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Glacier Bay National Park
Glacier Bay National Park and nature preserve is a staggeringly beautiful marine wilderness, with endless possibilities for observing wildlife and the sheer brute force of nature amidst vast expanses of ice and towering mountain peaks.
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The Grand Pacific Glacier that stretches down to Glacier Bay has been on something of a rapid retreat since it was first encountered back in 1794 by the explorer Captain George Vancouver. Much of the ice he saw is no longer there and this hasty move north has been of interest to scientists hoping to learn more about glacial activity and the pressing issue of climate change.
Glacier Bay itself is fed by the snowcapped mountains of the Fairweather range. Fjords, or drowned valleys, have been carved out of the mountains by great glaciers of former times and there are coastal beaches with protected coves, tidewater glaciers, coastal and estuarine waters and freshwater lakes.
To explore Glacier Bay is to enter into another land. Wildlife to be seen (or avoided) includes the mighty Grizzly Bear, wolves, lynx, seal, moose, dolphins and whales (including Grey, Humpback and Minke). If you're lucky you might even see a Blue whale. The park itself contains five distinct regions with their own ecosystems, each providing endless opportunities for exploration.
To really spend time in the park it is a good idea to go camping. All campers are required to attend a free camper orientation, which is provided at the Visitor Information Station near the dock. A free campground (two-week limit) with bear-resistant food caches, firewood and a warming hut is located at Bartlett Cove.
For the less dedicated there are plenty of cruises, tours and day activities arranged by the park rangers. Sea kayaking is an excellent way to experience the glacial waters close up. You can reserve your own kayak or take part in organised trips. The simplest way to see the park is by hiking. Make sure you take advice from the visitors centre before hiking through bear country and make the most of the trails that are provided. It is worth noting that summer temperatures tend to average 50° to 60° F (10° to 15° C). Rain is the norm in south-east Alaska so it is best to be prepared to enjoy the park in any kind of weather.
For more information, please visit the Glacier Bay National Park website.
Glacier Bay itself is fed by the snowcapped mountains of the Fairweather range. Fjords, or drowned valleys, have been carved out of the mountains by great glaciers of former times and there are coastal beaches with protected coves, tidewater glaciers, coastal and estuarine waters and freshwater lakes.
To explore Glacier Bay is to enter into another land. Wildlife to be seen (or avoided) includes the mighty Grizzly Bear, wolves, lynx, seal, moose, dolphins and whales (including Grey, Humpback and Minke). If you're lucky you might even see a Blue whale. The park itself contains five distinct regions with their own ecosystems, each providing endless opportunities for exploration.
To really spend time in the park it is a good idea to go camping. All campers are required to attend a free camper orientation, which is provided at the Visitor Information Station near the dock. A free campground (two-week limit) with bear-resistant food caches, firewood and a warming hut is located at Bartlett Cove.
For the less dedicated there are plenty of cruises, tours and day activities arranged by the park rangers. Sea kayaking is an excellent way to experience the glacial waters close up. You can reserve your own kayak or take part in organised trips. The simplest way to see the park is by hiking. Make sure you take advice from the visitors centre before hiking through bear country and make the most of the trails that are provided. It is worth noting that summer temperatures tend to average 50° to 60° F (10° to 15° C). Rain is the norm in south-east Alaska so it is best to be prepared to enjoy the park in any kind of weather.
For more information, please visit the Glacier Bay National Park website.
Event details can change.
Please check with the organisers that the event is happening before making travel arrangements.
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