Pros: Beautiful log lodge with large windows/comfortable/ quantity of food/friendly staff/clean

Cons: a long drive from every activity, food quality/preparation was poor - this is not a gourmet restraunt, hidden charges on activities

While I liked the lodge and the staff were very nice I would not stay there again or recommend it to friends. I was expecting much higher quality meals than what they served, which was basically what i'd put in the Red Lobster/Sizzler type category. Meat cuts were quite large but fatty and preparatrions were nothing special. When activities are booked through the lodge directly they tack on a fee for transportation. So for example, the glacier bay boat tour - which costs $160/person if booked at glacier bay lodge - is $200/person if booked through bear trac inn - they dont tell you this - i pointed it out and was told this was to cover transportation costs - which is what i thought we were paying for with the outrageous per day charge for staying there.

We had a great time staying here. It was what we used as a base for our family trip to the Glacier Bay area. From the lodge we took day trips out to our planned excursions (i.e., whale watching). Things we loved the most:
1.) "Evening at the Lodge" - Each evening it seemed everyone would come back from their various excursions and if you wanted, you could be in the large community room or game room and either visit with the other guests or relax with a good book. They would set out cheese and fruit for the guests to enjoy before dinner was served. You could also order wine or other beverages if you would like, but coffee and tea was also set out.
2.) "If you let them, they will plan and arrange it all." - This was new to me as I am use to (and enjoy) taking care of everything, but whether you know exactly what you want or want them to give you ideas, they will do all the planning for your various tours/excursions. I would suggest doing this ahead of time because, keep in mind, there is not much (if anything) to do in Gustavus, so if you don't have plan, you could waste part of your vacation. They will even pack box lunches for you if your excursion doesn’t include a meal.

What could have been better:
1.) Wi-Fi was technically available but very unreliable.
2.) Dinners in the restaurant/dining room were just average.

Janie and her friendly, competent, staff made our first trip up to Alaska a memorable one. Avoiding the cruise ship herd was our intention and Janie's Bear Track Inn certainly fit the bill. We took several day trips (Skagway, Dog Sledding on Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau, Kayaking with the Whales, Deep Sea Fishing for King Salmon & Halibut, Glacier Bay Cruise). On each trip, Janie made the bookings for us with qualified companies and then would make sure to give us valuable tips from where to sit on the Glacier Bay Cruise ship or the Skagway Miner's Train to recommending excellent restaurants in Juneau. She took care of all the tranportation details allowing us to just enjoy our experience. Coming back at the end of each day's excursion to those home baked cookies and smoked salmon, cheese and crackers hors d’oeuvres was always a hit.

If there is one word that had to be used to describe Janie and her Bear Track Inn, it would be service. One incident clearly stands out and is an example of just how thoughtful and resourceful Janie can be. We left my son's prescription glasses on the Skagway Miner's Train. By the end of the next day, and several handoffs by pilots, friends and drivers, Janie casually handed me an envelope containing our son's glasses. This literally took a concert of people to pull off and Janie orchestrated it all from the Bear Track Inn. Bravisimo!

Anyway, we could go on and on here. If you are looking to experience Alaska and it's all its wonders, the Bear Track Inn is a great place to start!

You could not ask for a more friendly place. Room was spacious. Staff was very helpful. I especially liked the way they coordinated your stay with any side trips you planned Food was great. I'd gp back in an instant and stay for another week.It was a unique experience and should not be missed!!!!!