How to Enjoy Glacier Bay Without Booking a Cruise

About Glacier Bay

Glacier Bay without a cruise still offers access to 3.3 million acres of mountains, glaciers, fjords, and lush rainforest. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is within one of the largest protected areas in the world.

Within the National Park, you’ll find cultural history, ample wildlife and immense beauty. Some ways to enjoy the area include:

• Hiking
• Kayaking
• Spending time at the visitors center

While a cruise is an ideal way to see just how large and magnificent the glaciers are, it is not required. Here’s a look at some ways you can explore Glacier Bay without a cruise.

Head to Bartlett Cove

Here, you’ll find the Park Visitor Center, Glacier Bay Lodge, Park Headquarters, trails, a public dock, kayaks for rent, campgrounds, exhibits, and more. Park rangers offer guided tours and activities, including exploration via ship. 

Go on a Wilderness Adventure

This is reserved for those who know their way around a campfire and feel comfortable roughing it, where they make their own meals and know what to do if they encounter wildlife. If that doesn’t sound like you, stick to some of the more guided experiences.

But if you’re comfortable in the great outdoors, you can be at one with nature, unplug and truly explore in Glacier Bay National Park.

Hunt, Fish and Trap within Glacier Bay National Preserve

Hunting, fishing and rafting are all available in Glacier Bay National Preserve. This is managed separately from the park, which is why the rules differ slightly. Make sure you know the rules in the area where you choose to fish, hunt and explore.

Flightseeing

If you can’t see the glaciers from the water, consider seeing them from above. Aerial viewing of the glaciers is incredible, and there are many tour companies that offer this service. The only catch to it is that it is weather permitting, and most excursion companies will not offer refunds but will instead try to rebook you on another tour at another time.

From the air, you can also see how incredible the water is and experience the beauty of the wild shorelines.

Birdwatching

Within Glacier Bay State Park, there are 281 species of birds that have made their homes. Spend some time quietly watching these amazing creatures as you take in their awe and wonder. 

One reason why there are so many birds is that the area is diverse, which allows for ideal habitats. Plus, because the area is lush, it has many food resources and few land predators. 

Most birds are abundant from May through September. However, seabirds are most plentiful from late June when the young hatch and leave the area by September 1, so their viewing season is shorter than other birds.

Sport Fishing

Much like birds, a variety of fish types call the area their home. You’ll find a variety of lakes, freshwater streams, lakes and rivers in which to fish. And because of the diverse waterways, you can fish for both freshwater and saltwater species. 

Before sport fishing, you should spend time getting to know the local laws and regulations. Don’t take to the water without the proper licenses and equipment to stay safe and smart.

Hiking

Instead of seeing the glaciers from a boat, see them on foot on the ground by hiking. You’ll find many scenic foot trails for exploring Glacier Bay. Some trails you don’t want to miss include the following.

• Forest Loop Trail: This one-mile loop is a gentle stroll, ideal for hikers of all abilities. You’ll get the chance to see Sitka spruce throughout the mossy forest. Plus, be on the lookout for those many bird species, as you might spot them along the trail. 
• Bartlett River Trail: For a more involved hike, head to the four-mile trail that runs along the river. It’s a rich estuarine area. During this hike, you might encounter bears, moose and birds.
• Beach walks: Head to the tidal flats of Bartlett Cove for a pretty hike. Just be sure to go when it is low tide or you won’t have as much space to wander. As you explore, look for sea stars, crabs and marine life as you walk. Plan to take it easy on this hike because it’s worth spending the time to just be with nature without disrupting it in any way.

Kayaking

If you don’t want to cruise Glacier Bay, you can take a more relaxing and invigorating path through the bay via your own power. Rent a kayak at Bartlett Cove or book a guided tour to experience the sheer enormity of the glaciers from the waters.

Some kayaking tours are multi-day to give you the ultimate paddling and sightseeing experience. You’ll explore inlets that motorboats can’t reach so you can get up close to wildlife. However, you don’t have to disrupt the wildlife to paddle and observe it.

But if you’re an experienced paddler, you can rent the required equipment with drop-off services in Bartlett Cove. You can pack your overnight needs and camp overnight for a multi-day excursion. There are designated camping areas.

Where to Stay for Your Glacier Bay Adventure

Glacier Bay is just one part of the beauty that Juneau has to offer. If you come to Juneau for a tour of Glacier Bay, make plans to stay a few more days to enjoy the other parts of Juneau, such as downtown and its many delicious restaurants and cafes.

Stay at the downtown hotel that includes a full kitchen in every suite to make it feel more like all the amenities of home. You’ll also get separate living and sleeping spaces to help you relax and enjoy your time in Juneau. Enjoy concierge assistance to help you coordinate Glacier Bay adventures or other excursions during your stay. For the best availability and room formats you want, book your travel early.
Check availability and book your stay now.

Further Reading:

• Plot the Perfect Juneau Whale Watching Adventure
• Enjoy Your Time in Juneau – Plan Your Trip to Alaska
• Hotels Near Mendenhall Glacier: Choose The Frontier Suites
• The Best Places in Juneau to Take Pictures for Social Media