Gustavus Inn at Glacier Bay is not in Juneau itself but in the small community of Gustavus, which sits at the edge of Glacier Bay National Park and is reachable from Juneau by a short flight or by ferry. We include it as a nearby-town option because Glacier Bay is one of the great extensions to a Juneau trip, and the inn is a long-standing base for people visiting the park. The setting is rural and quiet, with open meadows, forest and mountains, and the atmosphere is that of a country inn where meals are shared and the pace is slow. It is a good choice for travelers who want to extend their trip beyond Juneau, who love wilderness and who do not mind the logistics of a remote destination.
Getting there is part of the plan. Small aircraft make the flight from Juneau in a short time, and ferries operate on a schedule that varies by season, so check both options and book early. The inn is a few miles from the Gustavus airstrip and can usually arrange pickups, but confirm in advance.
The town is small, with few services, so the inn is the center of the visitor experience. Meals are often served family style and focus on local ingredients such as seafood and garden produce; confirm current dining arrangements and dietary policies when you book. Because it is a seasonal operation, check dates, which usually follow the summer visitor season.
Glacier Bay itself is the reason to go. The park offers tidewater glaciers, whale and sea otter watching, kayaking and ranger-led programs, and many visitors join day boats from nearby Bartlett Cove. The inn can help with arrangements and offer advice, and its location makes it easy to combine park activities with quiet time in the countryside.
Dress for changeable weather with waterproof layers and sturdy shoes, bring binoculars and a camera, and expect limited cell coverage. Consider a longer stay, because a short visit can feel rushed after the travel time, and weather can affect flights and boats.
Who it suits
Nature lovers, couples, photographers and travelers who prefer remote lodging to city hotels. It is less suited to those on a tight schedule, to travelers who want a lot of shops and restaurants or to anyone uncomfortable with small aircraft. Pair a stay here with a few nights in Juneau on either side, using Juneau for the glacier and whale experiences described in this guide and Gustavus for the national park.
Book well ahead for summer, check cancellation policies in case of weather disruptions and ask the inn about packages that include meals and transfers.
Why stay here
- ✓Country inn near Glacier Bay National Park
- ✓Reached from Juneau by air or ferry
- ✓Family-style meals (confirm current service)
- ✓Quiet rural setting
- ✓Help arranging park activities
- ✓Airstrip pickup (confirm)
- ✓Seasonal operation (check dates)
- ✓Wildlife and glacier access nearby
Good questions
How do I get there from Juneau?+
Gustavus is reached by small aircraft or by ferry from Juneau. Check schedules and book early.
Is it open year-round?+
Many inns here are seasonal. Confirm operating dates for your travel period.
Is it part of Juneau?+
No. It is in the nearby town of Gustavus, at the gateway to Glacier Bay.