Kenai Fjords National Park: Day Trips and Tours from Seward, Alaska

A day trip to the Kenai Fjords National Park from Seward is one of the best ways to experience Alaska’s magical wilderness. The park's untamed, pristine beauty looks like something from a National Geographic magazine.

This winter wonderland, located just outside of Seward, offers breathtaking coastal scenery and diverse wildlife viewing. Look out for everything from seals, orcas, humpback whales, and puffins to bears, wolves, moose and bald eagles. The area has many active glaciers, so you'll even see the chunks of ice break off and crash into the sea.

Continue reading to find out more about the Kenai Fjords National Park, one of the most exciting day trips from Seward, Alaska.

How do I get to Kenai Fjords National Park from Seward?

Kenai Fjords National Park is located around 3 kilometers north of Seward and can be accessed from tour boats, water taxis, air taxis, cars and on foot from the Exit Glacier area.

From Seward to Kenai Fjords National Park by car

Exit Glacier Road is the only road into the Kenai Fjords National Park. You will need to get on the Seward Highway and travel for around 13 kilometers. Then, turn onto Herman Leirer Road (or as it is also known as Exit Glacier Road) and follow the road till it ends at the parking lot for the nature center.

Exit Glacier Road has limited parking, so you can also take a shuttle or taxi. If you're driving, first double check if Exit Glacier Road is accessible, as it is often closed due to falling ice. The drive typically takes about 15 to 20 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions.

Guided tour to Kenai Fjords National Park from Seward

There are several tour operators in the area offering different guided tours to Kenai Fjords National Park from Seward. Taking a cruise through the Kenai Fjords National Park is one of the most popular and relaxing ways to experience this icy paradise.

If you're looking for something more energetic, you can opt for a glacier hike, an invigorating snowmobile tour, or an exciting dog sled ride through the Kenai Fjords National Park.

Tours run for between two hours to full-day excursions, depending on the type of experience you've chosen. A cruise on the Kenai Fjords National Park and surrounding attractions offer good value as these experiences last for 6 to 8.5 hours.

What is the typical itinerary?

You can be as relaxed or adventurous as you like on your day trip to Kenai Fjords National Park from Seward.

A cruise on the Kenai Fjords National Park is one of the easiest ways to explore the park and enjoy the spectacular scenery. Most cruises start at the small boat harbor in Seward, which is located next to the Cruise Ship Terminal. Alternatively, some day trips start at the tour provider's offices. Double-check your booking to find out where to meet.

A typical cruise to Kenai Fjords National Park from Seward will head to spots rich in marine life and include stops at alpine and tidewater glaciers. Some cruises offer additional stops at the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, which is known for its abundant bird life.

If you'd rather explore Kenai Fjords National Park on land, you'll still be able to soak up the incredible mountain and glacier views. Your tour guide will entertain and educate with facts about the local history and the diverse wildlife. You won't want to miss a guided walk on the Overlook Trail at Exit Glacier, where you can see a glacier in its own carved valley.

While each tour is different, most tours from Seward require you to make your way to the meeting spot. The meeting points are set at easy-to-find locations in Seward, for example when doing the guided snowmobiling tour of Kenai Fjords National Park you will meet your group at the tour operator's office in Seward and then move on to the park. The day tour to Kenai Fjords National Park, Resurrection Bay and Holgate Glacier also starts at the tour operator's office in Seward.   Some tours do offer a hotel pick-up and drop-off option.

What are the best Kenai Fjords National Park tours?

Day cruise to Kenai Fjords National Park from Seward

A boat cruise from Seward to the Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise is a relaxed, family-friendly way to immerse yourself in your surroundings. You also have a choice between several morning departure times for this 6-hour cruise to the Kenai Fjords National Park.

Enjoy looking for diverse marine life and take in the alpine and tidewater glaciers from a spacious heated cabin or the multi-level observation decks. An onboard wildlife guide will share exciting stories and facts about the area.

Bird lovers will enjoy the stop at the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, which offers incredible views of the seabird rookeries.

Guided day trip to Kenai Fjords National Park plus Seward sightseeing

This 6-hour-long tour is crammed with excitement. Request a pick-up or choose to meet the tour group at the Seward Railroad Depot.

You'll relish every second of this authentic Alaskan experience as you learn about the Iditarod Trail, dog sledding and the local wildlife. Feel the wind in your face as you enjoy a 2-hour dog sledding experience from Seward, and if you are up to it, you can also try your hand at driving the dog team. Mush your way to Bear Lake Weir to see the spawning salmon swim upstream to Bear Lake.

The adventure continues with a guided 2-hour long walk on Overlook Trail at Exit Glacier — a great spot to take in the pristine beauty of Kenai Fjords National Park. After all that walking, you'll be ready to satiate your hunger with a delicious lunch. The experience ends with a drive-through tour of Seward with a guide showing off the local hot spots.

Guided snowmobiling tour of Kenai Fjords National Park

This 2-hour-long guided snowmobiling tour of Kenai Fjords National Park is much shorter than most tours, but it is heavy on the adrenaline. Enjoy the opportunity to glide through the snow-covered landscape while soaking up the picturesque views and massive mountains.

The tour starts with a quick orientation at the tour operator's headquarters in Seward, where you can get the hang of riding the snowmobiles. Then a local guide will lead you across the Kenai Fjords National Park, sharing facts about the local history and wildlife.

Don't forget your camera as there are plenty of scenic photo opportunities with stunning views of the glaciers and mountains. You can warm up on the trail by sipping tea, coffee, cocoa, or apple cider.

Day tour to Kenai Fjords National Park plus Resurrection Bay and Holgate Glacier from Seward

Experience Mother Nature’s majestic beauty with a day tour of Kenai Fjords National Park, Resurrection Bay, and Holgate Glacier. This 6-hour-long cruise to Kenai Fjords National Park offers unforgettable glacier and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Enjoy sailing on the beautiful Resurrection Bay into Kenai Fjords National Park. The cruise sails past the majestic Holgate Glacier, where you can see some glacier calving – when the chunks of glaciers break off and crash into the water. At Chiswell Islands, your eyes will be on the sky as you take in the thousands of nesting seabirds.

Reserved seats are available in a heated cabin, providing a welcome respite from the cold weather conditions. Tours include a choice of delectable sandwiches hot tea and coffee on board.

What are the prices for day trips to Kenai Fjords National Park from Seward?

Day cruises to Kenai Fjords National Park from Seward start at around US$180 for adults. Children up to 12 years of age will pay US$90 each. Lunch is included, but additional food and beverages are extra.

The more adventurous guided day trips to Kenai Fjords National Park plus Seward sightseeing start around US$220 for adults and US$110 for children aged 2 to 12 years. This tour is ideal for a big family or a large group of friends, as it caters to a maximum of 15 travelers. A pick-up and drop-off option is included.

Guided snowmobiling tours of Kenai Fjords National Park cost US$230 per person. This includes a professional guide, snowmobile rental, helmet, necessary winter outwear and hot beverages to ensure you stay warm. Note, you must show your driver's license when you arrive for the tour.

Prices for day tours to Kenai Fjords National Park plus Resurrection Bay and Holgate Glacier from Seward start from US$250 for adults and $130 for children aged 2 to 11. Lunch, water, coffee, or tea are included.

What are the highlights at the Kenai Fjords National Park?

Resurrection Bay

Most tours from Seward include sailing through Resurrection Bay as it is rich in marine life, offers beautiful coastal scenery and the calmer waters make for smooth sailing. The Bay is a slice of paradise and a top tourist destination in Seward.

The deep blue waters, rugged mountains, and abundance of marine life are a huge drawcard. The outer reaches of Resurrection Bay are home to a rich marine ecosystem and the ragged coves, bays, and islands add to the appeal. Look out for whales, orcas, porpoises, sea otters, and sea lions. Get closer to nature and try kayaking in Resurrection Bay to fully immerse yourself in nature.

Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge

The Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge is the ideal spot to go birdwatching. The Wildlife Refuge is made up of some 2,400 islands, headlands, rocks, islets, spires, and reefs. It provides an essential habitat for marine mammals and some 40 million seabirds. Bird lovers will enjoy the opportunity to see more than 30 different species.

The Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge attracts plenty of seabirds and marine mammals because of the numerous types of fish in the water. You can also see the diverse plant life, including various unique plant species, like the endangered Aleutian Shield Fern.

Chiswell Islands

This group of rocky, uninhabited islands is a part of the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge. The islands are a bird sanctuary and are only accessible by boat or airplane. Chiswell Islands are well worth a visit as it's renowned for its stunning natural beauty and pristine marine environments.

The islands are a captivating sight as the rocks stand vertically out of the water, and there are no horizontal beaches. Chiswell Islands are also a popular feeding ground for sea lions and Horned and Tufted Puffins.

When is the best time to visit?

The best time to visit Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska is typically from June to September. During these months, the weather is milder, and the days are longer, offering more opportunities for wildlife viewing and exploring the park's glaciers and fjords. These months also align with the peak tourist season, ensuring better access to tours, such as boat trips and guided hikes, and other outdoor activities.

Travel tips

• The weather can be unpredictable, so dress in layers, and include waterproof and windproof clothing. Don't forget sturdy, waterproof hiking boots.
• If you're hiking or camping, be bear-aware. Make noise while hiking, store food properly, and consider carrying bear spray.
• Bring enough water and snacks, as options for buying food and drinks inside the park are limited.
• The park offers breathtaking landscapes and wildlife photography opportunities. Early morning and late evening light are especially beautiful for photography.
• While there's a lot to do and see, don't forget to allocate time to simply relax and enjoy the natural beauty and tranquility of the park.