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Overview

Located on the Kenai Peninsula two hours south of Anchorage, this small town occupies a narrow valley at the head of Resurrection Bay. Mountains rise on both sides and most of the surrounding lands lie within rugged Kenai Fjords National Park and Chugach National Forest. Seward is a starting (or ending) point for many cruise ship tours to Alaska, and serves as the southern terminus of the Alaska Railroad. Downtown, the Alaska SeaLife Center is a regional draw, with informative exhibits and large aquariums filled with all sorts of fascinating creatures, including playful harbor seals, deep-diving puffins, and 1,500-pound sea lions. Campsites, ...

Located on the Kenai Peninsula two hours south of Anchorage, this small town occupies a narrow valley at the head of Resurrection Bay. Mountains rise on both sides and most of the surrounding lands lie within rugged Kenai Fjords National Park and Chugach National Forest. Seward is a starting (or ending) point for many cruise ship tours to Alaska, and serves as the southern terminus of the Alaska Railroad. Downtown, the Alaska SeaLife Center is a regional draw, with informative exhibits and large aquariums filled with all sorts of fascinating creatures, including playful harbor seals, deep-diving puffins, and 1,500-pound sea lions. Campsites, lodging, and reasonably priced restaurants are right in the heart of town, and Seward's silver salmon fishing derby is one of Alaska's largest. Several local companies lead boat tours to Resurrection Bay and Kenai Fjords, with the chance to see humpback and killer whales, sea otters, puffins, and sea lions. Kayakers can explore nearby islands, or get dropped off at remote cabins for a real wilderness adventure. Hikers can saunter the short trail to Exit Glacier or climb onto the massive Harding Icefield which rises just west of town.

Don Pitcher
About the Expert

Don Pitcher has written or photographed 10 travel guidebooks to Alaska, Wyoming, Yellowstone-Grand Teton, and the San Juan Islands for Avalon Travel Publishing, Random House, and Sasquatch Books.

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— Don Pitcher for Triporati

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Facts at a Glance

Climate

  • Best Time to Visit:

    Most activities and tours operate mid-May to mid-September.