Activities For Dogs In Glacier Bay National Park
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Introduction
Gorgeous glaciers, perfect sunsets and the most amazing wildlife you will ever see is what Glacier Bay National Park is all about. If this little slice of heaven sounds like something you want to visit, why not consider bringing your dog along for the ride? Wouldn't your pup want to see the amazing ice and feel the cold snow on their paws? Sounds like it's time for you and your dog to plan a trip to Glacier Bay National Park!
Bartlett Cove
Popular
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Sunny Day
Cheap
Easy
2 - 3 hrs
Items needed
Treats
Leash
waste bags
Activity description
With so many national parks restricting pets, it is a true gem to find a place where you can bring your dog while visiting a national park. Luckily, the Glacier Bay National Park is just the place! While dogs are not allowed in all the sections of the park, there are a few places where they can go. Bartlett Cove is probably the most popular pup friendly spot and is the place you may want to check out first. While dogs are allowed in this area, be sure to follow all park rules and keep your dog on the leash at all times! There is a small fee to park but it is well worth the price to visit this ideal location anytime you'd like!
Step
1
Beach time
The beach between Bartlett Cove dock and the park administrative dock is surprisingly dog-friendly, something you rarely see when visiting national parks! While the water may be a little cool for you, your pup may enjoy jumping in or at least getting their paws wet! Play a game of fetch or take a walk on the beach with your dog as you take in the fantastic views.
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2
Dock time
While in Bartlett Cove, check out the dock where your dog is also welcomed. While your dog may choose to keep all four paws on the dock, out of the water, they can also feel free to jump in. If your dog is a big fan of dock jumping (running off a dock to catch a ball), this is the perfect place to do it!
Step
3
Sunset
If you are looking for a picturesque place to watch the sunset with our dog, Bartlett Cove is the place to be. As the sun sets in the distance, behind the snowy mountain ranges, you and your dog can sit in awe of the wonder that is this Alaskan Park. Bring a blanket and a picnic and wait for the sunset with your pup - it is worth the wait for sure!
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Kayaking
Popular
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Sunny Day
Cheap
Normal
1 hr
Items needed
Towel
Collar
Leash
Kayak
Activity description
Dogs may not be allowed on the trails that go in and out of Glacier Bay National Park but they are allowed on any vessel that sails on the lakes, rivers and streams in the park. How perfect is that! You can bring your dog on a tour of the park via the waterways for a unique perspective that is unlike any you have ever experienced. Kayaks are readily available for rent (for a small fee) throughout the park and are sized to hold you as well as your pup. Pick a day that is sunny to make sure you and your dog stay warm while out on the water!
Step
1
Get situated
Start your kayaking adventure with your dog by getting situated in your boat. Your dog will likely sit in the bow, in front of you, where they will have the most space. It is a good idea to have your dog wear a life vest (made just for dogs!) just in case any accidents occur - they need a life vest just as much as you! Once you and your dog are comfortable, get ready to paddle!
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2
Go explore
As you kayak around Glacier Bay National Park, you are sure to see some amazing sights. From snow-capped mountains to gorgeous sunrises and sunsets, you will be distracted by the beauty of the park. However, you must keep your dog in the forefront of your view as well. Make sure they are comfortable and happy on the kayak as not all dogs are made to float around.
Step
3
Time it well
Since Glacier Bay National Park is, after all, in Alaska, there are times when it may be too cold to kayak safely with your dog. If the temperatures are cold out on the water, consider turning around and bringing your dog back to shore. You can also consider making a cozy warm bed out of blankets in your kayak for your dog. The best time to head out in the park on the kayak is in the summer months when there is still much to see but the temperatures are slightly warmer.
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Camping
Popular
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Any Day
Cheap
Normal
24 - 48 hrs
Items needed
Dog Bed or Blankets
Sleeping Bag
Food and Water
Dog Food and bowl
Tent
Activity description
If you love camping with your dog, then Glacier Bay National Park is the place to visit. It is also an ideal location for your first venture camping with your pup in tow as the well maintained campgrounds are great for novices and pros alike. The Bartlett Cove Campground is the best spot in the park to bring your pup as it is a free, walk-in campground that has a few luxuries you and your dog may enjoy (the bear-proof food storage area for one!). Despite the small luxuries, the area is still quite rustic and comes with a few surprises that you and your dog will love.
Step
1
Reservation
Make a reservation for your campsite ahead of time or look for one early in the day before the majority of the sites begin to fill up. As Bartlett Cove Campground is quite large, you should not have a difficult time getting a good site for you and your pup. When you do find one you like, pitch your tent and get set up!
Step
2
Comfort
While your dog may really enjoy being out in nature, you should make sure they have a few comforts from home to make them feel at ease. A dog blanket where they can lay and a fresh bowl of water may be all it takes to make them happy and those small things are worth bringing on your camping adventure. At night, be sure to bring your dog into your tent and zip it shut to ensure they cannot escape.
Step
3
Be aware
There is a lot of wildlife within Glacier Bay National Park and that includes bears as well as wolves. You want to make sure you keep your dog by your side and on a leash (as per park rules) to ensure they do not wander and encounter a wild animal. On that note, you will also want to keep your ears listening at night as you can frequently hear whales passing by, a true hallmark of Glacier Bay National Park!
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More Fun Ideas...
Hiking
While dogs are not allowed on the actual trails in Glacier Bay National Park, you can still walk your dog on the roadways and get quite a view! Keep this in mind if you wanted to do some hiking on your visit.
Fishing
Dogs are allowed on all boat vessels in the park, so take your dog out on the water for a day of fishing. Salmon and halibut are the most abundant in this area and with a little skill and patience, you are sure to catch something great!
Conclusion
Glacier Bay National Park is a unique and stunning park that tends to be overlooked due to its obscure location. However far it may be from where you live, it is worth the trip to see one of the purest places left in nature. As with most vacations, you will want to bring your dog along and luckily, Glacier Bay National Park allows your dog to enjoy the park as well. Plan a camping trip, a day by the water or consider taking a kayak out on the lake with your dog and also plan on seeing some of the most amazing views nature has to offer.