Frequently Asked Questions
Q:How can I avoid hypothermia while on my trip?
A: Staying dry in the park is a must, so bringing sufficient rain gear is extremely important. Wet clothing can lead to decreasing body temperatures and then to hypothermia. If you are unable to avoid hypothermia, to return to your normal body temperature, you need to prevent further heat loss and then slowly begin to warm your body back up.
Q: How large is Glacier Bay National Park?
A: Glacier Bay National Park covers 3.3 million acres of land.
Q: What aquatic activities can I participate in within the park?
A: The park offers a variety of water activities including kayaking, boating, whale watching, and fishing.
Q: What should I bring with me on the trip?
A: It is important that you are able to adjust to the changing weather in Glacier Bay. The advised way to do this is to dress in layers to allow room for you to adjust to your own personal needs. Some essentials to bring with you are sturdy footwear, warm clothing (gloves, hats, thermal underwear, etc.), sunscreen, and sunglasses to protect you from the environment.
Q: What animals might I encounter on my trip?
A: Glacier Bay is home to a wide variety of wildlife due to its marine and terrestrial ecosystems. A large variety of fish and other aquatic mammals can be found in the bay along with many different terrestrial species such as the moose and the bald eagle. Depending on which activities you plan to participate in will determine what animals you encounter. While kayaking you might come across river otters following you around. Or while on an afternoon hike you might spot bears wandering in the distance.
Q: When was the park established?
A: Glacier Bay became a National Monument on February 25, 1925, and was established as a national park and preserve on December 2, 1980.
Q: What facilities are available for visitor use in the park?
A: The Glacier Bay lodge operates tours and facilitates activities such as kayaking during the summer months. It also houses rentals for boats and hosts guided tours over various areas in the park.
Q: What is the weather like in Glacier Bay?
A: Long periods of rainy, cool and overcast weather are common in Southeast Alaska. Summer daytime temperatures range from 45 to 65 degrees F. The average low temperatures in the winter are around 20 to 30 degrees below 0.
Q: What are the regulations of humpback whales in the park?
A: All nautical vessels are restricted to being at least ¼ nautical miles away from the whales at all times. If a whale suddenly appears within the ¼ mile restriction you should slow your vessel down and slowly navigate away from the animal until the proper distance has accumulated between it and you.
Q: What are other regulations of the park?
A: Feeding wildlife and possessing firearms in federal facilities are both prohibited activities. Hunting, fishing, and harvesting (shellfish and berries), are permitted with proper licenses.
A: Staying dry in the park is a must, so bringing sufficient rain gear is extremely important. Wet clothing can lead to decreasing body temperatures and then to hypothermia. If you are unable to avoid hypothermia, to return to your normal body temperature, you need to prevent further heat loss and then slowly begin to warm your body back up.
Q: How large is Glacier Bay National Park?
A: Glacier Bay National Park covers 3.3 million acres of land.
Q: What aquatic activities can I participate in within the park?
A: The park offers a variety of water activities including kayaking, boating, whale watching, and fishing.
Q: What should I bring with me on the trip?
A: It is important that you are able to adjust to the changing weather in Glacier Bay. The advised way to do this is to dress in layers to allow room for you to adjust to your own personal needs. Some essentials to bring with you are sturdy footwear, warm clothing (gloves, hats, thermal underwear, etc.), sunscreen, and sunglasses to protect you from the environment.
Q: What animals might I encounter on my trip?
A: Glacier Bay is home to a wide variety of wildlife due to its marine and terrestrial ecosystems. A large variety of fish and other aquatic mammals can be found in the bay along with many different terrestrial species such as the moose and the bald eagle. Depending on which activities you plan to participate in will determine what animals you encounter. While kayaking you might come across river otters following you around. Or while on an afternoon hike you might spot bears wandering in the distance.
Q: When was the park established?
A: Glacier Bay became a National Monument on February 25, 1925, and was established as a national park and preserve on December 2, 1980.
Q: What facilities are available for visitor use in the park?
A: The Glacier Bay lodge operates tours and facilitates activities such as kayaking during the summer months. It also houses rentals for boats and hosts guided tours over various areas in the park.
Q: What is the weather like in Glacier Bay?
A: Long periods of rainy, cool and overcast weather are common in Southeast Alaska. Summer daytime temperatures range from 45 to 65 degrees F. The average low temperatures in the winter are around 20 to 30 degrees below 0.
Q: What are the regulations of humpback whales in the park?
A: All nautical vessels are restricted to being at least ¼ nautical miles away from the whales at all times. If a whale suddenly appears within the ¼ mile restriction you should slow your vessel down and slowly navigate away from the animal until the proper distance has accumulated between it and you.
Q: What are other regulations of the park?
A: Feeding wildlife and possessing firearms in federal facilities are both prohibited activities. Hunting, fishing, and harvesting (shellfish and berries), are permitted with proper licenses.