Car, train, or group tour. Upgrading your browser will ensure the best possible experience on our website: Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve Travel Forum. Scroll to Top ↑. See Alaska's highlights by railroad or motorcoach in a group of up to 50, Travel in small groups, stay at exclusive wilderness lodges, and spend more time outdoors, All-inclusive multi-day vacation packages at a remote wilderness lodge, Travel with a professional photographer to the best photo locations around the state, Trips range from backpacking, rafting, to upscale remote lodge retreats, Cruises depart Juneau or Sitka. Location of Anchorage near Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve in Alaska. See All Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve Conversations, Overnight cruise to Glacier Bay from Juneau, Glacier Bay/Tracy Arm/Junea/Anchorage travel, 3-4 days in the Inner Passage on July/Aug. We remove posts that do not follow our posting guidelines, and we reserve the right to remove any post for any reason. Southeast Alaskan Wilderness. Fly into Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city, and explore dramatic landscapes along Turnagain Arm. The bay has experienced at least four major glacial advances and four major retreats and serves as an outdoor research laboratory. Find more deals to Anchorage (ANC). In 1980, the area became a national park and preserve, and 2.7 million acres recei… Plan your journey with this gorgeous printed map. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-26417167', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Juneau either by plane and (not sure if it is operating this year) possibly the Glacier Bay Lodge will be operating a small ferry also from Juneau......you can also reach it by a short flight over the mountains from Haines or Skagway.......it would be pricey and you would leave a pricey RV sitting there waiting for you...... And just for others reading this, the Glacier Bay day (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Here's a suggested itinerary: Day 1: Arrive in Gustavus, and take the complimentary shuttle to Glacier Bay Lodge. We noticed that you're using an outdated browser. So fly to Juneau, go to Glacier Bay, fly Juneau to Anchorage and fly back to CA from Anchorage. Mountains rise right from its tidewater up to three vertical miles. Rome2rio is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. Once you've settled in, head to the National Park Visitor Center (located on the second floor of the lodge). You can also join a multi-day sea kayaking tour. Experience and discover Glacier Bay National Park in southeast Alaska on one of our best selling 1-4 day all-inclusive package tours with daily flight departures from Juneau, Skagway or Haines. A ferry from Whittier to Juneau takes 38 hours and costs $221 pp. Head back to the lodge for dinner, which you can enjoy inside or out on the deck.Day 2: Board the lodge's catamaran to get a close-up look at the bay’s massive, tidewater glaciers, a much more intimate experience than the typical visitor gets from the deck of a large cruise ship. After much research, I agree that flying to ANC and then out of (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-27856033', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Juneau from ANC other than the $360 RT air? Double that for a round trip. Portage Glacier. There’s lots to see and do in Glacier Bay National Park, your only job is to find your little bit of heaven in this great cruise destination. Glacier Bay National Park is a sport fisherman’s dream location in Alaska. Depending on the time your flight departs, ask the lodge for recommendations of how to fill your day! Day 3: Day of departure. Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is an American national park located in Southeast Alaska west of Juneau.President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed the area around Glacier Bay a national monument under the Antiquities Act on February 25, 1925. Frequently Asked Questions about Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve hotels Which hotels are closest to Anchorage Intl Airport? Lunch is served on board and the trip is narrated by a National Park Ranger. Rome2rio makes travelling from Anchorage to Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve easy. So fly to Juneau, go to Glacier Bay, fly Juneau to Anchorage and fly back to CA from Anchorage. Other well-known glaciers in the Park include Johns Hopkins, Reid, Carroll and Lamplugh glaciers. Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve in Southeast Alaska and Kenai Fjords National Park in Southcentral Alaska are best seen from the water. Rome2rio is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. Get answers to your questions about Glacier Bay National... 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The answer is… In 1794 a survey crew described what is now called Glacier Bay as a five-mile indent in a glacier that stretched “as far as the eye could distinguish.” In 1879 when scientist/naturalist John Muir visited the area, he found the ice had retreated more than 30 miles, creating an actual bay. One of the most visited glaciers in the Chugach National Forest, an hour (50 miles) … How much does the ferry to Haines / Skagway cost and who are the service providers? Visit Alaska's top National Parks such as Glacier Bay, Denali, Wrangell, Lake Clark, Katmai and Kenai Fjords. It is a bureau within the Department of the Interior. In May 1979, as a brand-new ranger hire at Glacier Bay National Park, Kim Heacox accepted the invitation of his new roommate, “a boatman of … Alaska Tours plans Alaska vacations, railroad & bus tours, Alaska cruises, land tours and getaways. Part of the tidewater glacier is located in Reid Inlet within Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska, while the other side can be found in the Grand Pacific Pass in British Columbia, Canada. Travel on a set itinerary with lodging and tours booked in advance. Glacier Bay Lodge Many visitors pass through Glacier Bay National Park by cruise, but Glacier Bay Lodge is the perfect spot to stay a few days (3 is recommended). Some of the park is open to snowmachines in the winter; the Park Service is fighting efforts to open up more of the park to them. The most intimate multi-day cruise option. Campgrounds, RV Parks & Public Use Cabins. The reason? Your must-have activity guide + map while in Alaska. Overnight trains, ferrries, buses, etc? You'll return to the lodge at 3:30pm, with plenty of time to enjoy another hike near the lodge before dinner. If you want to see SE (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Generally there is no reason to pay for round trip. Please check your email to verify your subscription. There was a problem with your submission. Highlights: Starting in Juneau, it is just a short flight to Gustavus, gateway to Glacier Bay National Park. So it costs $180 one way Juneau to Anchorage (if that is the cost - I didn't check), and most likely Anchorage back to CA costs a bit more than Juneau to Anchorage, but I haven't checked that either. 7-10 days is the most common. This 8-hour tour is the only day tour permitted inside Glacier Bay National Park. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-26417052', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Denali/Kenai NPs. Visit Glacier Bay National Park from the Bear Track Inn in Gustavus. (Flying to Juneau seems to cost around 300$ and doesnt fit into our budget). Popular Alaska Itineraries Using In-State Airlines, Anchorage to Denali National Park Driving Map. You’ll often see seals hauled out on the ice chunks, here; if you’re in front of the Margerie Glacier, you’ll also be within sight of the Grand Pacific Glacier. Book entire boat for your family or group, or opt to bunk with other guests. Find all the transport options for your trip from Anchorage to Glacier National Park right here. Alaska Railroad: Adventure Class or Goldstar Dome Car Service? We flew from Florida to Anchorage, took the train to Denali, took the train to Seward, took the marine ferry to Juneau, took a small plane to Glacier Bay National Park and flew back home to … The dramatic variety of plant communities ranges from barren terrain just recovering from glacial retreat to lush temperate rain forest. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. View the exhibits, check the schedule for evening presentations and ask for recommendations from the National Park Ranger for a nice afternoon walk. Is there a deal on the Alska Saver Book for this? Please try again. Join the full day Glacier Bay Cruise and stay overnight in first-class wilderness lodges at Bartlett Cove and Gustavus. Mount Fairweather is southeastern Alaska's highest peak. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Meanwhile, Glacier Bay National Park has over 2,000 square miles of glacial coverage. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Many visitors pass through Glacier Bay National Park by cruise, but Glacier Bay Lodge is the perfect spot to stay a few days (3 is recommended). Travel continues via scheduled flights to Anchorage. Trips available from Whittier, Homer, Seward, Juneau, and Sitka. Subsequent to an expansion of the monument by President Jimmy Carter in 1978, the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) … The Alaska Railroad is your transportation method. Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, AK Weather Temperature (Fahrenheit) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec High 31 35 38 44 50 56 60 60 55 47 38 33 Low 18 21 23 29 36 43 48 47 41 34 26 22 Average 25 28 31 37 44 50 54 53 49 41 32 28 Temperature (Celsius) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Transfers are provided at no additional charge for guests of Glacier Bay Lodge and at an additional charge for Glacier Bay Day Tour only guests. If you want to experience the area more intimately and get closer than the large ships, consider a small ship cruise, like this itinerary from UnCruise which features 2 days in Glacier Bay National Park, or by sailboat with Alaska Adventure Sailing. Self-drive vacations. Pad­dle through the waters of Glac­i­er Bay Nation­al Park on a sin­gle- or mul­ti-day adventure, See wildlife and tide­wa­ter glac­i­ers as you glide over the waters of Glac­i­er Bay on a sail­ing adventure, From beach mead­ows to for­est habi­tats, hit the trails and see what this nation­al park has to offer, Stay at the heart of Glacier Bay National Park for fabulous views and trails through the rainforest. Glacier Bay has more than 50 named glaciers, as well as two major arms: East Arm and West Arm. What are the pros and cons of taking the tour pkg from Gustavus (hotel + GBNP cruise) vs Juneau (RT to Gustavus + hotel + GBNP cruise). When do reservations open for 2018 Glacier Bay? With national parks and four of North America’s tallest mountains, Alaska’s wilderness has been preserved for generations. The story of plant succession is nowhere more richly told than at Glacier Bay. Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. Featuring a captivating four-night cruise of Alaska's Inside Passage, historic journey by rail, Denali and Glacier Bay National Parks, and so much more. The glacier has continued to recede at a rapid rate. Receding rapidly, its face is now covered with rocky moraine. Are there any other options of getting to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Rent a car and travel independently on a set itinerary, with lodging and tours booked in advance. Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve was named a national monument in 1925. There is no land access to Glacier Bay park. We are planning to pick up an RV from anchorage and go around (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Access: By cruise ship or small ship cruise, tour boat, or aircraft or by scheduled air or boat service from Juneau and other southeastern Alaska communities. Stops include Seward (Kenai Fjords), Girdwood, Whittier & Spencer Glacier, Stops include Wasilla, Talkeetna, Denali National Park & Fairbanks. Ask for details when making reservations. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-26424166', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');cruise (which is a highlight of a trip into the national park) can not be done on a day trip. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-27856476', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Juneau cannot be accessed by road or train. United | United flights | Flights to U.S. National Parks | Flights to Glacier Bay National Park. >>but the $360 RT air seems to be a bit pricey. Back in the 1700s, Grand Pacific Glacier filled the entire bay, and reached all they way to the Icy Strait. Planning all the best Alaska trips since 1991. Alaska glaciers are incredible to see, and incredibly easy to reach. Cruises and land tours are great ways to see Alaska. Folks often ask us if they can fly in just for the day to take the Glacier Bay Day Tour. more, More Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve Topics, Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve Destination Experts. The lodge can book other activities including flightseeing and sea kayaking. Visit September to April to see the Northern Lights, Best Northern Lights Viewing Spots Near Anchorage, How to Travel to Alaska in January and February, The Best Large Family & Group Vacations in Alaska, How to Get from Anchorage to Your Cruise Port in Whittier or Seward (or the reverse!). The one-mile Forest Loop Trail is popular to stretch your legs. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-27856700', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Alaska and Southcentral Alaska, you go to one first, then to the other then return to CA from the second. Glacier Bay National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with many glaciers to see. Sign-up for any of the following email series to help plan your Alaska trip. Glacier Bay Lodge is 10 miles from the Gustavus airport. Glacier Bay is home to an impressive collection of interesting attractions and places. Are there ferries/air-taxis that go from Seward or Anchorage to Gustavus or is flying to Juneau the one and only option? Discover Glacier Bay National Park, a popular destination for Alaska cruises known for its massive glaciers and abundant whale watching opportunities. Approximate Size 3.3 million acres. For more information from the National Park Service, call 907-697-2230 or visit the Glacier Bay National Park website. Learn about Glacier Bay, Alaska. Which one is right for you? The park and preserve harbors brown and black bears, mountain goats, moose, whales, seals, plus eagles and more than 200 other species of birds. Free personal GPS–driven travel guide to Alaska. Let us simplify it for you, How much does an Alaska summer vacation cost? Covering 3.3 million acres of rugged mountains, dynamic glaciers, temperate rainforest, wild coastlines and deep sheltered fjords, Glacier Bay National Park is a highlight of Alaska's Inside Passage and part of a 25-million acre World Heritage Site—one of the world’s largest international protected areas. (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The Tripadvisor website may not display properly. I was wondering if I could glacier bay as a day trip in addition to both. 2-5 day small ship explorations. You may also see whales, bears, and mountain goats. Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve lies west of Juneau, AK and can only be reached by plane or boat. Glaciers near Anchorage include a total of 60 within 50 miles of the city. One day cruise among the Humpback whales at Point Adolphus, and another deep into Glacier Bay National Park. We hope you'll join the conversation by posting to an open topic or starting a new one. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-27929629', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Juneau or the other way around is the best way to save money and time. It's the most impressive glacier, which is advancing 12 to 14 feet a day and calves frequently. Should I manage the Juneau - Gustavus on my own (wings of alaska) or take a tour package from Juneau. Les visiteurs peuvent faire l'ascension de l'une des 175 montagnes, dont le mont Cleveland, point culminant à 3 190 mètres. Discover the optimal month due to daylight, temperature, and rain. Glacier Bay National Park sits on Alaska's southeast coast, while Denali National Park sits inland above the city of Anchorage. Spend 2-nights at Glacier Bay Lodge and explore this special place by boat. Ram, only way to get to Glacier Bay is from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Find how many days you need based on what you want to see and do in Alaska. The National Park Service says seven cruise lines have been approved to conduct day trips inside Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. Find all the transport options for your trip from Anchorage to Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve right here. We'll match you with a local itinerary expert to help you plan your trip. Popular hotels close to Anchorage Intl Airport include Coast Inn at Lake Hood, Courtyard by Marriott Anchorage Airport, and The Lakefront Anchorage. According to the Alaska Travel Industry Association, … Highlights plus less visited destinations. To review the Tripadvisor Forums Posting Guidelines, please follow this link: http://www.tripadvisor.com/pages/forums_posting_guidelines.html. Most people who come to the Park—and there can be 400,000 of them a year—come by way of a cruise ship, and most of those ships head up the West Arm, towards the Margerie Glacier. Boutique, small ship adventure cruises in Alaska's Inside Passage, Cruises depart from Whittier, a 1 hr drive from Anchorage. I think I'll stick to my earlier plan to stay in the denali and kenai area (and probably fit in places like wrangell-st elias NP if time permits). The feeling you get reeling in a wild trout, Pacific salmon, halibut, lingcod, rockfish or a variety of other species is unrivaled. Glacier Bay National Park is known for having some of the best fishing on earth. For more information from the National Park Service, call 907-697-2230 or visit the Glacier Bay National Park website. The only road 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 (about 30 minutes) in the summer season. Together with Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve and the Tatshenshini-Alsek Park in British Columbia, this 24-million-acre wilderness is a World Heritage Site and the world's largest internationally protected area. Travel aboard the Alaska Marine Highway, enjoy whitewater rafting and flightsee Mt McKinley. I do not mind the overnight stay for the glacier bay cruise... but the $360 RT air seems to be a bit pricey. Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is 483 mi from Anchorage Intl Airport (Anchorage, AK). You need at least one overnight unless you use a charter aircraft. Overwhelmed by choices? Choose a round-trip Inside passage or one-way Gulf of Alaska Cruise. The classic Alaska Cruise, offered by such companies as Holland America, Princess, and Royal Caribbean. This is the perfect land-based alternative to a small ship cruise. À l'endroit où la pointe sud de l'Alaska s'étend entre l'océan Pacifique et le Canada, les 5 000 kilomètres carrés du parc national de Glacier Bay attirent les aventuriers. Denali National Park is larger than Vermont and home to the highest peak on the continent. Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is located in Gustavus, Alaska, and is a part of National Park Service, which is a network of more than 400 natural, cultural and recreational sites throughout the United States. Use our calculator to find out, Stay casual, dress in layers, and get proper footwear, Guides to the best locations around the state to view wildlife. Rome2rio makes travelling from Anchorage to Glacier National Park easy. Focus on Denali & Kenai Fjords. Anchorage Intl Airport (Anchorage, AK) Right now, 12 airlines operate out of Anchorage Intl Airport. Travel Alaska off the Beaten Path Tour explores Glacier Bay National Park, Icy Straits, Juneau, Mendenhall Glacier, Denali National Park, the Kenai Fjords National Park, Wrangell St Elias National Park, Kenai Wildlife Refuge. Find and plan your next cruise from Anchorage to Glacier Bay on Cruise Critic. Three full days are devoted to cruising Glacier Bay, kayaking and whale watching, with a helicopter-accessed glacier adventure. The 10-year plan preserves the park… Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve contains some of the world's most impressive tidewater glaciers. Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve Travel Forum; Search. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. This glacier once filled the entire bay, reaching Icy Strait in the late 1700s.