Glacier Bay Lodge stands at 179 Rink Creek Road in Gustavus, Alaska, within Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve — one of the world's premier UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a landscape of extraordinary tidewater glaciers, humpback whales, and pristine wilderness. As the only commercial lodging facility inside the boundaries of Glacier Bay National Park, the lodge offers an unmatched position for travelers seeking complete immersion in one of North America's most remote and ecologically significant landscapes. The park is accessible only by small aircraft from Juneau (approximately 60 miles southeast) or by Alaska Marine Highway System ferry; no road connects Gustavus to the broader Alaska highway system.
The lodge accommodates guests in Standard Rooms and Accessible Rooms, with a design aesthetic that prioritizes natural integration over resort-scale amenities. The setting — surrounded by spruce-hemlock forest, with Icy Strait visible through the trees — is the primary draw, and the lodge's modest, functional rooms are sized appropriately for a park property. Most guests spend little time indoors, drawn outside by the extraordinary wildlife and landscape immediately accessible from the property.
The Fairweather Dining Room serves three meals daily with an emphasis on Alaskan seafood — fresh halibut, salmon, and Dungeness crab — alongside standard American fare. The adjoining bar is the evening social hub where day-cruise passengers and lodge guests share wildlife accounts from the day's excursions. Evening naturalist programs provide contextual information about the park's geology, glaciology, and ecological recovery since the Little Ice Age.
The signature Glacier Bay experience is the full-day boat tour into the bay, operating daily from late May through mid-September. Passengers travel deep into the fjords to reach active tidewater glaciers where calving events, harbor seals on ice floes, and humpback whales feeding in nutrient-rich waters create extraordinary encounters. Kayak rentals allow independent exploration of near-shore waters. Whale-watching cruises, guided hiking, and flightseeing over the icefields are also available from Gustavus.
Room types
- Standard Room
- Accessible Room
Amenities
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Whale watching tours
- Kayak rentals
- Naturalist programs
- Wi-Fi
Location
179 Rink Creek Rd, Gustavus, AK 99826
58.4549, -135.8823 View on map
Highlights
- Only lodging inside Glacier Bay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Southeast Alaska
- Daily full-day boat tours into the bay for tidewater glacier calving and humpback whale encounters
- Fairweather Dining Room serving Alaskan halibut, salmon, and Dungeness crab
- Evening naturalist programs on the park's glaciology and ecological recovery history
- Kayak rentals for independent exploration of near-shore wilderness waters
Tips for visiting
- Book the full-day boat tour in advance — it is the signature experience and fills quickly during peak season.
- Arrival requires a small plane from Juneau or a ferry to Gustavus; plan travel logistics carefully as weather can delay flights.
- Pack layers and rain gear regardless of forecast — Southeast Alaska weather changes rapidly throughout the day.
- Request accessible rooms well in advance if needed; the lodge has a limited number of accessible accommodations.
- The park is open year-round but the lodge operates only from late May through mid-September.
Accessibility
Glacier Bay Lodge offers accessible guest rooms with grab bars and roll-in shower options. The main dining room and bar are accessible via level pathways from the parking area. The surrounding Bartlett Cove area includes accessible trail sections near the lodge. Guests with mobility requirements should contact the lodge prior to arrival to confirm accessible room availability.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How do guests get to Glacier Bay Lodge?
Glacier Bay Lodge is accessible only by small aircraft from Juneau (approximately 45 minutes) or by Alaska Marine Highway System ferry to Gustavus followed by a short transfer to the lodge. No roads connect Gustavus to the broader Alaska highway network.
Is Glacier Bay Lodge the only place to stay inside the national park?
Yes, Glacier Bay Lodge is the sole commercial lodging facility within Glacier Bay National Park. Camping is available in the park's backcountry and at Bartlett Cove campground, near the lodge.
What wildlife can guests expect to see at Glacier Bay?
Humpback whales are the signature attraction from June through September. Harbor seals rest on ice floes near the glaciers. Brown and black bears, moose, mountain goats, and Steller sea lions are observed throughout the park. Over 200 bird species have been recorded in the area.
Are tours and activities included in the lodge room rate?
Room rates do not include tours. The full-day boat tour, kayak rentals, and guided hiking are available for additional fees. The evening naturalist program is typically included for lodge guests at no extra charge.