Glacier Bay National Park
Time Needed: full-day
Experience Type: national park, scenic views, wildlife
At Glacier Bay National Park, towering tidewater glaciers meet pristine fjords and snowcapped peaks. Accessible mainly by boat or plane, the park teems with marine life, like whales, seals, sea lions, and honors the cultural legacy of the Huna Tlingit people who call this place home.
MUST-DO CHECKLIST
- Cruise Among the Glaciers – Take a full-day tour boat through Glacier Bay’s icy fjords to watch massive tidewater glaciers crack and calve into turquoise waters.
- Paddle the Beardslee Islands – Kayak or canoe through calm, wildlife-rich waters for close encounters with seals, otters, and seabirds in a serene wilderness setting.
- Hike the Bartlett Cove Trails – Explore rainforest paths like the Forest Trail or Tlingit Trail to experience mossy forests, coastal views, and cultural history.
- Go Whale Watching – Spot humpback whales feeding and breaching in Glacier Bay’s nutrient-rich waters, alongside orcas, sea lions, and harbor seals.
- Visit the Huna Tribal House – Tour Xunaa Shuká Hít to learn how the Huna Tlingit people honor their ancestral homeland through storytelling, art, and ceremony.
Sleep Soundly: Make Glacier Bay Lodge your home base. It’s the only hotel inside Glacier Bay National Park. Enjoy cozy rooms, mountain sunsets, and access to the marina for catamaran tours to the park’s stunning tidewater glaciers.
Photo Credit: Eric Hooper/Unsplash