3 Great Ways to See Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska

Over half of the area in Kenai Fjords National Park is covered by ice! 

Just Imagine a journey through a pristine wilderness, where icy blue glaciers meet towering cliffs, and abundant wildlife thrives in its natural habitat.

The Kenai Fjords National Park has nearly 200 different kinds of bird species, around 30 land mammals, and 40 species of marine and freshwater fish!

Experience Kenai Fjords National Park on Your Terms

Alaska's Kenai Fjords National Park is over 600,000 acres! That's a lot of ground to cover so I'm going to give you my top 3 ways to experience the Kenai Fjords National Park.

1) Boat Tour:
Book a boat cruise and sit back and wait for the views to amaze you. Experience the park's wonders from the water, witnessing glaciers calving and spotting marine wildlife like whales and seals.

I still have yet to catch a boat tour with an amazing sighting of the humpback whales and orcas.


2) Hiking:
Take a hike and explore the park by foot. You can traverse scenic trails through ancient forests and alpine meadows, offering panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and fjords.

3) Helicopter Tour: Soar above Kenai Fjords National Park for a bird's-eye view of its dramatic landscapes, including glaciers, fjords, and rugged coastline.

Explore Kenai Fjords National Park by Boat

The Kenai Fjords National Park is a nature lover's paradise, where every turn reveals a new marvel.

Keep your eyes peeled for bald eagles soaring overhead, and maybe even a chance encounter with a curious harbor seal peeking above the waterline. The untouched wilderness and raw beauty of this place instill a sense of awe and respect for the natural world.

Setting sail from Seward

Your adventure begins in the charming coastal town of Seward, situated on the Kenai Peninsula, just a few hours' drive from Anchorage.

As you board the boat, anticipation builds as you prepare for a journey into one of the last unspoiled frontiers of the world.

Typically, there are seats inside the boat which is great for getting a break from the chilly weather. However, be sure to walk outside and take in the scenery with the wind in your face. I know it's cold, but the views are worth it.

Plus, it's easier to spot the seals when you're outside looking for them!

As your boat glides gently through Resurrection Bay, you are met with breathtaking views of the rugged coastline.

Keep your eyes open to see all the animals

The Kenai Fjords National Park is a beautiful spot for animal lovers! It's a is a haven for diverse animal life, showcasing the wonders of the natural world, both on land and in the sea.

Among its charismatic inhabitants are the playful sea otters. These animals may just be my favorite. To me, they seem to add an extra layer of charm to this breathtaking landscape.

One of my favorite parts of the boat cruise in Kenai Fjords National Park is catching a view of theses animals on the rocks.

These adorable creatures are known for their remarkable abilities, such as using tools to crack open shellfish and for their ingenious floating 'rafts' made of kelp to rest upon while they eat and groom.

Sea otters are also crucial to the health of the marine ecosystem, as they help control sea urchin populations, which in turn prevents overgrazing of kelp forests.

Their playful antics and vital ecological role make them a beloved icon of Kenai Fjords National Park, capturing the hearts of visitors and researchers alike.

The Kenai Fjords Tours with their boat cruise takes your experience of the park to the next level. I recommend this link to book your tour early!

Up Close Views of Glaciers in Kenai Fjords National Park

Many people talk about the wildlife encounters of Alaska but make no mistake the glacier encounters are just as thrilling. The boat cruise brings you face-to-face with some of the park's most iconic tidewater glaciers.

I absolutely loved Aialik Glacier. There's something about being so close to this glacier that you just have no choice but to marvel at the view. This colossal glacier is an ever-changing mass of ice that cracks as it pushes forward, creating waves going far out into the water.

You get to witness the powerful calving of ice chunks into the ocean with your eyes and hear the sounds as the glacier shifts.

Exploring the Kenai Fjords from Seward on a boat cruise is an experience that will stay etched in your memory forever. From the monumental glaciers to the abundant wildlife, every aspect of this journey is fantastic.

Go and experience these views for yourself!

Hiking in Kenai Fjords

I'm convinced that no matter how much hiking I do in Alaska, I can never get bored. There truly is so much to explore in this amazing state.

One of my favorite glaciers to hike to has to be none other than Exit Glacier. At Exit Glacier, the most accessible glacier in the park, visitors can embark on a captivating journey along the Glacier Overlook Trail.

Most of the United State's glaciers are located in Alaska, and Exit Glacier is one of the only ones in Kenai Fjords National Park that is accessible by vehicle. If you want more views of the glacier, you will have to take a hike. Read more about Exit Glacier here!

Exploring Kenai Fjords National Park by Helicopter Ride

If you're not feeling up to hiking or just want a different experience entirely, a helicopter ride might just be the perfect solution for you.

Picture this! You're soaring above Kenai Fjords in a helicopter, and suddenly, the world below transforms into a breathtaking tapestry of glaciers, peaks, and fjords, all within arm's reach. With a front row seat, you've got quite the view.

But wait, there's more! As you hover above, keep your eyes peeled for the park's elusive inhabitants. From bears ambling through meadows to majestic eagles soaring overhead, the aerial perspective offers a thrilling opportunity to spot wildlife in their natural habitat.

And if you catch it at the right time, you might even catch a glimpse of whales breaching in the waters below, adding an extra dash of excitement to your adventure.

And let's talk comfort. In the cozy confines of the helicopter's cabin, you're treated to panoramic views through large windows, all while reclining in plush seats.

It's not just a ride. It's a journey in style, where every moment is about savoring the awe-inspiring scenery and indulging in the luxury of the experience.

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~Mary
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