GVA-Pixel

Frequently Asked Questions

If you don’t find the answer to your question here. Contact us!

Q: Where is Gustavus?
A: Gustavus is in Southeast Alaska, nestled near the southern end of Glacier Bay National Park at the top of the Inside Passage

 

Q: If I’m visiting Glacier Bay National Park on my cruise ship, will we dock in Gustavus?

A: No, if you are visiting Glacier Bay National Park on a large cruise ship, ie: Holland America, Norwegian Cruise, Carnival Corporation owned companies – Holland America and Princess, also Viking Ocean Cruises, Seabourn and Royal Caribbean; these ships cannot dock in Glacier Bay National Park as the dock is not equipped to accommodate large cruise ships.

 

Q: If I am going on the Day Tour in Glacier Bay National Park, can I plan to make it back to the airport in time to catch the Alaska Airlines flight back to Juneau?

A: Yes, you can make the Alaska Airlines flight #77 back to Juneau, however, it will be a very tight connection, all the stars need to be aligned and if there is one hicup (for example, if the tour boat has a mechanical issue – which they do on occasion) you will miss your flight. The Day Tour into Glacier Bay National Park is concluded at 3:30 P.M. there is a shuttle that departs Glacier Bay Lodge at 3:45 P.M and will arrive at the airport at 4:10 P.M just in the nick of time to get you through security and make that 5:00 P.M departure. Phew – good luck, if you choose to squeeze all this in.
Visit https://www.alaskaair.com/ for more information.

 

Q: Can I visit Gustavus / Glacier Bay National Park in 1 day?

A: In theory, it can be done, but is not recommended. You can catch the first flight from Juneau on Alaska Seaplanes and the last departure back to Juneau, which will provide you enough time to take a hike, visit the town and explore Bartlett Cove.  All flights are weather dependent and cannot be guaranteed.  Be advised that glacier viewing is not possible without venturing further into Glacier Bay National Park than Bartlett Cove. We recommend at least a three day stay here in Gustavus to allow a relaxing pace to join in with a whole list of activities and enjoy the hospitality of a welcoming, warm and wonderful small community.

Visit https://www.flyalaskaseaplanes.com/destinations/Gustavus/ to view an Alaska Seaplanes flight schedule.

 

Q: Can I drive to Gustavus?

A: No, you cannot drive to Gustavus.  If you wish to visit you must take a flight with Alaska Seaplanes or Alaska Airlines (available June, July, and August only) or arrive via ferry boat (limited availability).

Visit http://dot.alaska.gov/amhs/ for more information regarding the Alaska Marine Highway Ferry Service schedule.

 

Q: Do I need a passport to travel to Gustavus?

A: A passport is not needed to travel to Gustavus if you are coming from another state in the United States of America, unless you plan to drive through Canada to get to Juneau.

Fairweather Mountains and Fireweed Flowers
Q: What currency is accepted in Gustavus?

A: All of Alaska operates on the Unites States Dollar (USD).

 

Q: What is the best time of year to visit?

A: Gustavus is lovely all year round, although May-September are the most popular.  June- August are the warmest months of the year (averaging 45-65 degrees Fahrenheit or 7-18 degrees Celsius). November- March is the coldest.

 

Q: Does it rain every day in Gustavus?

A: On average, there are 217 days with precipitation, out of 365.  September and October tend to be the rainiest.  Yearly precipitation amounts to nearly 130 inches (rain and snow).

 

Q: What is the best time of year for whale viewing?

A: Different species of whales frequent the area all year round, but the highest concentration of humpback whales occurs April-September.

 

Q: What time zone does Gustavus fall under?

A: All of Alaska observes Alaska Standard Time (AKST), taking Daylight Savings into account.

 

Q: Will I see the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) or the Midnight Sun while visiting Gustavus?

A: Northern Lights are most commonly visible in the winter months when the sky is the darkest (September-April).  Being one of the more southern areas of Alaska, the sun does not actually shine at midnight in Gustavus.  This occurs above the Arctic Circle during the summer months.

 

Q: How far is it from the Gustavus Airport to Glacier Bay National Park?

A: The Park Boundary is approximately 6 road miles from the airport, and Park Headquarters is located in Bartlett Cove, an additional 4 miles beyond the Boundary.

 

Q: Is there public transportation in Gustavus?

A: No, but there are a few different taxi companies to choose from, as well as a rental car service. Visit our transportation page to view your options.  Bicycling is one of the local’s favorite methods of transportation. You can bring your own or chat with your lodging to see if they provide you with transportation.

 

Q: What should I do if I have an emergency in Gustavus?

A: In Short, dialing 911 is the best way to get help. The Gustavus Volunteer Fire Department (GVFD) has a dedicated crew of volunteers who serve as Emergency Medical Services, Firefighters and disaster response. For more details refer to this helpful document published by the City of Gustavus – What Happens When You Call 911?