Kenai Fjords is all about remote rocks, mountains, and ice that meet the ocean, and the animals that live there. The park comprises 670,000 acres of the south coast and interior landmass of the Kenai Peninsula. The shore here is exposed to the Gulf of Alaska, whose wild, recurrent storms beat against the mountainous shore unbuffered by any landmass from the vast expanse of the Pacific to the south. Kenai Fjords was designated as national park in 1980. In 1976, when the National Park Service explored more than 650 miles of coastline, including the park area, they didn't find a single human being.

(Q.) Where is Kenai Fjords National Park located?

(A.) Kenai National Park is located at the head of Resurrection Bay, about 130 Miles South of Anchorage and accessible by road via the Seward Highway (2.5 Hours Driving Time)

(Q.) How to get to Kenai Fjords National Park?

(A.) The scenic Seward Highway provides easy road access to Seward with stopover possibiliities in Alyeska (visit Alaska’s largest Ski Area), along Turnaigain Arm and Portage Lake. Seward is also accessible with scheduled train services provided by the Alaska Railroad (4.5 Hours one way)

(Q.) How can I visit the National Park?

(A.) The only practical way for most visitors to see the deep fjords, spectacular tidewater glacier and abundant marine wildlife of this rugged and remote park is via one of the scheduled boat tours – ranging from a few hours to a full day. All tours are leaving the bustling harbor - located in the middle of the scenic community. Exit Glacier is just 13 miles from Seward and accessible by road. Many visitors are trying to see the park in a day, coming from Anchorage by train or road, touring the park by boat and returning in the evening to Anchorage. Thus, we do not recommend this because 1⁄2 day trips are barely leaving Resurrection Bay and you will not see the tidewater glaciers. This applies mainly for railroad passengers who are on a 16- hour marathon to the park and the 6-hour layover in Seward permits only shorter boat tours.

(Q.) What will I see in Kenai Fjords National Park?

(A.) Visitors will encounter huge glacier filled fjords, massive icebergs, wildlife, and majestic mountain scenery. HIghlights are: the magnificent Northwestern Fjord with 3 amazing tidewater glacier, Aialik Bay with its huge Holgate Glacier, Chiswell Islands with the largest bird rookeries in Alaska supporting 18 species with more than 50.000 seabirds. Don’t miss before/afterwards a visit at the Sealife Center – a cold water marine science facility, dedicated to understanding and maintaining the integrety of the marine ecosystem of Alaska.

(Q.) Will I see Wildlife?

(A.) Only a few places in the world may boast such a stunning concentration of wildlife as Kenai Fjords National Park and the adjoining islands of the Maritime National Wildlife Refuge.

Look for: Humpback Whales, Orca Whales, Harbor Seals, Steller Sea Lions, Sea Otters, Bald Eagles, Puffins, Porpoises and numerous species of Sea Birds. 

(Q.) How about Fishing?

(A.) There are countless options ranging from outstanding Silver Salmon fishing (the annual Silver Salmon Derby in August attracts anglers from around the world) to record size Pacific Halibut fishing. Licensed charterboats with a skipper and fishing gear are readily available for hire. Please inquire.

(Q.) How about Accommodation in Seward?

(A.) The community offers a large variety of hotels and B&B’s.

(Q.) What is the weather like?

(A.) Summer daytime temperatures range from 50° to 80° F. Although, periods of rainy, cool and overcast weather is common in Southcentral Alaska. Note: tour boats must venture from Resurrection Bay to the fjords into the unprotected waters of the Gulf of Alaska. Mostly the bay is calm but on a rough day rolling waves are inevitable and passenger may be uncomfortable dealing with seasickness

(Q.) What’s about Outdoor Activities?

(A.) There are a number of outfitters and soft-adventure companies operating kayak tours, Heli Hiking, Flightseeing and Hiking Tours. Please inquire.