Itinerary · 2 days · Alaska
2 Days in Glacier Bay National Park: The Perfect Itinerary
Two days is enough to see the best of Glacier Bay National Park without rushing. Here is the day-by-day plan, built around the park's highlights.
Best time to go: Jun–Aug. Closest major airport: Juneau (JNU), then a short flight to Gustavus.
Day 1: The icons
- Morning: Take the day boat tour from Bartlett Cove. Start early to beat the crowds.
- Afternoon: Watch Margerie Glacier calve.
- Evening: Kayak among icebergs.
Day 2: Go deeper
- Morning: Look for humpback whales and sea otters.
- Afternoon: Walk the forest trails at Bartlett Cove.
Most visitors come by cruise ship. For a quieter experience, fly to Gustavus and stay at Bartlett Cove.
When to go
The best time to visit Glacier Bay National Park is June–August.
Best time to visit Glacier Bay, month by month · What to pack
Questions
How many days do you need in Glacier Bay National Park?
Two full days covers the highlights: take the day boat tour from bartlett cove and watch margerie glacier calve on day one, then look for humpback whales and sea otters on day two. Add a third day if you want a long backcountry hike or a slow morning.
When is the best time for this Glacier Bay itinerary?
Go in Jun–Aug, when the park is rated at its best. June through August offer the best balance of good conditions and smaller crowds.
Can you do Glacier Bay in one day?
You can see the highlights in one very full day by doing day one below and skipping day two, but you will miss look for humpback whales and sea otters. Two days is the sweet spot.