Things to do in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve
A Southeast Alaska park of tidewater glaciers, fjords, rainforest, rugged mountains, Huna Tlingit homeland, marine wildlife, and boat-based wilderness.
Best months: June, July, August, September
What is worth your time in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve
Bartlett Cove Visitor CenterDo not miss
The visitor center and lodge area provide the best indoor orientation to glaciers, Tlingit homeland, wildlife, and boating rules.
Ranger Program · 1.1 hr
Forest TrailDo not miss
This easy loop introduces Bartlett Cove rainforest, moss, spruce, and shoreline habitat close to services.
Hike · 1 hr
Glacier Bay Day Boat TourDo not miss
The full-day boat tour is the signature way to see glaciers, fjords, whales, seabirds, and remote mountain scenery.
Scenic Boat · 8 hr
Bartlett Cove Kayaking
Protected paddling near Bartlett Cove offers a quieter water-level view of rainforest, shoreline, and wildlife.
Water Activity · 3 hr5
Margerie Glacier
Margerie Glacier is one of the bay most iconic tidewater glacier viewing targets.
Viewpoint · 1.5 hr4.8
Glacier Bay Lodge
The lodge is the park low-effort hub for meals, views, day boat access, and rainy-day downtime.
Other · 1.1 hr4.3
Huna Tribal House
The tribal house honors Huna Tlingit homeland, culture, and the living relationship with Glacier Bay.
Ranger Program · 45 min4.3
South Marble Island
This small island is a major wildlife-viewing stop for sea lions, puffins, seabirds, and sometimes whales.
Wildlife · 45 min4.3
Bartlett Lake Trail
This longer forest hike reaches a quiet lake away from the main lodge area.
Hike · 4 hr
Bartlett River Trail
The trail follows forest and river habitat with good birding, bear awareness, and a quieter feel than the cove.
Hike · 2.5 hr
Glacier Bay Night Sky
Clear shoulder-season nights can bring stars and occasional aurora above the rainforest and cove.
Stargazing · 1.4 hr
Gustavus Beach
The broad beach near Gustavus gives easy coastal views, birds, and a quiet arrival-day option.
Viewpoint · 1.1 hr
Muir Inlet Kayak Route
A guided or permitted kayak trip into Muir Inlet offers a deeper backcountry fjord experience.
Water Activity · 9 hr
Point Adolphus Whale Watching
The waters near Point Adolphus are renowned for humpback whale activity near the mouth of Glacier Bay.
Wildlife · 3 hr
And 1 more, which the planner picks between based on your dates, pace and what you are into.
Worth knowing
- Glacier Bay is famous for tidewater glaciers, the Glacier Bay day boat tour, Bartlett Cove, humpback whales, sea otters, brown bears, rainforest trails, and Inside Passage cruising.