For those planning to visit the park by way of Gustavus, there are several places to bed down. From the Exit Glacier Visitor Center, guests can reach the face of the glacier, via the Glacier Overlook Trail in about 30 minutes. We'll run a soft credit check to find special offers, but it wont affect your credit score. Also, the giant bay is divided into two major arms, the West Arm and East Arm. During that time, the nights are long and dark, which makes it easier to see the northern lights in Alaska. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. In these months, cruise fares are typically lower and ships are not as full, offering more cabin availability. Most cruises that include a stop in Glacier Bay take place between May and September, and the Glacier Bay tour boat only runs in the summer months. Not all tour providers operate the full seven months of the season. It may seem hard to believe, but the land under the glacier is privately held (mile 102) and the owners charge a 30 USD entry fee to walk to the face. Alaska Glacier Adventures We'll match you with a local itinerary expert to help you plan your trip. You may hear nothing at all, or perhaps you'll be treated to the sounds of birds in the distance or the swoosh from a whale's blowhole before it dives down below the water's surface. In Alaska, grey whales are the first wild sign of spring. No matter when you go, there's no fee to enter Glacier Bay, which is unusual for national parks. However, if youre looking for the best time to cruise to Alaska, youll want to select either the first few departures of the season or one of the last departures, usually in late August or September. If you're interested in the Misty Fjords Flightseeing tour in Ketchikan, this thrilling ride is also best on a clear day. 18 Top Things to Do in Alaska - U.S. News Travel If youre planning on walking on a glacier its a good idea to remember that ice is unpredictable. Come with U.S. News on a tour of The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans. Glacier Bay Lodge is the only lodging within the park. Other nice options for viewing the glacier include kayak and helicopter tours. But for those who want to explore deeper in the park, there are ways to do that, too. For best impressions, visit Glacier Bay, Hubbard Glacier, Sawyer Glacier in Tracy Arm Fjord, Mendenh all Glacier, or the glaciers of College Fjord. @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-thebudgetsavvytravelers_com-leader-1-0-asloaded{max-width:300px!important;max-height:250px!important}}if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'thebudgetsavvytravelers_com-leader-1','ezslot_18',115,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thebudgetsavvytravelers_com-leader-1-0');Going glacier viewing in Alaska is one of the most popular cruise destinations in the world and the most competitive. Our advice for planning your trip length, Overwhelmed by choices? During cruises through the park, rangers board the ships to offer commentary and information about the marine and terrestrial wildlife. Eight miles by road from Gustavus is Bartlett Cove, home to the Glacier Bay UNESCO Heritage Site, Glacier Bay Lodge, and Visitor Center. Alaska Glacier Tours | Best Day Tours To See Glaciers Up Close No traffic, no headaches, no congestionjust the thrill of the tracks. It will usually take at least 100 years for a glacier to formthis occurs in places where heaps of snow pile up each year and then melts. You can see Moose year-round. As the largest tidewater glacier in North America, Hubbards advancing through an interesting, but slow process. A man who keeps company with glaciers comes to feel tolerably insignificant by and by. Other highlights of the flight include viewing the Mooses Tooth, Mt. July is the peak month of the peak season, which means the number of travelers is high. When Is The Best Time To See Bears In Alaska? Summer is the most pleasant time to be in Glacier Bay, temperature-wise. The Mendenhall Glacier is located in Auke Bay, Juneau, and is possibly the easiest glacier on this list to see. Snowcapped peaks, enormous glaciers and breaching whales are just a few of the many stunning sights to see on an Alaskan cruise. Why now is the best time to see Alaska, before all the crowds and cruises return . Aboard a cruise ship, expect the tour of Glacier Bay to last about nine to ten hours. Online passport renewals have been paused until later this year. Still, you'll get the full National Park Service experience. Which one is right for you? Dickey, and the Ruth Amphitheater, where pilots touch down so that passengers can walk on the glacier and view Mt. The warmer weather and long days make this a particularly pleasant time of year, with temperatures in the cool-but-comfortable range of 60 to 67F. Ships that dock in Juneau may take a shore excursion to Mendenhall Glacier. It does have a visitor center and lodge, located at its very edge. In many cases, this is driven by the fact that the properties operate on a semi-all-inclusive basis with all meals and transportation from the airport included in the base price. If you're arriving at Glacier Bay on a cruise, you don't have to worry about a place to stay. The glacier is situated about 30 miles north of Valdez on the . Sightings of puffins, harbor seals, Steller sea lions and even the occasional humpback whale or brown bear are part of the allure -- all while traveling by water through an immense, glacier-carved landscape. Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, The 9 Best Northern Lights Viewing Spots Near Anchorage, How to Travel to Alaska in January and February, The Best Large Family & Group Vacations in Alaska, How to Get from Anchorage to Your Cruise Port in Whittier or Seward (or the reverse! Matanuska Glacier 10. See what a point or mile is worth with our appraisals of a loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values. The summer solstice is on June 21, giving us about 20-24 hours of daylight to fill with fun. Also, thrill-seekers will love the ability in winter to snowmobile or mountain bike to Spencer Glacier. Search, compare and buy the best travel insurance for the lowest price. Campers can call 907-697-2627 prior to arrival to inquire about space availability at the campground at Bartlett Cove. Heres a fun way to get familiar with Glacier Bay! Kayaking many day cruise packages include the option to drop a kayak from the deck for a trip around the perimeter of a glacier! Best time for Ice Caves in Alaska 2023 - Best Season - Rove.me (Getty Images). Mid-June through mid-August is regarded as the peak season for warmer weather and lots of daylight. Navigating the waters here can be interesting, to say the least. Many of the most recognizable names in the cruise industry have ships sailing to Alaska. Though there are numerous less known ones as well. Perhaps you're interested in a cruisetour: a land and sea package that's offered typically from May to September by lines like Celebrity Cruises, Princess, Holland America, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian. Cruise ships arrive in the park for the better part of a day, and the experience goes beyond just a stop at one of the park's glaciers. Gray whales migrate up in March/April; humpbacks are here from May to September; orcas are here year-round. Temps typically average 60 degrees. Between plentiful adventures and really long days, you cant beat summer in Alaska. Discover the optimal month due to daylight, temperature, and rain. A highlight of visiting Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is getting up close to one of its giant tidewater glaciers, something that only can be done by boat or ship. Come with U.S. News on a tour of The Royal Sonesta New Orleans. Whale watching day cruises depart as early as April 1. Use our Activity Finder to see what tours are running in May. Theres nothing like hearing the creak of the ice and seeing the massive structure from the water level. If youd like to get embark on one of the best-rated Alaskan cruises, then you must book early. Come September, the days are generally shorter, rainier and cooler but not always. Here's a suggested itinerary: Day 1: Arrive in Gustavus, and take the complimentary shuttle to Glacier Bay Lodge. The journey to Spencer Glacier is part of the funthe only way to get there is by train! Use our calculator to find out, Stay casual, dress in layers, and get proper footwear, View All Southcentral & Interior Towns on a Map, Cruises depart Juneau or Sitka. Glacier Bay National Park | How to Experience The Park | ALASKA.ORG Nor are there fees for camping or boating permits. Whales are present in Alaska's coastal waters as humpbacks return with newborn calves and grey whales make their way north to Arctic feeding grounds. Park rangers and often a local Huna Tlingit cultural guide will board the vessel for the day to offer presentations and shipwide commentary over loudspeakers, lead kiddie activities and answer questions. Sorted from the south to the north, here are the 10 most impressive spots to go glacier viewing in Alaska. Insider tips to pick the best Alaska cruise. It's possible to view certain animals and marine life throughout the year, according to Hickman. Sign-up for any of the following email series to help plan your Alaska trip. For those visitors who travel by plane or ferry to Gustavus, more options are available. The weather in June is also perfect for active outdoor adventures like hiking, kayaking, and glacier walks. At this point, it is no longer simply a massive piece of snow and ice, its a glacier. With these tours, you'll be able to visit the vast landscape of Alaska, where you can explore cities like Anchorage and Fairbanks or spend time in Denali National Park and Preserve. Finally, for non-cruise ship visitors, Tracy Arm Fjord has two significant advantages over Glacier Bay (#3): Its much easier to get to and it costs about half as much. This year they started moving around the last week of April, but this can happen a few weeks earlier. These are the best times to visit Alaska - The Points Guy This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. Glacier tours are a one-of-a-kind experience for Alaska visitors. Walking on a glacier can be dangerous. Or, click this link to > see the 25 best Alaskan cruises. But even at the height of summer, it can be chilly, with temperatures topping out between 50 and 60 degrees during daylight hours. In addition to bringing more cruise options for passengers, the extended season provides more opportunities for local businesses and residents in Alaska. Alaska Glacier Cruises: Best Alaska Glaciers Vacation | Royal Caribbean Plan your journey with this gorgeous printed map. Overwhelmed by choices? 11 Cheapest Countries to Live on Less Than $1250 Per Month in 2023. Twin Sawyer Glaciers in Tracy Arm Fjord 2. According to Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, one of the top destinations on the Inside Passage itinerary, wildlife viewing is possible year-round, especially if you have your binoculars at hand. Alaska's weather can change dramatically, especially the further north you go. These top-rated brands offer carry-ons, checked luggage and more to make travel easier. If you'd like to have an Alaskan plan your Alaska trip, or just have a few starter questions, give us a call at 800-208-0200. ATV tour operators offer the opportunity for visitors to take an ATV over the frozen countryside to the foot of the glacier for a unique adventure. If you want to see brown bears during the salmon run, book a bear-viewing excursion in one of the ports, like Icy Strait Point. Complete guide to visiting Alaska's Glacier Bay National Park and The snow gets compressed into ice over many centuries, and the mass begins to move slowly down from the pull of gravity. There, you can touch down on an Alaska Range Glacier for a truly unforgettable experience. The key benefit of selecting one of the first few departure dates is that things will look fresher and less trampled upon your arrival. Fairbanks. As the name suggests, Glacier Bay is a park that is all about glaciers. With its convenient accessibility and stunning views, the -mile-wide Mendenhall Glacier is one of the best and easiest glaciers to visit in Alaska. Typically, an Alaskan cruise will vary anywhere from 7 to 30 nights. Related: How to use points and miles to stay near national parks. If you're venturing ashore, however, peak bear season is typically mid-June through the end of August. You can expect to have between 16 to 24 hours of daylight in the warmer season. In fact, it may soon transform the nearby Russel Fjord into a lake. By the same token, it may be equally satisfying to take one of the hikes from the visitor center. Best month to see Hubbard Glacier - Alaska - Cruise Critic Glaciers are known to create massive tidal waves when calving or shifting. You might get lucky with some unseasonably warm days amid the beautiful fall foliage; as a bonus, September also means no bugs and fewer crowds. Our summer season winds down by mid-September. Genres. Most visitors want to see a glacier during their Alaskan vacation. June and July are Alaska's liveliest months. They're also only open in the summer. A bonus is that you may also see whales, bears, and mountain goats! You'll be spending the night on your ship. 10 Best Glacier Viewing Spots in Alaska in 2023, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window), 10 Most Impressive Spots to Go Glacier Viewing in Alaska, 1. They also help spot whales or other animals along the way. Let us simplify it for you, How much does an Alaska summer vacation cost? The Best Time To See the Northern Lights in Alaska? - Gondwana Ecotours THE FACTS: There is no way of knowing the number of glaciers when Gore was born in 1948, since there was no global inventory at the time, experts tell the AP, but glaciers are shrinking at an . Antarctica is the most unique location in the world to view glaciers, where nearly everything in sight is a glacier. Better yet, hire a guide! No matter what you do during your vacation, the best Alaska glaciers cruises will show you magical contrasts: A newborn seal's fur against ancient blue ice, wildflowers growing next to soaring cliffs, and dogsleds pulling mushers underneath low-flying helicopters. As a long-time travel writer specializing in cruising, I've been to Glacier Bay many times, and it's one of my favorite places in Alaska. This particular tour may not be open for booking before May or after September due to the conditions for the sled dogs. Across the various cruise companies, cruises to Alaska will usually take place from early June to late early September. Alaska Glaciers Directory | Alaska's Glaciers & How to See Them The Best Times and Places to See the Northern Lights in Alaska Trips available from Whittier, Homer, Seward, Juneau, and Sitka. Touring Glacier Bay is special because of the abundance of glaciers and the peaceful surroundings. Denali and the infamous Don Sheldon Mountain House. Ian Merculieff The typical cruise that includes a visit to Glacier Bay is a seven-night Alaska voyage out of Vancouver, B.C., or Seattle that also includes stops at the Alaskan towns of Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan. Where will you be? From the west end of Mendenhall Lake, take the West Glacier Trail to access the most amazing overlooks. You'll also be able to catch Alaska's prized salmon throughout much of the cruise season. If you want to experience the most "midnight sun," plan to cruise a few weeks before or after the summer solstice the longest day of the year which usually falls on June 20 or 21. Firewood is provided. Also, glaciers hold nearly 70 percent of the earths fresh water. Matanuska Glacier: Hike or Drive View on Map Being able to walk up to any glacier is a stunning experience, and this big boy is the biggest, and perhaps most impressive roadside glacier, in part because you can easily touch it. has written about cruising for more than 25 years and for many years oversaw USA Todays award-winning cruise site. Back in Gustavus, there are a handful of small inns, guest houses and bed and breakfasts such as the 14-room Bear Track Inn (from $435 per person, per day, including meals and ground transportation) and the five-room and five-cabin Glacier Bay Country Inn ($350 per person, per day, including meals and ground transportation). long-time travel writer specializing in cruising, How to find the right Alaska cruise for you, How to get to Alaska with points and miles, How to use points and miles to stay near national parks, The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship, The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship, A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines, 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly, 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. As one of Alaskas most visited roadside attractions, tourists from all over the world come to see the sheer brilliance of this valley glacier. Luckily, we have compiled a list of some of the best glacier tours and have categorized each experience by sea, air, or land. Of the two, travelers seem to be the most impressed by the South Sawyer glacierits larger and extends deep underwater, making for wonderfully blue and big icebergs. Season: May 6 - October 1 $189 5.5 Hrs. You can also seek out many other river and ocean species, such as rainbow trout, arctic char and northern pike. Stock up and save on travel-size toiletries ahead of your summer vacation. Three Amazing Alaskan Vacations To Choose From! There's also very little infrastructure within the park. Ruth Glacier is located in Denali National Park, about a two-hour drive north of Anchorage. Big ship or small ship? The silver salmon run lasts from July up until the end of November. Sought-after views of Alaska's icy blue glaciers are always some of the most anticipated. King salmon season begins in May and goes through the end of July. Another perk of visiting Glacier Bay is that every ship is boarded by a National Park Service ranger. Best month to see Hubbard Glacier Announcing Our 2023 Cruisers' Choice Award Winners! Spring in Anchorage Forget robins. You can experience our state's warmest weather and longest days, choose from the widest selection of activities and transportation, and enjoy easier access to Alaska's wild landscapes. It even offers the option to fly to the top of a mountain to hike along the ridge lines above a cirque glacier! Well, the best time to see the Northern Lights in Alaska is between mid-September and early April. So you can leave your national park annual pass at home. If you'd prefer warmer weather for your cruise, the summer season in Alaska runs from mid-May to mid-September. The abundance of glaciers in Alaska is so great that when combined they would cover the state of Maine! It was named for Gardiner Hubbard, the founder of the National Geographic Society and National Geographic Magazine. Come with U.S. News on a tour of The Windsor Court. Generally, a few hinterland excursions to Anchorage, Denali, or Fairbanks are added on. Best Times to Visit Montana - Travel + Leisure The Best Ways to Experience Alaska's Glaciers | Travel Alaska Also, observing the massive glacier firsthand, and being pushed down the mountain into Spencer Lake will help reconnect you with Mother Earth. "With five train segments through the Denali National Park and down the Kenai Peninsula, we'll be making the centennial of the Alaska Railroad in style!" says Swanson. Some tour operators even have rental options for trekking gear, so visitors have the necessary equipment needed to stay safe on a glacier hike. The 27-mile-long Tracy Arm fjord sits 50 miles south of Juneau and features twin tidewater glaciers, 3,000-foot cliffs, and numerous waterfalls. If you're interested in seeing brown bears, here is Hickman's advice: "Bear sightings in April will depend on the snowpack and when they are leaving hibernation. 3900 Arctic Blvd, Ste 304 Seward if you start in Seward, you can book a day cruise to Kenai Fjords National Park. As you begin exploring the 10 most impressive spots to go glacier viewing in Alaska, prepare yourself to be thoroughly impressed. As a result, the opportunity to view glaciers is abundant, but which are the best? When it calves, which happens nearly every day, the results are shocking. Exit Glacier, for example, is within driving distance of Seward. COVID-19 Safety Book With Confidence Contact Us Call Our Experts (877) 587-8479. While winter in Alaska is extraordinarily beautiful, for most travelers summer is the best time to visit Alaska. Established as a national monument in 1925 and elevated to national park status in 1980, Glacier Bay covers more than 5,200 square miles -- an area about the size of Connecticut. Car, train, or group tour. Additionally, if your GPS isnt working because there isnt a signal, youll have to rely on physical maps. Along the way, passengers typically see numerous glaciers, fjords, icebergs, waterfalls, and wildlife including mountain goats, brown and black bears, humpback whales, and sea lions. Best Times to Visit Montana for Good Weather. Cruises and land tours are great ways to see Alaska. The best time to visit Alaska is between mid-June and mid-September. Glaciers are made up of ice and are much colder than the surrounding area, and oftentimes windy. Ruth Glacier How Long Are Alaskan Cruises? Its important to be properly trained and have the right kind of equipment before attempting to do so. Each season holds something special. Glaciers are formed by the gradual, powerful forces of layer upon layer of snow. Visit September to April to see the Northern Lights. Whether youre from Alaska or visiting from another part of the world, glaciers are the states most unique and awe-inspiring attraction. You Have To Visit These Must-See Glaciers in Alaska This Alaskan bush plane tour soars over the Misty Fjords National Monument, which has more than 2 million acres of pristine lakes, waterfalls, ancient forests and snow-capped mountains. From its expansive tundra to its snow-capped mountains, Alaska provides visitors with an outdoor adventure that cannot be experienced in any other place. There are no roads leading into the park, and the only way to reach it is by small plane, boat or ship. Therefore, simply seeing one glacier is not enough. Other ports used less frequently for these cruises include San Francisco, Los Angeles and Juneau, the capital of Alaska. There are many ways to see an Alaska glacier, but each one depends on what you want to do, how adventurous you feel, your proximity to one of these amazing ice masses, and the time of year you visit Alaska. Also, large cruise ships are not able to access the North Sawyer glacier because of the narrow inlet in which its located. Local companies such as Denali ATV offer larger off-road machines that accommodate booster seats (provided) so the whole family can take part. Best Time to Visit Glacier National Park: A Month by Month Breakdown Dubbed Baranof Wind and operated by park concessionaire Aramark, the tour boat departs from Bartlett Cove, which is just inside the park boundary and the home to the park's visitor center. In Alaska, the journey can be just as exciting as arriving at the glacier itself. Best Time To Visit Alaska 2023 - Weather & 68 Things to Do - Rove.me The best time to visit Alaska is during the summer between May 10 and September 15. Fly-in bear viewing begins in May but is best in July. Despite that, they do pass salmon streams, and cascading waterfalls, and provide aerial views of the surrounding area. March 26, 2021 shares Alaska cruises are filled with spectacular scenery and memorable experiences. Here is the easiest way to find the best Alaska cruise deals. Furthermore, Alaska is home to the Bering Glaciermeasured at 118 miles, its the longest glacier in North America. Cozy and rustic, the lodge is nestled among Sitka spruce on the shores of Bartlett Cove, which also is home to the park's headquarters and the jumping-off point for daily tours on the park boat. The Best Times to Cruise to Alaska - U.S. News Travel There are many ways to see glaciers across the state, including by road, rail, water, and air. Day cruises take a catamaran from Seward to get a close-up look at massive tidewater glaciers. Therefore, theres a good chance that the ship youre on will be the only one in sight. The northern lights are visible August 20 through April 20. At 27 miles long and 4 miles wide, its a behemothand, its fascinating to view from the windshield. Alaska's Best Roadside Glaciers | Here's how to see | ALASKA.ORG Some of the excursions offered on an Alaskan cruise may be the most expensive tours you've seen on a ship, but they're also some of the most unique things to do in Alaska. Its considered to be one of the most road-accessible and walk-up-accessible glaciers in Alaska. Again, if you're arriving by cruise ship, you'll be eating on board your vessel. That makes it nearly as big as Yellowstone and Yosemite combined. The benefit of taking a smaller boat down the narrow fjord is the agility it provides. Use our Transportation Finder to check availability of coach and rail seats during peak season. Jun Tue Aug 29-Sep 07 Thu Northern Lights King Crab Bear Watching Wo rld Ice Art Championships Ice Caves Winter Railroad Trip Whale Watching in Alaska Polar Bear Watching Nalukataq, Whaling Festival in Barrow Bore Tide Midnight Sun Caribou Spring Migration Denali Chilkoot Trail Hiking Caribou Autumn Migration Galyna Andrushko / Dollar Photo Club In fact, some of the most famous glaciers in Alaska are best accessed in the warmer months, including popular ones like Spencer Glacier, McBride Glacier, Raven Glacier, Hubbard Glacier, and Holgate Glacier.
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