GBP#03 Glacier Bay Lodge Package | Alaska Ferry to Gustavus

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Glacier Bay Lodge is nestled among Sitka Spruce on the shores of Bartlett Cove at the border to Glacier Bay National Park. The main lobby is spacious and inviting with giant wood beams and cathedral ceilings. Relax in front of the fireplace in the view lounge area, visit the National Park Service's excellent interpretive displays or enjoy walks on nearby trails throughout the rain forest. The restaurant - with outside decks - serves fresh, creatively prepared meals with an emphasis on local seafood favorites such as Dungeness crab, salmon and halibut. Guest rooms are separate from the main lodge and are accessed by boardwalks. Each room features a private bath and/or shower. Activities: National Park Service Rangers lead daily walks directly from the lodge on the Forest Loop Trail. For a longer outing, a 4-mile trail leads you from the lodge to Bartlett River and back. On the way, view an estuary where wildlife and migrating birds are frequently observed.

  • Tour Itinerary

  • Dates | Rates

  • Options | Extensions

  • Glacier Bay National Park FAQ

Day
01

Juneau - Gustavus (Alaska Ferry)

Start your Glacier Bay package with the morning ferry ride from Juneau to Gustauvs. The Alaska ferry departs at 7 a.m. from Auke Bay and arrives at 12:45 p.m. at Barlett Cove, Gustavus (times subject to change). Enjoy the fast catamaran ride while witnessing some of the most magnificent scenery in the world. Upon arrival you will be transferred to Glacier Bay Lodge where you can check into your room. Spend the rest of the day walking the beach at Bartlett Cove or exploring the rainforest trails that surround the lodge. You can choose to do the Forest Loop Trail, a one-mile long loop trail 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, then descends to the beach. The 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 Dungeness Crab (a house specialty), halibut and salmon. After dinner, attend a presentation by the National Park Service in preparation for tomorrow's trip. Overnight: Glacier Bay Lodge
Day
02

Gustavus - Juneau (Skagway, Haines) / Glacier Bay Day Cruise

Depart at 7:30 a.m. for the scenic high-speed catamaran cruise into Glacier Bay, where you will explore the entire length of the West Arm of Glacier Bay to the face of Margerie and Grand Pacific glaciers, two of several tidewater glaciers in the park. Watch the tidewater glaciers "calve" - when enormous chunks of ice fall of the glacier's face and crash dramatically into the water below. As you cruise, observe the park's wildlife: Humpback, orca and minke whales; harbor seals and sea lions; bears, mountain goats and more than 200 species of birds. The spacious, comfortable catamaran was designed for maximum stability, fastest cruising speed and the least wake – making it the perfect vessel design for all-day cruising. The boat is fully enclosed and features comfortable heated seats, large windows for viewing the scenery and wildlife. There is also an expansive outside deck that is easily accessed through several doors. Throughout the cruise, a National Park Service ranger will explain wildlife behavior as well as the geologic features and cultural history of the park. Lunch is included and served on board, along with hot cocoa, tea and coffee. Return at 3:30 p.m. to Bartlett Cove. Transfer to the airport and board the flight to Juneau (or optional Skagway / Haines). An additional night's stay at Glacier Bay Lodge can be arranged.

From | to Juneau
Rates in US $ / per Person Single Double Triple Quad Child
2 Days / 1 Night Glacier Bay Lodge Package $ 1150.00 $ 955.00 $ 895.00 $ 875.00 $ 575.00
3 Days / 2 Nights Glacier Bay Lodge Package $ 1515.00 $ 1140.00 $ 1030.00 $ 980.00 $ 600.00
4 Days / 3 Nights Glacier Bay Lodge Package $ 1880.00 $ 1325.00 $ 1165.00 $ 1000.00 $ 625.00

 

Services included
  • Alaska Marine Highway Ferry Transportation from Juneau to Gustavus
  • One Way Flight from Gustavus to Juneau (optional to Haines or Skagway)
  • Glacier Bay Lodge Accommodation. Rooms with private bath
  • Gustavus Bed Tax / Sales Tax
  • Full Day Glacier Bay Wildlife & Glacier Cruise
  • Lunch & Non-Alcoholic Beverages on board
  • Transfers in Gustavus
  • Interpretive Evening Program
  • NPS Utility Fee
Additional Days | Juneau Hotel Accommodation
Rates in US $ / per Person (+ tax) Single      Double      Triple      Quad      Child     
May 28 - September 05 - Standard $ 180.00 $ 95.00 $ 67.00 $ 58.00 $ 10.00
May 28 - September 05 - Superior $ 230.00 $ 115.00 $ 83.00 $ 78.00 $ 10.00

 

Sigghtseeing Tours
Rates in US $ / per Person Adult     
Gustavus: 3 1/2 hour Whale Watching Cruise including tax 
+  $12 per Person Round Trip Transportation  
 $ 130.00
Glacier BayNational Park - FAQ
Glacier Bay National Park was completely covered by ice just 200 years ago. Explorer Captain George Vancouver found Icy Strait choked with ice in 1794. The “Y” shaped body of Glacier Bay includes 16 tidewater glaciers. 12 of them are active and calve icebergs thundering into the bay. On the east and west of the 65 mile long bay the steep mountain summits of the Chilkat and the Fairweather Ranges rise up to provide a dramatic backdrop of glaciated mountain tops. During the summertime hundreds of whales are staying in Glacier Bay to feed in the nutrient rich waters before migrating back to Hawaii.
 
Q:
A:		 How do I get to Glacier Bay?
Glacier Bay National Park is located at the northern end of Southeast Alaska’s panhandle - approximately 50 miles west of Juneau. The only way to get to the Park is by charter or commercial aircraft and by boat. Daily air service to Gustavus is available between June and September from Juneau, Haines and Skagway, (flight time appr. 30 minutes) A high-speed passenger catamaran operates between Juneau’s Auke Bay and Gustavus / Bartlett Cove. There are no roads to and within Glacier Bay National Park and limited Alaska Marine Highway Ferry services. Please Note: You will not see any icebergs from the Bartlett Cove area. The only access to the fjords and bays within the national park is via a tour boat.
Q:
A:		 How can I visit the National Park?
Due to it's vast size and remote nature, the best ways to visit Glacier Bay National Park or Icy Straits is by tour boat, cruise ship or individually/escorted with kayak excursions. We offer a variety of 1-3 day tours, sightseeing and soft adventure programs. Custom itineraries are available upon request.
Q:
A:		 When is the best time to visit the Park?
In May wildlife is easy to spot. Migratory birds are resting on the way to the south.  Spring on the average has less rain than fall and there are fewer visitors in the Bay! In June throughout the area bears are easily spotted on shore and in mid June the whales are returning to Glacier Bay. July and August are the most popular months. The whales are here, breaching, playing and feeding. Flowers are in full bloom.  In September fewer visitors are in park. The bears are fishing for salmon! Great for glaciers! Good time to see the Northern Lights. The birds are migrating north for good bird watching.
Q:
A:		 What will I see in Glacier Bay?
Visitors will encounter icebergs, wildlife, and majestic country unrivaled by any other park in Alaska. The Glacier Bay National Park area includes 16 tidewater glaciers of whom 12 actively “calving” icebergs into the bay. The show can be spectacular. As water undermines the ice fronts, great chunks of ice - up to 200 feet high - break loose and crash into the water. The Johns Hopkins Glacier calves such volumes of ice that it is seldom possible to approach its ice cliffs closer than about 2 miles. Access to the fjords and bays is by tour boat leaving Bartlett Cove daily at 8:00 am / returning 3:30 pm. An onboard lunch is included.
Q:
A:		 Will I see wildlife?
Glacier Bay is home to a variety of wildlife. Humpback Whales, Orcas, Seals, Sea Lions, Sea Otters, Porpoises and numerous species of Sea Birds are just some of the varied marine creatures visitors can witness. In addition to the marine creatures, other commonly seen animals are mammals such as Brown and Black Bears and Moose. More than 200 species of birds found in the park include: Bald Eagle, Golden Eagle, Raven, Owl, Sandhill Crane, Loon, Stellar Jay, Murre, Cormorant, Puffin and many others.
Q:
A:		 Are any hotels directly in the Park?
Only a very limited number of remote wilderness lodges are operating within the park area with a government license. Additional accommodation is available in Gustavus – about 6 Miles by road from Bartlett Cove. A government campground is located on the shores of Bartlett Cove. For accommodation details lease refer to our Glacier Bay tour pages.
Q:
A:		 What is the weather like?
Summer daytime temperatures range from 45° to 65° F. Periods of rainy, cool and overcast weather is common in Southeast Alaska. The weather almanac indicated an average 153 rainy days per year with an annual rainfall of 71 inches. A sweater, hat, gloves and rain gear are recommended. Glacier Bay receives 18 1/2 hours of sunlight during the summer solstice.
Q:
A:		 What's about Outdoor Activities?
There are a number of outfitters and soft-adventure companies operating from Juneau and Gustavus. Some of the available activities include: flight-seeing adventures, day and overnight kayak touring, whale watching, sport fishing, photography and hiking. For additional information please refer to our tour pages.