

The Bartlett River Trail is a mellow four mile round trip, minimal elevation gain hike through the forest to the estuary at the mouth of the Bartlett River. This is a good half day hike option.

If you want a longer, more remote adventure, you could go for the Bartlett Lake Trail (10 miles round trip).

5. Tidepooling and Exploring the Beach

Exploring the beach is an excellent any type of weather activity! It’s especially fun at low tide (check the tides at the visitor center in the lodge or the visitor information center near the dock). You can explore the beach in both directions from the campground and dock area for many miles. Just make sure to pay attention to time and how far you’ve walked.

4 Day Itinerary to Visit Glacier Bay National Park

Now that we’ve talked about how to get there, when to get there and what to do, it’s time to put it all together! You could make it shorter by doing more in a shorter time or skipping some of the activities listed above. For example, you could decide not to do a longer hike, or you could decide to fly out from Gustavus the same day as you do the day boat or a kayak trip. Here’s a suggested leisurely 4 day itinerary (including travel from Juneau):

• Day 1: Ferry or Fly from Juneau to Gustavus . Get settled in the campground or lodge. Take a walk on the beach and/or along the Forest trail
• Day 2: Day Boat Tour , visit the Huna Tribal House
• Day 3: Half or full day kayak trip
• Day 4: Hike Bartlett River Trail or the beach, ferry or fly back to Juneau in the afternoon

Food and Supplies in Glacier Bay

The part of your trip that is going to require the most planning is food and supplies. Once you reach Gustavus, you are in rural, remote Alaska and finding things is difficult and they will be very expensive . If you can afford the time, I recommend taking the ferry from Juneau so that you can get your supplies together (including fuel and bear spray, discussed below). You can then travel with them by ferry (you can’t bring cooking fuel or bear spray on airplanes).

One option is to take the ferry to Gustavus, but fly on the way back. You can leave your cooking fuel and bear spray in the camper exchange at the visitor information center near the dock.

Another option is to bring freeze dried food and shelf stable snacks with you from home. If you’re not going to be cooking your own food, you don’t have to worry about this so much, you can just bring a few snacks and be good to go.

If you plan on doing any hiking or camping having bear spray is a good idea. Bear spray is essentially pepper spray in a larger container. The idea is that you carry it and if you encounter a bear you get ready to spray if it charges you. It’s a personal decision whether or not to carry it, but this is a place you definitely want to consider it. If you’re wanting to fly and try to buy it once you arrive, try calling the park service to see if they have any bear spray in the exchange. In the exchange, campers leave things like bear spray and cooking fuel and you can take it when you arrive.

At the gift shop in the lodge you can get a few things, and there are a couple of stores in Gustavus (keep in mind that this is 10 miles from Bartlett Cove, where you’ll be staying), but in general it’s a good idea to bring what you need with you in terms of food and supplies .

There is NO CELL SERVICE in Bartlett Cove or anywhere in the park . Wifi IS available in the lodge lobby and at the dock, but not in the campground or lodge rooms. If you’re camping, charging devices is also a challenge (there are a couple outlets in the lodge). See the section below for my solution to this.

What should I pack to visit Glacier Bay National Park?

This post contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

This is a trip where being organized about what you pack and not forgetting anything is important. Check out this post for my general packing list for Alaska, which is a great checklist for Glacier Bay.

Because of the likelihood of lots of rain and the remote location, a few things to call out as especially important here:

• Rain gear : This is absolutely essential. Plan on it raining the whole time and if it doesn’t you can be pleasantly surprised! I recommend either this rain jacket from REI or this Marmot one you can get on Amazon (unfortunately no plus sizes). Both are very similar and are excellent, waterproof and durable. I also recommend rain pants because even if you’re like me and hate wearing them hiking, you’ll still want them for sitting on wet things and bug protection. These REI ones are the most comfortable ones I’ve found.
• Boots : Waterproof boots are a necessity. For wet places, I prefer to use rubber boots like these , which are totally waterproof, comfortable to walk in, durable and warm. Hiking boots would also work well.
• Warm clothes , including a hat and gloves: temperatures are chilly compared to most of the US during the summer, you don’t want to be cold!
• Lighter weight clothes : it is possible for it to be sunny! If this happens, you’ll want some lighter layers
• A hat with a brim : this is for sun protection, but also so that you can use a bug net with it (there are mosquitoes in Glacier Bay!)
• Sunscreen, sunglasses and lip protection : If the sun comes out, it’s intense! And, if you’re on the water, even more intense.
• If you’re going hiking, the 10 essentials . This is particularly important here as you’re in a very remote area.
• Binoculars (the day boat provides ones you can use, but you may want them for hikes and looking at the water for whales as well)
• A lightweight travel mug : even if you’re not camping, this is awesome for enjoying your hot drinks on the ferry, or taking it from the lodge for a walk outside.
• One or two waterbottles for hikes and day trips.
• A pack cover or garbage bag to put over your backpack (or whatever you are carrying your gear in) if it’s not waterproof
• Analog entertainment such as a Kindle in airplane mode with books already on it, other reading material, sketchbook, portable games, etc. Make sure everything is downloaded so you don’t need to connect to wifi or a phone signal to get it. I also recommend a backup battery for your phone (and keep your phone in airplane mode which saves a lot of battery power in remote locations).
• Any toiletries or personal items you need, prescriptions
• If you’re camping: Headlamp, camp stove and fuel (no fuel on airplanes), any cooking utensils you use, tent with a REAL rainfly and stakes, camping pad and sleeping bag. Read all my advice for camping in Alaska here .

If you’re planning a trip to Alaska, check out this post about the best things to do all across the state! If you’re planning to visit other national parks in Alaska, read my guide for that here .

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Holland America Line Set to Debut New ‘Glacier Day’ and Enhanced Alaska-Focused Experiences on Every Alaska Cruise in 2024

Culinary highlights include Alaska dishes by Fresh Fish Ambassador Chef Morimoto and new Alaska-themed cocktails by acclaimed bartender Sam Ross

Seattle, Wash., April, 17, 2024 — Holland America Line is debuting “Glacier Day” on its Alaska cruises as it rolls out new programming within its "We Love Alaska” on board experience. The new offerings include Alaska Up Close presentations as well as culinary and beverage experiences to help foster a deeper connection to the people, history and culture of the state. The 2024 season kicks off April 27 from Vancouver and May 4 from Seattle. 

“Holland America Line continues to focus on bringing regional and local experiences on board every cruise, with our Alaska sailings leading the way in authentic programming, localized cuisine, and now special events like ‘Glacier Day’,” said Beth Bodensteiner, chief commercial officer of Holland America Line. “We continue to cultivate like-minded partnerships and fine-tune everything from cocktails to wildlife maps to ensure our guests are completely immersed in all facets of Alaska.”

Alaska Season Itineraries and Cruisetours

Through September 2024, guests can embark on Holland America Line’s Alaska cruises and Cruisetours from Vancouver and Seattle aboard Eurodam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam, Westerdam and Zaandam. In addition to seven-day itineraries, guests can take longer 14-day cruises and a new 28-day Arctic Circle Solstice Legendary Voyage that includes 12 Alaska ports.

Cruisetours range from nine to 18 days and include a one-, two- or three-day visit to Denali National Park. Select Cruisetours also include a journey into the wilds of Canada’s Yukon. Holland America Line remains the only cruise line that offers overland tours to the Yukon combined with an Alaska cruise and Denali experience.

‘Glacier Day’ Puts a Spotlight on Alaska’s Majestic Glaciers

As a leader in Alaska cruising, Holland America Line offers more glacier experiences than any other cruise line. The new Glacier Day includes sighting times, scenic commentary, presentations, informational viewing stations, photo opportunities, Dutch Pea Soup on deck, Glacier Ice cocktails, insightful talks by Glacier Bay National Park Rangers and Huna cultural interpreters, an open bow for viewing, and more.

Every Alaska cruise includes a visit to one or more of Alaska’s iconic glacier destinations: Glacier Bay National Park , Hubbard Glacier , Dawes Glacier , and the Twin Sawyer Glaciers of Tracy Arm . Shore excursions also offer the opportunity to visit additional glaciers, including Mendenhall and Portage glaciers.

Serving Fresh Fish in Alaska

Holland America continues to build on its groundbreaking Global Fresh Fish program, which includes being the only cruise line with Alaska seafood certified sustainable by the Responsible Fisheries Management (RFM) and bringing locally sourced fresh fish from port to plate in less than 48 hours. In addition to the seafood and other local delicacies served on the menus, ships in Alaska will serve three exclusive dishes created by the brand’s Fresh Fish Ambassador Chef Morimoto: Fresh Black Cod Yuzu, Morimoto Epice Lobster and Fresh Halibut XO.

A new Alaska Seafood Boil will be offered once per cruise in Lido Market for a surcharge. The foodie feast will serve Ivar’s Northwest-Style Clam Chowder, Dungeness Cruise Clusters, Alaska Salmon, Penn Cove Clams, Penn Cove Mussels and a Shrimp Bucket, with Triple Berry Crisp and vanilla ice cream for dessert.

Offered once per cruise, all dishes on the Alaska Brunch menu in the Dining Room were created with the influence of fresh, local Alaskan and Pacific Northwest ingredients. The selections range from sweet to savory and include Alaskan Blueberry Pancakes, Salmon & Potato Chowder, Wild Forest Mushroom and Tarragon Crepes, Kodiak Steak and Egg Skillet, Crab and Hot Smoked Salmon Cakes, Biscuits with Gravy and Alaskan Reindeer Sausage, and Home Smoked Gulf of Alaska Cod Benny.

Bartender Sam Ross Creates Alaska Cocktails

Acclaimed bartender Sam Ross created a menu of exclusive cocktails that will be featured in the bars on all Alaska ships: Juneau AK, Klondiker, PNW Penicillin, Mosquito, Midnight Sun and Frontier Champagne Flip. Ross was the 2011 “U.S. Bartender of the Year” and his flagship bar, Attaboy, won the 2022 award for “Best Bar in the U.S.” by The World’s 50 Best Bars. Ross is credited with creating two of the most famous modern classic cocktails: Penicillin and Paper Plane.

New Exclusive ‘Killer Whale Pale Ale’ Available On Board

Holland America Line is debuting a new “Killer Whale Pale Ale” on all Alaska cruises. The beer was produced in collaboration with Pike Brewing – Seattle’s oldest craft brewery – and features notes of honey, citrus and tropical fruits. The label artwork was created in collaboration with Native Artist Rico Worl , a member of the Tlingit and Athabascan community, who also designed the Native artwork featured on the Alaska menus. The Killer Whale Pale Ale label represents the food chain in the Pacific Northwest, with a seal deftly maneuvering out of the grasp of a killer whale.

More Wildlife Viewing than Any Other Cruise Line

Alaska is synonymous with stunning wilderness, and Holland America Line offers more ways to see wildlife in its natural habitat. Alaska ships carry an expert on board to help guests witness the majestic animals found in the region, and a Wildlife Spotting Guide points out the native animals found along the cruise route and includes a map with the best places to see each species. Ashore, Holland America Line offers nearly 180 shore excursions to see species of all kinds.

On Deck for a Cause Continues to Support Alaska’s Parks

Holland America Line will continue to donate proceeds from its “On Deck for a Cause” charitable event aboard ships in the region to Alaska Geographic , the nonprofit education partner of Alaska’s parks, forests, refuges and conservation lands. Called “On Deck for a Cause: Alaska’s Parks,” guests on all Alaska cruises will be invited to donate $25 to participate in a noncompetitive 5K fundraising walk aboard every sailing. Funds raised through “On Deck for a Cause: Alaska’s Parks” will go to support education, science and research in Alaska’s parks. The 2023 Alaska season raised more than $100,000 for Alaska Geographic.

Standby Program Offers Reduced Rates for Seattle and Vancouver Cruises

Guests with easy access to Seattle or Vancouver have an opportunity to cruise to Alaska at a reduced rate of $49 per person, per day with Holland America Line’s Standby program. Travelers who sign up for a cruise are alerted between seven and two days before departure if they will be sailing. Solo cruisers also only pay $49 per day and do not incur a single supplement for a double stateroom.

Glacier Bay Lodge - Glacier Bay National Park

E pic Guide to Glacier Bay Lodge in Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska including room tour and video, restaurant review, booking, check-in, airport shuttles, and more.

Glacier Bay Lodge

Staying at the Glacier Bay Lodge was a big goal on our National Park Bucket List . We have been talking about trying to make a trip to this epic National Park Lodge happen for years.

We finally made it happen and now we want to book a return trip asap. The lodge far exceeded our expectations and we would happily return for another stay.

As I type this sitting in the lodge restaurant waiting for the airport shuttle there are multiple humpbacks feeding in Bartlett Cove right in front of the lodge.

So far today we have seen multiple humpback whales and sea otters in Bartlett Cove right in front of the lodge. We are honestly in awe of the wildlife we have been able to see while walking the beach trail to the Glacier Bay Bartlett Cove Campground.

We watched a humpback slap its tail in the water for a few minutes and then breach out of the water. Everyone on the lodge deck gasped and was so excited. We had been watching the whales swim back and forth in the bay when all of a sudden one jumped.

This lodge is a whale-watching dream come true. You can hear the whales in the morning from the room. We could hear them puffing out air and breathing when we woke up.

The cabins at Glacier Bay Lodge are super comfortable. We had to set an alarm so we didn’t sleep through breakfast the bed was so comfortable.

If you are looking for an epic experience in Glacier Bay National Park we highly suggest staying in the Glacier Bay Lodge. The lodge is the only hotel located within Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska! 

Glacier Bay Lodge offers tours of Glacier Bay via an epic boat tour, Park Rangers on-site to answer questions and on the boat tour, shuttle service from the airport, and so much more. 

Booking/Reservations

Season - Late May to early September. The lodge is only open during the summer months typically from Memorial Day to Labor Day. 

Reservations can be made online or by calling 888.229.8687

Getting to Glacier Bay Lodge

The lodge is located 10 miles from Gustavus, Alaska. 

There are a couple of ways to get to Glacier Bay Lodge - Air or Sea. 

You can fly to Gustavus/Glacier Bay via Alaska Air which is how we reached the lodge. 

Alaska Seaplanes offers 6 flights a day from Juneau to Gustavus/Glacier Bay. I will say that during our stay there were a few days that the seaplanes were unable to travel due to the fog and weather in the area. 

With that being said we had to attempt landing a few times before landing on the 3rd attempt due to low-lying fog in Gustavus. One thing to know when traveling to Glacier Bay NP and Gustavus is weather can definitely impact your trip.

The Alaska Ferry travels to Gustavus on a daily route that travels from Juneau → Gustavus → Hoonah. Find out more about booking Alaska ferry tickets on the Alaska Marine Highway Website . 

Airport Transportation

There is a free shuttle bus from Gustavus Airport to the Glacier Bay Lodge. It is an old school bus that we found parked at the side of the airport when we arrived.

We didn’t see it at first but realized it was just down from the airport. Don’t worry the airport is TINY so you don’t have to travel far.

We arrived on the airport shuttle bus directly to the lodge. A lodge employee came onto the bus and gave us a few safety rules and explained where things were at the lodge. They had our keys and a map ready when each party got off the bus.

Within a couple of minutes, we were heading to our cabin to drop off our luggage and start exploring.

2 Double Bed Deluxe Room

We stayed in cabin #35 which includes 2 double beds, a table with 2 chairs, a private bathroom with shower/tub, toilet, a sink, and a small closet.

The room has a partial view of Bartlett Cove through a few trees.

We found the double beds to be extremely comfortable. The windows open with screens on them so we had fresh air coming into the room which was amazing.

We had to force ourselves out of bed so we could get breakfast before our 8-hour Glacier Bay Boat Tour.

The nightstand has a lamp with 2 electrical plug-ins for charging phones. You will need to bring a cord and adaptor to plug into the lamp. There are no USB plug-ins.

The bathroom has small bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and lotion along with a small bar of soap.

Free Wi-Fi is only available in the main lodge lobby.

There are two types of rooms available at the Glacier Bay Lodge - Lodge Rooms (Standard and ADA Standard) and Deluxe Rooms.

Standard Rooms have 2 double beds or 1 king or 1 double and 1 bunk bed, and private bathrooms.

ADA Standard Rooms are located on ground level and include roll-in showers, grab bars, a lowered sink bathroom in the private bathroom, and 1 double bed, and can accommodate 3 guests. 

Deluxe Rooms have either 2 double beds or 1 king bed, a Bartlett Cove View, a private bathroom, and easy access to the main building. 

All of the rooms have easy access to the main lobby, shores of Bartlett Cove, Glacier Bay Day Tour daily boat excursions, laundry facilities, and customer service. 

The cabins are spread out among the towering Sitka Spruce Trees. There are boardwalks and stairs connecting the cabins to the main building. 

The 49-room lodge overlooks Bartlett Cove with majestic views of the Fairweather Mountain Range.

We found the room to be incredibly comfortable. It is not large but has everything you need for the time you spend in the room.

Fairweather Dining Room Restaurant

The restaurant is open for breakfast and dinner. The restaurant is located in the main lodge building. Reservations are requested for dinner and can be made at the front desk.

Breakfast is a buffet that included scrambled eggs, breakfast potatoes, bacon, sausage, biscuits and gravy, French toast, bagels, and cereal. They also have coffee, tea, and water available during breakfast.

The dinner menu has quite a wide variety of dishes including halibut fish and chips, baked halibut, chicken, steak, and an impossible burger for vegetarians. We highly suggest getting the spinach dip it was amazing.

Our dinners averaged $110 a night for 2 people with 2 iced teas, an appetizer, and 2 entrees with tips. When we booked our room, we were able to find a deal with the boat tour and breakfast included in the rate.

There is a really nice gift shop open all day in the main lodge building. They have a great variety of Glacier Bay-themed souvenirs. They also offer snacks and some pre-made sandwiches for lunch.

The gift shop has some local Alaskan beer available by the can, some soda, and bottled water. They also have a variety of trail snacks.

Make sure to pick up a Glacier Bay National Park Coloring Book designed by our friend Kristi Trimmer. They sell them in the gift shop and they are amazing.

The lodge lobby has a gorgeous stone fireplace with comfy couches and chairs. It is the place to relax while waiting on the airport shuttle back to Gustavus Airport. With only one flight out a day, you have the opportunity to relax for a few hours in comfort.

There is free WiFi so it is the perfect place to check emails and social accounts while warming up by the fire.

The large windows offer dramatic views of Bartlett Cove. We spent a lot of time in front of the fireplace relaxing and talking with other guests.

After a full day of exploring the lobby is the perfect place to relax. 

National Park Service Visitor Center

The Glacier Bay NP Visitor Center is located upstairs in the main lodge. There are stairs to reach the visitor center. A ranger is on duty 2 hours a day from 11 am to 1 pm.

The visitor center can be visited during the day at any time to check out the great interpretive displays.

National Park Service Programs are offered daily and rotate to provide new programs nightly.

The grounds surrounding Glacier Bay Lodge are beautiful and well worth exploring. There is a .25-mile trail along the coastline to the Glacier Bay Campground. There is also a forest trail that is 1.5 miles round trip and guides you through a temperate rainforest.

The Tlingit trail travels from the boat dock to the clan house and passes by multiple cool exhibits. You can see a Tlingit Canoe, the skeleton of “Snow” a famous humpback whale, and information about the flora and fauna of the area.

Glacier Bay Boat Tour

An eight-hour tour is offered directly from the Bartlett Cove Marina for guests of the lodge and day visitors.

The boat tour travels up to Margerie Glacier and includes dramatic views of deep fjords, the summer feeding grounds of Humpback Whales, coastal mountains, and Southeast Alaska. 

During our Glacier Bay Boat Tour, we saw humpback whales, killer whales, mountain goats, harbor seals, stellar sea lions, grizzly bears also called coastal bears, migratory birds, and so much more! 

Things to know when planning a trip to Glacier Bay Lodge

Cancellation Policy

Reservations made 30 or more days prior to arrival have a 10-day grace period to change or cancel the itinerary at no charge from the time of booking. 

Reservation cancellations or changes made outside of 72 hours prior to arrival will receive a refund less a 10% change or cancellation fee.

Canceling within 72 hours prior to arrival will result in full payment forfeiture.

Payment Policy

Advanced payment is required at the time of booking reservations. Payment may be made by credit card only.

Glacier Bay Lodge and Tours is an authorized concessioner of the National Park Service.

We did not have cell phone service during our stay at the lodge. 

Glacier Bay Lodge History

The lodge was designed by Seattle architect John Morse to include a blend of rustic architecture with 1960s modernism.

The lodge was part of the National Parks Mission 66 project to welcome and accommodate many generations of park visitors. 

John Morse also designed the visitor center at Sitka National Historical Park in Sitka, Alaska.

For the Glacier Bay Lodge, John Morse designed a complex that heavily employed heavy timber posts, asymmetrical pitched roof, triple triangular dormers, and expansive windows to showcase the views of Bartlett Cove.

The boardwalks between the main lodge building and the cabins were created to immerse visitors in the temperate rainforest.

The lodge was completed in 1966 and is a showcase of Park Service Modern Architecture. 

Park Ranger John Pro-Tip

Mission 66 was a 10-year project proposed to Congress in 1955 by Conrad Wirth, the Director of the National Park Service. The goal behind this proposal was to modernize the National Park Service and its facilities in time for the park's 50th anniversary. 

This was a vital step forward for the park service as the US had developed the modern highway system. The automobile was becoming more and more affordable leading to the unprecedented increase in auto tourism to the National Parks 

Projects outlined in mission 66 included building lodges, campgrounds, visitor centers, and trails that continue to serve guests today. Most notably about the Mission 66 program was the implementation of park visitor centers, a central part of almost every park visit today! 

Additional Alaska National Park Resources

Check out our 3 Alaska National Park Trip including Denali, Kenai Fjords, and Glacier Bay NP! 

Each of these National Parks would need to be reached via a plane flight. 

Denali National Park

Kenai Fjords National Park

Lake Clark National Park

Katmai National Park

Wrangell St. Elias National Park

Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park

Check out all of the  Alaska National Parks  along with  National Parks in Washington ,  California National Parks , and  National Parks in Hawaii

Planning a National Park vacation? America the Beautiful/National Park Pass covers entrance fees for an entire year to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites.

The park pass covers everyone in the car for per vehicle sites and for up to 4 adults for per-person sites.

Buy on  REI.com  and REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.

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• HAL-Holland America elevates Alaska experience with 'Glacier Day...

HAL-Holland America elevates Alaska experience with 'Glacier Day' and enhanced programming

As part of its "We Love Alaska" onboard experience, HAL-Holland America Line is unveiling "Glacier Day" on its Alaska cruises, offering new programming aimed at fostering a deeper connection to the state's people, history, and culture.

The debut coincides with the start of the 2024 season, commencing on April 27 from Vancouver (BC Canada) and May 4 from Seattle (Washington USA) .

From April through September 2024, guests can embark on Holland America's Alaska cruises and Cruisetours from Vancouver and Seattle aboard Eurodam , Koningsdam , Nieuw Amsterdam , Noordam , Westerdam , and Zaandam . The offerings include 7-day itineraries, longer 14-day cruises, and a new 28-day Arctic Circle Solstice Legendary Voyage featuring 12 Alaska ports.

Cruisetours, ranging from nine to 18 days, feature visits to Denali National Park, with some including journeys into Canada's Yukon. Holland America Line remains the sole cruise line offering overland tours to the Yukon combined with an Alaska cruise and Denali experience.

Renowned for its Alaska cruising, Holland America Line provides extensive glacier experiences, including Glacier Day. This new addition offers guests sighting times, scenic commentary, presentations, viewing stations, photo opportunities, onboard specialties like Dutch Pea Soup and Glacier Ice cocktails, talks by Glacier Bay National Park Rangers and Huna cultural interpreters, open bow access, and more.

Each Alaska cruise includes visits to iconic glacier destinations like Glacier Bay National Park , Hubbard Glacier , Dawes Glacier, and the Twin Sawyer Glaciers of Tracy Arm . Shore excursions provide opportunities to explore additional glaciers, such as Mendenhall and Portage glaciers.

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About Glacier Bay Lodge: ​

Ever wish you had more daylight hours? Nestled in between coastal mountains, incredible fjords, and Alaska’s Inside Passage, Glacier Bay is a remote wilderness experience you don’t want to miss. Develop your hospitality skills in one of the most beautiful places in the world. With almost 20 hours of daylight during the summer, recreation and sightseeing opportunities are never-ending.​

3.3 million acres of mountains, glaciers, fjords, rainforest, and wildlife fill the environment of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The only way to travel to us is by air or sea from Juneau to the friendly little town of Gustavus, your Gateway to Glacier Bay. However, once you arrive, every experience will be awe-inspiring.