What Glacier Bay National Park is and how to get there
Glacier Bay National Park is a 3.3-million-acre park in southeast Alaska, about 50 miles west of Juneau. The park protects a bay surrounded by tidewater glaciers, mountains, and temperate rainforest. Unlike most national parks, there are no roads into Glacier Bay — the only way to reach it is by boat or plane.
Most visitors arrive by cruise ship, which docks at the park's visitor center in Bartlett Cove. If you're not on a cruise, you can fly into Juneau and then take a ferry or charter boat to the park. The Alaska Marine Highway System runs a ferry from Juneau to Bartlett Cove several times a week during the summer season, and the trip takes about 10 hours. Private charter boats and water taxis also operate from Juneau year-round.
The park is open year-round, but most visitors come between May and September when the weather is milder and the glaciers are most accessible. Winter visits are possible but require more planning and specialized equipment.
Key Takeaways
- Glacier Bay is reached only by boat or plane from Juneau — there are no roads into the park.
- The Alaska Marine Highway System ferry runs from Juneau to Bartlett Cove several times weekly during summer.
- Cruise ships account for most visits, but independent travelers can reach the park by ferry, charter boat, or floatplane.
- The park charges no entrance fee, but you will pay for transportation to reach it.
- Tidewater glaciers, wildlife viewing, and backcountry camping are the main reasons people visit.
Understanding the park's layout and main attractions
Glacier Bay stretches roughly 65 miles from south to north. The southern part, near Bartlett Cove, is where the visitor center sits and where most day trips begin. The northern part of the bay contains the park's most dramatic tidewater glaciers — Margerie Glacier and Grand Pacific Glacier are the two largest and most visited.
The park has no trails or developed areas except at Bartlett Cove. Everything else is backcountry. If you want to see the glaciers, you either take a boat tour from Bartlett Cove (usually a full-day trip), kayak into the bay yourself, or camp in the backcountry and explore from there. Most cruise ship passengers take the park's official tour boats, which depart from Bartlett Cove and travel north into the glacier-filled upper bay.
Wildlife is abundant throughout the park. You may see humpback whales, sea otters, harbor seals, black bears, and brown bears. Birdwatching is also popular — the park is home to bald eagles, puffins, and many other seabirds.
Day trips and boat tours from Bartlett Cove
If you're not staying overnight, a day trip is the most common way to see Glacier Bay. The park operates tour boats that leave Bartlett Cove in the early morning and return in the late afternoon. These tours travel up the bay to the tidewater glaciers, with stops for wildlife viewing and photography. The trip covers about 80 miles round-trip and takes 7 to 8 hours.
You can also hire a private charter boat or water taxi from Bartlett Cove to take you wherever you want to go in the park. This costs more than the official tour boats but gives you flexibility in where you stop and how long you stay. Charter operators in Juneau can also arrange trips.
Day trips do not require advance reservations with the park itself, but you do need to book your transportation — either the tour boat or a charter — before you arrive. Availability fills up quickly during peak summer months.
Backcountry camping and multi-day trips
Glacier Bay has about 60 designated campsites scattered throughout the park, mostly along the shoreline. Backcountry camping is free, but you must register with the park before you go. The park limits the number of people camping in different zones each night to protect the environment, so sites can fill up during summer.
Most backcountry visitors kayak into the park, either paddling from Bartlett Cove or being dropped off by a water taxi at a remote location. Kayaking is the primary way to explore the park's interior. You can rent kayaks in Juneau or bring your own. The park has no kayak rentals at Bartlett Cove itself.
Multi-day trips require more planning than day visits. You need to register your camping itinerary with the park, arrange transportation to your starting point, and be prepared for Alaska's weather — which can change rapidly. Many visitors hire a guide or outfitter to handle logistics and teach them about the park's ecology and wildlife.
What to bring and how to prepare
Glacier Bay's weather is unpredictable. Even in summer, temperatures range from the 40s to the 60s Fahrenheit, and rain is common. Bring waterproof layers, a warm jacket, and rain gear. If you're kayaking or camping, you'll need a tent rated for wet conditions and a sleeping bag rated for cool temperatures.
Insect repellent is essential during summer months — mosquitoes and biting flies are thick in the park. Sunscreen and sunglasses are also important because the sun reflects off water and snow, and the days are very long in summer.
If you're kayaking, bring a personal flotation device, a map of the park, and a compass or GPS device. The park provides detailed maps at the visitor center. If you're camping, bring a bear-resistant food container or hang your food properly — bears are present throughout the park.
Permits, fees, and visitor regulations
There is no entrance fee to Glacier Bay National Park. However, you will pay for transportation to reach the park — whether that's a cruise ship, ferry, charter boat, or floatplane. The Alaska Marine Highway System ferry costs vary but typically run $100 to $200 per person from Juneau to Bartlett Cove.
Backcountry camping is free, but you must register with the park before you camp. You can register at the visitor center when you arrive, or you can register in advance by contacting the park directly. The park limits camping in different zones to protect wildlife and prevent overcrowding.
Fishing is allowed in the park with an Alaska fishing license, which you can purchase from the state of Alaska. Hunting is not allowed. Drones are prohibited. Pets are not allowed in the backcountry, though they are permitted at Bartlett Cove.
When to visit and what to expect by season
Summer (May through September) is the peak season. The weather is mildest, the days are longest, and the glaciers are most accessible. However, this is also when cruise ships arrive and the park is most crowded. Advance planning is essential if you're visiting in July or August.
Spring (April and May) and fall (September and October) offer fewer crowds and still-reasonable weather. Glaciers are accessible, though some areas may still have snow. Winter (November through March) is quiet but challenging — daylight is limited, weather is severe, and some services shut down. Winter visits are mainly for experienced backcountry travelers.
The park's visitor center at Bartlett Cove is open year-round, though hours vary by season. During summer, it's open daily. During winter, it's open fewer days per week. Check the park's website for current hours before you plan your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive to Glacier Bay?
No. There are no roads into Glacier Bay National Park. You must arrive by boat or floatplane. The Alaska Marine Highway System ferry from Juneau is the most affordable option for independent travelers.
Do I need a guide to visit the park?
No, but many visitors hire a guide or outfitter, especially for backcountry trips. Guides can teach you about wildlife and ecology, help with logistics, and improve safety. Day trips on the official tour boats include a ranger naturalist who provides interpretation.
What is the best time to see glaciers in Glacier Bay?
Summer (June through August) offers the best access to tidewater glaciers and the longest daylight hours. However, the park is most crowded during this time. Spring and fall also provide good glacier viewing with fewer visitors.
Are there lodges or hotels inside the park?
No lodging is available inside the park except for backcountry camping. Bartlett Cove has a campground for RVs and tents, but no cabins or hotels. Most visitors stay in Juneau and take a day trip, or they camp in the backcountry.
How much does it cost to visit Glacier Bay?
The park itself charges no entrance fee. Your main costs are transportation to the park (ferry, charter boat, or floatplane from Juneau) and any tours, guides, or equipment rentals you book. A ferry ticket from Juneau runs $100 to $200 per person. Day tours cost $200 to $400 per person.