Thank you for your interest in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. We hope this website will help you plan your trip. 

The Visitor Season
The main visitor season is from late-May through early-September with the peak being the month of July. The park is open the rest of the year, but visitor services are very limited.

Weather and Clothing
Summer temperatures average 50° to 60° F (10° to 15° C). Rain is the norm in southeast Alaska. It is best to be prepared to enjoy the park in any kind of weather, especially rain. Suggested clothing includes waterproof boots, rain gear, a hat, gloves, wool or pile layers or a warm coat.

Getting to the Park
There are no roads that lead directly to Glacier Bay and no Alaska state ferries. The park’s headquarters, Visitor Information Station, Visitor Center and the Glacier Bay Lodge are located in Bartlett Cove, 10 miles by road from the small town of Gustavus. Gustavus is located about 65 miles northwest of Juneau. Travel options from May through September include scheduled and charter air services, passenger ferries, cruise ships, tour boats, and charter boats. There are over 50 companies that provide access to the park.

Private Vessels:
If you plan on entering Glacier Bay with your own boat during June-August, a private boat permit is required. The number of permits available is very limited. Permits may be reserved up to 60 days in advance.

Other Services
In Bartlett Cove, the Glacier Bay Lodge offers lodging, a restaurant, a daily tour boat and fuel sales. Lodging, groceries, restaurants and charter boats are also available in Gustavus. Bus and taxi service is available. Check the Visitor Services Directory for all available services in or near the park.

Park Ranger Activities:
The National Park Service Visitor Center is located on the second level of the Glacier Bay Lodge. Park rangers are available much of the day to answer your questions. Rangers lead daily walks through the rain forest and show informative films in the auditorium. A ranger program is presented in the auditorium each evening. Children are also encouraged to participate in the Junior Ranger Program. Books, maps and other Glacier Bay materials are sold in the Visitor Center through Alaska Geographic.

Daily Tour Boat:
The tour boat operated by the Glacier Bay Lodge travels up the bay on a nine-hour trip to the glaciers and back. A park ranger is on board to share information about the natural and cultural wonders of Glacier Bay.

Day Hiking:
Three trails of varying lengths are located at Bartlett Cove. These trails tend to be somewhat muddy and wet, so bring boots. Hiking the shoreline around Bartlett Cove is another good option.

Camping:
A multitude of camping experiences awaits you, ranging from a stay in our free walk-in campground at Bartlett Cove to a wilderness experience up in the bay. A daily boat provides a camper drop-off service at designated locations in the bay. Rangers at the Visitor Information Station provide camper orientations, issue backcountry permits and bear-resistant food containers.

Kayaking:
Sea kayaking is a popular way to experience the wilderness of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. Kayak trips can originate from Bartlett Cove, or the daily tour boat will drop-off kayakers. Making reservations well in advance for a kayak and the daily tour boat is recommended. If you prefer, guided day and overnight kayak trips into the park can be arranged.

River Rafting:
The Alsek River runs through a portion of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. Permits are required for private trips on the Tatshenshini/Alsek; contact the Yakutat Ranger Station (907)-784-3295 or listen to a river information recording at (907) 784-3370.

Fishing:
Glacier Bay offers sport fishing opportunities for both fresh and saltwater fish. Alaska State fishing regulations apply, and a valid fishing license is required.