Glacier Bay National Park | General Travel Information | Alaska Tours FAQ
Glacier Bay National Park: General Information about Glacier Bay National Park Sightseeing Tours, Hotels and Packages
Glacier Bay National Park Information | Glacier Bay Tours
Getting to Glacier Bay National Park
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve lies west of Juneau and can only be reached by plane or boat. The 10-Mile long road connects the small town of Gustavus and the National Park Headquarters at Bartlett Cove. Alaska Airlines provides daily jet service from Juneau to Gustavus (about 30 minutes) during the summer season. Year-round air service to Gustavus is also provided by a variety of small air taxis and charters. During the summer months, the Alaska Marine Highway Ferry "LeConte" stops in Gustavus twice weekly from Juneau. The ferry dock is located 9 miles from Glacier Bay National Park Headquarters in Bartlett Cove.
Gustavus
Gustavus is home to a population of 450 people, and rests on land that rises more than one inch each year, rebounding from the immense weight of glacial ice that covered the area about 250 years ago. Wildlife and wildflowers are abundant, as are: fishing, whale watching, kayaking, biking, art galleries and hiking. Be aware that there are currently no vehicle friendly campgrounds or services for recreational vehicles in Gustavus or Glacier Bay National Park. In fact, Gustavus has only two main roads that meet at '4-Corners,' with less than 20-Miles of paved roads. Glacier Bay National Park Headquarter is located in Bartlett Cove - about 9-Miles away from the new dock.
Bartlett Cove
is the site of a walk-in only campground, a large commercial lodge, restaurant and bar and hiking trails. It is also the starting point for a 40-mile day cruise to see the glaciers in Glacier Bay, offered in the Summer only. Please read the National Park Service ferry visitor information notice regarding limited vehicle service and backcountry permit information.
About Glacier Bay National Park
With its spectacular glaciers and abundance of marine wildlife, Glacier Bay National Park is the crown jewel in the itinerary of many travelers to Alaska. Within Glacier Bay, 11 tidewater glaciers spill out of the mountains and dot the sea with icebergs of all shapes, sizes and shades of blue, turning the 3.3 million- acre park into an icy wilderness.
Activities within Glacier Bay National Park
A variety of marine adventures awaits you within Icy Strait, known for its protected calm waters and abundant marine resources. Marine mammals in the area include humpback whales, orcas, seals, sea lions and sea otters, and expect to see a number of marine birds. Fish in the area include king and Coho salmon, herring, and large halibut. Saltwater fishing, nature charters, whale watching tours and sea kayaking all are available. More Information To better experience our special marine environment, you may speak with one of our travel agents for help planning your personal Glacier Bay adventure. Guided sea kayaking adventures are available in Glacier Bay National Park's Bartlett Cove, among the Beardslee Islands, at Point Adolphous or from the Gustavus Dock. Experienced kayak guides, all trained naturalists, will help you connect with the marine environment, forested wilderness shorelines and abundant wildlife in the area. Kayakers also will learn about the rich natural history and culture of the area. Typically, the cost includes rain gear, boots, kayak gear, permits, lunch and van transportation from your lodging in Gustavus. Kayak rentals are also available in Bartlett Cove for unguided trips/rentals.