[FULL GUIDE] 100 Unforgettable Things to Do at Glacier Bay National Park You Can’t Miss

Key Takeaways:

• Glacier Bay National Park is a pristine wilderness filled with glaciers, wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes, perfect for outdoor adventurers.
• The park offers a variety of activities ranging from wildlife viewing to kayaking, hiking, and even scenic boat tours to see glaciers up close.
• Whether you’re an explorer, photographer, or nature lover, Glacier Bay National Park provides unique opportunities to experience Alaska’s natural beauty.

Glacier Bay National Park, located in southeastern Alaska, is one of the most stunning and untouched natural wonders in the United States. Known for its awe-inspiring glaciers, crystal-clear waters, and diverse wildlife, this UNESCO World Heritage site draws adventurers and nature enthusiasts from around the world. The park spans over 3 million acres, offering everything from serene boat rides to thrilling hikes. Established as a national monument in 1925 and expanded to a national park in 1980, Glacier Bay’s vast wilderness showcases the beauty of Alaska’s landscape, from towering mountains to lush forests and calm bays. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful day of wildlife viewing or an adventurous glacier trek, Glacier Bay National Park has something to offer every explorer.

100 Things to Do at Glacier Bay National Park:

#1 Take a Scenic Boat Tour: Hop on a boat tour to witness towering glaciers and abundant wildlife up close, a must-do experience in Glacier Bay.

#2 Hike the Bartlett Cove Trail: Explore this easy trail through the forest, offering great views of the bay and a chance to spot wildlife.

#3 Kayak in the Glacial Waters: Paddle through Glacier Bay’s serene waters, where you can get close to floating icebergs and spot seals and otters.

#4 Watch Glacier Calving: Witness the dramatic spectacle of glaciers calving as massive chunks of ice break off and crash into the water.

#5 Spot Wildlife at the Tidal Flats: Walk along the tidal flats near Bartlett Cove and look for seals, shorebirds, and other wildlife.

#6 Hike the Mount Fairweather Trail: For a more challenging hike, venture onto the Mount Fairweather Trail, offering stunning mountain views and a glimpse of glaciers.

#7 Go Whale Watching: Take a whale-watching tour to see humpback whales, orcas, and other marine life in the waters surrounding Glacier Bay.

#8 Explore the Glacier Bay Visitor Center: Stop by the visitor center to learn about the park’s history, geology, and wildlife through interactive exhibits.

#9 Take a Flightseeing Tour: See Glacier Bay from the air on a flightseeing tour, where you can get a bird’s-eye view of glaciers, mountains, and wildlife.

#10 Visit the Margerie Glacier: Visit this iconic glacier, known for its massive size and stunning beauty, often calving spectacularly into the bay.

#11 Go Fishing in Glacier Bay: Try your hand at fishing for halibut, salmon, or other species in the rich waters of Glacier Bay.

#12 Camp in the Backcountry: For a true wilderness experience, set up camp in the park’s backcountry, surrounded by untouched landscapes.

#13 Explore Reid Inlet by Kayak: Paddle through the waters of Reid Inlet, where you can enjoy stunning views of glaciers and pristine nature.

#14 Take a Ranger-Led Nature Walk: Join a park ranger for an informative walk, learning about the park’s ecosystems, wildlife, and history.

#15 Go Glacier Trekking: Experience the thrill of trekking across glaciers, with guided tours that provide the equipment and expertise to explore the frozen landscape.

#16 Enjoy a Scenic Drive on the Highway: Take a scenic drive along the Glacier Bay Highway to experience the incredible views and stop at lookout points.

#17 Spot Bears in the Wild: Glacier Bay is home to both black and brown bears; keep an eye out for them while hiking or kayaking.

#18 Explore the Hidden Cove: Visit this secluded spot for a peaceful retreat, perfect for relaxing or taking in the natural surroundings.

#19 Learn about Glacier Bay’s History at the Park Museum: Discover the rich history of Glacier Bay, from its indigenous peoples to its geological evolution.

#20 Take a Photography Tour: Join a photography tour to capture the park’s stunning landscapes, wildlife, and glaciers in the best light.

#21 See the Lamplugh Glacier: Visit the Lamplugh Glacier for beautiful views of ice and surrounding mountains, a perfect spot for a hike or boat tour.

#22 Go Birdwatching at Gloomy Knob: This area is a birdwatching haven, where you can see puffins, bald eagles, and many other species.

#23 Hike the Forest Loop Trail: This easy trail is perfect for a leisurely walk through the lush coastal forest, with great views of Glacier Bay.

#24 Visit the Blue Mouse Cove: Explore this pristine cove, offering stunning views of glaciers and a quiet, serene atmosphere.

#25 Take a Kayak Tour through the Gloomy Knob: Paddle through the waters near Gloomy Knob, where you can explore secluded inlets and see wildlife up close.

#26 Go Paddleboarding in the Bay: For a different perspective, try stand-up paddleboarding in Glacier Bay’s calm waters for a peaceful adventure.

#27 Explore the North Finger Cove: Take a boat trip to North Finger Cove, where you can explore remote areas and see glaciers, wildlife, and incredible scenery.

#28 Take a Glacier Bay History Walk: Discover the human history of Glacier Bay, including stories of indigenous peoples and early European explorers.

#29 Go Snowshoeing in Winter: In the winter months, enjoy snowshoeing across the park’s snowy landscapes for a unique way to explore.

#30 Cruise the Western Brooks Glacier: Take a cruise to the Western Brooks Glacier, where you can marvel at the massive ice formations and surrounding wilderness.

#31 Visit the Glacier Bay National Park Wilderness: Explore the park’s vast wilderness areas, offering pristine landscapes and endless outdoor adventure.

#32 Kayak in the Adams Inlet: Paddle through the waters of Adams Inlet for beautiful views of glaciers and wildlife in a peaceful setting.

#33 Climb Mount Fairweather: If you’re an experienced mountaineer, take on the challenge of climbing Mount Fairweather, one of the highest peaks in the park.

#34 Spot Sea Otters in the Water: Watch for sea otters playing and feeding in the waters of Glacier Bay, a fun and fascinating wildlife encounter.

#35 Take a Boat Tour to the Grand Pacific Glacier: Sail to the Grand Pacific Glacier, where you can see the stunning ice flows and the surrounding fjords.

#36 Fish for Salmon in the Glacier Bay River: Try your luck fishing for salmon in the Glacier Bay River, a popular spot for anglers.

#37 Walk the Glacier Bay Trail: This moderately difficult trail offers incredible views of glaciers, mountains, and the rugged beauty of the park.

#38 Visit the White Thunder Bay: Explore White Thunder Bay for a quiet, picturesque spot where you can enjoy solitude and natural beauty.

#39 Go Whale Watching in the Bay: Watch for humpback whales and orcas as they migrate through the waters of Glacier Bay.

#40 Hike the Beardslee Hills: Hike to the Beardslee Hills for panoramic views of the surrounding glaciers, valleys, and peaks.

#41 Take a Winter Wildlife Safari: In the winter, take a wildlife safari to spot animals like moose, wolves, and foxes against the snowy landscape.

#42 Visit the Glacier Bay Interpretive Center: Stop by the interpretive center to learn more about the park’s history, geology, and environmental conservation efforts.

#43 Take a Cruise through the Bay’s Fjords: Explore the breathtaking fjords of Glacier Bay on a guided cruise, offering close-up views of glaciers and cliffs.

#44 Spot Seals on the Ice Floes: Keep an eye out for harbor seals lounging on ice floes in the bay, a common sight in Glacier Bay.

#45 Take a Boat Tour to the South Marble Island: Visit the picturesque South Marble Island to see puffins, sea lions, and dramatic coastal cliffs.

#46 Explore the Island Cove: Paddle or boat through Island Cove to explore its serene waters, rich in wildlife and offering stunning views.

#47 Go Winter Camping in Glacier Bay: For the most adventurous, winter camping offers a peaceful and unique way to experience Glacier Bay.

#48 Take a Multi-Day Kayak Expedition: For experienced kayakers, take a multi-day expedition through Glacier Bay’s remote waters to experience its wilderness up close.

#49 Enjoy Glacier Bay’s Wilderness on Horseback: While not common, horseback riding tours can be a unique way to explore the more accessible parts of the park.

#50 Experience the Bay’s Seclusion on a Private Tour: Book a private tour to experience the untouched beauty and wildlife of Glacier Bay in complete seclusion.

#51 Kayak Around the Glacier Bay Inlets: Paddle through the beautiful inlets of Glacier Bay, where you can explore hidden coves and pristine waters.

#52 Explore the Marjorie Glacier: Visit the Marjorie Glacier, one of the park’s most impressive glaciers, known for its dramatic ice calving.

#53 Climb the Fairweather Mountain: Hike or attempt to climb the Fairweather Mountain, the highest peak in the park, offering incredible views of the surrounding area.

#54 Take a Scenic Glacier Cruise: Set sail on a glacier cruise to experience the stunning beauty of Glacier Bay’s glaciers, fjords, and wildlife.

#55 Join a Guided Snowshoeing Expedition: Go snowshoeing with a guide to explore Glacier Bay’s winter wilderness, experiencing the park in its serene, snow-covered state.

#56 Photograph the Glaciers of Glacier Bay: Capture the majestic glaciers, icebergs, and fjords with your camera while exploring the park’s stunning landscapes.

#57 Visit the Bay’s Hidden Waterfalls: Discover some of Glacier Bay’s hidden waterfalls that cascade down the cliffs, adding to the beauty of the landscape.

#58 Spot Puffins at South Marble Island: Visit South Marble Island to see large colonies of puffins nesting along the cliffs.

#59 Go on a Wildlife Photography Tour: Take part in a wildlife photography tour, where you’ll have the chance to capture images of the park’s abundant wildlife.

#60 Go Glacier Kayaking in Glacier Bay: Kayak up close to the glaciers to experience their scale and beauty from the water, perfect for adventurous paddlers.

#61 Explore the Outer Bay by Boat: Explore the remote outer bay of Glacier Bay on a boat tour to see untouched landscapes and abundant wildlife.

#62 Spot Sea Lions on the Rocks: Watch for sea lions resting on rocky outcroppings along the coast, a common sight in Glacier Bay’s waters.

#63 Go Fishing for Halibut in the Bay: Try fishing for halibut and other species in Glacier Bay’s rich marine environment, a great activity for anglers.

#64 Take a Kayak Tour of Glacier Bay’s Icebergs: Paddle among the massive icebergs of Glacier Bay, an incredible experience for kayakers and nature lovers.

#65 Visit the Chukchi Sea: Take a boat trip to the Chukchi Sea, where you can enjoy exploring remote coastal areas of Glacier Bay.

#66 Hike to the Beardslee Islands: Trek to the Beardslee Islands for a remote, tranquil hike with incredible views of Glacier Bay’s waters and glaciers.

#67 Take a Glacier Bay Overnight Camping Trip: For those looking for a true wilderness experience, camp overnight in the park and enjoy the quiet solitude of the Alaskan wilderness.

#68 Join a Wildlife Watching Expedition: Head out on a wildlife watching expedition where you can spot everything from humpback whales to grizzly bears.

#69 Go Canoeing on the Inlet Lakes: Paddle across the calm inlet lakes of Glacier Bay, surrounded by towering mountains and lush forests.

#70 Learn about the History of Glacier Bay at the Visitor Center: Discover the rich history of Glacier Bay through exhibits at the park’s visitor center.

#71 Explore the Tidal Flats by Foot: Walk along the tidal flats to spot shorebirds, seals, and other wildlife in their natural habitat.

#72 Visit the Grand Pacific Glacier: Take a tour to see the Grand Pacific Glacier, one of the park’s most famous glaciers, known for its massive size and beauty.

#73 Go Camping on the Shores of Glacier Bay: Set up camp on the shores of Glacier Bay for an unforgettable outdoor experience by the water.

#74 Join a Glacier Bay Historical Tour: Learn about the geological and cultural history of the park through a guided historical tour.

#75 Go Ice Climbing on a Glacier: For an adventurous experience, try ice climbing on one of the park’s glaciers, guided by experts.

#76 Photograph the Wildlife of Glacier Bay: Capture stunning images of the park’s diverse wildlife, including humpback whales, bald eagles, and sea otters.

#77 Take a Tour of the Lamplugh Glacier: Tour the Lamplugh Glacier and watch as huge chunks of ice break off and crash into the bay.

#78 Go Scuba Diving in Glacier Bay’s Waters: For experienced divers, explore the underwater world of Glacier Bay, home to sea otters, seals, and diverse marine life.

#79 Try Stand-Up Paddleboarding in the Bay: Experience the tranquility of Glacier Bay on a stand-up paddleboard, where you can explore the bay’s calm waters and stunning scenery.

#80 Join a Glacier Bay Kayaking Expedition: Join an expert-led kayaking expedition to explore the stunning landscapes and glaciers of Glacier Bay.

#81 Spot Humpback Whales: Take a whale-watching tour and see humpback whales feeding and breaching in the waters of Glacier Bay.

#82 Take a Boat Tour to the Johns Hopkins Inlet: Explore the remote Johns Hopkins Inlet by boat, where you can view glaciers and spot wildlife.

#83 Visit the Glacier Bay Icefield: Explore the massive icefield that feeds many of the park’s glaciers, offering incredible views and dramatic landscapes.

#84 Take a Historical Tour of the Glacier Bay Region: Learn about the region’s indigenous peoples, early explorers, and the evolution of the park’s glaciers.

#85 Explore the West Arm of Glacier Bay: Take a boat trip to the West Arm of Glacier Bay to discover hidden coves and dramatic cliffs.

#86 Hike the Barlett Cove Trail: Explore the Bartlett Cove Trail, a scenic walk that offers beautiful views of the bay and access to the water’s edge.

#87 See the Tlingit Heritage Sites: Discover the cultural heritage of the Tlingit people, who have lived in the Glacier Bay region for thousands of years.

#88 Take a Guided Kayak Adventure: Go on a guided kayaking adventure through Glacier Bay’s tranquil waters, learning about the park’s history and ecosystems along the way.

#89 Spot Puffins at South Marble Island: Visit South Marble Island, home to a large population of puffins, to see these charming seabirds up close.

#90 Take a Scenic Boat Ride to the Margerie Glacier: Cruise past icebergs and glaciers on a scenic boat ride to see the famous Margerie Glacier in all its glory.

#91 Hike the Alsek River Trail: Trek through the Alsek River Valley for stunning views of glaciers and wildflower meadows.

#92 Explore the Tidewater Glaciers: Take a boat tour to see the impressive tidewater glaciers that calve directly into the waters of Glacier Bay.

#93 Take a Fishing Charter in Glacier Bay: Head out on a fishing charter for a guided day of fishing for halibut, salmon, or other local species.

#94 Experience Glacier Bay’s Remote Wilderness: Spend a few days in the park’s remote wilderness, completely immersed in nature and far from the crowds.

#95 Go Birdwatching at the Bay’s Fjords: Explore the fjords of Glacier Bay, a hotspot for birdwatching, home to seabirds like puffins, eagles, and albatross.

#96 See the Reid Glacier: Visit Reid Glacier for a spectacular view of its blue ice and massive ice falls that plunge into the bay.

#97 Try Glacier Bay Ice Fishing: During the colder months, try your hand at ice fishing on one of Glacier Bay’s frozen lakes.

#98 Hike the Glacier Bay Ridge Trail: Hike this challenging trail for panoramic views of the park, including glaciers, mountains, and the bay.

#99 Take a Kayak Excursion to the Blue Mouse Cove: Paddle your way to the peaceful Blue Mouse Cove, known for its beautiful water and rich marine life.

#100 Go Camping at Bartlett Cove Campground: Set up camp at the Bartlett Cove Campground for a peaceful overnight stay with incredible access to the bay and trails.

Concluding

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