Carved from ice and time, Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve stands as one of Alaska’s most spectacular wilderness preserves. This is a landscape in constant motion, where tidewater glaciers calve house-sized chunks of ice into the bay with thunderous roars, where humpback whales breach in waters that were solid ice just centuries ago, and where the retreat of glaciers has created a living laboratory for studying ecological succession. Accessible only by boat or plane, Glacier Bay rewards those who make the journey with experiences that feel genuinely wild and untamed.
The things to do in Glacier Bay aren’t about conquering nature but witnessing it in all its raw, magnificent power. From kayaking among icebergs to watching brown bears fish for salmon along pristine coastlines, this corner of Southeast Alaska offers encounters with wilderness that have become increasingly precious in our crowded world.
Table of Contents
1. Birdwatching: A Birder’s Arctic Paradise
With 274 species documented within park boundaries, Glacier Bay ranks among Alaska’s premier birding destinations. The park’s diverse habitats, from marine environments to alpine tundra, attract an remarkable variety of species. Seabirds dominate the coastal areas: tufted puffins nest on rocky islands, black-legged kittiwakes wheel above the water, and pigeon guillemots dive for fish in the bay’s cold waters. The retreat of glaciers has created successional forests where songbirds thrive, while alpine areas host ptarmigan and rosy-finches adapted to harsh conditions.
Prime birding locations: Bartlett Cove offers accessible birding with forest species and shoreline birds. Boat tours into the bay provide opportunities for pelagic species and seabirds. The South Marble Island area hosts massive seabird colonies during breeding season (May-August). Bald eagles are common throughout the park. Bring quality binoculars and a spotting scope for distant viewing. Spring migration (late April-May) and breeding season offer peak diversity. The park’s remoteness means many birds show less wariness of humans than in more visited areas.
2. Sport Fishing: Fresh and Saltwater Opportunities
Glacier Bay’s waters teem with both freshwater and saltwater fish species, creating exceptional fishing opportunities for anglers. The bay itself offers outstanding saltwater fishing for halibut, rockfish, and five species of Pacific salmon. Streams draining into the bay support runs of coho, pink, and chum salmon, along with resident Dolly Varden char. The fishing here combines excellent catch rates with stunning scenery. You might land a 50-pound halibut while watching a glacier calve in the background, or hook a silver salmon with a humpback whale surfacing nearby.
Fishing details: An Alaska sport fishing license is required for all anglers 16 and older. Licenses can be purchased online or in nearby communities. Charter fishing operators based in Gustavus offer guided trips with all equipment provided. Peak salmon season runs July through September. Halibut fishing is productive May through September. Catch limits and regulations apply, so check current rules before fishing. Many visitors combine fishing with other activities on multi-day boat charters. The remote setting means you often fish in complete solitude.
3. Alaska Mountain Guides Sea Kayaking: Paddle Among Giants
Sea kayaking in Glacier Bay offers an intimate perspective on this icy wilderness that’s impossible to achieve from larger vessels. Alaska Mountain Guides and other permitted operators lead expeditions ranging from day trips to multi-day camping adventures. Paddling silently through waters dotted with icebergs, approaching tidewater glaciers from sea level, and camping on remote beaches creates a profound connection to this landscape. The scale becomes visceral when you’re in a kayak. A seal surfaces ten feet away. Ice pops and hisses as ancient air bubbles escape. The silence between glacier calvings feels absolute.
What to expect: Day trips explore areas near Bartlett Cove, suitable for beginners with basic paddling instruction provided. Multi-day expeditions venture deeper into the bay, requiring more experience and comfort with wilderness camping. All necessary equipment is provided, including dry suits for cold water safety. The season runs roughly May through September, with July and August offering the most stable weather. Wildlife encounters, particularly seals and sea otters, are common. Responsible operators maintain safe distances from calving glaciers and marine mammals. Trips fill quickly, so book well in advance.
4. Glacier Bay Day Tour: Witness Glacial Majesty
The classic Glacier Bay day tour remains the most popular way to experience the park’s highlights. These narrated boat tours travel deep into the bay, approaching several tidewater glaciers while a park ranger provides interpretation about the landscape’s geology, ecology, and history. The journey itself becomes part of the experience. You travel through waters that were solid ice 250 years ago, witnessing one of the fastest glacial retreats ever documented. The tour typically approaches the massive Margerie Glacier, where the boat pauses to let passengers witness and hear ice calving from the glacier’s face into the sea.
Tour highlights: Tours last approximately 7-8 hours, departing from Bartlett Cove or nearby Gustavus. A hot lunch is typically included. Wildlife sightings often include humpback whales, orcas, sea otters, harbor seals, mountain goats, and brown bears along the shoreline. The ranger naturalist program adds significant educational value. Dress in warm layers as temperatures on the water are significantly cooler than on land. Binoculars enhance the experience. Tours operate daily during summer season (late May through early September). Book early as tours often sell out weeks in advance.
5. Alaska Yacht Charters: Explore at Your Own Pace
For those seeking ultimate flexibility and comfort, private yacht charters offer a customized Glacier Bay experience. These multi-day adventures allow you to set your own itinerary, spending more time at locations that interest you most and adjusting plans based on weather and wildlife sightings. Chartered yachts range from comfortable motor cruisers to luxurious vessels with full amenities. Professional captains handle navigation and provide local knowledge, while you enjoy the park from a private floating basecamp. This option works particularly well for families or groups wanting a more personalized experience.
Charter details: Charters typically run 3-7 days, though longer trips can be arranged. Most include all meals, accommodations aboard the vessel, and activities like kayaking and fishing. Permits are required for overnight anchoring in the park, which charter operators arrange. Costs vary widely based on vessel size and amenities, generally ranging from $2,000-5,000+ per day for the entire boat. The flexibility to explore less-visited areas and adjust to optimal wildlife viewing conditions justifies the premium for many visitors. Summer months (June-August) offer the best weather and longest daylight hours.
6. Explore Bartlett Cove: Gateway to Glacier Bay
Bartlett Cove serves as Glacier Bay’s primary developed area, but “developed” is relative in Alaska wilderness. The cove offers the park’s only campground, the Glacier Bay Lodge, a visitor center, and several short trails through temperate rainforest. This area provides the most accessible introduction to the park’s ecosystems, particularly for visitors with limited time or those waiting for boat tours. The cove demonstrates early stages of forest succession, where life has reclaimed land exposed by glacial retreat. What was barren rock and gravel two centuries ago now supports dense spruce-hemlock forest.
What to do: The Bartlett River Trail and Forest Loop Trail offer easy walks through old-growth rainforest. The beach provides opportunities for tide pooling and beachcombing. Black bears occasionally visit the area, particularly during salmon runs. The visitor center features exhibits explaining the park’s glacial history and ecology. Free ranger programs run throughout the summer. The Glacier Bay Lodge offers meals and overnight accommodations (book well ahead). Kayak rentals are available for exploring the protected waters of the cove. Early morning and evening provide the best wildlife viewing along the shoreline.
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve
7. Wildlife Viewing: Encounter Alaska’s Wild Residents
Glacier Bay’s wildlife viewing opportunities rank among Alaska’s finest. The park supports healthy populations of both marine and terrestrial mammals. Humpback whales return each summer to feed in the nutrient-rich waters, often bubble-net feeding in spectacular displays of cooperative hunting. Orcas patrol the deeper waters. Sea otters float on their backs, cracking open shellfish. Harbor seals haul out on icebergs, using them as safe platforms for resting. On shore, brown bears dig for clams on beaches at low tide or fish for salmon in streams. Mountain goats navigate impossibly steep cliffs with casual grace.
Best viewing strategies: Boat-based viewing provides the best overall wildlife opportunities, particularly for marine mammals. Binoculars or a spotting scope significantly enhance land-based viewing. Early morning and evening tend to be most productive for terrestrial wildlife. Humpback whales are most commonly seen June through August. Bear viewing peaks during salmon runs (July-September). Always maintain safe distances from all wildlife. The park requires boats to stay at least 100 yards from whales and 50 yards from other marine mammals. Patience is key. Some of the best sightings come to those willing to wait and watch.
8. Beach Trail: Walk Alaska’s Wild Coastline
The Beach Trail offers an accessible coastal hiking experience near Bartlett Cove. This relatively easy trail follows the shoreline, providing opportunities for beachcombing, tide pooling, and wildlife observation. The trail passes through transitional habitat where forest meets beach, creating edges that attract diverse species. At low tide, extensive tide pools reveal the rich intertidal life: sea stars in various colors, anemones, crabs, and small fish. The beach itself tells stories of the land’s glacial past, littered with rounded stones polished by ice and water over millennia.
Trail information: The trail extends approximately 6 miles one way, though you can turn around at any point. The terrain is mostly flat but includes cobble beaches that can be tiring to walk on. Hiking boots with good ankle support are recommended. Check tide tables before starting, as some sections are best hiked at low tide. Black bears occasionally use the beach, so make noise while hiking and know proper bear safety protocols. The trail provides excellent bird watching, particularly for shorebirds and seabirds. Bring a tide pool guide to identify intertidal organisms. Allow 3-4 hours for a leisurely out-and-back hike.
9. Flightseeing: An Aerial Perspective of Ice and Mountains
Flightseeing tours from nearby communities provide a perspective on Glacier Bay that’s impossible to achieve from the ground or water. From the air, the scale of the ice fields becomes clear. You see how glaciers flow from the massive Brady Icefield and Fairweather Range, carving their way toward the sea. The retreat of glaciers over recent centuries becomes visually obvious when viewed from above. You can observe the entire bay in a single flight, understanding the geography in ways that ground-based exploration can’t reveal. Weather permitting is the critical caveat, as Alaska’s weather can ground flights with little notice.
Flight details: Tours operate from Gustavus, Juneau, and Haines, with flight times ranging from 1-3 hours depending on the route. Most flights use small planes (4-10 passengers) for optimal viewing. Some tours include glacier landings, allowing you to step onto the ice. Clear weather is essential, and flights may be cancelled or rescheduled due to conditions. Morning flights often have better visibility. Prices typically range from $250-500 per person depending on duration. Window seats are guaranteed on small aircraft. The best tours include knowledgeable pilots who provide narration about what you’re seeing below.
10. St. Mary & Virginia Falls Trail: Hidden Wilderness Gems
The trails to St. Mary and Virginia Falls offer more challenging hiking experiences for those seeking to venture beyond Bartlett Cove’s easier walks. These trails penetrate deeper into the rainforest, leading to beautiful waterfalls that cascade over moss-covered rocks. The hikes showcase the lush temperate rainforest ecosystem that has developed on land deglaciated for several centuries. Old-growth Sitka spruce and western hemlock create cathedral-like canopies, while the forest floor bursts with ferns, devil’s club, and berry bushes. The trails see fewer visitors than those near Bartlett Cove, offering more solitude.
Trail specifics: These trails are less maintained than those near Bartlett Cove and require good navigation skills. The terrain can be muddy and slippery, particularly after rain (which is frequent). Waterproof boots and rain gear are essential. The trails involve moderate elevation gain and some stream crossings. Wildlife encounters, particularly bears, are possible, so carry bear spray and know how to use it. The waterfalls are most impressive during and after rain when water volume is high. Allow most of a day for these hikes. The rewards are pristine wilderness and the satisfaction of exploring beyond the beaten path.
Final Thoughts of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve
Glacier Bay demands more from visitors than many national parks. Getting here requires planning and expense. The weather can be uncooperative. The scale is overwhelming. But these challenges are precisely what make the experience so powerful. This is wilderness in the truest sense, a place where human convenience takes a back seat to natural processes that have operated for millennia.
The things to do in Glacier Bay aren’t about conquering a checklist. They’re about bearing witness to a landscape in the midst of profound change, about understanding your own smallness in the face of geological time, about experiencing cold and wet and discomfort as part of genuine wilderness encounter. Pack layers, waterproof everything, and expectations that emphasize experience over comfort. Glacier Bay won’t coddle you. It will humble you, challenge you, and if you’re receptive, transform your understanding of what wilderness means in the 21st century. The ice is still here, for now. The whales still come. The bears still fish. Come while you can.
