Property Description
Gustavus
This little frontier town is built on a glacial moraine; one of the few flat areas in southeast Alaska. The land was covered by a thousand feet of ice 200 years ago, and the retreat of the glacier is continuing. In the early 20th century, several families settled here, raised crops and had a thriving dairy. When the National Park was created, they managed to keep the Gustavus forelands from being included, and the community has been growing ever since. In the 60’s there were about 50 residents; the 2000 census counted 430 people living here – and they didn’t count the dogs. Though we are located next to one of the most fabulous natural places on earth, we haven’t been ‘discovered’. There are no national or international hotels, giftie shops, and programmed tours. Most of the visitors to Glacier Bay come and go on the tourships, and never set foot on land here. They miss meeting us, and the many local attractions.

Whales
Humpback whales spend the summer in the nutrient rich waters in Alaska, bulking up and storing energy in the layers of blubber. At the end of the summer, they go to Hawaii, where they give birth and rear their young. After leaving Alaska, they do not eat again until they return. So their job in Alaska is to store up enough energy to tide them over to the next summer. Though you might see a whale or two on the boat trip into Glacier Bay, the whale watching cruise to Point Adolphus takes you to a place where the whales congregate to feed actively all summer. They put on quite a show. The boats all have hydrophones, so you can hear the whales communicate.

Kayak
There are several levels from which you can experience this corner of paradise: you can fly over to get a bird’s eye view; you can traverse the water on one of the many powered boats; or you can kayak at the same level as the seabirds, seals and whales. Kayaking is the most intimate way to mingle with the natural settings and resident life. Visitors have a choice of going with an experienced guide, or renting a kayak and exploring on their own. Sea-kayaking is a gentle and unobtrusive way to see the world. It is not an aerobic sport, and folks from 6 to 90 years old enjoy a day on the water.

Fishing
There are many local charter boats that will take you out in search of salmon and halibut. The local captains know the waters, and they are willing to share their expertise. The boats are what are called six-packs; they can take a maximum of 6 people so you are sure to have lots of personal attention.

Dog mushing
The sleds are on wheels for the summer, and the huskies love to run. I hear there’s a new batch of puppies today (May 2, 2008).

Golf
Would you believe that we have a par 36, 9 hole natural course? It is popular among the locals. Come and join us for the Ladies Golf Tournament, on summer solstice every year.

Of course we have some fine Inns, lodges, B&Bs and cabin rentals – all small, locally owned and offering a variety of accommodations. There’s taxi service and you can also rent a car.

Air taxis will provide transportation from Juneau (and Haines and Skagway) as well as offering flightseeing over the expanse of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. Of course the gem is the bay, and there is a day boat.

Glacier Bay day boat
The high speed boat takes you 65 miles up to the head of the west arm of Glacier Bay National Park. The bay is magnificent: sixteen tidewater glaciers - twelve of them actively calving - pristine waters, snow-capped mountains, whales, abundant wildlife. Explorers in the 1800s describe a huge ice sheet where Glacier Bay is now, and the ice has been melting and exposing more land ever since. The land is rebounding 1 inch per year as it emerges from the glacial ice that covered it a few hundred years ago. You start at Bartlett Cove, where huge trees cover every inch of the land; and you go to the head of the west arm of the bay in front of tidewater glaciers where the land was recently covered in ice. As you go up-bay, the flora and fauna has evolved with the time it has been ice-free. It is like going back in time, with the evolution of life spread out before you. It is truly like nowhere else on earth, a spectacular natural phenomenon.

Directions
From Gustavus airport, proceed on the main road until it makes a right turn to go to the National Park. Instead of turning, continue to go straight - that's the Good River Road. A sign marks the beginning of the driveway.

Near By Attractions
Glacier Bay National Park, Sandhill Crane Refuge, Tongass Nationla Forest, Point Adolphus whale watching, artist galleries, nature trails, wildlife and wilderness