Kenai Fjords National Park
A dramatic coastal park featuring tidewater glaciers, deep fjords, and abundant marine wildlife including whales, sea otters, and puffins. Glacier cruises from Seward offer some of Alaska's most spectacular scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Things to do
- Glacier Cruise from Seward — Board a tour boat from Seward to witness tidewater glaciers calving massive icebergs into the fjords while spotting whales, sea otters, and seals.
- Harding Icefield Trek — Hike the challenging 9-mile round-trip trail from Exit Glacier to the expansive Harding Icefield, offering panoramic views of dozens of glaciers.
- Exit Glacier Walk — Take the easy 1-mile trail to the face of Exit Glacier, where you can observe glacial melt and retreat markers showing how much the glacier has receded.
- Wildlife Viewing at Bear Cove — Kayak or cruise to remote coves to photograph brown bears, mountain goats, and nesting bald eagles in their natural habitat.
- Puffin and Seabird Watching — Visit rocky islands and sea cliffs during summer months to observe horned puffins, tufted puffins, and other Alaska seabirds in large breeding colonies.
- Kayaking in the Fjords — Paddle among icebergs and explore narrow fjords at water level, offering intimate encounters with glaciers and marine wildlife.
Food to try
- Fresh Halibut — Sample locally caught halibut prepared simply grilled or pan-seared at Seward restaurants, showcasing the pure flavor of wild Alaskan fish.
- Salmon Chowder — Enjoy hearty bowls of creamy soup made with wild Alaska salmon, potatoes, and local vegetables at waterfront cafes in Seward.
- Dungeness Crab — Taste sweet, tender crab meat harvested from Kenai Fjords waters, often served cracked with melted butter at local seafood restaurants.
- Smoked Salmon — Purchase or taste locally smoked salmon from Seward's fish markets and restaurants, traditionally prepared using local wood smoking methods.
- Glacier Brew Coffee — Start your day with locally roasted coffee at Seward cafes, often served while overlooking the bay and glacier-fed waters.
Local customs & good to know
- Book Tours Well in Advance — Popular glacier cruises and kayak tours fill up quickly during peak summer season, so reserve at least 1-2 weeks ahead.
- Weather Changes Rapidly — Coastal Alaska weather shifts dramatically; always bring waterproof layers and be prepared for fog, rain, or sudden sunshine even in summer.
- Respect Wildlife Distance — Maintain safe distances from bears, sea otters, and marine animals for your safety and their wellbeing, following all park and tour guide regulations.
- Support Local Seward Community — Use locally-owned tour operators and restaurants in Seward rather than large national chains to contribute directly to the gateway town's economy.