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Experience True Nature

Alaska

Wilderness Adventure Tours beyond Imagination

AE#02 The Kenai Peninsula | Deluxe Lodges, Glacier Cruise and Wildlife Viewing

Travel Alaska in Style! Our deluxe world-class destination lodges and resorts on the Kenai Peninsula are providing the backdrop for an unforgettable vacation in Alaska. Travel from Anchorage along the scenic Seward Highway to the Alyeska Resort, Alaska’s largest ski area and a great summer destination for outdoor adventures. Continue your journey to Seward for a breathtaking full day glacier and wildlife tour to Northwestern Fjord - deep in the heart of the Kenai Fjords National Park. Overnight in a remote and exclusive wilderness lodge and enjoy personalized guided kayak tours, nature walks, national park service interpretive programs and gourmet meals.  Some additional days are reserved for Cooper Landing at the famous Kenai - and Russian River area for fishing and hiking trips or just relaxation. Another highlight is the full day brown bear viewing tour to the remote coastline of Lake Clark National Park at Silver Salmon Creek before returning to Anchorage. For additional comfort purposes we included a Full Size Rental Car for this tour.

  • Tour Itinerary

  • Dates | Rates

  • Rental Car

  • Self Drive FAQ

  • Kenai Fjords National Park FAQ

Day
01

Anchorage - Seward | Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge

Pick up your rental car in Anchorage and drive along the Cook Inlet via Portage to Seward. A stay at the Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge begins and ends with a marine wildlife and glacier cruise through Kenai Fjords National Park. Departing from Seward, small boat touring is often the preferred mode of exploration for more intimate wilderness experiences and enhanced natural history interpretation. During the 4-5 h. journey to the wilderness lodge, you may spot a variety of marine wildlife such as Steller sea lions, porpoises, sea otters and puffins. Kenai Fjords is also a prime destination for whale watching. Relax and take in the beauty of this pristine area - both to and from the Glacier Lodge. Feel the salt spray mix with mountain mist as we explore the stunning seascape and listen for thundering booms as giant slabs of glacier calve into the sea. Journey to the face of massive tidewater glaciers and see  the mountain peaks above the sprawling Harding Icefield. Overnight: Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge.

Day
02

Seward | Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge

Enjoy spectacular views of Pedersen Glacier from the comforts of the main lodge deck. With only 16 log cabins surrounded by a 1,700 acre wildlife sanctuary, it's safe to assume you'll find plenty of "me-time." For over 30 years, we sought to balance authentic Alaska wilderness experiences with premium service and comfortable lodging. Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge continues this tradition, offering new access to Alaska's breathtaking seacoast; these 16 private cabins feature on-demand heat, electricity and a full bath. The breathtaking location of the wilderness cabins is another highlight: Guest cabins are designed to be almost invisible from the Pedersen Lagoon while offering spectacular views from within. Built with the surrounding wilderness in mind, guests need not leave their private cabins; the immensity of the Alaskan landscape is just outside the cabin window. Overnight: Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge
Day
03

Seward - Cooper Landing

Savor another morning in the wilds of the Kenai Fjords National Park; kayak, canoe or beachcomb for a half-day before boarding our tour boat for the return wildlife and whale watching cruise to Seward. En route, enjoy another opportunity to photograph the sheer cliffs of the fjords, scan for a variety of birds and look out for marine mammals. You arrive again at the Seward Harbor by 5:30 PM. Spend some time at the renowned Alaska SeaLife Center – the first cold water marine search institute in the world with wildlife rehabilitation and public education facilities. Remember: The Kenai Peninsula enjoys almost 22-hours of daylight during the summer season. Short drive to Cooper Landing surrounded by the magnificent Kenai Mountains. Stay at a deluxe resort overlooking the turquoise Kenai River. The lodge offers the serenity of a wilderness retreat and the thrill of Alaskan adventure. Enjoy the bungalow-style rooms with divided living/bedroom area, fireplace and deck.

Day
04

Cooper Landing / Bear Viewing at Silver Salmon Creek

Floatplane flight from Soldotna to Lake Clark Nat'l Park. This is a safe brown bear viewing program and we are careful not to disturb their free-ranging movements. Renowned photographers have chosen Silver Salmon Creek as a destination for exceptional images and peaceful encounters. Also of interest to photographers are nearby pelagic bird populations, including horned and tufted puffins, black-legged kittiwakes and murres. Bald eagles, trumpeter swans, and harbor seals can also be targeted on our personalized nature tours by land and sea. Scenic backdrops include volcanic Mt. Iliamna, Mt. Redoubt, and Augustine volcano, all part of Cook Inlet's "Ring of Fire". We operate a successful bear viewing program here for nearly 15 years. All guides are experienced bear guides and our unique location in Lake Clark National Park on the west side of the Cook Inlet ensures that you won't have to fight the typical crowds as on Katmai's Brooks River.
Day
05

Cooper Landing - Alyeska Resort | Girdwood

The heart of town is a five-building national historic district at Mile 48.7 of the Sterling Highway. In a picturesque setting beneath towering mountains and along the banks of the Kenai River is an old post office, a schoolhouse from the 1950s and a homesteader’s cabin that today houses the Cooper Landing Historical Society Museum. Originally inhabited by gold prospectors in the mid- to late 1800s, these days the community is best known for sport fishing. The Kenai River is not only famous for its dazzling blue-green hues, but also as a haven - together with the Russian River - for experienced and novice anglers alike who like to catch King and Sockey Salmon. During the day enjoy fishing on the Kenai River - famous for its trophy-sized fish, river rafting, flightseeing or nature hikes. Depart from the lodge at your leisure. Take a last glimpse of the beauty of Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula as you drive through the Chugach Mountains to Girdwood and the Alyeska Resort.

Day
06

Alyeska Resort | Girdwood

Spend your day at leisure and enjoy the 5-star resort. Tucked in a glacier valley between the mountains and the sea is Alyeska Resort. Experience a luxury interior design with modern touches and rich Native heritage surrounded by unspoiled Alaskan wilderness. The results highlight warm, organic elements to the hotel interiors bringing the natural beauty of the great outdoors inside. Summertime recreation includes hiking in Girdwood's alpine rain forests, mountain climbing and biking on Girdwood's bike path or the many trails in the valley. Take the Alyeska Tramway to the top of Mt. Alyeska with it's famous "7-Glacier Restaurant". Hotel amenities include: luxurious spa and wellness area, saltwater pool, whirlpool, massage, bars, restaurants (Japanese and International Cuisine). The 304 guest rooms provide plush carpets, Serta Pillow Top Mattresses and luxurious interior décor. Overnight: Alyeska Resort
Day
07

Alyeska Resort | Girdwood - Anchorage

Return to Anchorage and visit the Alaska Native Heritage Museum with interactive exhibitions. Anchorage features dozens of parks and 122-miles of paved bike paths. Warmed by a maritime climate, you can spend the day with active salmon fishing on downtown's Ship Creek, hiking within the nearby mountains, a walk on the coastal trail with sweeping views over the inlet to Mt. McKinley and Mt. Susitna aka: "Sleeping Lady", photographing glaciers and dining at a four-star restaurant. Within a 15-minute drive from downtown you could reach the Hillside area and the tree-lined trailhead of Anchorage’s most popular hike, Flattop Mountain. Try some fresh Alaska seafood (Salmon, King Crab, Halibut) for lunch or dinner in one of the many excellent restaurants. Return your rental car at the airport.
Rates in US $ / per Person Single Double Triple Quad
May 20 - May 31 $ 8670.00 $ 5850.00 $ 5430.00 $ 5310.00
June 01 - August 31 $ 9890.00 $ 6570.00 $ 5990.00 $ 5630.00
September 01 - September 15 $ 8670.00 $ 5850.00 $ 5430.00 $ 5310.00

 

Departure Days
Individual Departures from May 20 - September 15

 

Services included
  • 7 Days Full Size Car Rental from / to Anchorage
  • Unlimited Mileage
  • Licensing Fee
  • Car Rental Sales & Airport Tax
  • 4 Nights First Class ****/* Hotel Accommodation
  • 2 Nights Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge
  • Alaska State, Borough and Bed Tax
  • Kenai Fjords National Park Cruises and Transfers
  • Seward Harbor Fee
  • All Meals at Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge
  • Guided Kayaking and Hiking Tours at Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge
  • Full Day Brown Bear Viewing at Silver Salmon Creek
  • Floatplane Flights Soldotna - Lake Clark - Soldotna
  • 1 Tram Ticket Mt. Alyeska
  • Service Charges at Alyeska Resort
Rental Car

We have compiled a list of car rental categories that fit Alaska trips and are suitable for various budgets, trip durations, as well as group sizes.
Please ask us for the category that best fits your requirements.

Mid Size Car (included - part of the package / additional day $150)

Generally, midsize cars measure between 180 to 195 inches in length but can vary depending on specific models. Mid-size cars, also commonly known as intermediate or standard cars, are four-door sedans that are more spacious than compact cars while still being fuel-efficient. They can fit 3 or sometimes 4 bags depending on the model. They feature more interior space compared to compact cars and offer comfortable seating for four to five passengers. 

Sample Models: Toyota Corolla, Chevrolet Cruze, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Forte, Mazda 3, Nissan Sentra, Toyota Matrix, Toyota Prius Hybrid or similar

Sample Features: 4 Doors - 5 Passengers - 1 Large Suitcase, 2 Small Suitcase –Air-Conditioning - Automatic Transmission

Full Size Car (upgrade $8 per day / additional day $160)

Full Size cars are what many people would describe as large cars. A full-size car typically refers to a vehicle that offers more extensive interior space, comfort, and power compared to smaller vehicles such as compact or midsize cars. These cars usually have larger dimensions, including length, width, and height. They commonly feature roomy interiors with ample seating for five or more passengers along with expanded trunk capacity for luggage or cargo. Historically, full-size cars were synonymous with large sedans boasting V8 engines and body-on-frame construction. While this has changed over time due to evolving industry trends and technological advancements, what remains consistent is the emphasis on spaciousness, comfort, and performance these vehicles provide.

Sample Models: Chevrolet Impala, Toyota Camry, Kia Elantra, Buick LaCrosse or similar

Sample Features: 4 Doors - 5 Passengers - 2 Large Suitcase, 2 Small Suitcase –Air-conditioning - Automatic Transmission - Adjustable Steering - Cruise Control  

Standard Size SUV (upgrade $55 per day / additional day $210)

SUVs (short for sport or suburban utility vehicles) are good-sized vehicles with a rugged look, set higher off the road than normal cars. In an SUV, the description of “standard” generally refers to the size of the SUV. The standard SUV is larger than the intermediate or compact versions. These full-size models are more powerful, like a truck, and they are usually more equipped to handle a wider variety of terrains and road conditions as well. In addition to being powerful, their size also means that they typically have more seating capacity than the smaller SUVs. They can seat more passengers and have more cargo space for transporting luggage and equipment.

Sample Models: Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Explorer, Nissan Pathfinder, Kia Sorento, Mazda Cx-9, Toyota 4 Runner or similar

Sample Features: 4 Doors - 5 Passengers - 3 Large Suitcase, 2 Small Suitcase – Air-conditioning - Automatic Transmission 

Premium SUV (upgrade $170 per day / additional day $325)

A favorite of weekend warriors and full-time adventurers, this sturdy SUV rental boasts versatile interior and strong performance. A premium SUV is a high-quality, extra-large sport utility vehicle made to seat 7 or 8 passengers in three rows of seating. They also have powerhouse engines and room for plenty of cargo. The result is a smooth and spacious ride. Premium SUVs are suitable for different types of terrain and great for all types of travelers and occasions. Book from this vehicle group to enjoy a safe, strong, family-friendly SUV with extra space and premium features. The following models included in the premium SUV vehicle group will make you happy to hit the road.

Sample Models: Ford Expedition, Chevrolet Suburban, Toyota Sequoia or similar

Sample Features: 4 Doors - 5 Passengers - 3 Large Suitcase, 2 Small Suitcase – Air-conditioning - Automatic Transmission

Mini Van (upgrade $90 per day / additional day $250)

This roomy mini van is your ticket to family adventures and travel memories on your next rental. More spacious than a full-size car, and with better gas mileage than an SUV, a minivan is a 7-passenger van that provides unbeatable comfort and convenience. By providing leg and luggage room, configurable seating and storage layouts, easy in-and-out, competitive fuel efficiency, and high-performance drive—all without sacrificing style—minivans accommodate every kind of group outing, from lengthy family vacations to quick business trips. Did somebody say “road trip”? 

Sample Models: Toyota Sienna, KIA Sedona or similar

Sample Features: 4 Doors - 7 Passengers- Air-conditioning - Automatic Transmission

11 Passenger Van (upgrade $250 per day / additional day $400)

Choose a 11-person passenger van so that no one gets left behind on your road trip or vacation. Instead of trying to coordinate a car pool; save time, resources, and gas money by putting everyone together in one clean and comfortable van. You'll find each passenger has much more leg room.

Sample Models: Chevrolet Express, Ford Transit or similar

Sample Features: 3 Doors –10 to 11 Passengers- 6 Large Suitcases - Air-conditioning - Automatic Transmission  
Self Drive Tours Information - FAQ
  Q:
A:		 I like to spend more time in a certain destination. Can I change the routing?
All of our tours are ”Flex Drives” and we can add, modify or exchange nights in destinations to suit your timetable and preferred routing. Thus, sometimes it will be necessary to observe ferry schedules, national park opening/closing dates etc to match certain dates and/or departures. Please check also each itinerary online.
  Q:
A:		 What is the difference between single, double, triple and quad room?
Single: A room assigned to one person. May have one or more beds.
Double: A room assigned to two people. May have one or more beds.
Triple: A room assigned to three people. May have two or more beds.
Quad: A room assigned to four people. May have two or more beds.
The maximum occupancy per room is four.
We can arrange our self drive tours including 2 rooms and 1 rental car if your group is larger than 4.
  Q:
A:		 I cannot find the list of hotels included?
Each tour includes a choice of pre-reserved superior hotels (*** category) or first class hotels (**** category). If you have any special requirements we can certainly customize any of the advertised tours. Please contact us for advice and applicable rates. Hotel accommodation does not include breakfast or other meals. Please Note: A large number clients and travel agencies are using our pages and travel ideas to plan their “own” customized tours. This is the reason why we do not publish the hotel names for each trip on top of all travel planning information already included on our pages. If you have any particular question about accommodation, please contact us.
  Q:
A:		 Do you offer bed and breakfast accommodation
Yes, we can substitute our advertised hotel category with bed and breakfasts (B&B) accommodation (breakfast included) for any of the advertised itineraries. Please contact us for availability.
  Q:
A:		 Do you have one-way rental cars or tours between Alaska and the Yukon/Canada?
No - we do not provide any one way rentals between Alaska (USA) and the Yukon Territory (Canada) Certain government and insurance regulations do not permit such rentals. We offer one way rentals to Skagway, Haines & Juneau.
  Q:
A:		 Are Car Rental Charges Included?
Yes, the rental of a compact car (automatic) is always included in our flex drive tour packages. Additional rental days or upgrade details and rates for mid and full size car, passenger vans or a sport utility vehicle (4x4) are available on each self-drive page. All upgrade rates are per car and not per person. Our advertised rates include also local taxes, unlimited free mileage, airport concessionaire fees, licensing fees. Rental car insurance is optional. Many Americans have their own car insurance that also covers them with the rental cars. Please contact us if you require rental car insurance. We provide a complimentary transfer from your downtown hotel to the rental station.
A valid driver license and a valid major credit card are mandatory for all individual vehicle rentals and/or tour packages including vehicle rentals. Driving on gravel roads/highways is at own risk. The rental car insurance is void on the following highways Denali Highway, Dalton Highway, Top of the World Highway, Taylor Highway, McCarthy Road, Dempster Highway and all other gravel roads. You will be responsible for any damages. Drivers have to be more than 25 years of age and the drivers license has to be valid for more than 1 year. Contact us if you are below 25 years of age.
  Q:
A:		 What if something unexpected goes wrong during the Tour?
We do not anticipate anything but you can contact us, the rental car company or any of the pre-reserved hotels for assistance. We have a 24 hr emergency help line available for our guests.
  Q:
A:		 What type of Identification do I need to enter Canada and Alaska/USA
The Visa/entry requirements do change frequently. Please check requirements on the appropriate government pages. We are unable to take any responsibility for such information however you will definitely need your passport. Please ask us if your self drive tour enters Canada.
  Q:
A:		 Which services are included in your Self Drive Tours
Please refer to the appropriate tour page for a listing of included services. Our service generally includes the rental car, accommodation, applicable local taxes, ferry trips as scheduled, sightseeing as per itinerary, a detailed tour description, highway or road logs. Not included are: Meals, highway tolls, gasoline, entrance fees, additional sightseeing tours.
  Q:
A:		 What is the advantage of Self-Drive Tour -VS- Escorted Tour
This depends on your personal preference. Alaska and the Yukon are providing some good and scenic highway connections and driving is very easy. A rental car with individual pre-reserved hotels are an independent way to discover the beauty of the northern wilderness areas and national parks: You can stop were you want, you have plenty of time for sightseeing off the beaten path and you are very flexible. Escorted tours are usually limited in flexibility because you are traveling with a group and fixed departures and routings.
  Q:
A:		 When should I book a tour
If you travel during the high season from the middle/end of June until the end of August we recommend to make a  reservation as early as possible to avoid disappointments with sold out situations in highly frequented national parks and destinations - because the northern tour season is very short. The same applies in/around national holidays. Any hotel accommodation, rentals cars and ferry space must be definitely booked well in advance. Thus, tour operator such as our company may still have space on a short notice. Accordingly it is well worth to contact us.
  Q:
A:		 When should I Travel
May, June and September are perfect months for a vacation in the Land of the Midnight Sun. The weather is usually stable and sunny with almost 24 hours of daylight. July and August are prime travel months and are obviously very busy.
  Q:
A:		 When is the best time so see the Northern Lights
Due to the long daylight hours (up to 24-hours) during the summertime, it is impossible to see the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) from approximately mid May until the middle of August. Northern Lights are occuring mainly during the fall/winter months from end of August until the beginning of April. For further information please refer to our winter tour program.
  Q:
A:		 What’s about sightseeing options during cruises and self-drives
We provide a choice of optional sightseeing adventures and activities such as wildlife viewing, rafting, self drive tours, flightseeing, hiking, rafting and day cruises. If you book these tours with us in advance - instead of onboard the cruise ships or locally - you will save a significant amount of money.
  Q:
A:		 Should I compare rates & services on the Internet
Yes definitely. You notice sooner or later who actually provides the best services, rates and most affordable or specialized tour program because at these days almost everyone within the industry provides similar statements. Thus, you may also notice that some of the competitors web sites are completely outdated, terms & conditions are not published and that some of these people don’t even know the State – actually they are not even located within the USA or Canada. When you compare rates and services look for hidden charges such as reservation fees or ticketing fees, inclusion of taxes (up to 11 %), the exact service description, hotel categories, rental car standards etc and than make your decision.
  Q:
A:		 Could I organize the same tour package by myself for less money
Probably not - because tour operator and corporate identities with a high volume of clients and revenue receive much lower rates than an individual person or a travel agent with a few reservations per year. In addition be prepared for: (1) a significant amount of time to find and identify the right products and destinations (2) to contact the different suppliers may be multiple times and wait for their response (3) exchanging continuously sensitive personal Information over the phone/internet (4) getting professional assistance and advise for the entire tour package - which usually includes a variety of tour components. Virtually impossible ! You can certainly book your hotels through Travelocity, Expedia or other global players – but this does not guarantee any savings either or the success of your vacation. PS: we do not even markup reservations for sightseeing tours. So you'll get always the current original rate when booking with us.
  Q:
A:		 How can I get to Alaska or the Yukon Territory
Seattle is a major Alaska Airlines hub with multiple daily flight connections between the lower 48's and Alaska. In addition Chicago, Minneapolis, Los Angeles and San Francisco are alternative gateways with non-stop flights on Alaska Airlines, United, American Airlines and Delta to/from Anchorage and other destinations within Alaska. Clients from Europe may check Condor Airlines with it's non-stop flights between Frankfurt and Whitehorse, Fairbanks or Anchorage. You can fly to the Yukon Territory (Whitehorse) from Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton with Air Canada.
  Q:
A:		 Do you offer railroad tours between Canada and Alaska
No, because there is no railroad access or any connection between Canada and Alaska.
  Q:
A:		 How about traveling by ferry
Bellingham (USA) and Prince Rupert (Canada) are the main gateways for Alaska Marine Highway Ferry trips throughout the extremely scenic Inside Passage in southeast Alaska. Port of calls are: Ketchikan, Wrangell, Juneau, Sidka, the Glacier Bay, Skagway and Haines. If you plan to travel to Alaska by ferry please check our website for departures, fares, rates and reservations.
  Q:
A:		 Should I purchase travel insurance ?
We strongly encourage you to purchase travel insurance to cover: cancellation fees associated with an outing as well as airfare or other nonrefundable expense in the event you need to cancel a trip; medical expenses incurred on a trip; and the cost of a possible medical evacuation from a trip. We have made arrangements with Allianz Travel Insurance Services for you to purchase a comprehensive travel insurance plan. Feel free to contact Allianz if you have questions on this policy or its coverage as we are not equipped to provide specific answers to questions on the insurance program.
Kenai Fjords National Park - FAQ

  Q:
A:		 Where is the Park?
Kenai Fjords National Park is located just outside the town of Seward in southcentral Alaska, 127 miles south of Anchorage. Seward is accessible year-round via the Seward Highway, a National Scenic Byway with stunning views of the Chugach Mountains, Turnagain Arm, Kenai Lake, glaciers and wetlands
  Q:
A:		 How do I get to Kenai Fjords National Park?
The national park area is easily accessible via the paved Seward Highway or with the Alaska Railroad.

Railroad
The Coastal Classic Train is a local favorite that winds through the stretch of wilderness between Anchorage and Seward. A string of massive glaciers visible from the track enriches the journey. This train travels to the shores of Resurrection Bay for convenient connection to Kenai Fjords National Park, whale watching, sea kayaking, tidewater glacier viewing, fishing, and dog sled rides. Daily departures from Anchorage.

Bus and Van Service
Daily departures from Anchorage

Rental Car
Rent a car, van, or 4x4 in Anchorage and drive to the Kenai Fjords National Park. A limited number of one-way rentals are available between Anchorage and Seward or VS.
  Q:
A:		 Are they any points of interest on the way to the Park ?
Moose Pass: The track winds through Moose Pass, a former railroad construction camp on the shores of Trail Lake. As the rail ascends into the Kenai Mountains, it leaves behind the forests and reveals mountain meadows and streams of gin-clear glacial waters. Trail Glacier appears on the right and soon after, the summit of Grandview at 1,063 feet and the historic Loop District - named for a complex series of trestles built to handle the steep grade in the age of steam engines. In the same stretch, Bartlett Glacier crowds the track just 800 feet away.

Placer River Valley: After passing through a series of short tunnels, the track descends to the Placer River Valley near Spencer Glacier. Moose, bear and wolves populate the valley among the willow and alder trees. Trumpeter swans migrate through in spring and fall and arctic terns hover above the ponds and river looking for small fish and insects. Twelve miles later Turnagain Arm appears, where 40-foot tides rush into the narrow confines of the Chugach Mountains. Beluga whales pursue salmon and other schooling fish. Next comes Girdwood, home to Alaska's premier ski resort, a 40-mile commute from Anchorage.

The Chugach National Forest: borders Turnagain Arm, some six million acres, the second largest in the U.S. Bald eagles cruise the thermals above and Dall sheep come to feed on the low plants growing on the cliffs bordering the track. Next comes Potter Marsh in the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge.

The Portage Glacier: Find out why Portage Glacier is one of Alaska's most popular attractions. Visit the sheer, awesome face of a mighty Alaska glacier located just an hour from Anchorage. Cruising across Portage Lake on the mv Ptarmigan, you'll stand just 300 yards from a relic of the Ice Age and watch for fractures of ice break off the glacier and crash into the water below. Before you leave check out the Begich Boggs Visitor Center.
  Q:
A:		 What can I do within the Park?
Kenai Fjords National Park is open year-round; however, the road to Exit Glacier is closed to cars for the winter months and much of the spring. The park's coastal backcountry is also inaccessible late fall through early spring due to rough seas. Kenai Fjords National Park has something for everyone. Whether you take a boat tour or kayak in a remote fjord, you will be surrounded by pristine scenery and abundant wildlife. A hike to the top of the Harding Icefield Trail or scenic overflight gives you a window to past ice ages. At Exit Glacier you can stroll the trails, take a ranger-led walk, and get close enough to hear the creaks and groans of an active glacier as it slowly sculpts the landscape. Although much of the park is rugged wilderness, there are ways to explore for all interests and abilities.

Boat Cruises: Depart Seward's small boat harbor daily in the summer months. It's a good idea to make reservations in advance. Several companies provide a variety of tour options, schedules, and amenities. Full-day tours that venture out to the park's tidewater glaciers at Aialik Bay, Holgate Glacier and Northwestern Fjords are available as well as half-day tours that stay in the more protected waters of Resurrection Bay while giving you a taste of the park's wildlife and scenery.

Kayaking: Traveling with a guide is strongly recommended for inexperienced paddlers. The fjords are exposed to the Gulf of Alaska, with only a few protected coves. These are not waters for beginners! Landings often involve surf, particularly when afternoon breezes kick up from the south. Wind and rainfall can be excessive, and summer storms often push an ocean swell of three feet or more into the fjords.

Most kayakers access the park by water taxi or charter boat from Seward and get dropped off in Aialik Bay or Northwestern Lagoon. Another alternative is to fly in to the less-visited Nuka Bay area from Homer. Paddling directly from Seward is okay for day trips in Resurrection Bay or overnight visits to Caines Head or Bear Glacier, but rounding Aialik Cape in a kayak is not recommended. There are long stretches of exposed coastline with no landing sites between Callisto Head and Aialik Cape, and the waters around the Cape can be extremely treacherous. Smaller charter boats are also available. During the shoulder seasons and winter months, some companies offer tours traveling the shorter routes in Resurrection Bay.Fishing: The area surrounding Kenai Fjords National Park has outstanding opportunities for both fresh and salt water fishing. Within the park's backcountry you can fish for salmon and Dolly Varden per state regulations. The fjords and Resurrection Bay are hotspots for salmon, halibut, rockfish, and lingcod. You can fish right from shore in Seward and opportunities abound for freshwater fishing in the lakes and streams in nearby Chugach National Forest.
  Q:
A:		 How about wildlife viewing within Kenai Fjords National Park?
Kenai Fjords National Park is dominated by a glaciated landscape. The park's glaciers have retreated through the twentieth century, exposing new lands to colonization by plant and animal life. The park also features a significant marine environment. Large terrestrial mammals in the park include Alaskan brown bears, American black bears, moose and mountain goats. Smaller mammals include beaver and river otter. Marine mammals include sea otters,harbor seals and Steller sea lions. Cetaceans seen in park waters include orcas, fin whales, humpback whales, minke whales, Dall's porpoises and Pacific white-sided dolphins. Bird life at Kenai Fjords includes bald eagles, the Peale's subspecies of peregrine falcon, black-billed magpies, and Steller's jays. Maine birds include tufted and horned puffins, common and thick-billed murres, and marbled murrelets.

The plant communities at Kenai Fjords are shaped by glacial retreat. New lands exposed in former glacier beds are at first stony, lacking in soil. The first plants to appear in recently glaciated areas are lichens and mosses, with a few hardy plants such as dwarf fireweed and yellow dryas. These pioneers are followed by other plants as the moss and lichen break rock down into soil. In particular, Sitka alder is capable of fixing nitrogen, supporting itself and enriching the soil. Willows also appear at this stage. Willows and alders are followed by black cottonwoods, then Sitka spruce. The mature forest features Sitka spruce and mountain hemlocks, with an understory of Devil's Club, Alaska blueberry, elderberry, baneberry, watermelon berry and lady fern in the coniferous forest understory. A similar succession pattern is seen at the park's nunataks, exposed rock outcroppings in the Harding Icefield.

Forested portions of the park are dominated by conifers, with deciduous forests confined to areas recently vacated by glaciers. Harsh conditions at higher altitudes limit tree growth above the tree line, creating an alpine ecosystem. The tree line at Kenai Fjords is between 750 feet (230 m) and 1,000 feet (300 m) above sea level. The alpine regions support shrubby grown to alders, Devil's club, elderberry, lady fern, cow parsnip and other plants. Herbaceous plants can grow in areas with better soils, supporting grasses, Nootka lupine, fireweed and other perennial plants. Higher alpine regions support a dwarf shrub community less than 1 foot (0.30 m) high, at a very slow rate of growth. Dwarf plants in this region include bog blueberry, partridgefoot, black crowberry and Aleutian mountainheath, all of which are vulnerable to damage from foot traffic.
  Q:
A:		 Are any hotels directly in the Park?
Only two remote wilderness lodges are operating within the national park boundaries. Thus, many hotels are located within the Seward city limits.
  Q:
A:		 How about Seward?
Located at the terminus of both the Alaska Railroad and the SewardHighway, and an embarkation and disembarkation port for many cruises, this town of 2,619 residents is easily accessible from Anchorageyet can serve as a base for anybody who likes to kayak, hike, fish, whale-watch and glacier-view. Overshadowing Seward is Mount Marathon, the scene of one of Alaska’s most famous and challenging foot races. A friendly wager in 1909 resulted in this annual 3.1-mile run to the top of the 3,022-foot peak. The race attracts advanced runners from all over the world and is a highlight of Seward’s lively Fourth of July celebration, one of the best in Alaska. Seward was founded in 1903, when settlers arrived to plot construction of a northbound rail line. By the time the Alaska Railroad was completed in 1923, this ice-free port became the most important shipping terminal on the Kenai Peninsula. The city also served as the southern terminus of the 1,200-mile Iditarod National Historic Trail to Nome, long a major dogsled thoroughfare via the Interior and Bush. Like many towns in Southcentral Alaska, Seward began a new era of history in 1964 after the Good Friday Earthquake caused fires and tidal waves that destroyed 90 percent of the town. One of the only reminders of the natural disaster is in the public library where the slide show covering the earthquake, “Waves Over Seward,” is shown.
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