AlaskanPanhandle

12 Things To Do In Gustavus, Alaska (That Other People Miss)

Gustavus, a town of about 600 people in Southeast Alaska, is known as The Gateway City to Glacier Bay National Park for a very good reason but the activity here isn’t limited to the park! There are many other great things to do in and around the town itself.

People often ask how to say the name of the town when planning their trip. The easiest way is to think of your friend “Gus Davis” but change the “D” to a “T” and say it as a single word.

If you’re planning a trip here, you’ll probably want to aim for a few days so you can make sure you have enough time to do all the amazing things the area has to offer. If you don’t have a lot of time, you can still do a lot in only a few hours!

Let’s talk about how to get to Gustavus real quick and then we’ll look at some of the awesome activities and adventures you can have on your next visit.

How to Get to Gustavus

Despite being part of the Alaskan mainland, Gustavus is surrounded by mountains on three sides and water on the other, so there is no road access.

The Alaska Marine Highway System serves Gustavus but the most common way for visitors to arrive is by plane from Juneau. Alaska Seaplanes offers year-round service from nearby Juneau and it’s roughly a 30-minute flight.

However, in the summer, Alaska Airlines flies to Gustavus Airport as part of their service between Anchorage-Juneau-Seattle.

The 12 Best Things To Do In Gustavus, Alaska

1. take a tour of glacier bay.

visit gustavus alaska

Of the many things to do in and around Gustavus, touring Glacier Bay is by far the most popular activity. The most popular is a seven-hour boat tour with a Forest Service Park Ranger.

These tours operate out of the Glacier Bay National Monument Visitor’s Center in Bartlett Cove, about 20 minutes away from Gustavus.

You can also get a helicopter tour from town if you’d prefer to see the area from above instead of on the water. These flights run for about 30 minutes, although they can go longer and you can also use them if you want to have your marriage ceremony in the park!

2. Kayaking and Camping

If you’re feeling really adventurous, the boat tour from Bartlett Cove offers a drop-off service, with locations in the east arm and the west arm of Glacier Bay.

If you arrange it in advance, you can start the tour with the rest of your group, then get dropped off by yourself or with your party inside Glacier Bay, then get picked up at the same spot by the next day’s tour group.

You can camp, kayak, or do any number of other things while in the park, but please do remember bear safety, as you’re likely to encounter them and many other wild animals during your stay.

3. Enjoy Local Art

Even though Gustavus’s population is low, their love of art is incredibly high, with multiple local artists owning galleries in town.

Some of these artists operate in multiple mediums as well, so whether you buy a print or another item, or just enjoy their galleries, you can spend some time appreciating and supporting local artists.

You will also have the opportunity to buy Tlingit artwork, both at the Glacier Bay Gift Shop at Bartlett Cove and in town at the Alaskan Native Eagle Gift Shop .

4. Enjoy a Fishing Charter

Fishing Charters are one of the most exciting things to do in Southeast Alaska, with several great options available in Gustavus.

The fish available to catch include ling cod, rockfish, halibut, all five types of salmon, and more.

If you’d prefer, you can stay in one of several fishing lodges in town or you can go out for a few hours. Some lodges offer nine-hour full-day charters or five-hour half-day voyages.

5. Take a Van Excursion

If you’ve come by boat and want to take a break from the water, you can still see a lot of amazing scenery near town and in Glacier Bay.

Strawberry Point Tours (whose name honors the original designation given to the town by the homesteaders who established it) offers charter tours or if you don’t have a lot of time, a standard 45-minute tour from the Alaska Marine Highway Ferry Terminal.

There are also kayak racks on top of the van if you’d like to be dropped off at the end of a charter tour or just need a place to store it while you enjoy the drive.

6. Visit the Gas Station

Normally, if someone suggested you visit a gas station, you’d think there weren’t a lot of better things to do in town. This is not the case in Gustavus!

The gas station in town is a replica of a pre-World War II Mobil station with actual functioning pumps from 1937! It is one of the most photographed gas stations in the United States.

Located downtown in the area called “Four Corners,” the location also features a gift shop and the only museum dedicated to petroleum in the state of Alaska.

7. Buy Some Locally Made Soap

A local company called Pretty Nice Soap offers a variety of soaps and other products made from goat cheese, yogurt, and other locally-sourced ingredients.

Willow Rose Soap & Salve Company also creates handmade soap from items in the surrounding area, so you can buy both and decide which one you like best!

8. Buy a Plant or Some Produce

Since the city of Gustavus was originally started as a homestead, it makes sense that there are many local farms in town that sell fresh produce.

There are options in the city center, as well as on the road to Bartlett Cove. If you rent a car , you can get some delicious fruits and vegetables on your way back to Gustavus from your exciting Glacier Bay adventure.

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Gustavus Gardens sells plants, gardening equipment, and even tomatoes while they’re in season.

9. Enjoy Nagoonberry Loop Trail

Situated near the city center, Nagoonberry Loop Trail provides a wonderful opportunity to take a scenic stroll in a beautiful forested area.

It is just over two miles long and has an elevation gain of just over 100 feet, which makes it the perfect trail for walking, jogging, or running.

You’ll want to remember your rain gear, as you’ll be walking in the Tongass National Rainforest and it’s liable to rain at any point. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed on the trail, although this won’t be an issue for most visitors.

10. Visit the Huna Tribal House

The Huna Tlingit used the area in and around Glacier Bay for thousands of years before it was designated as a National Park and their usage was then restricted.

In an effort to revitalize Alaska Native art traditions and in honor of the Clan Houses that once stood in the area, The Huna Tribal House in nearby Bartlett Cove was built and dedicated in 2016.

Tlingit singers, dancers, carvers, and other knowledgeable elders can be found here, allowing visitors to return home with a greater knowledge of Alaska Native history and culture.

11. Explore the City on a Bicycle

A local company called Aria Cycles rents both bicycles and e-bikes, which can provide visitors with a great opportunity to see many of the local sites.

You can see birds down at the dock, head over to the beach and walk down miles of shoreline, and grab some wild strawberries down by the old golf course, which shut down several years ago.

Gustavus is mostly flat and there are only two main roads out of town, which makes navigating very easy, even if your smartphone maps aren’t working, which they generally will not the further you go from the city center.

There are also several places around town to take the “Classic Alaskan Photograph,” which features a bed of wildflowers in the foreground and mountains in the background.

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Even if you’re not that great at taking pictures (like me!), this is an easy shot to take while in Gustavus, which is why it’s one of my personal favorites! I like to crouch down and tilt the camera up just a little bit.

12. Enjoy Local Coffee

If you’re in the mood for a cup of coffee and want something a little different than Starbucks or Seattle’s Best, you’ll love the local options in Gustavus!

The Fireweed Gallery Coffee & Tea House sells Fairweather Ground Coffee, which is a 100% organic blend that is roasted locally.

If you really enjoy their coffee, you can buy a pack of beans in town or order them online and have them delivered to your home, which is particularly useful if you have limited baggage space for your return journey!

Final Thoughts and Summary

These are just a few of the many wonderful things to do in Gustavus, Bartlett Cove, and Glacier Bay National Monument.

Whether you’re coming to enjoy the fishing charters, buying some locally-made products, taking pictures of the gas station, or visiting the beautiful Glacier Bay, you’re sure to find something you love while you’re here.

The city of Gustavus can’t wait to welcome you as part of your next exciting Alaskan adventure!

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Extend your visit and enjoy all that Gustavus area has to offer!

Flying into Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve

  • Arrive at the Gustavus Airport via Alaska Airlines or seaplane. We’ll be ready and waiting to transport our guests to the lodge.
  • Be sure to go to the National Park Service Visitor’s Center, located on the 2 nd floor of the lodge.
  • Check out the view of Bartlett Cove while enjoying a beverage on our deck.
  • Enjoy dinner at the Fairweather Dining Room. Local favorites such as salmon and halibut are our specialty.

Dinner at the Fairweather Dining Room

  • Breakfast at the Fairweather Dining Room.
  • Today’s the day! You’re off to explore Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve on the Glacier Bay Day Tour . You’ll board the boat at 6:50 am, depart at 7:15 and will return to the lodge at around 3:30 pm. Lunch is served on the tour.
  • Explore the lodge’s immediate area and learn more about the history and culture of the area. Ranger and cultural programs are available at the Visitor Center and at the Huna Tribal House
  • Enjoy dinner at the Fairweather Dining Room, or enjoy one of our local restaurants in Gustavus.

Kayaking in beautiful Alaskan waters

  • Breakfast at the Fairweather Dining Room .
  • Check out of the lodge. If arranging activities with area businesses, you may want to ask the tour provider to drop you off at the airport.
  • Glacier Bay Photo Tours : offering full and half day customizable guided hikes – focus on your interests, such as wildlife, history or ecology.
  • Fishing and Marine Adventures: go whale watching, kayaking or sport fishing with one of the area’s experienced guides.
  • Shopping: find that perfect souvenir at the gift shop at Glacier Bay Lodge or from a local artisan .
  • Bike or hike : Gustavus is fairly flat, and with only two roads it’s easy to get around. Hiking options in the park include the Forest Loop Trail (1 mile), the Bartlett River Trail (5 miles) or the Bartlett Lake Trail (6 miles.)
  • Kayaking : enjoy a guided kayaking tour from experienced guides.

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visit gustavus alaska

Gustavus, the gateway to Glacier Bay National Park, offers visitors an incredible small town experience and access to some of the best marine wildlife viewing in Alaska. Gustavus is the definition of small-town Alaskan beauty, history, art, and community. The small town is surrounded by incredible scenery and vast amounts of wildlife while far removed from the crowds of cruise ship destinations. The temperate rainforest climate (with half the rain that Juneau sees) is ideal for hikes, bike riding, kayaking, birdwatching, whale watching, and photography. This is a perfect habitat for seeking sightings of moose, bears, wolves and a multitude of birdlife.

Our programs that visit Gustavus typically relish the incredible whale watching, and a visit to nearby Glacier National Park. Visiting this National Park is best done by boat, which allows us to take in the majestic glaciers and towering peaks while scanning the waters and shorelines for abundant wildlife. Experience the best of Alaska with no crowds, no lines, and plenty of breathtaking scenery!

Fairweather Range and Cook Inlet in the heart of Glacier Bay

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Bartlett Cove, Gustavus

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Gustavus is a picturesque community located west of Juneau. Spread across a large plain created by receding glaciers, Gustavus is an oasis of humanity surrounded by Glacier Bay National Park .

Sandy beaches offer an inspiring contrast to the snow covered peaks of the Fairweather Range to the west and the Chilkat Range to the east. The Tlingit people used to forage and fish the rivers to acquire food and because wild strawberries grow profusely, the area was once called Strawberry Point. In 1914, the first family of settlers arrived and today there are approximately 450 year-round residents who call Gustavus home.

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Glacier Bay Lodge, Gustavus

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Map of gustavus, places & hotels on the map, places near gustavus.

  • Glacier Bay National Park 46 miles away
  • Juneau 49 miles away
  • Haines 58 miles away
  • Skagway 74 miles away
  • Sitka 96 miles away
  • Petersburg 151 miles away
  • Wrangell 184 miles away
  • Ketchikan 263 miles away

Accommodation choices for Gustavus

We've selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Gustavus. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.

Glacier Bay Lodge, Gustavus

Glacier Bay Lodge

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Glacier Bay Lodge - Glacier Bay National Park

E pic Guide to Glacier Bay Lodge in Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska including room tour and video, restaurant review, booking, check-in, airport shuttles, and more.

Glacier Bay Lodge

Staying at the Glacier Bay Lodge was a big goal on our National Park Bucket List . We have been talking about trying to make a trip to this epic National Park Lodge happen for years.

We finally made it happen and now we want to book a return trip asap. The lodge far exceeded our expectations and we would happily return for another stay.

As I type this sitting in the lodge restaurant waiting for the airport shuttle there are multiple humpbacks feeding in Bartlett Cove right in front of the lodge.

So far today we have seen multiple humpback whales and sea otters in Bartlett Cove right in front of the lodge. We are honestly in awe of the wildlife we have been able to see while walking the beach trail to the Glacier Bay Bartlett Cove Campground.

We watched a humpback slap its tail in the water for a few minutes and then breach out of the water. Everyone on the lodge deck gasped and was so excited. We had been watching the whales swim back and forth in the bay when all of a sudden one jumped.

This lodge is a whale-watching dream come true. You can hear the whales in the morning from the room. We could hear them puffing out air and breathing when we woke up.

The cabins at Glacier Bay Lodge are super comfortable. We had to set an alarm so we didn’t sleep through breakfast the bed was so comfortable.

If you are looking for an epic experience in Glacier Bay National Park we highly suggest staying in the Glacier Bay Lodge. The lodge is the only hotel located within Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska! 

Glacier Bay Lodge offers tours of Glacier Bay via an epic boat tour, Park Rangers on-site to answer questions and on the boat tour, shuttle service from the airport, and so much more. 

Booking/Reservations

Season - Late May to early September. The lodge is only open during the summer months typically from Memorial Day to Labor Day. 

Reservations can be made online or by calling 888.229.8687

Getting to Glacier Bay Lodge

The lodge is located 10 miles from Gustavus, Alaska. 

There are a couple of ways to get to Glacier Bay Lodge - Air or Sea. 

You can fly to Gustavus/Glacier Bay via Alaska Air which is how we reached the lodge. 

Alaska Seaplanes offers 6 flights a day from Juneau to Gustavus/Glacier Bay. I will say that during our stay there were a few days that the seaplanes were unable to travel due to the fog and weather in the area. 

With that being said we had to attempt landing a few times before landing on the 3rd attempt due to low-lying fog in Gustavus. One thing to know when traveling to Glacier Bay NP and Gustavus is weather can definitely impact your trip.

The Alaska Ferry travels to Gustavus on a daily route that travels from Juneau → Gustavus → Hoonah. Find out more about booking Alaska ferry tickets on the Alaska Marine Highway Website . 

Airport Transportation

There is a free shuttle bus from Gustavus Airport to the Glacier Bay Lodge. It is an old school bus that we found parked at the side of the airport when we arrived.

We didn’t see it at first but realized it was just down from the airport. Don’t worry the airport is TINY so you don’t have to travel far.

We arrived on the airport shuttle bus directly to the lodge. A lodge employee came onto the bus and gave us a few safety rules and explained where things were at the lodge. They had our keys and a map ready when each party got off the bus.

Within a couple of minutes, we were heading to our cabin to drop off our luggage and start exploring.

2 Double Bed Deluxe Room

We stayed in cabin #35 which includes 2 double beds, a table with 2 chairs, a private bathroom with shower/tub, toilet, a sink, and a small closet.

The room has a partial view of Bartlett Cove through a few trees.

We found the double beds to be extremely comfortable. The windows open with screens on them so we had fresh air coming into the room which was amazing.

We had to force ourselves out of bed so we could get breakfast before our 8-hour Glacier Bay Boat Tour.

The nightstand has a lamp with 2 electrical plug-ins for charging phones. You will need to bring a cord and adaptor to plug into the lamp. There are no USB plug-ins.

The bathroom has small bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and lotion along with a small bar of soap.

Free Wi-Fi is only available in the main lodge lobby.

There are two types of rooms available at the Glacier Bay Lodge - Lodge Rooms (Standard and ADA Standard) and Deluxe Rooms.

Standard Rooms have 2 double beds or 1 king or 1 double and 1 bunk bed, and private bathrooms.

ADA Standard Rooms are located on ground level and include roll-in showers, grab bars, a lowered sink bathroom in the private bathroom, and 1 double bed, and can accommodate 3 guests. 

Deluxe Rooms have either 2 double beds or 1 king bed, a Bartlett Cove View, a private bathroom, and easy access to the main building. 

All of the rooms have easy access to the main lobby, shores of Bartlett Cove, Glacier Bay Day Tour daily boat excursions, laundry facilities, and customer service. 

The cabins are spread out among the towering Sitka Spruce Trees. There are boardwalks and stairs connecting the cabins to the main building. 

The 49-room lodge overlooks Bartlett Cove with majestic views of the Fairweather Mountain Range.

We found the room to be incredibly comfortable. It is not large but has everything you need for the time you spend in the room.

Fairweather Dining Room Restaurant

The restaurant is open for breakfast and dinner. The restaurant is located in the main lodge building. Reservations are requested for dinner and can be made at the front desk.

Breakfast is a buffet that included scrambled eggs, breakfast potatoes, bacon, sausage, biscuits and gravy, French toast, bagels, and cereal. They also have coffee, tea, and water available during breakfast.

The dinner menu has quite a wide variety of dishes including halibut fish and chips, baked halibut, chicken, steak, and an impossible burger for vegetarians. We highly suggest getting the spinach dip it was amazing.

Our dinners averaged $110 a night for 2 people with 2 iced teas, an appetizer, and 2 entrees with tips. When we booked our room, we were able to find a deal with the boat tour and breakfast included in the rate.

There is a really nice gift shop open all day in the main lodge building. They have a great variety of Glacier Bay-themed souvenirs. They also offer snacks and some pre-made sandwiches for lunch.

The gift shop has some local Alaskan beer available by the can, some soda, and bottled water. They also have a variety of trail snacks.

Make sure to pick up a Glacier Bay National Park Coloring Book designed by our friend Kristi Trimmer. They sell them in the gift shop and they are amazing.

The lodge lobby has a gorgeous stone fireplace with comfy couches and chairs. It is the place to relax while waiting on the airport shuttle back to Gustavus Airport. With only one flight out a day, you have the opportunity to relax for a few hours in comfort.

There is free WiFi so it is the perfect place to check emails and social accounts while warming up by the fire.

The large windows offer dramatic views of Bartlett Cove. We spent a lot of time in front of the fireplace relaxing and talking with other guests.

After a full day of exploring the lobby is the perfect place to relax. 

National Park Service Visitor Center

The Glacier Bay NP Visitor Center is located upstairs in the main lodge. There are stairs to reach the visitor center. A ranger is on duty 2 hours a day from 11 am to 1 pm.

The visitor center can be visited during the day at any time to check out the great interpretive displays.

National Park Service Programs are offered daily and rotate to provide new programs nightly.

The grounds surrounding Glacier Bay Lodge are beautiful and well worth exploring. There is a .25-mile trail along the coastline to the Glacier Bay Campground. There is also a forest trail that is 1.5 miles round trip and guides you through a temperate rainforest.

The Tlingit trail travels from the boat dock to the clan house and passes by multiple cool exhibits. You can see a Tlingit Canoe, the skeleton of “Snow” a famous humpback whale, and information about the flora and fauna of the area.

Glacier Bay Boat Tour

An eight-hour tour is offered directly from the Bartlett Cove Marina for guests of the lodge and day visitors.

The boat tour travels up to Margerie Glacier and includes dramatic views of deep fjords, the summer feeding grounds of Humpback Whales, coastal mountains, and Southeast Alaska. 

During our Glacier Bay Boat Tour, we saw humpback whales, killer whales, mountain goats, harbor seals, stellar sea lions, grizzly bears also called coastal bears, migratory birds, and so much more! 

Things to know when planning a trip to Glacier Bay Lodge

Cancellation Policy

Reservations made 30 or more days prior to arrival have a 10-day grace period to change or cancel the itinerary at no charge from the time of booking. 

Reservation cancellations or changes made outside of 72 hours prior to arrival will receive a refund less a 10% change or cancellation fee.

Canceling within 72 hours prior to arrival will result in full payment forfeiture.

Payment Policy

Advanced payment is required at the time of booking reservations. Payment may be made by credit card only.

Glacier Bay Lodge and Tours is an authorized concessioner of the National Park Service.

We did not have cell phone service during our stay at the lodge. 

Glacier Bay Lodge History

The lodge was designed by Seattle architect John Morse to include a blend of rustic architecture with 1960s modernism.

The lodge was part of the National Parks Mission 66 project to welcome and accommodate many generations of park visitors. 

John Morse also designed the visitor center at Sitka National Historical Park in Sitka, Alaska.

For the Glacier Bay Lodge, John Morse designed a complex that heavily employed heavy timber posts, asymmetrical pitched roof, triple triangular dormers, and expansive windows to showcase the views of Bartlett Cove.

The boardwalks between the main lodge building and the cabins were created to immerse visitors in the temperate rainforest.

The lodge was completed in 1966 and is a showcase of Park Service Modern Architecture. 

Park Ranger John Pro-Tip

Mission 66 was a 10-year project proposed to Congress in 1955 by Conrad Wirth, the Director of the National Park Service. The goal behind this proposal was to modernize the National Park Service and its facilities in time for the park's 50th anniversary. 

This was a vital step forward for the park service as the US had developed the modern highway system. The automobile was becoming more and more affordable leading to the unprecedented increase in auto tourism to the National Parks 

Projects outlined in mission 66 included building lodges, campgrounds, visitor centers, and trails that continue to serve guests today. Most notably about the Mission 66 program was the implementation of park visitor centers, a central part of almost every park visit today! 

Additional Alaska National Park Resources

Check out our 3 Alaska National Park Trip including Denali, Kenai Fjords, and Glacier Bay NP! 

Each of these National Parks would need to be reached via a plane flight. 

Denali National Park

Kenai Fjords National Park

Lake Clark National Park

Katmai National Park

Wrangell St. Elias National Park

Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park

Check out all of the  Alaska National Parks  along with  National Parks in Washington ,  California National Parks , and  National Parks in Hawaii

Planning a National Park vacation? America the Beautiful/National Park Pass covers entrance fees for an entire year to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites.

The park pass covers everyone in the car for per vehicle sites and for up to 4 adults for per-person sites.

Buy on  REI.com  and REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.

Glacier Bay Lodge - Glacier Bay National Park

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The City of Gustavus

The City of Gustavus , with a population of about 655, has a mayor and city council, and represents its residents to the state. Gustavus is a subsistence community, and the local harvest remains important to most residents. In summer, our population is at its highest. In winter, about half the population stays in town.

Gustavus encompasses 29.2 square miles of land and 10 square miles of water. The area’s maritime climate is characterized by cool summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures average from 52 to 63 degrees, with winter temperatures averaging from 26 to 39 degrees.

The City of Gustavus was incorporated in 2004. Our major projects since then have been provision of basic services such as establishing a landfill/recycle center, building up our docks and harbors and maintaining our roads. A boat harbor/freight ramp project was completed in 2007.

Local residents choose Gustavus for the lifestyle, the availability of natural resources, the spectacular beauty of the area and for the subsistence activities available. Many residents are self employed in tourism and service/retail businesses, as well as fishing, power generation and aviation. Glacier Bay National Park employs over half of the residents of Gustavus. Others work for the state or for the Chatham School District.

Natural resources are managed by Glacier Bay National Park, the International Pacific Halibut Commission, the State Department of Fish and Game and the Tongass National Forest.

We have a city hall, medical clinic, fire department, library and city park. The state-funded Gustavus School, serving kindergarten through twelfth grade, serves about 50 students and enjoys the highest test scores in Chatham School District. Our school is enriched by community volunteers and the high value that Gustavus puts on education.

Emergency medical services (EMS), and fire response are provided by the dedicated volunteers of the Gustavus Volunteer Fire Department(GVFD). The Department works closely with Alaska State Troopers, Glacier Bay National Park and the US Coast Guard, during search and rescue operations in the Gustavus, Glacier Bay, and Icy Strait areas. The GVFD is also prepared to respond to regional disasters if called.

Most homes have personal septic and water systems. Alaska Power & Telephone (AP&T) , provides city-wide power through hydroelectric generation from Falls Creek. Alaska Communication Services (ACS) provides local phone service.

Cell phone coverage is good in some parts of town but is constrained by dense trees and low elevation. Internet access is available via a cell phone tower, satellite providers, or Fibre Alaska – a local internet service provider (ISP) that is building out a fiber optic network in Gustavus. The Gustavus Library provides a free wireless hot spot.

Freight to the community comes through Juneau by plane, barge, landing craft, private boats and by Alaska Marine Highway ferry service.

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  2. Gustavus Alaska Visitors’ Association

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  3. Visit Gustavus on a trip to Alaska

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  4. The Best Trails and Outdoor Activities in Gustavus, Alaska

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  5. Glacier Bay / Gustavus, AK

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  6. Visit Gustavus on a trip to Alaska

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VIDEO

  1. Alaska Bound

  2. Alaska Bound

  3. Glacier Bay Alaska Tour

  4. Wild Black Alaska Wolf Sighting in Glacier Bay National Park Gustavus Alaska

  5. Kayak Alaska (Gustavus, Glacier Bay, Chichagof Island)

  6. Gustavus, Alaska July 2023 #alaskanhalibut #fishing #alaska

COMMENTS

  1. Gustavus Alaska Visitors' Association

    Gustavus, the Gateway Community to Glacier Bay National Park, offers the ideal visitor experience of a town steeped in a rich homesteader history, with wildlife sightings, worldclass fishing, and wildlife adventures along with moments of solitude and well-being.This friendly little town. feels like a step into the past and boasts many writers and artists, gardeners and wilderness adventurers.

  2. A Complete Guide to Gustavus and Glacier Bay in Southeast Alaska

    Unless you own your own seaworthy boat or airplane and are a skilled navigator, you must begin your experience of Glacier Bay in the same way 99% of all other people do: You must first arrive to the lovely little community of Gustavus in Southeast Alaska.This charming little town has less than 500 year round residents, but sees an influx of many thousands more over the summer months.

  3. Gustavus / Glacier Bay

    Located just a few miles from park headquarters, the town of Gustavus, Alaska is the jumping-off point for adventures in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve and a charming little village of artists, musicians and writers, fantastic gardens, and stunning views.

  4. Gustavus, Alaska

    Gustavus is considered the gateway to Glacier Bay National Park and is located 48 air-miles (approximately a 30 minute flight) west of Juneau, in Southeast Alaska. Gustavus spreads across a large plain created by receding glaciers and is completely surrounded by the distant mountains and icefields of Glacier Bay National Park on three sides and ...

  5. Plan Your Trip

    Overview- Gustavus is the Gateway to Glacier Bay! Most people travel to Gustavus by jet, bush plane, or ferry ride from Juneau, Alaska's capital. Alaska Airlines services our modern airport during the summer. We are located in Alaska's southeast "panhandle"-a stretch of protected coastline that offers the best of Alaska and America to ...

  6. Activities

    Gustavus Alaska is a diverse destination offering all kinds of outdoor adventure, as well as eclectic art and interesting shops just waiting to be explored. ... Visit our gift shop, located in Bartlett Cove off the lobby of the Glacier Bay Lodge, for a great assortment of mementos from your trip,... Email | 888-229-8687 https://www ...

  7. THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Gustavus

    Captain Mike provided my wife and I a once in a lifetime day with good fishing, great instruction and great sights... 14. Gustavus Taxi. 2. Taxis & Shuttles • Private Tours. By sanders369. We grabbed this taxi at the Gustavus ferry terminal and it took us to the Glacier Bay Lodge for a very reasonable $10...

  8. Explore Gustavus

    Explore Gustavus. Gustavus is considered the gateway to Glacier Bay National Park and is located 48 miles west of Alaska's State Capitol, Juneau. Gustavus spreads across a large plain created by receding glaciers and is completely surrounded by the distant mountains and icefields of Glacier Bay National Park on three sides and the ocean on the ...

  9. 12 Things To Do In Gustavus, Alaska (That Other People Miss)

    The 12 Best Things To Do In Gustavus, Alaska. 1. Take a Tour of Glacier Bay. Of the many things to do in and around Gustavus, touring Glacier Bay is by far the most popular activity. The most popular is a seven-hour boat tour with a Forest Service Park Ranger. These tours operate out of the Glacier Bay National Monument Visitor's Center in ...

  10. Gustavus, AK: All You Must Know Before You Go (2024)

    By NewGranna. 1,075. Gustavus, Alaska. Sitting on a peninsula surrounded on three sides by Glacier Bay National Park, the only way to arrive in Gustavus, a small town with fewer than 500 permanent residents, is by boat or plane. Once there, you can stock up on supplies, plan a tour into the park, charter a whale watching boat or just appreciate ...

  11. Gustavus, Alaska

    Gustavus is considered the gateway to Glacier Bay National Park and is located 48 air miles west of Alaska's State Capitol, Juneau, in Southeast Alaska. Approximately 10 miles on a paved road will take you from Gustavus' airport to the Glacier Bay park headquarters in Bartlett Cove. In the summer months, jet service is available between Juneau and Gustavus, with smaller planes flying to ...

  12. Explore Gustavus

    Arrive at the Gustavus Airport via Alaska Airlines or seaplane. We'll be ready and waiting to transport our guests to the lodge. Be sure to go to the National Park Service Visitor's Center, located on the 2 nd floor of the lodge. Check out the view of Bartlett Cove while enjoying a beverage on our deck. Enjoy dinner at the Fairweather ...

  13. Gustavus Visitors Association

    The Gateway to Glacier Bay, Gustavus offers a microcosm of all the natural beauty of Alaska. Gustavus is not too big -- no industry interfering with the wilderness, no influx of cruise travelers, no string of souvenir shops -- and not too small. Lodgings cater to personal tastes and are available in a range of prices and a variety of styles. Many of our restaurants feature local seafood and ...

  14. Suggested Itineraries

    Gustavus is the self proclaimed 'friendliest town in Alaska', be sure to wave as you pass by locals as this is the custom. Gustavus Visitors Association. P.O. Box 167. Gustavus AK 99826. [email protected].

  15. Getting to & Around Gustavus, Alaska

    132 2nd Avenue (P.O. Box 1404)- Haines, Alaska 99827 (Based out of Haines with an airport terminal in the Skagway Airport.) (907) 766-3007. Charter flights to Gustavus are a regular service. Call us for our prices! Also specializing in flights over and into Glacier Bay National Park.

  16. How to get to Glacier Bay Alaska

    It is usually the least expensive way to get here. The Airport code to Gustavus/Glacier Bay is GST. If the direct flight into Gustavus on Alaska Airlines does not work out, you can take a flight on smaller plane from Juneau, directly into Gustavus. You can schedule a flight on these smaller planes almost anytime you would like to fly over.

  17. Gustavus

    Travel Insurance; Contact Us; Gustavus, the gateway to Glacier Bay National Park, offers visitors an incredible small town experience and access to some of the best marine wildlife viewing in Alaska. Gustavus is the definition of small-town Alaskan beauty, history, art, and community. The small town is surrounded by incredible scenery and vast ...

  18. Home Page

    Public Notice - AP&T and Southeast Alaska Land Trust Representatives visit . Gustavus Firehall Building Painting Request for Quotation. City of Gustavus' 20th Anniversary . View all News. Upcoming Meetings. ... PO Box 1 | Gustavus, AK 99826. Home; Staff Login; a municodeWEB design

  19. Visit Gustavus on a trip to Alaska

    Visit Gustavus, Alaska. Jump to: Map; Accommodation; Gustavus is a picturesque community located west of Juneau. Spread across a large plain created by receding glaciers, Gustavus is an oasis of humanity surrounded by Glacier Bay National Park.

  20. Ride the Ferry to Gustavus, Alaska

    Since 2011, the Alaska Marine Highway ferry system has provided regular service from Juneau to Gustavus. The ferry trip varies in length depending on the specific ferry being used and the number of stops along the way. Expect the trip to last 4-6 hours.

  21. About Gustavus Alaska

    Gustavus is just right for your Alaska vacation! Please let us know how we can help you plan your stay. Gustavus Visitors Association. P.O. Box 167. Gustavus AK 99826. [email protected]. Gustavus is situated in the ancestral homeland of the Huna Tlingit, for whom we have a deep respect.

  22. Glacier Bay Lodge

    The lodge is located 10 miles from Gustavus, Alaska. There are a couple of ways to get to Glacier Bay Lodge - Air or Sea. You can fly to Gustavus/Glacier Bay via Alaska Air which is how we reached ...

  23. Cruise Tour Alaska

    Princess Cruises®, the #1 cruise line in Alaska*, is here to sweep you off your feet. Picture this: A top-rated cruise, plus a deeper exploration of Alaska's enchanting scenery that combines the best of cruising, visiting national parks, traveling by train, and venturing into the heart of Alaska from the comforts of wilderness lodges.

  24. Getting to Gustavus

    Most people travel to Gustavus by jet, bush plane, or ferry ride from Juneau, Alaska's capital. Alaska Airlines services our modern airport during the summer. We are located in Alaska's southeast "panhandle"-a stretch of protected coastline that offers the best of Alaska and America to visitors from around the world.

  25. PDF October 1, 2024 April 30, 2025.

    "Keep Alaska Moving through service and infrastructure." 7037 North Tongass Highway Ketchikan, Alaska 99901-9101 Main: 907.228.7250 Fax: 907.228.6873 June 18, 2024 Dear Community Leaders and Members of the Public Interested in AMHS: It is time to begin the public review process for the next Alaska Marine Highway System scheduling cycle. The

  26. The City of Gustavus

    Gustavus encompasses 29.2 square miles of land and 10 square miles of water. The area's maritime climate is characterized by cool summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures average from 52 to 63 degrees, with winter temperatures averaging from 26 to 39 degrees. ... Alaska Communication Services (ACS) provides local phone service.

  27. Vessel Sound Measurement Study 2024

    The route can be run in either direction, as you travel up‐bay or downbay. It is essential to maintain a steady course at consistent engine RPM and operational conditions from one point to the next. Note your engine RPM and other specifications on the form on page 2. No other adjustments to typical operations are needed.