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One of Alaska’s most popular destinations, Seward comes built into many land tour itineraries. We get it. This picture-perfect stop is set on a waterfront and surrounded by tall, snow-capped mountains with glaciers tucked in between. It’s also the access point for can’t-miss Kenai Fjords National Park!

We recommend spending at least 2 days to experience Seward. But on a 7-day itinerary, visitors may budget only a day or even just an afternoon, opting to take a 5- to 6-hour cruise into Kenai Fjords National Park. In such a stunning location, though, you’ll want to maximize your time. Fortunately, some great local companies offer 2 experiences in 1—the ultimate quick trip.

Here are some of our favorites.

Resurrection Bay Sailing + Marathon Helicopters Heli Sail Day Trip

Lift off from Seward with Marathon Helicopters; in minutes you’ll be soaring across Resurrection Bay, where tidewater glaciers spill into the water, and looking up at the craggy green cliffs of Kenai Fjords National Park.

You’ll fly over Bear or Godwin Glacier (hint: request a glacier landing!).

You’ll then meet Resurrection Bay Sailing Charters in a secluded cove and board a sailboat for up-close views from the water of everything you just experienced from the air.

Marvel at glaciers and look for marine wildlife like whales, sea otters, sea lions, seals, and puffins.

Exit Glacier Guides Heli + Guided Hiking

Sometimes, flying is the only way to access Alaska’s most dramatic scenery. And of course, when you reach these remote areas, you’ll want expert guides at your side.

Those at Exit Glacier Guides offer a variety of options for every activity level.

Fly off via airplane and experience an unforgettable landing on the Harding Icefield in Kenai Fjords National Park, where you can take an easy to moderate guided hike across the ancient ice.

Or take off by helicopter to Godwin Glacier in Chugach National Forest, where you’ll don crampons and explore the ice with your guide; you can even choose to climb moderate walls on the glacier’s surface or deep within breathtaking moulins.

Or skip the glaciers entirely and land on an alpine ridge at 4,000 feet, then wander around with your guide, exploring the alpine tundra and gazing out across the icefields to the Gulf of Alaska.

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Liquid Adventures Kenai Fjords Day Cruise + Sea Kayaking

Cruising is one of only two ways to access the jaw-dropping Kenai Fjords National Park.

But if the experience of being on a boat for up to 7 hours is a little too passive for you, throw in some amazing sea kayaking! Liquid Adventures starts with a classic cruise onboard their intimate, custom-built vessel, transporting you and your small group (12 people maximum) into the park.

Then you’ll climb into your sea kayak, paddling the calm waters around icebergs and near massive tidewater glaciers while looking for marine wildlife.

No previous kayaking experience is required.

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Heli Dog Sledding

By the time Alaska’s summer rolls round, it’s no longer possible to mush across the snow near sea level.

Fortunately, higher altitudes still boast plenty of white gold—and glacier dog sledding has become one of the most popular experiences as a result.

You’ll start with a stunning helicopter flight up to a dog sled camp on the glacier, where mushers and their dogs train all summer.

You’ll get to meet the dogs, cuddle their puppies, learn what mushing is all about, and get the inside scoop on the Iditarod and other famous Alaskan dog sled races.

Then you’ll board the sled and head off on an unforgettable loop over the glacier. Seward Helicopter Tours offers this experience from Seward.

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Seavey’s Dog Sledding + Exit Glacier: The Real Alaska Tour

In summer, some mushers train their dogs on grassy trails, pulling a wheeled cart or ATV—and this is your chance to see how it’s done. Visit the homestead of Iditarod champion Mitch Seavey, home to three generations of Iditarod mushers.

You’ll experience an exciting 2-mile dog sled ride through the forest, tour the kennel, meet the dogs (and the puppies!) and listen to stories from the Iditarod Trail. Before that magical experience, you’ll tour historic downtown Seward, continue on to Mount Marathon and visit “Mile 0” of the Iditarod trail, then visit Kenai Fjords National Park and take a short walk right up to the face of famous Exit Glacier.

Enjoy lunch at the Resurrection Roadhouse before finishing off the day at the Seavey kennels.

Kayak Adventures Worldwide Kayak + Caines Head Hike

Experience the magic of sea kayaking combined with hiking one of Seward’s most iconic trails on this tour with Kayak Adventures Worldwide.

The day begins around 8 a.m. with a quick transport to the beach at Lowell Point, where you’ll board kayaks and paddle toward the trailhead, hugging the shoreline and looking for marine wildlife as you go.

Then you’ll hike through lush temperate rainforest to Fort McGilvray, a remnant of WWI that’s packed with history and comes with extraordinary views of Resurrection Bay.

After your hike and a hot lunch, you’ll make the gorgeous paddle back to Seward.