A warm welcome in Glacier Bay

Bear Track Inn is situated at the doorstep of Glacier Bay National Park on the tranquil shores of Icy Straits in Gustavus, Alaska. With world-class sport fishing, wildlife and bear viewing, whale watching, kayaking and more, this family-friendly inn provides an intimate window into one of Alaska’s “grandest” destinations.

Alaskans at Your Service

Day 1

Arrive in Juneau

Arrive in Juneau where you will receive a personal greeting upon arrival.  There may be time for a private insider’s tour of Alaska’s capital city including its most famous attraction, Mendenhall Glacier.  Your tour ends at your accommodations for the evening.

Overnight in Juneau.

Day 2

Fly from Juneau to Bear Track Inn

This morning after breakfast a private transfer will bring you to the floatplane dock of the Juneau Airport. Here you will board your private plane for the scenic 25-minute flight to Gustavus, gateway to the 3.3-million-acre Glacier Bay National Park, the crowning jewel of Alaska’s Inside Passage and home to majestic glaciers, rugged mountains, wild coastlines, and deep sheltered fjords. Meet your lodge host upon arrival, who will provide a transfer to the inn.  Spend the rest of your day getting settled into your new home for the next few nights, exploring the grounds, and getting to know your Alaskan hosts.

Spend the next four nights at the Bear Track Inn

Day 3

Cruise Through Glacier Bay National Park

Set sail on a captivating cruise through Glacier Bay National Park from the charming town of Gustavus, AK. Begin your day with a hearty breakfast before heading to Bartlett Cove, the departure point for this all-day water-based adventure. Witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of colossal glaciers calving into frigid waters, capturing the essence of nature’s raw beauty. As you navigate through pristine waters, keep a keen eye out for the abundant marine and wildlife that inhabit this remarkable sanctuary. Marvel at seals and sea lions on ice floes, witness the majestic breach of humpback whales, spot bald eagles soaring overhead, and delight in the colorful presence of puffins. This immersive experience promises not only a close encounter with glaciers but also a glimpse into the diverse and vibrant ecosystem of Glacier Bay National Park, one of Alaska’s 8 National Parks.

Day 4

Try Your Hand at Alaskan Guided Fishing

The coastal waters of southeast Alaska offer a variety of sportfishing options.  Whether you’re an experienced pro, a novice, or somewhere in between, a private fishing excursion is a must-do activity while in Alaska.  Get your blood pumping with saltwater options that include opportunities to catch Alaska’s famous barn-door-size halibut or a variety of Alaskan salmon.  If fishing in remote, secluded streams are more your pace, try your hand at fly fishing for freshwater species including salmon (seasonal), Dolly Varden, and Cutthroat or Rainbow Trout.

Day 5

Kayak With The Whales

Paddle into the heart of nature as you embark on a kayaking adventure in the pristine waters near Gustavus, AK. Kayak alongside playful sea otters, inquisitive seals, and majestic whales, learning to recognize them by their distinctive sounds, behaviors, and appearances. Each excursion includes a brief boat ride, tide pool explorations, a rainforest trek, and a gourmet lunch amid the rugged beauty of tumbled boulders on the beach. Immerse yourself in this multi-sensory journey, where the wonders of the marine world blend with the majestic Alaskan landscape.

(c) Obi Wan. All rights reserved.

Day 6

Your Departure Day

After lunch, a transfer will be provided to the Gustavus Airport for your private flight back to Juneau.  Spend the night in Juneau or continue on your next Alaskan adventure.

©Travel Juneau. All rights reserved.

Amenities, nearby adventures and more...

Main Lodge

Bear Track Inn’s main lodge and lobby area is the focal point of the property, stretching 30 feet from floor to ceiling and offering awe-inspiring views of mountains, forests, and wildlife-laden Icy Strait.

Guest Rooms

This unique 2-story log lodge features 14 spacious guest rooms, each with private bath and two queen-size beds.  Some of the upper-level rooms are upgraded rooms that feature vaulted ceilings, water views, and include additional amenities.

Gustavus is not connected to the road system so your custom itinerary will typically include roundtrip flights from Juneau. Itineraries can also start and/or end in the nearby coastal communities of Haines or Skagway.

Bear Track Inn’s dining room features a show kitchen where you can watch the Inn’s Chef perform his magic. Breakfasts and dinners are served in this dining room, while lunches are packed to take away with you on your chosen excursion.

Dinners include a choice of various Alaskan-themed entrees and specials, such as local Alaskan salmon, halibut, caribou, Dungeness crab, and prawns. You may also enjoy vegetarian dishes if you prefer, and there is a large selection of wine and locally brewed beers to choose from as well.

Outdoor adventure is just outside your door at Bear Track Inn with water-based fun including day cruises to see Glacier Bay’s many glaciers, some of Alaska’s most reliable whale watching, and exploratory kayaking around the calm waters around Icy Straits. You can also choose sportfishing and fly fishing guided excursions for halibut, salmon, trout, and more near the Inn or further afield available by floatplane. The wildlife is everywhere so whatever adventure you choose, be sure to bring your camera!

Arrange a flight from Juneau to Pack Creek on Admiralty Island to observe the brown bear population. Spend a day with a guide viewing bears on the tide flats or by the river. Additionally, consider a flight to Haines, Alaska, for a river rafting trip on the Chilkat River through the Bald Eagle Preserve, passing a Tlinget Village for photo opportunities of bald eagles and wildlife amidst glaciated peaks.

Customize your adventure

Extend your stay at this lodge

Extend your stay at this lodge to experience maximum adventure and warm Alaska hospitality.

Visit another national park

Check off another Alaskan national park with a visit to Redoubt Mountain Lodge in Lake Clark National Park.

Tailor your tours

Make one of your tours a private experience.

Pair this lodge with touring by road

Explore more of Alaska by pairing your lodge with touring by road.

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I would highly recommend Alaska Private Touring to plan an Alaskan vacation. I worked with Ibi, and she was very knowledgable and did a fantastic job accommodating our requests and modifying our itinerary to create the ideal trip for our family. Everything was totally seamless, and our trip was an absolute dream.... Read more  

Shannon McNeil