visit gustavus alaska

12 Things To Do In Gustavus, Alaska (That Other People Miss)

Gustavus, a town of about 600 people in Southeast Alaska, is known as The Gateway City to Glacier Bay National Park for a very good reason but the activity here isn’t limited to the park! There are many other great things to do in and around the town itself.

People often ask how to say the name of the town when planning their trip. The easiest way is to think of your friend “Gus Davis” but change the “D” to a “T” and say it as a single word.

If you’re planning a trip here, you’ll probably want to aim for a few days so you can make sure you have enough time to do all the amazing things the area has to offer. If you don’t have a lot of time, you can still do a lot in only a few hours!

Let’s talk about how to get to Gustavus real quick and then we’ll look at some of the awesome activities and adventures you can have on your next visit.

How to Get to Gustavus

Despite being part of the Alaskan mainland, Gustavus is surrounded by mountains on three sides and water on the other, so there is no road access.

The Alaska Marine Highway System serves Gustavus but the most common way for visitors to arrive is by plane from Juneau. Alaska Seaplanes offers year-round service from nearby Juneau and it’s roughly a 30-minute flight.

However, in the summer, Alaska Airlines flies to Gustavus Airport as part of their service between Anchorage-Juneau-Seattle.

The 12 Best Things To Do In Gustavus, Alaska

1. take a tour of glacier bay.

Of the many things to do in and around Gustavus, touring Glacier Bay is by far the most popular activity. The most popular is a seven-hour boat tour with a Forest Service Park Ranger.

These tours operate out of the Glacier Bay National Monument Visitor’s Center in Bartlett Cove, about 20 minutes away from Gustavus.

You can also get a helicopter tour from town if you’d prefer to see the area from above instead of on the water. These flights run for about 30 minutes, although they can go longer and you can also use them if you want to have your marriage ceremony in the park!

2. Kayaking and Camping

If you’re feeling really adventurous, the boat tour from Bartlett Cove offers a drop-off service, with locations in the east arm and the west arm of Glacier Bay.

If you arrange it in advance, you can start the tour with the rest of your group, then get dropped off by yourself or with your party inside Glacier Bay, then get picked up at the same spot by the next day’s tour group.

You can camp, kayak, or do any number of other things while in the park, but please do remember bear safety, as you’re likely to encounter them and many other wild animals during your stay.

3. Enjoy Local Art

Even though Gustavus’s population is low, their love of art is incredibly high, with multiple local artists owning galleries in town.

Some of these artists operate in multiple mediums as well, so whether you buy a print or another item, or just enjoy their galleries, you can spend some time appreciating and supporting local artists.

You will also have the opportunity to buy Tlingit artwork, both at the Glacier Bay Gift Shop at Bartlett Cove and in town at the Alaskan Native Eagle Gift Shop .

4. Enjoy a Fishing Charter

Fishing Charters are one of the most exciting things to do in Southeast Alaska, with several great options available in Gustavus.

The fish available to catch include ling cod, rockfish, halibut, all five types of salmon, and more.

If you’d prefer, you can stay in one of several fishing lodges in town or you can go out for a few hours. Some lodges offer nine-hour full-day charters or five-hour half-day voyages.

5. Take a Van Excursion

If you’ve come by boat and want to take a break from the water, you can still see a lot of amazing scenery near town and in Glacier Bay.

Strawberry Point Tours (whose name honors the original designation given to the town by the homesteaders who established it) offers charter tours or if you don’t have a lot of time, a standard 45-minute tour from the Alaska Marine Highway Ferry Terminal.

There are also kayak racks on top of the van if you’d like to be dropped off at the end of a charter tour or just need a place to store it while you enjoy the drive.

6. Visit the Gas Station

Normally, if someone suggested you visit a gas station, you’d think there weren’t a lot of better things to do in town. This is not the case in Gustavus!

The gas station in town is a replica of a pre-World War II Mobil station with actual functioning pumps from 1937! It is one of the most photographed gas stations in the United States.

Located downtown in the area called “Four Corners,” the location also features a gift shop and the only museum dedicated to petroleum in the state of Alaska.

7. Buy Some Locally Made Soap

A local company called Pretty Nice Soap offers a variety of soaps and other products made from goat cheese, yogurt, and other locally-sourced ingredients.

Willow Rose Soap & Salve Company also creates handmade soap from items in the surrounding area, so you can buy both and decide which one you like best!

8. Buy a Plant or Some Produce

Since the city of Gustavus was originally started as a homestead, it makes sense that there are many local farms in town that sell fresh produce.

There are options in the city center, as well as on the road to Bartlett Cove. If you rent a car , you can get some delicious fruits and vegetables on your way back to Gustavus from your exciting Glacier Bay adventure.

Gustavus Gardens sells plants, gardening equipment, and even tomatoes while they’re in season.

9. Enjoy Nagoonberry Loop Trail

Situated near the city center, Nagoonberry Loop Trail provides a wonderful opportunity to take a scenic stroll in a beautiful forested area.

It is just over two miles long and has an elevation gain of just over 100 feet, which makes it the perfect trail for walking, jogging, or running.

You’ll want to remember your rain gear, as you’ll be walking in the Tongass National Rainforest and it’s liable to rain at any point. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed on the trail, although this won’t be an issue for most visitors.

10. Visit the Huna Tribal House

The Huna Tlingit used the area in and around Glacier Bay for thousands of years before it was designated as a National Park and their usage was then restricted.

In an effort to revitalize Alaska Native art traditions and in honor of the Clan Houses that once stood in the area, The Huna Tribal House in nearby Bartlett Cove was built and dedicated in 2016.

Tlingit singers, dancers, carvers, and other knowledgeable elders can be found here, allowing visitors to return home with a greater knowledge of Alaska Native history and culture.

11. Explore the City on a Bicycle

A local company called Aria Cycles rents both bicycles and e-bikes, which can provide visitors with a great opportunity to see many of the local sites.

You can see birds down at the dock, head over to the beach and walk down miles of shoreline, and grab some wild strawberries down by the old golf course, which shut down several years ago.

Gustavus is mostly flat and there are only two main roads out of town, which makes navigating very easy, even if your smartphone maps aren’t working, which they generally will not the further you go from the city center.

There are also several places around town to take the “Classic Alaskan Photograph,” which features a bed of wildflowers in the foreground and mountains in the background.

Even if you’re not that great at taking pictures (like me!), this is an easy shot to take while in Gustavus, which is why it’s one of my personal favorites! I like to crouch down and tilt the camera up just a little bit.

12. Enjoy Local Coffee

If you’re in the mood for a cup of coffee and want something a little different than Starbucks or Seattle’s Best, you’ll love the local options in Gustavus!

The Fireweed Gallery Coffee & Tea House sells Fairweather Ground Coffee, which is a 100% organic blend that is roasted locally.

If you really enjoy their coffee, you can buy a pack of beans in town or order them online and have them delivered to your home, which is particularly useful if you have limited baggage space for your return journey!

Final Thoughts and Summary

These are just a few of the many wonderful things to do in Gustavus, Bartlett Cove, and Glacier Bay National Monument.

Whether you’re coming to enjoy the fishing charters, buying some locally-made products, taking pictures of the gas station, or visiting the beautiful Glacier Bay, you’re sure to find something you love while you’re here.

The city of Gustavus can’t wait to welcome you as part of your next exciting Alaskan adventure!

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Extend your visit and enjoy all that Gustavus area has to offer!

Flying into Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve

• Arrive at the Gustavus Airport via Alaska Airlines or seaplane. We’ll be ready and waiting to transport our guests to the lodge.
• Be sure to go to the National Park Service Visitor’s Center, located on the 2 nd floor of the lodge.
• Check out the view of Bartlett Cove while enjoying a beverage on our deck.
• Enjoy dinner at the Fairweather Dining Room. Local favorites such as salmon and halibut are our specialty.

Dinner at the Fairweather Dining Room

• Breakfast at the Fairweather Dining Room.
• Today’s the day! You’re off to explore Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve on the Glacier Bay Day Tour . You’ll board the boat at 6:50 am, depart at 7:15 and will return to the lodge at around 3:30 pm. Lunch is served on the tour.
• Explore the lodge’s immediate area and learn more about the history and culture of the area. Ranger and cultural programs are available at the Visitor Center and at the Huna Tribal House
• Enjoy dinner at the Fairweather Dining Room, or enjoy one of our local restaurants in Gustavus.

Kayaking in beautiful Alaskan waters

• Breakfast at the Fairweather Dining Room .
• Check out of the lodge. If arranging activities with area businesses, you may want to ask the tour provider to drop you off at the airport.
• Glacier Bay Photo Tours : offering full and half day customizable guided hikes – focus on your interests, such as wildlife, history or ecology.
• Fishing and Marine Adventures: go whale watching, kayaking or sport fishing with one of the area’s experienced guides.
• Shopping: find that perfect souvenir at the gift shop at Glacier Bay Lodge or from a local artisan .
• Bike or hike : Gustavus is fairly flat, and with only two roads it’s easy to get around. Hiking options in the park include the Forest Loop Trail (1 mile), the Bartlett River Trail (5 miles) or the Bartlett Lake Trail (6 miles.)
• Kayaking : enjoy a guided kayaking tour from experienced guides.

Getting to & Around Gustavus, Alaska

To get to Gustavus, Alaska, you have 2 basic choices of transportion: Plane or boat. Air options include the only jet service that regularly schedules flights into town (during the summer months only) - Alaska Airlines- as well as a few year round air taxi services and of course the many Charter planes that service the area. There are also a few options via Charter boat. Since Gustavus is a peninsula, with Glacier Bay National Park surrounding the town from the landside, THERE ARE NO ROADS THAT WILL GET YOU HERE . That's part of the magic of this community... There is, however, a small and simple "road system" in Gustavus- roughly 20 miles in total. It basically consists of one main road that goes from the airport to the lodge headquarters at Bartlett Cove in Glacier Bay park, with several smaller roads branching off. The main road is paved, and the rest of all the connecting roads dirt and gravel. See our Gustavus map for details!

Gustavus.com highly recommends trying our Booking Wiz flight comparison tool to save money on your flight to Alaska!

Charter Plane Services

The choices of air charters and services that provide regularly scheduled year round flights to Gustavus and the surrounding area, are listed below. Most operators are based out of Juneau, however some companies offer flights from various other Southeast Alaskan towns such as Ketchikan, Sitka, Haines, Skagway and Hoonah. Many of these air charter companies also provide various other flight related services in the area such as FLIGHTSEEING TOURS around Glacier Bay National Park, float charters, freight transport, and various other adventure tour charters (for example: for skiers, rafters, climbers, and hunters), as well as making beach, lake, and/or glacial landings available upon request and where possible.

Fjord Flying Service

P.O. Box 48 - Gustavus, Alaska 99826 Phone: (907) 697-2377 in Gustavus, or make reservations toll free: 1(877) 460-2377

E-Mail & Reservations

Comfortable, high wing Cessna 206, providing passenger service, charters and tours in Southeast Alaska. Local service, custom charters, and flightseeing tours of Glacier bay and Juneau icefield. Frequent flights to Juneau, Hoonah, Skagway, Sitka, and Haines.

More Charter Flight Operators for the Area...

See the following links for charter boat companies: sportfishing charters , or glacier bay sightseeing & "tour"- related charters., ferry service.

After years of sporadic ferry service by various companies both private and commercial, as of summer 2011, Gustavus finally has regularly scheduled, dependable ferry service via the Alaska Marine Highway System.

The Marine Highway offers ferry service to the community of Gustavus in southeast Alaska, twice-weekly.

The services connect you to travel opportunities in Glacier Bay National Park. In addition, the Kennicott provides new cross-gulf service every other week as it travels between Bellingham, Washington., and Whittier, with stops in Ketchikan and Juneau. Make easy connections via Juneau aboard the MV LeConte and explore some of the most spectacular scenery in Alaska.

Click to learn more & make reservations , or call toll free 1-800-642-0066.

FYI: This state ferry service had been a long time coming to Gustavus, and is finally a reality due to the fact that the new ferry dock was completed in November, 2010. (after a long fought battle between residents who wanted it and those that didn't) .

Gustavus Visitors Association

P.O. Box 167 - Gustavus, Alaska 99826 E-Mail & Reservations

Gustavus is the Alaska Marine Highway System's newest destination. Visit the Gustavus Visitors Association for more community information, advice, and ideas for traveling around the amazing Gustavus area!

Getting Around Gustavus

Once you arrive in Gustavus, you'll need to get from the airport to wherever it is you're staying... Most of the lodges and guest houses will provide shuttle services to pick you up, provided they know when to expect you. In the event that you arrive without having made arrangements with your lodge, then you have a few simple choices to make: Walk, hitchhike, or call a taxi. Taxi services are friendly and courteous and quite knowledgeable about the community. After you're situated at wherever it is you're staying, getting around Gustavus is easy and fun. If you're feeling energetic, walking or bike riding FROM anyplace TO any place in Gustavus is possible. (In fact, most bikers describe the road system here as "biker heaven".) Its only a matter of a few miles to just about any business, with the exception of some lodges and Glacier Bay park, which is approximately 9 miles away, and most local businesses can provide you with an area map for your explorations. You could also rent a car here, or call a taxi, but most guests just prefer to borrow a bike to get around town.... or put out your thumb. Even if you are just out for a walk someone will most likely ask you if you want a ride..... Just don't forget to wave at everyone you pass. If you don't, they will know you aren't from Gustavus!

Taxis & Rental Cars

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Gustavus, the gateway to Glacier Bay National Park, offers visitors an incredible small town experience and access to some of the best marine wildlife viewing in Alaska. Gustavus is the definition of small-town Alaskan beauty, history, art, and community. The small town is surrounded by incredible scenery and vast amounts of wildlife while far removed from the crowds of cruise ship destinations. The temperate rainforest climate (with half the rain that Juneau sees) is ideal for hikes, bike riding, kayaking, birdwatching, whale watching, and photography. This is a perfect habitat for seeking sightings of moose, bears, wolves and a multitude of birdlife.

Our programs that visit Gustavus typically relish the incredible whale watching, and a visit to nearby Glacier National Park. Visiting this National Park is best done by boat, which allows us to take in the majestic glaciers and towering peaks while scanning the waters and shorelines for abundant wildlife. Experience the best of Alaska with no crowds, no lines, and plenty of breathtaking scenery!

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Southeast alaska wildlife quest, price: $5400*.

See rare wildlife up-close in gorgeous natural settings on this ultimate wildlife viewing adventure! We will see whales, bears, seals, sea lions, bald eagles, moose, wolves, and more on this scenic tour of Southeast Alaska's natural wildlife.

• Destination: Juneau, Haines and Gustavus.
• Activity: Wildlife-Program
• Difficulty: Easy
• Duration: 6 days
• Meeting Point: Juneau

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SE Alaska Scenic Exploration

Price: $5410*.

Experience wilderness and jaw-dropping scenery on this 6-day tour of the most breathtaking vistas in Southeast Alaska. Marvel at glaciers 100' tall; see bears, eagles, sea lions, and whales up close; explore rainforest, pristine lakes, and gorgeous fjords. See the best of the best on this scenic extravaganza!

• Destination: Juneau, Skagway, Haines and Gustavus.
• Activity: Scenic-Exploration

Southeast Alaska Adventure

Price: $6325*.

Experience Alaska and the Yukon through jaw-dropping, unique, and exciting active adventures. Trek across glaciers, kayak through pristine seas, fly over Glacier Bay National Park, mountain bike down world-class single-track, hike in alpine tundra, and more on this active 6-day itinerary.

• Destination: Juneau, Skagway, Haines, and Gustavus.
• Activity: Adventure-Program
• Difficulty: Strenuous

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Visit Gustavus, Alaska

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Gustavus is a picturesque community located west of Juneau. Spread across a large plain created by receding glaciers, Gustavus is an oasis of humanity surrounded by Glacier Bay National Park .

Sandy beaches offer an inspiring contrast to the snow covered peaks of the Fairweather Range to the west and the Chilkat Range to the east. The Tlingit people used to forage and fish the rivers to acquire food and because wild strawberries grow profusely, the area was once called Strawberry Point. In 1914, the first family of settlers arrived and today there are approximately 450 year-round residents who call Gustavus home.

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Map of gustavus, places & hotels on the map, places near gustavus.

• Glacier Bay National Park 46 miles away
• Juneau 49 miles away
• Haines 58 miles away
• Skagway 74 miles away
• Sitka 96 miles away
• Petersburg 151 miles away
• Wrangell 184 miles away
• Ketchikan 263 miles away

Accommodation choices for Gustavus

We've selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Gustavus. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.

Glacier Bay Lodge

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17 Beautiful Places in Alaska That Will Have You Longing for the Last Frontier

The 49th state of the United States, Alaska, is a land of extreme remote wilderness and immense natural beauty. With ice-blue calving glaciers, active snow-capped volcanoes, and the place to see some of the largest mammals on earth, Alaska is an unrivaled destination often referred to as the Last Frontier.

From the northern lights to the endless summer days, here’s a journey to 18 of the most beautiful places in Alaska that will leave you longing for an adventure in the great outdoors.

1. Denali National Park, Healy

One of the most famous spots in Alaska is Denali National Park, home to North America’s tallest peak, Denali (formerly known as Mount McKinley). This summitable mountain stands at a jaw-dropping 20,310 feet. The park spans over six million acres, with grizzly bears, moose, and wolves roaming the wild here.

For the best views, hop on the park’s shuttle bus system to get around! Don’t miss the Savage River Loop Trail if you’re up for a hike. Wonder Lake has some killer photo ops, especially when the mountain’s reflection shimmers on the water.

And despite contrary beliefs that you have to come in the dead of winter, the northern lights may show off their colors starting in September.

2. Glacier Bay National Park, Gustavus

Glacier Bay National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 1,000 glaciers. This incredible park was created by glaciers retreating over the last few centuries. Today, some of those glaciers are still actively calving, sending massive chunks of ice crashing into the sea with a thunderous roar.

The Margerie Glacier is the main highlight here. You’ll always see humpback whales breaching and sea otters coming up for air. You can kayak around the bay or head to Bartlett Cove for some great hiking trails.

3. The Inside Passage

The Inside Passage is a scenic route for cruise ships or ferry boats between Washington , British Columbia, and Alaska. It threads through a maze of fjords and islands sailing through the calm waters of the Pacific Ocean. Dense forests and towering glaciers flank this watery highway.

Hop on a ferry or cruise ship, and keep your camera ready for killer whale sightings. The town of Ketchikan is famous for its totem poles. Juneau, the state’s quirky capital, is a gateway to the Mendenhall Glacier.

4. Kenai Fjords National Park, Seward

Kenai Fjords National Park has 40 glaciers flowing from the Harding Icefield. You can hike, float, or paddle from Seward to get up close with these giants.

The Exit Glacier is one of the most accessible and has a fantastic hike up to the Harding Icefield Trail. You can kayak around Resurrection Bay for a close-up glacier view.

A boat tour will slalom around imposing fjords and playful sea otters. Aialik Bay is where you can spot humpback whales and orcas.

5. Hubbard Glacier, Yakutat Bay

Hubbard Glacier is one of Alaska’s largest tidewater glaciers, stretching over six miles wide at its face. This icy giant is still advancing, which is pretty rare these days.

If you’re lucky, you might witness some epic calving action, with giant ice chunks crashing into the sea. Cruise ships often get pretty close, so you can feel the chill without leaving your cozy deck.

Watch bald eagles hunting over Yakutat Bay, then learn about Tlingit culture in the nearby town of Yakutat. The bay is teeming with salmon if you’re into fishing.

6. The Chugach Mountains, Anchorage

The Chugach Mountains are Anchorage’s rugged backdrop. Flattop Mountain is a local favorite for a quick hike with killer city views. The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail strolls along the coast. If you’re into wildlife, go visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.

If you want to go skiing, Alyeska Resort in Girdwood is the place to hit the slopes. The mountains are also home to countless glaciers, like Portage Glacier.

7. Sitka Sound, Sitka

In the Tongass National Forest, Sitka Sound is dotted with islands to kayak around and walk among totem poles. I’ve also heard inklings of the region as being a hippie enclave.

Noteworthy sights are the Russian Bishop’s House and St. Michael’s Cathedral, dating back to when Sitka was a bustling fur trading port. St. Lazaria Island is a birdwatcher’s dream, especially during puffin season. Whale-watching tours are a big hit here, with humpbacks breaching very often.

8. Katmai National Park

Katmai National Park is the place to see bears, and Brooks Falls is the ultimate bear-watching hotspot. This park is home to over 2,000 brown bears, and they love to fish for salmon here. During Katmai’s peak salmon season, you’ll see dozens of bears in one day.

You can access the park by boat or plane and stay at Brooks Camp for an up-close bear experience. You might even spot a few playful cubs!

9. Totem Heritage Center, Ketchikan

Located in Ketchikan, the Totem Heritage Center has an impressive collection of original Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian totem poles. This place houses some of the state’s oldest and most well-preserved totem poles.

These towering works of art tell stories passed down through generations and are a significant part of Alaskan Native culture.

The Saxman Native Village is just a short drive away and offers even more totem poles. The center also has some fantastic exhibits on Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian cultures.

10. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is a behemoth, covering an area larger than Switzerland. It’s like the king of U.S. national parks. The park boasts nine of the sixteen tallest peaks in the country, including Mount St. Elias.

The McCarthy Road leads you to the quirky town of McCarthy, a gateway to the park. You can hike on the Root Glacier or take a flightseeing tour for an unforgettable view of the mountains and glaciers. Wrangell-St. Elias is also a paradise for rafters, with the mighty Copper River running through it.

11. Mendenhall Glacier, Juneau

Mendenhall Glacier is a massive, 13-mile-long glacier located just outside of Juneau. It’s easily accessible and offers plenty of hiking trails for all levels. The Nugget Falls Trail offers a close-up view of both the glacier and a dazzling waterfall, or you can choose the West Glacier Trail for a bigger challenge.

Kayaking around the glacier’s icebergs is a thrill. During summer, you might spot black bears fishing for salmon in Steep Creek.

12. Prince William Sound, Valdez

Prince William Sound has over 3,000 miles of coastline. The sound is a kayaker’s dream, with calm waters and stunning scenery. The town of Valdez is the perfect starting point.

You can find some of the most breathtaking glaciers in Alaska here, including Columbia Glacier and Meares Glacier. You can take a cruise tour or sea kayak through the sound and get up close with these icy giants.

Whale-watching tours are a big hit, especially for spotting orcas and humpbacks. The Solomon Gulch Hatchery is a must-see during salmon season.

13. Resurrection Bay, Seward

Seward is also known as the “Gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park,” so it’s an excellent place to start your exploration of the park. This bay is famous for its sprawling fjords and abundant marine life. On a boat tour or sea kayak through the bay, you can see puffins, bald eagles, and other wildlife.

The Wizard Island sea kayaking trip takes you to an abandoned World War II military base and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers.

14. Turnagain Arm, Anchorage

Turnagain Arm is an incredibly scenic route around Anchorage. This narrow waterway is famous for its dramatic tides, which can rise over 30 feet.

Beluga Point is a popular spot to spot beluga whales. Hikers can also hit the Bird Ridge Trail or try gold panning around the Indian Valley Mine.

The Seward Highway, which runs alongside the arm, is one of the most scenic drives in the nation .

15. Lake Clark National Park, Port Alsworth

Located in the southwestern part of Alaska, Lake Clark National Park is a place for adventure seekers to experience remote wilderness. The park is only accessible by plane or boat, with glaciers, volcanoes, and waterfalls to go hiking and camping.

Lake Clark is stunning, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and crystal-clear waters. You can also go bear viewing, especially around Silver Salmon Creek.

Mount Redoubt is one of Alaska’s most active volcanoes. This volcanic giant last erupted in 2009, sending ash clouds miles into the sky. The clearest way to see it is by air with a flightseeing tour to peer into the crater.

16. Gates of the Arctic National Park, Bettles

Gates of the Arctic National Park is the ultimate wilderness escape. With no roads or trails to guide you, this park is the least visited in the U.S.

The Brooks Range runs through the park, leading to some of the most untouched landscapes you’ll ever see. The best way to explore is by backpacking—just make sure you’re well-prepared.

Bettles is the main jump-off point, and the local air taxi services can get you into the park.

17. Kachemak Bay, Homer

Kachemak Bay is perfect for kayaking across calm waters with plenty of secret coves to explore. Paddle around with otters, seals, sea lions, and even whales. The Homer Spit is also a popular spot for fishing, especially halibut.

You can also take a water taxi to Kachemak Bay State Park, where you can go hiking or camping in one of the remote cabins.

Catherine, a seasoned travel writer, has lived in 4 different states and explored 36 states and 28 national parks. After spending two years embracing van life, she's now dedicated to sharing her vast knowledge of day trips across America. Catherine's other works has been referenced in major publications like MSN, Self, and TripSavvy.

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The City of Gustavus

The City of Gustavus , with a population of about 655, has a mayor and city council, and represents its residents to the state. Gustavus is a subsistence community, and the local harvest remains important to most residents. In summer, our population is at its highest. In winter, about half the population stays in town.

Gustavus encompasses 29.2 square miles of land and 10 square miles of water. The area’s maritime climate is characterized by cool summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures average from 52 to 63 degrees, with winter temperatures averaging from 26 to 39 degrees.

The City of Gustavus was incorporated in 2004. Our major projects since then have been provision of basic services such as establishing a landfill/recycle center, building up our docks and harbors and maintaining our roads. A boat harbor/freight ramp project was completed in 2007.

Local residents choose Gustavus for the lifestyle, the availability of natural resources, the spectacular beauty of the area and for the subsistence activities available. Many residents are self employed in tourism and service/retail businesses, as well as fishing, power generation and aviation. Glacier Bay National Park employs over half of the residents of Gustavus. Others work for the state or for the Chatham School District.

Natural resources are managed by Glacier Bay National Park, the International Pacific Halibut Commission, the State Department of Fish and Game and the Tongass National Forest.

We have a city hall, medical clinic, fire department, library and city park. The state-funded Gustavus School, serving kindergarten through twelfth grade, serves about 50 students and enjoys the highest test scores in Chatham School District. Our school is enriched by community volunteers and the high value that Gustavus puts on education.

Emergency medical services (EMS), and fire response are provided by the dedicated volunteers of the Gustavus Volunteer Fire Department(GVFD). The Department works closely with Alaska State Troopers, Glacier Bay National Park and the US Coast Guard, during search and rescue operations in the Gustavus, Glacier Bay, and Icy Strait areas. The GVFD is also prepared to respond to regional disasters if called.

Most homes have personal septic and water systems. Alaska Power & Telephone (AP&T) , provides city-wide power through hydroelectric generation from Falls Creek. Alaska Communication Services (ACS) provides local phone service.

Cell phone coverage is good in some parts of town but is constrained by dense trees and low elevation. Internet access is available via a cell phone tower, satellite providers, or Fibre Alaska – a local internet service provider (ISP) that is building out a fiber optic network in Gustavus. The Gustavus Library provides a free wireless hot spot.

Freight to the community comes through Juneau by plane, barge, landing craft, private boats and by Alaska Marine Highway ferry service.