Gateway Town
Gustavus
Gateway to Glacier Bay. Seasonal lodging, limited services, world-class kayaking and glacier tours.
Quick facts
- Town Type
- Gateway Town
- Population
- 655
- Best Known For
- Gateway to Glacier Bay, kayaking, and wildlife tours
- About This Town
- Gustavus is the only gateway to Glacier Bay, with daily summer flights from Juneau and seasonal ferry service. This small community sits where the Salmon River meets Icy Strait, its landscape continuously reshaped by postglacial rebound—land rises visibly, over an inch per year. Glacier Bay National Park employs most residents; tourism and small businesses sustain the rest.
Town overview
- Town Type
- Gateway Town
- Population
- 655
- Best Known For
- Gateway to Glacier Bay, kayaking, and wildlife tours
- About This Town
- Gustavus is the only gateway to Glacier Bay, with daily summer flights from Juneau and seasonal ferry service. This small community sits where the Salmon River meets Icy Strait, its landscape continuously reshaped by postglacial rebound—land rises visibly, over an inch per year. Glacier Bay National Park employs most residents; tourism and small businesses sustain the rest.
- What Makes It Special
- Postglacial rebound geology, historic 1920s homestead lodging, Tlingit cultural heritage, rainforest setting
Park access
- Distance From Park
- 48 miles southeast (77.5 km)
- Shuttle To Park
- Ferry from Gustavus Dock & Ferry Terminal into park; lodges arrange park tours
- Nearest Airport
- Gustavus Airport (GST); daily Alaska Airlines flights to Juneau in summer, seasonal service to Seattle
Where to stay & eat
- Hotel Count
- 8
- Bnb Count
- 0
- Lodging Variety
- Historic homestead inns and modern hotels/motels
- Restaurant Count
- 5
- Restaurant Types
- Seafood-focused upscale dining; one grocery store
- Dining Price Ranges
- Upscale at lodges ($$$); grocery options available
Visitor services
- Grocery Stores
- One small grocery store; stock up before or during stay
- Medical Facilities
- Medical clinic in town
Things to do
- Main Attractions
- Glacier Bay tours, kayaking (Beardslee Islands), whale watching, fly fishing, rainforest hiking
- Summer Activities
- Kayaking, glacier tours, whale watching, fly fishing, rainforest hiking
Planning advice
- Peak Season
- July
- Shoulder Season
- May-June and August-early September
- Booking Advance
- Book 4-6 months in advance for summer; many places close October-April
- Stock Up Here
- This is your last grocery stop before Glacier Bay. Stock water, dry goods, and any forgotten gear at the one grocery store.
- Late Night Intel
- Restaurant kitchens close by 9 PM. Both inns serve dinner but reservations required. Plan meals ahead; no late-night options outside lodges.
- The Vibe
- Gustavus is a working gateway town with historic homestead hospitality, not a resort destination. Remote, seasonal, and quiet even in summer. Expect minimal services October-April and no traffic lights year-round.
- Best Time To Visit
- Late May through early September; July is peak season
More details
- Visitor Center Location
- Glacier Bay Visitor Information Station (park entrance area)
- Winter Scene
- Town quiets dramatically; majority of lodges and restaurants closed
- Insider Tips
- No road to town from outside the park; fly or ferry only
- Land is actively rising due to postglacial rebound—over an inch per year
- Gustavus has one main road to Bartlett Cove in the park
- Historic homestead inns offer family-style meals and naturalist guides
Location
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Gustavus?
Fly to Gustavus Airport (daily Alaska Airlines flights from Juneau in summer) or take the Alaska Marine Highway ferry. No road from outside the park.
When is everything open?
Mid-May through mid-September. Most lodges and restaurants close October-April.
How far to Glacier Bay?
48 miles via ferry from the Gustavus Dock & Ferry Terminal into the park.
What's the food scene?
Upscale seafood at the lodges (gourmet, reservations required). One grocery store for self-catering supplies.
Is July too crowded?
July is peak season but crowds are modest compared to other gateway towns. May-June and August-September are quieter.
Can I walk around town?
Yes, but Gustavus is small and spread out. Taxi and rental car services available.
More at Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve
Haines
Bald eagle haven and historic port town. Gateway to Glacier Bay National Park, 93km northeast.
Recommended gear for Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve
Sources
- YourNPGuide Editorial
Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research. Learn how YourNPGuide works.
Last updated July 2026. Report an issue.