Itinerary Help Late July/Early Aug

Question

Hi, we were able to score a cabin for 2 nights at Brooks Camp Aug 3-5. In addition, we want to do a flight seeing tour of Denali, and want to possibly kayak and/or take a smaller boat to see “hopefully” calving glaciers. We can spend 2-2.5 weeks. Two adults in our 50s. Is Glacier Bay a better option for glaciers or is it better to find a tour out of Whittier or Valdez? Thanks in advance!

Answer

For a 2–2.5 week Alaska trip in late July/early August, you have a fantastic window to explore both wildlife and glaciers. Since you already have a cabin at Brooks Camp (Katmai National Park), you will get prime brown bear viewing, which is a highlight of Alaska in early August. Pairing that with flightseeing at Denali and glacier experiences makes for a very full and memorable trip.

Regarding glaciers, there are several considerations depending on whether you prioritize accessibility, scenery, and the likelihood of seeing calving glaciers:

Glacier Bay National Park: Accessible via cruise or small boat from Juneau, this is one of the best places in Alaska for seeing tidewater glaciers, many of which calve directly into the water. A small boat or kayaking tour can get you quite close. The scenery is dramatic and you are likely to see wildlife as well.
Whittier: Small boat tours out of Whittier (Prince William Sound) offer spectacular glacier views, often including calving events. These tours tend to be shorter day trips compared to Glacier Bay expeditions. You may have fewer crowds on smaller private tours, which can be a bonus for photography or kayaking.
Valdez: Also in Prince William Sound, Valdez offers excellent glacier tours, with options for kayaking or small boat experiences. Some of the glaciers here are less visited than Glacier Bay, which can give a more intimate experience. Prince William Sound is known for dramatic fjords, waterfalls, and marine wildlife.

Suggested approach for your itinerary:

Spend your 2 nights at Brooks Camp focused on bear viewing, photography, and short hikes.
Include a Denali flightseeing tour; some operators offer combination packages with glacier views or short hikes around the base of the mountains.
If seeing calving glaciers is a priority, Glacier Bay has a higher chance of large calving events, but it usually requires at least a day-long boat trip or cruise. Prince William Sound (Whittier/Valdez) offers more flexible options, shorter trips, and kayaking opportunities.
Balance your trip by choosing either Glacier Bay for the classic, iconic Alaska glacier experience, or Prince William Sound if you prefer shorter, more active glacier interactions with kayaking.

Additional tips:

Book any small boat or kayaking tours early, as late July/early August is peak season.
Weather can be unpredictable; allow flexibility for rain or fog, especially for flightseeing.
Consider logistics—Glacier Bay tours often start from Juneau, so plan flights and accommodations accordingly. Whittier and Valdez tours may be easier to combine with Anchorage arrivals/departures.

In summary, for dramatic glacier scenery and a high likelihood of seeing calving glaciers, Glacier Bay is the classic choice, but Prince William Sound (Whittier/Valdez) offers more flexibility and shorter trips. Either option can work beautifully within a 2–2.5 week itinerary combined with Brooks Camp and Denali flightseeing.