Kenai Fjords National Park Tours from Seward
Seward, Alaska is the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park! There are two primary ways to access the park.
On the Water: Kenai Fjords
This is how you get out into the fjords. Many visitors are short on time, so the quickest, easiest way to gain access to the park is a day cruise. These tours range 5-8 hours and get you out to see the beautiful mossy green fjords, waterfalls pouring from the cliffs, seabird rookeries, whales, and glaciers. These day are comfortable with heated enclosed cabin, restrooms, as well as outdoor viewing decks, and they often offer a meal. If you’re craving a more active and personal experience, a guided kayak expedition is the way to go. Since the Fjords are a short distance from Seward, trips include a short boat ride first so you can maximize your time paddling in the fjords vs. paddling to the fjords! If you have the time, the ultimate experience is a multi-day private yacht or sailing charter through the fjords. You’ll linger longer in front of glaciers, go ashore for beach walks, and spend more time looking for wildlife. Experiences range from overnight to 5-6 days.
On Land: Exit Glacier
The only portion of the park accessible on land is at Exit Glacier, where a network of flat, well-maintained trails reach from the visitor center to the toe of the glacier. You can explore the area on your own – or you can get a more in-depth experience by hiking the trails with a guide. Guided walks and interpretive talks are offered by the National Park Service, but you can also sign on for guided hike with a private company for just your group. And, for the biggest thrill, you can also book a tour to hike on the glacier itself!
Get Your Passport Stamped
There are two spots in Seward to get your National Park passport stamped; the Kenai Fjords National Park Visitor Center in the Seward Small Boat Harbor and the Exit Glacier Nature Center.
National Park Tours
Sea Kayaking View All
Paddle around the bay or near glaciers
Members of 1% For The Planet, Kayak Adventures Worldwide strives to fulfill their mission to inspire an active stewardship of our natural world. Through small group sea kayak tours in Resurrection Bay and Kenai Fjords National Park, they focus on safety, education, and connecting guests with the unique and fragile ecosystems you’ll visit.
For a closer, quieter, and more peaceful version of the Alaskan glacier and wildlife cruise, travel by sea kayak. Paddle the shoreline of Resurrection Bay, where encounters with sea otters, seabirds, and spawning salmon are common. Choose from a variety of three-hour excursions or take a full-day trip.
Take a boutique, small-group kayaking trip with experienced guides at Liquid Adventures and get close to glaciers in kayaks or paddleboards while looking for whales and other marine mammals. You can even combine your adventure with a jetboat, helicopter, or wildlife cruise. There’s nothing quite like it in all of Alaska!
Get up close to the Alaskan glaciers and wildlife you came to experience by taking a cruise into Kenai Fjords National Park on a custom-built catamaran out of Seward. The difference from other cruises, is that you’ll then get off the boat and into a kayak, paddle around icebergs, and watch for wildlife from your own vessel.
Sailing & Private Yacht Charters View All
3 - 6 nights in Kenai Fjords National Park
Choose between the 3.5‑hour Resurrection Bay Tour or the 7‑hour Kenai Fjords National Park Expedition, either way, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of glaciers, sea cliffs, and iconic wildlife such as orcas, puffins, and bald eagles. With a maximum of six guests per tour, enjoy a personal and unobstructed view of the natural wonders.
Iconic Alaskan fishing amid the stunning views of Kenai Fjords National Park: Go angling out of Seward with the experts at Crazy Ray’s Adventures and experience this winning combination for yourself. No experience necessary!
Drive through Alaska with an audio tour guiding you along iconic routes. Audio Tour Alaska gives you an insider’s take on everything from points of interest to history, wildlife, and culture, along with captivating stories. Guides to popular routes include Anchorage to Talkeetna; Talkeetna to Denali National Park; Denali to Fairbanks; Anchorage to Seward; Tern Lake to Homer; and the Denali Park Entrance area and the Denali Park road.
Embrace Winter on an epic cold-weather snowshoe trek out of Moose Pass, a small town on the Kenai Peninsula, in the heart of the Chugach Mountains. Extend the experience with an overnight or 2‑night stay in a handmade, Mongolian-style yurt on the shores of remote Grant Lake.
Hotel Seward brings Alaskan history to life while serving up stunning views and comfortable rooms. Founded in 1905, you can peruse its unique history through displays in the lobby. There are room types for all travelers. The Alaskan wing features spacious rooms with an en-suite bath. The historic wing has European style rooms with a shared bath.
The Hotel Edgewater is located on 5th Avenue, right in historic downtown Seward and just steps from the town’s great shops and restaurants. You’ll also be within a 2‑minute walk of a the Alaska SeaLife Center, and right across the street you’ll find the Resurrection Bay waterfront, featuring walking and biking paths. Comfortable rooms look out on Mount Marathon, Resurrection Bay, or the city.
Rent a car from Alaskan Car Rental in Anchorage for your Alaskan adventure. Great value, wide selection, 24⁄7 support, and local advice make this the perfect choice.
Intimate catamaran cruises into Kenai Fjords National Park from Seward for just 22 passengers, or up to 30 on private charters. Cruise through Resurrection Bay, keeping an eye out for humpback whales, orca whales (killer whales), puffins, Steller sea lions, Dall’s porpoise, harbor seals, and a large variety of bird species. Then make your way into the national park, and stop at the face of a tidewater glacier. You’ll enjoy a delicious lunch ...more
Hire a professional driver to take up to 4 passengers (plus luggage) anywhere within the Talkeetna/Seward/Soldotna/Kenai corridor — basically, anywhere within a 2.5- to 3‑hour radius of Anchorage. Use for day trips (they’ll wait while you do your tour), transfers to your cruise ship, a private driver for your whole vacation, and more.
Get a bird’s‑eye view of one of Alaska’s most dramatic landscapes — Kenai Fjords National Park — on an unforgettable scenic flight out of Seward. Experience the extremely rare opportunity of a Glacier Landing on the Harding Icefield on this small group, intimate adventure.
The area around Seward abounds in glaciers, making it the perfect place to go heli-flightseeing. Fly above town and Resurrection Bay, opt for a glacier landing, or longer flights over Kenai Fjords National Park. They can even drop you off on top of Seward’s famous Mt. Marathon to enjoy the amazing views.
With Scenic Mountain Air and you’ll be flying over one of Alaska’s most beautiful areas from Moose Pass. Set on the Kenai Peninsula, 25 miles north of Seward, this central location makes it easy to explore iconic natural features — like glaciers, ice fields, and mountain lakes. Or, use their expertise to fly to remote public use cabins or lakes for fishing.
Charter a sailboat out of Seward and hit the waters of gorgeous Resurrection Bay! Choose an afternoon tour if you’re just in Seward for the day, or opt for a multi-day cruise. Your charter comes with a seasoned captain, or experienced sailors can rent the boat and take the helm themselves. Surrounded by mountains, the bay offers ideal sailing conditions, and you’ll have plenty of chances to see wildlife and glaciers.
See Alaska’s unique and authentic side by hiring a guide for a day and creating a custom, private adventure for yourself and up to 7 others. Tours depart from Anchorage or Girdwood. Excursions include Matanuska glacier hikes, ATV tours, gold panning, northern lights viewing, snowmobiling, and more.
Brand-new in 2021, this 74-room property with panoramic mountain views is a six-minute walk from the harbor of Resurrection Bay making it easy to catch a day cruise or fishing charter. You’ll also be just a mile from downtown’s shops and restaurants and you won’t even need a car for your stay here, thanks to a free shuttle to and from the railroad depot and cruise ship dock.
Here’s our list of places to see wildlife on the Kenai Peninsula, as well as tours to get you to the good spots.
The Seward area offers the chance to see whales, sea otters, and more. Here are the best viewing spots and tours to get you there.
Get up close to the Alaskan glaciers and wildlife you came to experience by taking a cruise into Kenai Fjords National Park on a custom-built catamaran out of Seward. The difference from other cruises, is that you’ll then get off the boat and into a kayak, paddle around icebergs, and watch for wildlife from your own vessel.
Take a boutique, small-group kayaking trip with experienced guides at Liquid Adventures and get close to glaciers in kayaks or paddleboards while looking for whales and other marine mammals. You can even combine your adventure with a jetboat, helicopter, or wildlife cruise. There’s nothing quite like it in all of Alaska!
Take a spectacular private guided hiking tour in Seward — where the mountains meet the ocean — to explore glaciers and alpine ridges. When you go with Seward Wilderness Collective, you get a great tour plus a dialogue with their knowledgeable guides about the impacts of climate change, with living examples right in front of your eyes.
Start with a dramatic flightseeing trip in either a helicopter or ski plane and then get out onto an ancient river of ice for a thrilling glacier exploration either hiking or climbing.
Traverse the majesty of Exit Glacier by ice hiking or ice climbing, or opt for a nature hike in the gorgeous terrain around Seward, Alaska. Never ice climbed or hiked on a glacier? Not a problem. All trips include instruction to get you started.
Enjoy stunning views of the surrounding forest and Resurrection Bay from these A‑frame cabins and cottages. You’ll feel like you’re in remote Alaska but you’re just three miles from downtown Seward and all the nearby tours and activities.
The Coastal Classic (Anchorage – Seward) arrives at the Seward Depot each morning, and departs each evening from May – September
When in Seward, head out on the water with Alaska Northern Outfitters on their comfortable 46-foot catamaran – the Sea Quest — for an epic day of fishing for halibut, salmon, lingcod, and rockfish. It’s the only charter vessel in Seward with an upper viewing deck. This lets you sightsee or have lunch on the upper deck while watching the action below. . Inside you’ll find a large and heated interior, indoor seating for everyone, tables, and ...more
$5,990+ (Inside Passage $2,400+)
5 days / 4 nights
Cruise Ship Type: Small Ship Cruises
Ship Name: M/V Sea Star
Set sail for 5 days and 4 nights with the crew of the M/V Sea Star for small ship adventure cruising in Prince William Sound, Kenai Peninsula or along the Inside Passage. The well-appointed yacht accommodates just 12 guests, allowing for a personalized experience where you are the explorer! Unplug from day-to-day life and soak up the wonders of Alaska’s amazing coastline. All meals prepared by an on-board chef and featuring fresh local ...more
Don’t expect to run very much of this world-famous race route, which begins 2.5 hours south of Anchorage and climbs nearly 3,000 feet from downtown Seward. Though the first part of the route is very runnable, the next 1.5 miles climb Mount Marathon and are too steep and rocky for most to run. Just the hike itself makes for a very intensive workout.
The team at Alaska Auto Rental offers rental cars for the most unique itinerary: over gravel highways, through winter weather, on one-way legs, or starting out from unusual locations. It’s locally-owned, with employees who know Alaska’s roads and their challenges. You’ll get helpful travel advice, a can-do attitude, and reliable wheels.
Hop on board the all-season Missing Lynx and Lost Lynx, the vessels bound for whatever Seward Ocean Excursion suits your fancy. Want to whale watch, see glaciers, go bird watching or just check out hidden coves? Captains Bixler and Krystin McClure will help your small group plan an outing catered to your preferences. No matter the season, you can always catch some excitement in Resurrection Bay!
This tiny cove, 10 miles from Seward, offers a combination of unplugged bliss, cool yurt living, and a kayaker’s paradise. The two “unplugged” yurts each come with a queen-size bed and full size sofa bed, a table and chairs, linens, and a kitchenette. You get unlimited use of kayaks during your stay — and given the amount of sunlight during summer, that means you can be paddling in and out of coves at midnight if you feel like it!
Bald eagles are known to nest in this wooded spot near Resurrection Bay — and when you sign up for a tour with Stoney Creek Canopy Adventures, you’ll get to soar just like these iconic birds. This three-hour tour — the only canopy tour on the Kenai Peninsula — combines ziplines, rappels and sky bridges, with panoramic views of Mount Marathon, Resurrection Peaks and all the gorgeous scenery around you. It’s easy, and undeniably thrilling.
Shimmering water, majestic peaks, and an impressive array of wildlife: a boat tour of Kenai Fjords National Park is the best way to take it all in. In this guide, rangers from Kenai Fjords National Park give you the scoop on what to look for — things that you otherwise might not know about. Learn about the oceanside town of Seward, impressive peaks and glacially carved valleys, and things to look for in the water and on the seaside cliffs.
The hike to Tonsina Creek, a scenic 3 mile trail that takes about 1 hour in each direction, is a local favorite. Locals and visitors alike walk out to the creek itself, and some continue on to Caines Head State Park.
Quick: what’s the longest combined rail and highway tunnel in North America? It’s the Anderson Memorial Tunnel, and you’ll drive through it on the scenic and historic drive to Whittier. The Kenai Mountains-Turnagain Arm National Heritage Area is a place whose valleys and mountains, communities and people tell the larger story of a wild place and a rugged frontier. This audio guide gives you the inside scoop on its fascinating history. You’ll… ...more
The beautiful seaside town of Seward was officially designated, “Mural Capital of Alaska” in 2008 at the completion of the town’s 12th colorful mural. This achievement resulted from the enthusiasm and energy of a group of local artists and art lovers who began volunteering their talents in 1999 to paint the town!
Behind the town of Seward is a mountain whose first peak rises 3022 feet. Formerly Lowell Mountain, it is now called Mt Marathon.
Profish-n-sea Charters, out of Seward, offers salmon and halibut fishing with friendly, experienced Alaskan guides. Trips last a full day; you’ll motor 2 to 2.5 hours from Seward to the Gulf of Alaska, Montague Island, and other outer-coast hotspots. Profish-n-Sea knows the three keys to catching fish: boats, knowledge, and gear. That’s why the boats are always clean, the gear sharp, and the crew friendly, helpful, and fun.
Indeed, the Harbor 360 Hotel has a pretty literal name: Located on Seward’s waterfront, this 96 room hotel offers stunning 360-degree views: You’ll see the Seward Small Boat Harbor and Resurrection Bay if you book a Harborside room, or the Kenai Mountains if you book a Mountainside room.
Experience complete immersion in the wonders of wild coastal Alaska, and stay in spacious, bright yurts (circular, reinforced tent-like structures) on a private island in Humpy Cove. Inside, the yurts are warm and comfy with fireplaces, private bathrooms and private decks overlooking the cove all connected by extensive boardwalks. They water taxis is included along with sea kayaks, paddleboards, rowboats, and fishing gear. All of this is just a ...more
The Coastal Classic train runs between Anchorage and the town of Seward — a four-hour trip that’s the most beautiful along the entire Alaska Railroad. You’ll see Turnagain Arm as the train departs Anchorage, then a panorama of mountains, glaciers, lakes, and streams. You may even see wildlife like Dall sheep, Beluga whales, moose, bear, and more! Day Trip from Anchorage: Seward, Girdwood Multi-Day Trip from Anchorage: Overnight Seward, or ...more
Resurrection Bay and Kenai Fjords are great places to see wildlife and glaciers. And Major Marine’s vessels, which have cozy heated cabins and an outdoor viewing area, can take you out to see both. This family-owned tour operator has gone above and beyond to give guests an amazing day on the water since 1990.
For a closer, quieter, and more peaceful version of the Alaskan glacier and wildlife cruise, travel by sea kayak. Paddle the shoreline of Resurrection Bay, where encounters with sea otters, seabirds, and spawning salmon are common. Choose from a variety of three-hour excursions or take a full-day trip.
Visit Iditarod champion Mitch Seavey’s homestead, home to three generations of Iditarod mushers. Experience an exciting two-mile dog sled ride, tour the racing kennel, meet the dogs, cuddle adorable husky puppies, and listen to stories from the Iditarod trail. Then climb aboard a custom-designed sled; an Iditarod race finisher drives you through rainforest to a river-cut canyon surrounded by mountains.
Located just outside Seward, the Abode Well Cabins are tucked back amidst four acres of trees. Of the 13 available rooms, six are King Cabins (which includes a kitchenette and sleeps up to three) and one is a “family cabin,” which has a full kitchen, separate bedrooms and sleeps up to eight with two queen beds, two twins, plus a queen-size sleeper sofa. There are also six Queen Studio Rooms available, with similar amenities to the King Cabins. ...more
Located within a 1700 acre native-owned wildlife sanctuary in the heart of Kenai Fjords National Park, the central lodge and 16 guest cabins of Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge have full views of Pedersen Glacier and easy access to wildlife-viewing adventures. The elegantly rustic lodge and secluded guest cabins pair modern comfort and environmental stewardship.
The Seward Windsong Lodge is a full-service lodge set in a glacier valley, surrounded by the forest. Just eight miles from Exit Glacier and four miles from Seward, the lodge offers a peaceful retreat from the bustle of downtown; a free shuttle provides access to town, tours, and transportation. Perhaps the best amenity, though, is the sound of the gentle flow of the Resurrection River from your room. No surprise, many guests say their best night ...more
This lodge offers a unique wilderness experience. Set on Fox Island, it is accessible only by boat from Seward, and is a true escape from civilization. Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge has 8 cabins which do not have televisions; the focus here is on nature. Go out on a naturalist-guided walk, or take a kayak excursion and look for whales that swim right up to the shore. At the end of the day, enjoy the company of others around the campfire.
The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) is the only public aquarium in Alaska that is a combined marine research, education, and wildlife response facility. Explore an undersea kelp forest, meet the birds in the aviary, enjoy the antics of Steller sea lions and seals in the Rocky Coast exhibit, and more.
This veteran tour operator runs a a fleet of fast, modern boats in Resurrection Bay and Kenai Fjords National Park. You’ll visit tidewater glaciers as you watch for puffins, sea otters, Dall’s porpoises, sea lions, and more. Some tours are designed to please birders or shutterbugs, while others are perfect for families.
On the Fourth of July, the population of Seward swells from around 2,500 to a reported 40,000. Main Street is completely blocked off to traffic and the streets fill with people. Many come to run in or watch the Mt. Marathon Race, while others come to enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery in the world and take part in the festivities. Seward’s annual July 4th celebration features a packed holiday schedule of special events, presentations,… ...more
The Seward Silver Salmon Derby® is one of the oldest and largest fishing derbies in the State. Seward’s Derby is equally popular with locals, other Alaska residents, and visiting anglers from around the nation and world. Anglers vie for the largest Coho (Silver) Salmon and try to catch tagged fish worth prizes. Anglers turn their fish in daily, which are sold to raise funds for fish enhancement efforts. Derby tickets go on sale Friday night… ...more
The only same-day service between Seward and Denali National Park! Enjoy the ride aboard a deluxe motorcoach with comfortable seats, picture windows, in-seat power outlets, and an onboard restroom. Offering regular scheduled summer service connecting Seward, Whittier, Anchorage, Talkeetna, and Denali, plus special cruise connections on ship days.
Your best bet for this trail is to go out on one low tide, spend the night — in either a forest service cabin or campsite — and then return the following day or several days later on another low tide. Great forest-to-beach hiking trail.
According to folklore, the tradition of the Mt. Marathon Race began when two sourdoughs argued about the possibility of climbing and descending the mountain in less than an hour. “Impossible” one said. To settle the argument, and the resulting wager, a race was held, with the loser to furnish drinks for the crowd. At the same time, enterprising merchants put up a suit of clothes and other attractions for the winner and proposed the race take… ...more
Many people know of the grueling Mount Marathon racecourse in Seward, some 130 miles south of Anchorage. However, most people don’t know that there’s also a hiking path to the top at Race Point — and it’s far less demanding. This 2.25-mile route, which entails hiking three different trails, takes you up the mountain and lets you to explore a glacial valley along the way.
This trail is also called the Primrose trail at the north end. It begins in a beautiful rainforest and eventually takes you up to a multiple of beautiful lakes in high meadows. Anglers can fish for rainbow trout in the lake.
Members of 1% For The Planet, Kayak Adventures Worldwide strives to fulfill their mission to inspire an active stewardship of our natural world. Through small group sea kayak tours in Resurrection Bay and Kenai Fjords National Park, they focus on safety, education, and connecting guests with the unique and fragile ecosystems you’ll visit.
You can hike right up to Seward’s Exit Glacier and feel the dense blue ice while listening to it crackle. Walk the lower trail to get a good photo in front of the glacier face. Or, choose the more challenging 7‑mile round-trip Harding Icefield Trail. There is a short ranger-led walk daily at 11am and 3pm, from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Need a dinner recommendation? Want to know the best place to see whales? Or how about kid-friendly activities in Seward? There’s no better place to have your questions answered and to learn about Seward than the Seward Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center.
Day Cruises View All
Seward • Best Wildlife • 2 hrs from Anchorage by car, 4 hrs by train
Choose between the 3.5‑hour Resurrection Bay Tour or the 7‑hour Kenai Fjords National Park Expedition, either way, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of glaciers, sea cliffs, and iconic wildlife such as orcas, puffins, and bald eagles. With a maximum of six guests per tour, enjoy a personal and unobstructed view of the natural wonders.
Resurrection Bay and Kenai Fjords are great places to see wildlife and glaciers. And Major Marine’s vessels, which have cozy heated cabins and an outdoor viewing area, can take you out to see both. This family-owned tour operator has gone above and beyond to give guests an amazing day on the water since 1990.
Get up close to the Alaskan glaciers and wildlife you came to experience by taking a cruise into Kenai Fjords National Park on a custom-built catamaran out of Seward. The difference from other cruises, is that you’ll then get off the boat and into a kayak, paddle around icebergs, and watch for wildlife from your own vessel.
Intimate catamaran cruises into Kenai Fjords National Park from Seward for just 22 passengers, or up to 30 on private charters. Cruise through Resurrection Bay, keeping an eye out for humpback whales, orca whales (killer whales), puffins, Steller sea lions, Dall’s porpoise, harbor seals, and a large variety of bird species. Then make your way into the national park, and stop at the face of a tidewater glacier. You’ll enjoy a delicious lunch ...more
This veteran tour operator runs a a fleet of fast, modern boats in Resurrection Bay and Kenai Fjords National Park. You’ll visit tidewater glaciers as you watch for puffins, sea otters, Dall’s porpoises, sea lions, and more. Some tours are designed to please birders or shutterbugs, while others are perfect for families.
Guided Hiking View All
Hike the trails near Exit Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park, or trek on the glacier itself!
Traverse the majesty of Exit Glacier by ice hiking or ice climbing, or opt for a nature hike in the gorgeous terrain around Seward, Alaska. Never ice climbed or hiked on a glacier? Not a problem. All trips include instruction to get you started.
Take a spectacular private guided hiking tour in Seward — where the mountains meet the ocean — to explore glaciers and alpine ridges. When you go with Seward Wilderness Collective, you get a great tour plus a dialogue with their knowledgeable guides about the impacts of climate change, with living examples right in front of your eyes.
Embrace Winter on an epic cold-weather snowshoe trek out of Moose Pass, a small town on the Kenai Peninsula, in the heart of the Chugach Mountains. Extend the experience with an overnight or 2‑night stay in a handmade, Mongolian-style yurt on the shores of remote Grant Lake.
Start with a dramatic flightseeing trip in either a helicopter or ski plane and then get out onto an ancient river of ice for a thrilling glacier exploration either hiking or climbing.