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National park in Alaska, United States
Photo: Commander John Bortniak, NOAA Corps, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is a national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is in the Panhandle of the state of Alaska. The park is best known for its massive glaciers, but is also an ideal destination for those seeking wildlife, kayaking, or a chance to get away.
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A short distance from Bartlett Cove, this area makes a great option for a kayaking day trip. Note that tides may cause water levels to vary by as much as twenty-five feet, and during low tides much of the area can turn to mud flats, so plan your visit carefully. This area is a great spot to see moose, bald eagles, bears, seals, humpback whales and killer whales.
Much of this inlet is off-limits to motorized boats during the summer months, making it an ideal area for kayakers looking for tranquility. The McBride Glacier, Muir Glacier, and Riggs Glacier are all tidewater glaciers accessible to kayakers. In addition, seals, bears, moose, wolves, and other animals are likely companions while exploring the inlet.
A massive tidewater glacier located in the bay's west arm. This glacier calves ice in such large quantities that it is seldom possible for ships to approach closer than two miles from the glacier's face.
The park's official kayak rental concessionaire.
Alaska Discovery provides guided kayak trips inside Glacier Bay proper. They offer evening, full day and multi-day trips.
Runs a nice restaurant offering breakfast, lunch and dinner. Prices are high but not unreasonable, and the food is reasonably good.
Summer only
60 miles southeast of Yakutat, Alaska at Dry Bay in Glacier Bay National Preserve. The Alsek River Lodge is a small rustic lodge primarily focusing on guided hunting, photography & sport fishing activities and services. Access is by small plane.
Mid-May to mid-September
The Glacier Bay Lodge is in Bartlett Cove and offers overnight accommodations, a restaurant, gift shop, fuel sales (gasoline, #2 diesel, and white gas), and a daily vessel tour to the park's spectacular tidewater glaciers.
Summer only
60 miles southeast of Yakutat, Alaska at Dry Bay in Glacier Bay National Preserve. Johnny's East River Lodge is a small wilderness lodge focusing on sport fishing and wildlife viewing activities and services. Access is by small plane.
Summer only
60 miles southeast of Yakutat, Alaska at Dry Bay in Glacier Bay National Preserve, Northern Lights Haven is a small rustic lodge primarily focusing on sport fishing activities and services. Access is by small plane.
33 sites, 4 group sites. All sites are first-come, first-served. A free walk-in campground with bear-resistant food caches, vault toilets, firewood, and a warming hut (with firewood provided), is located in a very scenic setting along the shore, 1/4 mile south of the Bartlett Cove dock. No reservations are accepted, but a permit is required (permits issued at the visitor center). Wheelbarrows are available to help transport gear between the parking area, dock, and campground. Stays are limited to 14 days.
By car
There are no roads to Glacier Bay. Alaska Marine Highway ferry service provides monthly trips in the winter and twice weekly trips in the summer.
By boat
The Alaska Marine Highway System offers service from Juneau to Gustavus approximately twice weekly during the summer season. Some trips also stop at Hoonah.
By cruise ship
Most visitors to Glacier Bay see the park from large cruise ships with thousands of passengers.
By tour vessel
Tour vessels have up to a few hundred passengers.
By private boat
For a personalized trip in the bay, charter vessels can generally take up to six passengers and are rented to a single group, usually for custom multi-day trips.
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Gustavus · Regional · GST
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