Perfect Weekend in Glacier Bay National Park
Two days touring tidewater glaciers and sea kayaking among whales in Southeast Alaska's largest wilderness.
Glacier Bay sprawls across 3.3 million acres of temperate rainforest, pristine fjords, and tidewater glaciers—the site of the most dramatic documented glacial retreat on Earth.
- 3.3M Acres of wilderness
- 1,059 Glaciers
- 247 Bird species
- No fee Entrance
Day 1: Arrival & Bartlett Cove Orientation
Stay: Glacier Bay Lodge is the only hotel inside the park; reserve 3–6 months ahead.
Arrival day orients you to the park's temperate rainforest ecosystem and lodge amenities before the flagship glacier tour.
- Fly from Juneau to Gustavus (30 minutes), then shuttle to Glacier Bay Lodge in Bartlett Cove.
- Walk the Forest Loop Trail through moss-draped Sitka spruce and hemlock; the path emerges on a rocky beach overlooking Bartlett Cove.
- Attend the evening backcountry orientation (30 minutes, mandatory) at the Visitor Information Station to learn tides and bear safety.
Day 2: Glacier Bay Day Tour & Sea Kayaking
Stay: Return to Glacier Bay Lodge for dinner and overnight rest.
The day tour to Margerie and Grand Pacific glaciers is the centerpiece of Glacier Bay—two tidewater giants visible only from the water, with frequent calving and abundant wildlife.
- Depart Glacier Bay Lodge at 7:30 AM aboard the 150-person heated catamaran.
- Cruise the West Arm to Tarr Inlet and anchor in front of Margerie Glacier (245 feet high, flowing 2,000 feet per year) and Grand Pacific Glacier (1.35 miles wide, receding since the 1990s).
- Watch chunks of ice calve into the bay, listen for the crack of the glacier, and spot harbor seals, sea otters, and bald eagles on icebergs.
- Return by 3:30 PM with a park ranger naturalist aboard.
Common Questions
Can I visit Glacier Bay without staying at the lodge?
Yes. Bartlett Cove Campground offers free, first-come, first-served tent camping (May 1–September 30). However, the lodge provides comfort and meals. Private kayak tours and charter boats operate from Gustavus (outside park boundaries); to visit West Arm glaciers, you must book the lodge day tour or charter a private vessel.
Do I need a permit to hike or kayak?
Day hikers on Bartlett Cove trails do not need a permit. All overnight users—backcountry campers and kayakers—must obtain a free permit and complete the mandatory 30-minute orientation at the Visitor Information Station (offered twice daily at 9 AM and 2:30 PM).
What is the probability of seeing whales and bears?
Humpback whales and orcas frequent Glacier Bay June–July; wildlife spotting on boat tours is nearly certain. Black bears are common in Bartlett Cove forests and along kayaking routes. Always observe from safe distances and store all food in park-provided bear-resistant canisters.
What gear should I pack for rain?
Glacier Bay receives 70 inches of annual precipitation; rain gear is essential every month. Pack waterproof jacket, rain pants, waterproof bag for electronics, and quick-dry clothing. Layers are crucial—temperatures range 50–60°F in summer with high humidity.
How do I get from Juneau to the lodge?
Fly Alaska Airlines from Juneau to Gustavus (30 minutes, daily June 6–August 30), or take the state ferry (4.5–6 hours, twice weekly May–September). From Gustavus Airport or ferry dock, the lodge operates a free shuttle (10 miles, 20 minutes) to Bartlett Cove.
Sources & Further Reading
- Trip Planning | Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve — National Park Service
- Hiking - Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve — National Park Service
- Things to Do - Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve — National Park Service
- Glacier Bay Lodge - Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve — National Park Service
- Kayaking - Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve — National Park Service
- Permits & Reservations - Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve — National Park Service
- Camping - Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve — National Park Service
- Weather - Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve — National Park Service
- Cruising by Boat - Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve — National Park Service
- Margerie Glacier — National Park Service
- Overview of Selected Glaciers in Glacier Bay — National Park Service
- Wildlife - Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve — National Park Service
- Glacier Bay Fact Sheet — National Park Service
- Fees & Passes - Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve — National Park Service
- Directions - Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve — National Park Service
- Glacier Bay Lodge & Tours - Official Site — Glacier Bay Lodge
- Glacier Bay Day Tour — Glacier Bay Lodge
- Lodging - Glacier Bay Lodge & Tours — Glacier Bay Lodge
- Kayak Rentals & Tours — Glacier Bay Lodge
- Glacier Bay Seasons — Glacier Bay Lodge
- Getting to Glacier Bay — Glacier Bay Lodge
