Glacier Bay National Park, with magnificent glaciers, towering snow-capped mountains, abundant birds and wildlife, is known as a World Heritage Site. Whether you are here for a day or a week, you'll find endless opportunities for discovery and adventure here. If you’ve never been to Glacier Bay National Park, it’s helpful to have a plan to ensure you see and do it all. We’ve put together our favorite 3-day itinerary that celebrates the beauty and endless awe-inspiring views of some of the most pristine geography on earth.
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Day of Arrival – Hello Glacier Bay!
Check in at Glacier BayOnce you have arrived at Gustavus Airport, our Complimentary Shuttle Service will take you to Glacier Bay Lodge. Nestled under the spruce trees that line Bartlett Cove, Glacier Bay Lodge offers the only hotel accommodations within the park.
Fresh Air, Fantastic Scenery, Amazing TrailsThere are several hiking trails in Bartlett Cove near Glacier Bay Lodge, all fairly easy to moderate walking. You can choose to do the Forest Loop Trail, a one-mile-long loop trail that begins at the Glacier Bay Lodge and ends near the dock. This easy trail winds through a pond-studded spruce/hemlock forest for one half mile (accessible), then descends to the beach.
Dinner Alaska-StyleThe Glacier Bay Lodge offers you a choice of dining at the Fairweather Dining Room or outside on the deck, and offers local seafood favorites like halibut and salmon.
1st Full Day – A magical day on the bay
A Hearty Start to the Day
Located in the lodge, the Fairweather Dining Room offers many of your breakfast favorites.
Head out for an Unforgettable Day
The Glacier Bay Day Tour is the only scheduled day cruise in Glacier Bay National Park, an amazing 8-hour experience on a comfortable catamaran offering breathtaking scenery, amazing wildlife, and calving glaciers. Enjoy a ranger-led interpretive discussion and lunch on board. The boat returns to Bartlett Cove at 3:30 PM. Absolutely unforgettable!
Still Time for Adventure
After your return from the Glacier Bay Day Tour, you still have plenty of time for a scenic and energizing hike or tour of the visitor center in the Lodge.
Share the Stories of the Day Over Dinner
At Glacier Bay Lodge, you'll enjoy cuisine that's as spectacular as the scenery surrounding you. Enhance your Alaska vacation with our fresh and plentiful seafood favorites at the Fairweather Dining Room.
Day of Departure – Until We Meet Again
Enjoy a Late-Ish Breakfast
You've been busy, so why not sleep in (just a bit) and then head to the Fairweather Dining Room for a mouthwatering breakfast outside on the deck.
Head Out on a Discovery Walkabout
Just a short walk from Glacier Bay Lodge, the history and culture of Alaska come alive. Discover the Healing Totem Pole, the Huna Tribal House, and the largest humpback whale skeleton exhibit in the United States.
Bring Home a Little Piece of Alaska
After a delicious breakfast, visit our gift shop, located in the lobby of the Glacier Bay Lodge, for a great assortment of mementos from your trip, including artwork, jewelry, carvings and much more. Many of these fine items are made by native Alaskan craftspeople. A perfect end to a perfect beginning.