Year Established: 1980
Annual Visitors: 90,000
Size: 3.2 Million Acres
Best Time to Visit Glacier Bay National Park
June to September
If you are planning to visit more national parks, check out our complete list of all US National Parks.
Best Experiences in Glacier Bay National Park
- Glacier Bay Lodge boat tour
- Bartlett River Hike
- Kayak Muir Inlet
A Brief History
The Grand Pacific Glacier, which was 4,000 feet thick, used to cover the whole area. But as the earth has warmed, it has moved away and split into 20 separate glaciers. When the faces of its tidewater glaciers break off, they drop hill-sized chunks of ice into the bay. This makes waves in the water that keep cruise ships at least two miles away.
Most people who go to the site do so on cruise ships, but some also go in small boats and kayaks.
A breaching humpback whale, which can weigh up to 40 tons, is a rare but highly prized sight. The park, which is a whale sanctuary, is also home to the orca (killer whale).
Even though the park looks harsh, it is full of alpine tundra where moose, Steller’s sea lions, and black and brown bears live.
Glacier Bay RV Camping
If you are looking for nearby RV camping options for Glacier Bay National Park or in Alaska, consider checking out our other post:
- Best RV Parks in Alaska
- Best RV Resorts in Alaska
- How to Conserve Water in Your RV
- How To Plan An RV Trip
- Dependable RV Water Fill Stations
Visitor Information
Fees
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve does not require a fee to get in.
Contacting Glacier Bay National Park
Phone Number
(907) 697-2661
Visitor Centers
Glacier Bay National Park Visitor Center
This visitor center is in Bartlett Cove, 10 miles from Gustavus, on the second floor of Glacier Bay Lodge. During the summer, park rangers work there every day. Stop by for exhibits, park information, trip planning, a bookstore, a place to read, a hydrophone kiosk, interpretive programs, park films, brochures, and much more.
Address
179 Barlett Cove Road, Gustavus, AK 99826
Hours of Operation (Closed until Summer 2023)
- Sunday 6:00 AM–10:00 PM
- Monday 6:00 AM–10:00 PM
- Tuesday 6:00 AM–10:00 PM
- Wednesday 6:00 AM–10:00 PM
- Thursday 6:00 AM–10:00 PM
- Friday 6:00 AM–10:00 PM
- Saturday 6:00 AM–10:00 PM
Be sure to check for seasonal closures.
Visitor Information Station
Campers and people who ride boats in the park can get information, permits, and instructions at the Visitor Information Station. There are maps and charts for sailors here.
Address
Located at the foot of the public-use dock in Bartlett Cove.
Hours of Operation (Closed until Summer 2023)
- Sunday 7:00 AM–7:00 PM
- Monday 7:00 AM–7:00 PM
- Tuesday 7:00 AM–7:00 PM
- Wednesday 7:00 AM–7:00 PM
- Thursday 7:00 AM–7:00 PM
- Friday 7:00 AM–7:00 PM
- Saturday 7:00 AM–7:00 PM
Be sure to check for seasonal closures.