Seward to Serenity: Sailing the Beauty of Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska in One Day

আপডেট সময় শনিবার, ২৭ জানুয়ারি, ২০২৪

Let Haque’s EYE guide you through the pristine beauty of Kenai Fjords, The Nature’s Canvas, 🏞️ where glaciers meet the sea and wildlife thrives in a symphony of nature. 📸✨

Where is Kenai Fjords National Park?

Kenai Fjords National Park is situated just outside the charming town of Seward in south-central Alaska. 📍 To go to the Visitor Center get to S. Harbor Street, then right on Fourth Street. The Visitor Center is on the left. 🏞️ Visitor Center is only open in summer. 📅 Dive into the park’s beauty with films and exhibits here. 🎥 there is a bookstore as well! 🌲📽️📖

When to Visit?

🌞 Best Time to Visit Kenai Fjords is of course during the summer months of June, July, and August. 🌿✨

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❄️🚫 Due to heavy snow and turbulent seas in winter the visitor center remains closed and the temperature can go as low as -30°C. Not a recommended time to visit.🗓️ #SummerAdventure #KenaiFjords

How to get there?

🚗 Driving but not All the Way!

🚙 Drive south 126 miles from Anchorage to Seward on AK-1/AK-9, your gateway to Kenai Fjords. Once inside, no roads—depend on your feet! Lace-up those boots and step into the untamed beauty that awaits your every stride. 👟🗺️

🚂 By Train through one of the best Scenic Route 🌿

During summer (May – September), take the Alaska Railroad from Anchorage to Seward.

Check out how to plan your visit to Denali National Park.

✈️ Flightseeing for Aerial views 🛩️

Some charter flights to Seward may be available depending on the season. Details here.

The cheapest option is 🚁 Mt. Marathon Helicopter Adventure! which is a drop-off (or pick-up) with a scenic flight around town before reaching the iconic Mt. Marathon Bowl, located 1,800 feet above Seward. 🏔️🌄 Each way cost 75$ per person!

There is another cheap option. Experience the beauty of Seward from the skies in a 🛩️ 15-Min Scenic Flight Adventure!🏔️ Enjoy views of Mount Marathon, WWII ruins at Caines Head, and stunning scenery for only 99$ per person for a 👥 Minimum of 3 Passengers. 👫 For duos, the price becomes $149/passenger✈️

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🚢 The Best Way in my Opinion is to experience the beauty by taking a boat tour from Seaward. This is the highlight of Kenai Fjords National Park! See huge glaciers melting into the ocean, creating unforgettable memories. 🌊🏞️ For details keep reading!

What to See in Kenai Forjds National Park?

The three main checklists of this park are 🏔️ The Majestic Harding Icefield, Exit Glacier, and Kenai Fjords Coast

If you have only a day to explore the park then choose between a half-day trip to Resurrection Bay or a full-day adventure to delve into the heart of the Kenai Fjords Coast.

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Several tour companies start from the Dock at Seaward. I have taken the half-day cruise ticket from Major Marine.

If you start your day early, explore Seward, a charming town with under 3,000 residents, that offers a delightful blend of dining, shopping, and lodging options.

Enjoy locally sourced seafood and a range of tastes, making it a perfect stop for your Alaska adventures! 🏞️🍽️☕ #Seward #AlaskaEats

Parking is free! Park your car and hop on board. They have 3 types of half-day excursions which have a travel time of 4 hours and we started around 12:30 PM.

🚢 4-Hour Kenai Fjords Wildlife Cruise June-October $139.00 per person

🐋 Orca Quest Cruise May-June $139.00 per person

🌸 Spring Wildlife Cruise March-May $109.00 per person (25% off)

🏞️ Did you Know?

This is the cruise that President Obama enjoyed during his visit to Alaska in 2015. 🚢🏞️

❄️ They have options of of cozy cabin sitting and standing on the dock area. Whatever season it is, you need warm clothing to be at the Dock Area, Remember you are in Alaska! 🥶☃️

Sit back, Relax, and Enjoy captivating stories from your knowledgeable captain about the history, geology, and diverse wildlife inhabiting this pristine area.

🐋🦅 Watch for whales, seals, eagles, sea lions, otters, and more during your boat tour. Enjoy the amazing wildlife! 🐾🌅 #BoatTourMagic #WildlifeAdventure

Sunbusking Sea Lions! Spotted whales as well but unfortunately couldn’t capture.🥲

Can you see the rainbow peeking from this photo? No? Look at the next ones.

They are everywhere, making nature’s canvas more captivating! 📸🌈#NatureColors #ScenicBeauty

⛰️🌲 Enjoy the stunning views of Resurrection Bay as you cruise along its pristine waters. There are complimentary binoculars on board to use as well.

🌲⛰️The bay is surrounded by lush forests and rugged mountains, creating a picturesque backdrop for your adventure.

🚢🐋The “Captain’s Choice” route, selected based on recent wildlife observations and reports from other vessels will give you the best option to see wildlife on your way. 🦅

An American bald Eagle.

The cover photo of Haque’s EYE’s Facebook Page came from here!

☕🍵 There are Refreshments on Board. Enjoy complimentary tea, coffee, and water during your trip. For added delight, snacks, beverages, beer, and wine are available for purchase onboard. 🍪🥤🍷 #OnboardRefreshments #CruiseComforts

The cruise will pass by Bear Glacier, the largest glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park. 🏔️🚢🏞️ #KenaiCruise #Boatlife

📸🏔️ Don’t miss the chance to witness this awe-inspiring natural phenomenon! If you are wondering, here are some cool glacier facts:

🗓️❄️Glaciers are ancient! One in Antarctica is estimated at 1.5 million years old, while Exit Glacier’s Harding Ice Field is around 23,000 years old.

❄️🌎Glaciers cover about 10% of Earth’s surface, once even a third during the last Ice Age!

🏔️❄️Alaska boasts 100,000+ glaciers, with popular ones like Exit Glacier.

⚽❄️To be a glacier, it must be big—25 acres or 19 football fields big! Exit Glacier fits the bill at 14 square miles.

💙❄️Glacial ice looks blue because it’s super dense, absorbing other colors and letting the blue light shine. #CoolGlacierFacts

📸 🌊Capture stunning views and set your sights on Bear Glacier, where massive ice calving offers a spectacular display into the ocean.

🌊🏞️ You will find unique geological treasures and sea caves abundant in this area. Sea caves are created when waves wear away rock in weak areas.

🌿🏞️Headlands may develop arches through erosion, and when these collapse, sea stacks are left behind.

For your convenience, I have put the map which will give you an idea of where to look to see these stunning geological features!

Spot the wonders! Keep those eyes wide open for nature’s treasures in Kenai Fjords. 🌿👀🏞️

Sea Caves are homes and nesting sites for seabirds like puffins, kittiwakes, oystercatchers, and more. 🐦 🦭🦇

– Day 2 –

If you have more than a day to explore the park then I would recommend you to go for a hike as well.

❄️ Did you know?

🏞️ About 51% of Kenai Fjords National Park is blanketed in ice! A quarter (4.6 million acres) of Alaska’s glaciers reside within national parks.

By Foot 🥾

❄️🥾The best way to experience the glaciers up close is by hiking. 📍Exit Glacier Nature Center is the starting point for both Exit Glacier and Harding Icefield Trail.

Exit Glacier Trail

🏔️ 2.2-mile roundtrip from Exit Glacier Nature Center parking lot.

🚶Walk on your own or join a thrilling glacier hiking tour.

Harding Icefield Trail

🗻 The Harding Icefield is the largest ice field in the United States. 🌲Bear Glacier, the largest among 38, flows from the distant Harding Icefield, reaching Bear Lagoon.🏔️❄️

🏞️ 8.2-mile round-trip.

⚠️ Strenuous hike, 3800 feet elevation gain.

🕑 Plan 6-8 hours.

🌳 Start from the valley, through forests.

🏔️ Climb above the tree line for an Icefield view.

🌄 Summit unveils a vast, icy panorama.

🏞️ Short hike still offers stunning valley views.

👲There are options for a guided hiking tour.

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🥾 If you’re heading for the Harding Icefield Trail, here’s what you need: 👟comfy boots, water, snacks, and the right clothes for the weather. 🏞️It’s an 8.2-mile round trip, but consider the short hike which will give you almost the same view. Stay hydrated, dress in layers, and get ready for an amazing time on the Harding Icefield Trail! 🏔️🥾 #IcefieldAdventure

Want to Stay at the Park?

🏡 Reserve one of three Cozy public-use cabins in Kenai Fjords from the park website by calling 907-422-0500.

2 Coastal cabins await during summer only, while the Willow Cabin sometimes opens its doors during winter as well.🌲❄️ #ParkRetreat

📍 At Exit Glacier Campground you can come stay overnight, but a piece of advise, Do not camp in Alaska, it is too cold!

By Water 🛶

Also, you have the option to explore the Kenai Fjords with kayak trips! 🚣‍♂️ From leisurely paddles to adventurous backpacking combos, various companies offer exciting options. Check for details! 🏞️ #KenaiFjords ayakingAdventure

Things to Know Before You Go

🌐 Before setting out on your Kenai Fjords adventure, ensure to check the 🚦 Driving Conditions of the Seward Highway. ❄️ Be well-prepared for the cold weather and verify with your tour companies to ensure favorable weather conditions.

🏞️❄️🚣‍♂️ Discover the untamed beauty of Kenai Fjords, whether by hiking the Harding Icefield Trail, cruising the fjords, or kayaking, every moment is a brushstroke on the canvas of this pristine Alaskan wilderness. Kenai Fjords, a symphony of beauty, awaits your exploration. Plan your adventure now with the help of Haque’s EYE! Happy Travelling!!🗺️🌲🐋

#KenaiFjords #NatureExploration #KenaiFjords #NatureAdventure