The Ultimate Guide To Glacier Bay National Park

Things To Know Before You Go To Glacier Bay National Park

Before you go, keep a few things in mind so you’re well prepared for your trip and all set to have the best glacial experiences.

What Is the Park Known For?

● Home to the Huna Łingít indigenous people.

● Global sanctuary for marine and wildlife.

● Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.

● Designated as a Biosphere Reserve in 1986 to encourage sustainable development and conserve biodiversity and ecosystems.

● It has several tidewater glaciers that flow from the mountains to the ocean.

Accessibility

The park is only accessible by plane or boat. There are no roads that connect the park to the rest of Alaska.

Entrance Costs

Entrance to the park is free year-round, and no pass is required.

Hours of Operation

The park is open 24 hours a day with no entrance gates. Some facilities and services may be limited depending on the season and observed holidays, so check the park’s website to confirm availability.

Activities in the Park

Partake in several activities at the park:

● Kayaking.

● Hiking.

● River rafting.

● Fishing.

● Camping.

● Wildlife watching.

● Flightseeing.

● Mountaineering.

Weather

Be flexible with your plans, as the weather often changes rapidly. No matter what kind of traveler you are, Alaska has the perfect season for you.

Cellphone Service and Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi is available at the Glacier Bay Lodge and the Visitor Information Station located in Bartlett Cove.

There’s no cell phone service at the park. You can access limited, inconsistent service in Gustavus and within five miles of Bartlett Cove.

The Highlights and Key Attractions of Glacier Bay National Park

As you plan your sensational cruise to Alaska, you’ll want to make sure to include these places in your itinerary.

Huna Tribal House

The Xunaa Shuká Hít, or Huna Tribal House, honors the homes of the Huna Łingít clans that once lined the shore of present-day Bartlett Cove. Learn about the Tlingit and their relationship to their homeland; see totem poles, tree carvings and traditional dugout canoes in nearby areas. Also, during the summer, the Huna Tribal House may host presentations and programs for visitors.

Gustavus

Gustavus is a small town just a 30-minute flight from Juneau. Enjoy the amenities of the town and easily access your Glacier Bay National Park excursions and activities if you’re planning to spend more time at the park. You can also shop for souvenirs and sit down for a warm meal at a local restaurant.

Bartlett Cove

Bartlett Cove is 10 miles from Gustavus and has the main visitor center for the park and ranger-led programs. Take part in water activities and wildlife watching, and you’ll also be able to access hiking trails and the nearby temperate rainforest.

Glaciers

What are the best places to see the glaciers? Head to the West Arm area, a deep-water fjord. Reach the area by water or hike the Grinnell Glacier Trail.

Don’t forget to add these must-see glaciers to your list:

● Margerie Glacier: Stretching out over 20 feet long, Margerie Glacier is a vibrant blue tidewater glacier that extends into the ocean. It’s one of the park's most visited and active glaciers that regularly calves.

● Johns Hopkins Glacier: In Lingít, the Johns Hopkins Glacier is Tsalxaan Niyaadé Sít' and is 12 miles in length. Another tidewater glacier, this striking glacier is also known for its calving and is growing and advancing, unlike other glaciers that are getting smaller.

● Lamplugh Glacier: Lamplugh Glacier is 8 miles long, also with blue ice, and is known for its crevasses. Due to a 2015 landslide, this glacier developed mudflats that support wildlife and plant life.

● Grand Pacific Glacier: The Grand Pacific Glacier is significant, as it’s attributed as the main glacier to create Glacier Bay. It was at one time a tremendous ice mass that blanketed Glacier Bay and has since retreated. It no longer reaches the tidewater, and rock debris covers much of the lower ice.

How To Plan an Alaskan Cruise

With Glacier Bay National Park as your destination, the rest of your planning is easy.

Cruise Route

Research the cruises that go to Glacier Bay National Park and choose the cruise that stops at other interesting ports of call.

Once you know which cruise is the best fit for you, pay the full fare of the cruise to secure your booking. If you need to pay over time, put down the required deposit as soon as possible and make scheduled payments for your cruise until it’s time to take your trip.

Time of Year

Traveling to Alaska during the summer is an easy decision. Cruises typically sail to Glacier Bay from April to October, with July and August being peak months. Take a cruise during the cooler weather shoulder seasons in May or September for fewer crowds and lower prices.

Must-Do Activities

Cruises don’t disembark at the park. Instead, National Park Service park rangers board the ship to give presentations, present activities and answer questions at an information desk.

What To Pack

The weather is unpredictable, so pack layers to stay warm, dry and protected from the wind. Also, bring sunscreen and mosquito protection. Visitors have found binoculars handy to view wildlife and the details in the glaciers. With a little forethought, you’ll know exactly what to pack for a cruise to Alaska.

Welcome To Your Alaska Adventure

Cruising through Glacier Bay, as the glaciers tower over 200 feet above water, you’re sure to cultivate a new appreciation for these 4,000-year-old bodies of ice.