Glacier Bay Vacations — A UNESCO World Heritage Wilderness
USA
Glacier Bay National Park is one of the world's most extraordinary wilderness destinations — a UNESCO World Heritage Site where 16 tidewater glaciers calve into the sea, humpback whales breach in icy fjords, and brown bears roam pristine beaches. The park is one of the highlights of the Alaska Inside Passage cruise route and one of the most spectacular natural landscapes in North America.
Why Visit Glacier Bay?
- ✓Tidewater glaciers — 16 glaciers calving into the sea
- ✓Humpback whales — regularly seen in the bay
- ✓Brown bears — roaming pristine beaches
- ✓Margerie Glacier — the most spectacular calving glacier in the park
- ✓Kayaking — the most intimate way to experience the glaciers
Things to Do in Glacier Bay
Wendy can arrange any of these experiences as part of your personalised itinerary.
Glacier Viewing Cruise
Take a day cruise to the glaciers — watch the extraordinary spectacle of Margerie Glacier calving into the sea.
Humpback Whale Watching
Watch humpback whales in Glacier Bay — the bay is one of the best places in Alaska to see humpbacks feeding.
Kayaking
Kayak through the extraordinary Glacier Bay — the most intimate way to experience the glaciers, wildlife, and wilderness.
Brown Bear Viewing
Watch brown bears on the beaches of Glacier Bay — bears are regularly seen fishing for salmon and foraging on the shore.
Bartlett Cove Hiking
Hike the trails around Bartlett Cove — the only developed area in the park, with beautiful forest and beach walks.
Flightseeing
Take a flightseeing tour over the extraordinary Glacier Bay — aerial views of the glaciers, mountains, and the Gulf of Alaska.
Ready to book your Glacier Bay trip?
Wendy handles flights, hotels, transfers, and experiences — all in one place.
Where to Eat in Glacier Bay
Wendy's recommended restaurants — from fine dining to authentic local cuisine.
Lodge Dining
Glacier Bay Lodge Restaurant
The only restaurant in the park — good Alaskan cuisine with extraordinary views of Bartlett Cove.
Home-Style Cooking
Gustavus Inn
A beloved inn near the park — exceptional home-style cooking using local Alaskan ingredients.
Lodge Dining
Bear Track Inn
A beautiful lodge near the park — exceptional Alaskan cuisine and extraordinary hospitality.
Where to Stay in Glacier Bay
Wendy has personal relationships with these properties and can often secure upgrades and exclusive rates.
Glacier Bay Lodge
Mid-RangeThe only lodge inside the park — comfortable rooms, good restaurant, and extraordinary access to the glaciers.
Gustavus Inn
BoutiqueA beautiful inn in the small community of Gustavus — exceptional hospitality, excellent food, and a perfect base for the park.
Bear Track Inn
BoutiqueA beautiful lodge near the park — exceptional service, comfortable rooms, and extraordinary wildlife.
Planning Your Glacier Bay Trip
📅 Best Time to Visit
May through September — the park is only accessible by sea or air, and most visitors arrive by cruise ship or small boat.
🌤️ Climate
Subarctic with cool summers (10–18°C) and cold winters. The park is open year-round but most accessible from May to September.
✈️ Getting There
Fly from Calgary to Juneau (JNU), then take a small plane or boat to Gustavus (the gateway to the park). Most visitors arrive by cruise ship on the Alaska Inside Passage.
Frequently Asked Questions — Glacier Bay
Is Glacier Bay accessible without a cruise?
Yes — you can fly from Juneau to Gustavus and take a day cruise or kayak tour into the park. However, most visitors experience Glacier Bay as part of an Alaska Inside Passage cruise.
What is the best way to see the glaciers in Glacier Bay?
The best way to see the glaciers is from a boat — either a cruise ship or a day cruise from Bartlett Cove. Kayaking is the most intimate experience but requires more time and preparation.
Do Canadians need a visa to visit Glacier Bay?
No — Canadian citizens can visit the USA (including Alaska) without a visa, but must carry a valid passport or NEXUS card.
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Book Your Glacier Bay Trip with Wendy
As your trusted travel consultant, Wendy handles every detail of your Glacier Bay vacation — from flights and hotels to transfers and experiences. Get in touch for a free, no-obligation quote.
Book Your Glacier Bay Trip with Wendy
Tell Wendy about your Glacier Bay travel plans and she'll respond within 24 hours with personalised options and pricing.