Frequently Asked Questions
For Gustavus, Glacier Bay
Can I drive from Juneau?
No, there is no road. Access is by air.
Air taxis fly back and forth all day long. Puffin packages include your choice of air
taxi. The jet from Seattle arrives only once daily around 5pm and departs around
6pm.
Where can we leave a car or RV in Juneau?
The airport has trip parking.
Can I take a ferry from Haines or Skagway to Gustavus?
No, there is no direct service by ferry. You can fly from Haines or Skagway to Gustavus.
Puffin packages include these flights.
Are there places to eat near the Puffin?
Yes, the Homeshore Café is nearby. There is a restaurant
directly across the street from the Puffin. There is an inn that takes space available
reservation within walking distance. The grocery is within walking and biking distance.
Is there a bank in Gustavus?
Not presently. Some places take cards, but it's a good idea to bring cash or travelers checks.
There is an ATM machine.
Is there river fishing in Gustavus?
August is a good time to fish for dolly varden, humpback salmon and some silvers in the
Salmon River that is walking distance from the Puffin.
Is there hiking in the area?
Yes. Gustavus has miles of country road. There is a beautiful bike/hike trail into Bartlett
Lake from the Gustavus side. Gustavus beach is sandy and several miles long with striking
panoramic views of mountains, beach, birds and water. Pleasant Island is just a short
boat/kayak ride from the dock. The park has a one-mile developed loop near the lodge and
a two-mile each way trail from the entry road to Bartlett River. Some islands are available
via kayak.
How about bears?
Gustavus is home to black bears who occasionally roam amiably through any property.
They are shy and are fascinating to watch. They have a very good sense of smell and will
raid garbage that is not properly stowed. Some hikers like to carry bear bells to let the
bears know that someone will be sharing their territory. We can send you a pamphlet from
the park service about bears if you are interested. The park has both black and brown
bears.
Any moose?
Yes and no. They are shy, but do walk across roads and through yards. When you are
lucky enough to be near one, it will impress you with how big it is!
Birds?
Ravens, crows, seagulls, bald eagles, pigeon guillemots and Canada geese are most common
around Gustavus. There are others, too. Sometimes there are guided walks available.
Puffins are most likely seen up in Glacier Bay where there is a rookery and lots of ice, but
are occasionally seen in Icy Strait.
Whales?
Humpback whales can been seen from charter boats that take you about eight miles across
Icy Strait to the feeding grounds. We can easily add whale watching to your
package or create a package around whale watching.
Is there transfer service to Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve?
Yes. Taxis and buses provide service. Taxis are very convenient and cost $12.25 per
person each way. One round trip transfer is included in all
Puffin Packages that include the tour boat. A one-day rental car is included with packages
of four or more guests. Rental cars start at $60/day plus 12% tax including mileage. Refuel charge $10.
Does the Puffin provide pick up and delivery service?
Yes. We will pick you up at the local Gustavus dock or the airport when you arrive and
return you when you depart. We do not provide service at Bartlett Cove in the park, but
can make arrangements for you as needed.
How do we get around town?
The Puffin provides bicycles for your enjoyment. The main roads are paved. Side roads are
dirt and great for exploring. All the roads are flat, an unusual attribute for a Southeast
community. The dock and beach are within two miles. Alternatively, we can arrange a car
rental or taxi for you.
Discounts?
If all guests in a cabin are 65 or more years, we provide a 5% discount on the cabin. Other
items in the packages are not discounted.
Should we bring raingear?
Absolutely. You can enjoy the rainforest first hand and comfortably is you are properly
protected. Make sure you have water repellant or water proof shoes or boots. Kayaking
outfits provide gear for their trips, but you'll need something for other activities.
Mosquitoes?
If they appear it's usually in June. Some years we have only a few, other years we have
many for a few weeks. Even though they take the brunt of jokes about being the state bird,
they're not generally a problem here in Gustavus. We find it helpful to take vitamin B1 for
a few weeks prior to a trip to any insect area.
What is supplied with A Puffin's B&B Cabins?
All bedding, towels, soap, refrigerator, microwave. Two cabins have fully equipped
kitchens. Bath with shower as the second room of the cabin. We no longer have any cabins
with bath down the trail in a different building. Oil heaters provide even temperatures in
all cabins. Full breakfast in the main lodge.
Free transfers upon arrival and departure between B&B and the airport or Gustavus dock. Free travel service. We also have a fully equipped
two-bedroom house for rent. It's located on two pristine acres just down the road from the
cabins. Choose from additions to our basic Puffin package. packages .
When Is the Best Time to Come?
Any time. We're open May 1 to the end of the season this year. Reservations are now being accepted.
Children and pets are welcome. You'll be part of our family.
Does my dog or cat need to be in a kennel?
Yes. The local air taxi has kennels that you can borrow. Please let us know if you need one.
The ferry and jet require that you bring your own kennels.
Where does the tour boat go?
The Baranoff is a medium sized boat that departs Bartlett Cove in the park each morning around 7:30am, goes up Glacier Bay to the top of the West Arm, provides lunch, and returns to Bartlett Cove around 3-4pm. It is included in most Puffin packages. You'll always see tidewater glaciers and birds. Sometimes you'll see bears, mountain goats, wolves, seals, sea lions, otters and whales. You'll see the fascinating succession of vegetation from bare rock to lush rainforest. On Mondays a smaller boat provides the tour.
For reservations please call 907 697 2260 or e-mail puffintravel@yahoo.com