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National Park & Preserve

Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve

Cruising Glacier Bay

Passengers line the deck to enjoy the icy scene at Margerie Glacier

Photo: NPS / T. VandenBerg

About

Covering 3.3 million acres of rugged mountains, dynamic glaciers, temperate rainforest, wild coastlines and deep sheltered fjords, Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is known as Homeland to the Huna and Yakutat Lingít, and is a highlight of Alaska's Inside Passage. From sea to summit, Glacier Bay offers limitless opportunities for adventure and inspiration.

Activities

Arts and CultureCultural DemonstrationsAuto and ATVATV Off-RoadingBoatingMotorized BoatingBoat TourCampingBackcountry CampingCanoe or Kayak CampingCar or Front Country CampingClimbingMountain ClimbingFishingFoodFlyingGuided ToursBoat TourHikingFront-Country HikingHunting and GatheringHuntingPaddlingKayakingWhitewater RaftingJunior Ranger ProgramWildlife WatchingBirdwatchingPark FilmShoppingBookstore and Park Store

Directions

Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve lies west of Juneau, Alaska, and can only be reached by plane or boat. The only road in the area merely connects the small town of Gustavus and its airfield to park headquarters at Bartlett Cove (10 miles). Alaska Airlines provides daily jet service from Juneau to Gustavus in the summer months. Year-round scheduled air service is also provided by a variety of small air taxis and charters. The Alaska Marine Highway ferries also provide regular service from Juneau.

Get directions →

Weather

Summer temperatures average 50° to 60° F (10° to 15° C). Rain is the norm in lush southeast Alaska. It is best to be prepared to enjoy the park in any kind of weather, especially rain. Suggested clothing includes waterproof boots, rain gear, a hat, gloves, wool or pile layers or a warm coat. Good rain gear is essential here. April, May and June are usually the driest months of the year. September and October tend to be the wettest.

News

Whale Waters Update for Glacier Bay Effective August 6, 2026
Aug 5, 2026

Whale Waters Update for Glacier Bay Effective August 6, 2026

Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve Acting superintendent Joni Seay announced today a vessel speed limit of 13 knots through the water in Queen Inlet to protect numerous humpback whales that have been feeding in this area.

Whale Waters Update for Glacier Bay Effective July 17, 2026
Jul 16, 2026

Whale Waters Update for Glacier Bay Effective July 17, 2026

Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve announces a vessel speed limit of 13 knots through the water on the eastern side of the Lower Bay designated whale waters, to protect numerous humpback whales that have been feeding in this area. The attached map shows the boundary of the new Whale Waters area. The updated operating requirements are effective from 5 AM Friday July 17th until further notice.