Adventure in Seward, AK!

Kenai Fjords National Park

Why Visit?

Embark on an exhilarating journey to Alaska"s awe-inspiring Kenai Fjords National Park, where glaciers meet the ocean and wildlife roams free. This ultimate adventure is tailored for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike.

Day 1: Arrival in Seward

Fly into Anchorage and take the scenic Seward Highway south for about 2.5 hours to Seward, the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park. This journey offers stunning views of mountains, waters, and potentially wildlife. Overnight in Seward, where you can gear up for the adventure ahead.

Day 2: Icefield Helicopter Tour and Glacier Hike

Kick off your adventure with a helicopter tour from Seward. Soar over breathtaking icefields and land on a glacier for an unforgettable guided hike. Explore the blue ice, crevasses, and seracs in a landscape that"s constantly reshaped by nature. Learn about glaciology from your expert guide.

Day 3: Wildlife and Glacier Cruise

Board a boat for a full-day wildlife and glacier cruise through Resurrection Bay and Kenai Fjords. Witness an active tidewater glacier calve huge blocks of ice into the sea. Keep your eyes peeled for sea otters, seals, porpoises, whales, and seabirds. Enjoy onboard commentary about the local ecology.

Day 4: Kayaking and Harding Icefield Trail

Rent a kayak and paddle amidst icebergs and wildlife in the pristine waters. After lunch, head for the Harding Icefield Trail, an 8.2-mile round trip that offers spectacular views of the icefield that feeds all the park’s glaciers. It"s a challenging hike but rewards with panoramic views from the top.

Day 5: Departure

Return to Anchorage for your departure. The drive back is a perfect time to reflect on the incredible sights and experiences of Kenai Fjords National Park.

Interesting Facts:

- Kenai Fjords is home to the Harding Icefield, one of the largest ice fields in the U.S.

- The park"s abundant marine life includes humpback and orca whales.

This adventure-packed itinerary promises a profound connection with nature"s power and beauty in one of the most spectacular settings on Earth.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

Resurrection Bay

Why Visit?

Resurrection Bay Adventure Itinerary

Embark on an exhilarating journey to Alaska"s Resurrection Bay, a pristine paradise beckoning with awe-inspiring landscapes and wildlife. This rugged coastline offers an unforgettable blend of adventure and natural beauty, ideal for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike.

Day 1: Arrival in Seward

Fly into Anchorage International Airport and enjoy a scenic 2.5-hour drive or a picturesque train ride to Seward via the Alaska Railroad. Check into a local lodge and prepare for your adventure.

Day 2: Kayaking and Wildlife Spotting

Begin your day early with a guided kayaking tour from Lowell Point. As you paddle towards Caines Head, keep your eyes peeled for sea otters, seals, and maybe even orcas! You’ll paddle past jagged cliffs and enter quiet coves, all while surrounded by dramatic mountain backdrops. Your guide will share fascinating insights about the local ecosystem and the bay’s role in the 1964 earthquake — North America’s most powerful recorded earthquake.

Day 3: Hiking and Exploration

Tackle the trails around Resurrection Bay, starting with the historic Iditarod Trail to Tonsina Point. This gentle hike offers lush forest scenes, tide pools, and sandy beaches. In the afternoon, venture further afield to Exit Glacier, one of the most accessible glaciers in Alaska. Join a guided hike that takes you on an up-close exploration of this icy giant.

Day 4: Fishing Trip

Resurrection Bay is known for its rich marine life. Charter a boat for a day of fishing with a seasoned local captain. You’ll have the chance to catch halibut, salmon, and rockfish. Enjoy your fresh catch cooked over an open fire at a beachside camp.

Day 5: Departure

As your adventure concludes, take a leisurely morning walk along the waterfront, soaking in the last ocean views before heading back to Anchorage for your flight home.

Resurrection Bay is not just a destination; it’s an invitation to witness the rugged beauty of Alaska’s wilderness. Pack your spirit of adventure and join us where the mountains meet the sea!

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

Alaska Railroad

Why Visit?

Alaskan Wilderness Adventure by Rail

Embark on a thrilling journey through Alaska’s rugged landscapes aboard the iconic Alaska Railroad. Experience the untouched wilderness, majestic peaks, and vibrant wildlife of America"s last frontier in a way that only the railway can offer.

Day 1: Anchorage to Denali National Park

Start your adventure in Anchorage, the largest city in Alaska, with a morning departure on the Denali Star, Alaska Railroad’s flagship train. The route to Denali National Park is a scenic delight, featuring views of the imposing Alaska Range. Keep your camera ready for potential sightings of moose and bears.

Day 2: Exploring Denali

Arrive early in Denali for two full days of exploration. Opt for a guided hike, a backcountry safari, or a flightseeing tour to see the staggering Mount McKinley, North America’s tallest peak. Overnight at a local lodge, soaking up the serene, starry night.

Day 3: Denali to Fairbanks

Journey northward to Fairbanks, where the golden heart city of Alaska offers a rich history of the Gold Rush era. Visit the Museum of the North or take a relaxing Chena River cruise.

Day 4: Fairfield to Whittier

Return to Anchorage and then transfer to the Glacier Discovery train bound for Whittier. This leg provides a breath-taking passage through tunnels and beside glaciers. In Whittier, join a glacier cruise to witness calving glaciers and marine wildlife including seals, sea otters, and whales.

Day 5: Whittier to Seward

The Coastal Classic train will take you next to Seward. This route is often acclaimed as one of the most beautiful train journeys worldwide. Choose an exhilarating exit with a hike at Kenai Fjords National Park or a kayak trip among icebergs.

Tips for Travelers

- Book in advance to secure accommodations and tour add-ons.

- Dress in layers; Alaskan weather can be unpredictable.

- Don’t forget binoculars for wildlife spotting and a sturdy pair of boots.

Enjoy the natural splendor and awe-inspiring adventures that await you in Alaska, all from the unique perspective of its historic railroad.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

Bear Glacier

Why Visit?

Day 1: Journey to Seward, Alaska

Begin your adventure to Bear Glacier by flying into Anchorage, then drive or catch a scenic train ride to the charming town of Seward, nestled at the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park. This picturesque journey offers glimpses of rugged mountains and pristine waters. Overnight in Seward, where you can enjoy fresh seafood and prepare for your expedition.

Day 2: Kayaking Adventure to Bear Glacier

Rise early and meet your guided tour group at the harbor. Depart by water taxi across the stunning Resurrection Bay towards Bear Glacier, Alaska’s longest glacier. As you approach, witness the awe-inspiring sight of the glacier’s vast blue ice and its reflection in the lagoon. Your guide will lead you in stable kayaks to navigate among the glacier’s icebergs, providing a thrilling and intimate encounter with nature. Listen to the ice crack and watch for wildlife, including seals and eagles.

Interesting Fact: Bear Glacier, a piedmont glacier, fans out from the Harding Icefield into a sprawling lobe. Unlike many glaciers that terminate in the sea, Bear Glacier ends in a proglacial lagoon, formed by the glacier"s melting ice.

Day 3: Hiking and Ice Climbing

Post-kayaking, embark on a guided hike around the lagoon’s perimeter, exploring more of the area’s unique flora and fauna. For those craving more adrenaline, ice climbing on Bear Glacier offers an exhilarating challenge. Equipped with axes and crampons, scale the ancient ice under the expert instruction of your guide.

Day 4: Return to Seward and Departure

Enjoy a leisurely morning in Seward, perhaps visiting the Alaska SeaLife Center to learn about local marine life. In the afternoon, make your way back to Anchorage for your flight home, carrying with you the spirit of the wild, untamed beauty of Alaska’s incredible landscapes.

Bear Glacier beckons the brave and rewards the bold with its untouched, icy wilderness and thrilling adventure opportunities.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

Fox Island

Why Visit?

Embark on a thrilling journey to the serene Fox Island, a hidden gem nestled in the waters of Resurrection Bay, near Seward, Alaska. Renowned for its rugged beauty and captivating wildlife, Fox Island is the perfect escape for adventure lovers.

Day 1: Arrival in Seward

Begin your adventure in the charming town of Seward. Reach Seward via the scenic Seward Highway from Anchorage, a journey of about 2.5 hours by road, offering breathtaking views of mountains and waters. From Seward, hop on a boat operated by Kenai Fjords Tours for a picturesque 12-mile cruise to Fox Island. Keep your camera ready for possible whale sightings!

Day 2: Kayaking and Exploring

After a restful night in one of the cozy cabins at Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge on Fox Island, gear up for a guided kayaking tour around the island. Paddle through crystal-clear waters and explore hidden coves, keeping an eye out for sea otters and seals. After lunch, take a guided nature walk and learn about the island"s unique geology and diverse ecosystems.

Interesting Fact: Fox Island is known for its smooth pebble beaches, formed from glacial movements that have polished the rocks over millennia.

Day 3: Culinary Delights and Departure

Savor a gourmet breakfast featuring local ingredients, followed by a demonstration of traditional Alaskan cooking methods. Learn how to smoke salmon the Alaskan way, which you can taste along with other freshly prepared seafood. In the afternoon, board the boat back to Seward, carrying memories of a lifetime.

Tip: Book your trip between May and September to enjoy the best weather and wildlife viewing opportunities. Make sure to bring layers and waterproof gear to adapt to the quickly changing Alaskan weather.

Fox Island is not just a destination; it"s an unforgettable adventure that combines natural beauty with exhilarating activities and culinary delights.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.