Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska

Glacier Bay National Park is located in Southeast Alaska. It is almost 70 miles long and surrounded by glaciated mountains, presenting the most spectacular imagery and breathtaking views. The 3.28 million acre park has an abundance of flora and fauna as well as an amazing assortment of marine life, including porpoise, seals, otters, sea lions and three species of whales. Glacier Bay is natural and undeveloped beyond Bartlett Cove, which will provide you with an adventure provided in a way that only nature can. There are 10 glaciers which flow down from the mountains and fill the sea with icebergs. It is a marvel that must be experienced personally to truly understand.

The best and seemingly only way into Glacier Bay National Park is through Gustavus, AK and is even called the “Gateway to Glacier Bay National Park.” It is a mere 8 miles from the Park and is a beautiful little town that is surrounded by mountains. There is a bed and breakfast where you can stay (there are accommodations at the park as well).

Once at Glacier Bay National Park, you have a lot of activities to consider. Probably one of the popular activities includes kayaking through the bay and passageways to explore the park on your own terms. There are kayaking expeditions that range from the beginner to experienced. Kayak solo or with guides, depending on your experience level and interest. While kayaking, you will meet a dizzying array of marine wildlife, including orcas, humpback whales, dall porpoises, Steller’s sea lions, seals, and sea otters. You will also see a lot of wildlife trotting along the shoreline, including bears! You can even go on a kayaking excursion where you can camp along the path, either on the shoreline or in a bit further, allowing you to get close to nature. If you are not a kayaking enthusiast, you can still have a wonderful experience by taking a cruise boat with a guide to point out various and interesting points along the tour.

Other activities include whale watching, the best of which is between June and September when many whale species come to the bay to feed. Alaska is also well known for having the best fishing on earth. If you are a fishing enthusiast, you should consider sport and charter fishing as part of your vacation. There are countless rivers, streams, lakes and ocean waters in which to fish. Halibut are in abundance and can be as large as 300 pounds! Other fish species include the Silver, Sockeye, Pink, Chum, and King. Crab and shrimp are also abundant, plus Dolly Vardin, Cutthroat trout and five species of Salmon! Hiking or mountain biking are great ways to explore the various flora and fauna but the park is natural, thus has few cut trails. Beachcombing is another fun way to explore the various tide pools where you may find shells, driftwood, mullusks, bones and pebbles. A great way to see the Park is through flight. What a great way to experience the 15,000 foot glaciated peaks? You can also experience the Tongass National Forest and Outer Cost of Alaska in one trip! For the more experienced, there are some climbing and mountaineering and should only be considered with a guide. There is even a 9 hole golf course! Whatever you choose to do, be sure to pack the camera as you will want to capture the amazing wildlife and picturesque views.

As for accommodations, there is the obvious way: camping. The only one designated camping site but you can also camp in “non-designated” areas in the park, especially if out on a kayaking excursion! Just be sure you are well equipped and remember to take care of the nature around you! However, if you are not a camping enthusiast, there is the Glacier Bay Lodge which is located inside the park.