Kenai Fjords National Park

Wildlife Viewing, Glacier Cruises, Harding Icefield, Seward, Exit Glacier, Resurrection Bay, Fishing

Kenai Fjords National Park is located on the southern edge of the Kenai Peninsula in Southcentral, Alaska. Very few places on earth match the beauty of this particular Alaska national park. Twenty thousand years ago, during the last ice age, enormous glaciers carved U-shaped valleys that eventually filled with seawater. These geologic wonders were named fjords, encompassing most of the Kenai Fjords National Park coastline. Kenai Fjords is home to the enormous Harding Icefield, which feeds the numerous glaciers that flow to the sea. The Icefield draws adventurers for glacier expeditions each year. Kenai Fjords National Park also has one of the most accessible glaciers in Alaska, Exit Glacier. Numerous, non-strenuous, interpretive trails lead right to the face of the glacier. With all the park offers, Kenai Fjords is a must for any Southcentral Alaska vacation.

Kenai Fjords National Park tours during the summer season begin in early May and end in late September. The port town of Seward is the main access center for the National Park, where the Kenai Fjords NP Visitor Center is located. Seward can be reached from Anchorage on the Alaska Railroad or by touring by car on the scenic Seward Highway. Numerous cruise ships depart from Seward, so visiting Kenai Fjords National Park is possible before or after your Alaska Cruise. The main visitors center is open daily from 8:30 am to 7 pm during the summer months. There is also a nature center located at Exit Glacier, which offers ranger-guided hikes. Seward is a year-round port with numerous hotels, restaurants, and shops.

The best way to experience Kenai Fjords National Park is with a day cruise departing from Seward, with quite a few to choose from. Six to eight-hour cruises are recommended for guests wishing to experience the glaciers, wildlife, and history the park offers. A four-hour Resurrection Bay Cruise is perfect for visitors with limited time. Evening dinner cruises are also available. All of these cruises depart from the Seward small boat harbor, and the majority are timed to meet scheduled coach or train transfers coming from and departing to Anchorage.

There are two wilderness lodges located in the area. Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge is located on Fox Island in Resurrection Bay, just a one-hour boat cruise from Seward. Beach and mountain trail hiking are available on the island, and a 9.5-hour park cruise is included with overnight stays. One of our favorites, and the only Kenai Fjords lodge within the park boundaries, is Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge. The lodge is located on the shores of a protected lagoon, which offers dramatic views of the Pedersen Glacier. Activities at the lodge include sea kayaking, hiking, and coastal explorations via motorized skiff. En route to the lodge, guests enjoy a five-hour boat cruise into Kenai Fjords National Park.

 

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Alaska by Rail Tour

Travel the entire Alaska Railroad in just nine days! Take the train from Anchorage to Seward, Talkeetna, Denali, and Fairbanks. Cruise to an active glacier, jet boat on the Talkeetna River, view wildlife in Denali National Park and... Browse itinerary

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Glaciers and Wildlife Tour

Combining Anchorage, Seward, Talkeetna, and Denali, this tour provides wildlife viewing opportunities and scenic touring throughout. You travel by the Alaska Railroad to Seward and cruise into Kenai Fjords National Park, well known for glacier scenery and viewing... Browse itinerary

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All Alaska Classic Self Drive Tour

Explore three of Alaska's National Parks: Denali, Wrangell - St. Elias, and Kenai Fjords. Excellent wildlife viewing opportunities throughout. Travel on four designated National Scenic Byways showcasing Alaska's natural beauty with its jagged mountain peaks, lush alpine meadows,... Browse itinerary

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Family Fun Vacation by Car

An excellent family itinerary designed to allow for a leisurely travel pace with plenty of time for family-oriented activities. Top destinations include Denali and Kenai Fjords National Parks. Touring highlights include riding aboard a "whistle stop" train operated... Browse itinerary

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Alaska Highlights Self-Drive Tour

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Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise

On this exciting day cruise from Seward, hop on this unforgettable glacier and wildlife boat trip into Kenai Fjords National Park! This Alaska national park boasts abundant wildlife, alpine and tidewater glaciers, and breathtaking scenery. As you cruise... Browse itinerary

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