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Kenai Fjords National Park is more than 600,000 acres and is outside of the harbour town of Seward. It was formed in 1980 to protect some of Alaska’s most impressive landscapes shaped by glaciers. Around half of the park is covered in snow and ice, and the Harding Icefield is over 700 square miles in size. A vast ice field forms the base of forty tidewater glaciers that flow from the mountains to the sea. These glaciers have shaped the park’s unique u-shaped slopes over time, filled with water to make beautiful fjords.
Location
Photo: Enrico Blasutto / Wikimedia Commons
Kenai Fjords National Park is located on the southeast side of the Kenai Peninsula, at the southernmost point of Alaska. It is the 17th biggest park in the United States and the smallest in Alaska, covering 1,046.9 square miles (2,711.3 square km).
How To Reach
Photo: Ferdinand31618 / Wikimedia Commons
By Road: Kenai Fjords National Park is 126 miles south of Anchorage, and driving there takes about 2.5 hours. If you have a car, you can move to the park and stop at other unique Alaskan places.
By Train: You can take the Alaska Railroad from Anchorage to Seward with a train. The station is close to the harbour in Seward. The train leaves Anchorage at 6:45 a.m. and gets to Seward at 11:15 a.m., taking 4 hours and 30 minutes.
By Air: A direct trip is the fastest way to get to Seward. From Anchorage, Seward Air Taxi can take you to the Seward.
Places To Visit In And Around Kenai Fjords National Park
Explore Kenai Fjords National Park’s stunning glaciers, vibrant wildlife, and scenic hiking trails, along with nearby attractions given below:
1. Exit Glacier
Photo: Reywas92 / Wikimedia Commons
Exit Glacier is one of the most accessible glaciers in Kenai Fjords National Park. Here, tourists can get close to the unique ice formations. Many trails, from easy walks to more challenging hikes, lead to fantastic lookout places where you can see the glacier slowly melting. There are educational displays about glaciology in the tourist centre. For those who like to take a more daring approach, the Harding Icefield Trail offers stunning views of the glacier and its landscapes.
Timings: 7:30 AM – 11 AM, 6 PM – 9:30 PM
Entry Fee: NA
2. Harding Icefield
Photo: Sujohn Das / Wikimedia Commons
The Harding Icefield covers 1,000 square miles and feeds more than 30 glaciers. It is the largest ice field in the United States. If you walk to the Harding Icefield, you’ll see glaciers, valleys, and sharp hills, as well as some of the most dramatic views in the park. The Harding Icefield Trail is a challenging hike that rewards adventurers with stunning views of the ice field, a pristine, frozen landscape unlike any other. It’s an authentic Alaskan adventure for experienced hikers, taking them deep into one of Earth’s most beautiful natural settings.
Timings: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Entry Fee: NA
3. Resurrection Bay
Photo: Enrico Blasutto / Wikimedia Commons
Outside of Seward, in Resurrection Bay, you can see one of the most beautiful parts of Kenai Fjords National Park. Tall mountains, thick woods, and sea life surround the bay, wherein visitors can do many things, such as fishing, kayaking, watching wildlife, and taking scenic trips. Wildlife like humpback whales, sea lions, and harbour seals can also be seen in significant numbers in the bay. With its calm waters and beautiful scenery, Resurrection Bay is perfect for people who want to rest and go on adventures in the Kenai Fjords.
4. Bear Glacier
Photo: NPS Photo / Jim Pfeiffenberger / Wikimedia Commons
Bear Glacier is a massive tidewater glacier that runs right into the water of Resurrection Bay, making for a dramatic scene with its blue ice and high cliffs. The glacier can only be reached through organised boat tours. Reaching Bear Glacier presents more of a challenge compared to other destinations, yet the effort is undoubtedly worthwhile for adventure-seekers. Kayakers often go into the glaciers to take a closer look at its vast icebergs and surrounding pristine countryside.
Timings: 9:15 AM – 5:30 PM
Entry Fee: NA
Where To Stay
Photo: Derek Jensen / Wikimedia Commons
Seward is the most popular place to stay while visiting Kenai Fjords National Park. There are many places to stay, from cosy hotels and cabins to campgrounds like the Seward Waterfront Park. For a more immersive experience, you might want to stay at the Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge, which you can get to by boat and is in a rural, beautiful area while still being close to the park. Backcountry camping is also offered for visitors who want to be outside and be alone with nature.
Where To Eat
Photo: Jon Konrath / Wikimedia Commons
There are many places to eat in Seward, near Kenai Fjords National Park. You can get fresh fish at The Salmon Bake or Ray’s Waterfront, which has beautiful views and local food. Seward Brewing Company serves craft beer and pub food for a relaxing meal. The Cookery serves refined meals made with local ingredients for a more upscale experience, while The Chattermark has a cosy feel and serves delicious breakfast and lunch.
Best Time To Visit
Photo: BMacZeroBot / Wikimedia Commons
Visit Kenai Fjords National Park throughout the summer, specifically from June to August, for the best experience. The area has longer daylight hours, clear hiking trails, and a wide range of animals during this time. Alaska’s summer is short, so there are a lot of tourists during that time. This means that hotels and restaurants in the area are busier than usual. The park is open all year, but services and entry are limited between May and September and in the winter when snow blocks many of the roads for cars.
Other Factors To Consider
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Photo: BMacZeroBot / Wikimedia Commons
These are other things to consider if you want to go to Kenai Fjords National Park.
Average Cost Of A Trip
Plan to travel can affect the average cost of a trip to Kenai Fjords National Park. For a journey that doesn’t break the bank, plan to spend ₹8,435 to ₹12,652 per day on camping, food, and park fees. Prices for guided tours like boat rides and kayaking range from ₹8,438 to ₹16,877 per person.
Tips For Travellers
- Busy tours like boat rides and glacier walks can fill up quickly, especially in the summer. Make sure you have a spot ahead of time.
- Alaska’s weather can change quickly. Pack clothes to stay warm in different temperatures and waterproof gear in case it rains or snows.
- Kenai Fjords is famous for its wildlife and beautiful scenery, so don’t miss the chance to take pictures of the views and wildlife you see.
- To help protect the park’s natural beauty, avoid animals and follow the “Leave No Trace” rules.
- Outside of Seward, you may not be able to get as much gas, food or supplies. Plan for things that will take you to remote areas, like kayaking or hiking.
Beautiful landscapes, wildlife, and exciting outdoor activities make Kenai Fjords National Park a place you’ll never forget. The park has something special for every kind of tourist. Book your trip with TripXL in advance. Your visit to this Alaskan gem will leave you with unforgettable memories. Experience the park’s stunning natural beauty and rugged charm, ensuring a trip full of adventure and lasting impressions.
Cover Photo: Ovedc / Wikimedia Commons
