Fun in the Fjords: Kenai Fjords National Park

Kenai Fjords National Park stands out as one of Alaska’s most captivating and popular natural attractions. It’s a place where the dramatic beauty of the Last Frontier truly comes alive, offering a unique blend of experiences that make Alaska adventures memorable. Here are some ways you can immerse yourself in the park’s grandeur, and what you can see:

• Explore by land and water. Take a boat tour or hike Exit Glacier!
• Grand Glaciers: Get up-close views of massive glaciers.
• Diverse Landscapes: Take in lush evergreen trees and white-capped mountains.
• Abundant Wildlife: Spot incredible Alaska wildlife, including Dall’s porpoises, Stellar sea lions, harbor seals, orcas (killer whales), and humpback whales!
• Day Trip Option as part of an Alaskan vacation: Fit a Kenai Fjords Cruise into a day trip from Anchorage or make it part of a multi-day Alaska vacation with an overnight in Seward!

Easy Access to Wild Alaska

A big draw of Kenai Fjords National Park is how easily you can get there, considering its wild and remote feel. If you’re starting from Anchorage, the park is a relatively short trip away, making it a convenient addition to many Alaska itineraries. This accessibility allows you to quickly transition from city life to the heart of Alaska’s natural grandeur. Ways to get there:

• Self-Drive: Take a majestic drive on your own on the scenic byway, the Seward Highway.
• Shuttle/Bus: from Anchorage
• Scenic Train: Enjoy one of the most scenic train journeys in Alaska on the Alaska Railroad.

Once you arrive, you’ll quickly feel immersed in Alaska’s remote and remarkable wilderness.

Seward: Gateway to Kenai Fjords and Exit Glacier

The fjords of the park are fascinating valleys left behind after massive glaciers carved them. These valleys now offer amazing adventures like glacier and wildlife cruises, kayaking, and fishing.

The small and the quaint port town of Seward is the gateway to the park’s many offerings and home to Kenai Fjords National Park Visitor Center.

Just outside of Seward, you’ll find one of the parks biggest draws: Exit Glacier. You can literally drive and walk right up to it. Highlights:

• Feel the Cold Air: The receding glacier offers a unique experience where you can feel cold air coming off of the ice.
• Walks and Hikes: Explore various walks and hikes suitable for all fitness levels.
• Harding Icefield Overlook: A strenuous and adventurous day hike from the Exit Glacier area leads to an overlook of the Harding Icefield. This looks like a massive river of ice that feeds into the nearby sea. On a clear, sunny day, the view is dramatic.
• Explore the Ice: For even more thrilling views, book a guided Exit Glacier ice hike with an expert guide!

Guided Exit Glacier Hike

Outdoor enthusiasts who don’t mind a little exercise on their Alaskan vacation should consider our 8-hour Exit Glacier Hike. During this guided hike from Seward, you’ll follow a scenic trail to Exit Glacier, which is a mixture of backcountry and on-trail hiking. The elevation gain is about 1,500 feet, and the view from the top of the glacier is stunning. This guided adventure offers an immersive experience, taking you beyond the typical viewing points and deep into the unique environment surrounding the glacier.

Cruising Kenai Fjords: Water Wonders Await

While the Exit Glacier experience is a blast and great for adventurous explorers, getting into the heart of the park is a must and a great experience for visitors of all ages!

• Cruise Boat Departures: Depart Seward on a cruise boat for day trips focused on glaciers and wildlife.
• Wildlife Spotting: Look for whales, porpoises, otters, and puffins.
• Cruise Duration: Day trips out of Seward typically run from four to eight hours.

Recommended Kenai Fjords Cruises

Interested nature enthusiasts have a couple of cruise options:

• 6-hour Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise: A comprehensive tour available from Seward.
• 8-hour Northwestern Fjord Glacier and Wildlife Cruise: A longer option offering more exploration, also available from Seward.
• 15-hour Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise from Anchorage: If you have a free day in Anchorage, this option includes round-trip motorcoach transportation from Anchorage to Seward, plus the day cruise through Kenai Fjords.

Relaxing Wilderness Lodge Stays

Spending a few days and nights at a wilderness lodge adjacent to the park greatly adds to the experience of the park.

• Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge: Located on Fox Island.
• Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge: Situated within Pedersen Lagoon.
• Intimate Park Perspective: Hiking, kayaking, and guided small boat trips take visitors around the area for a more intimate park perspective.
• Alaskan Hospitality: Lodge staff treat guests to area-inspired meals and cozy accommodations.

Of course, with so many ways to do so many things in the Kenai Fjords National Park, departing visitors will find themselves soon yearning for a return to repeat their highlights as well as expand their explorations to new areas and adventures in the region.