Tidewater glaciers, fjords, and abundant marine wildlife just outside Seward, one of the more accessible Alaska parks thanks to boat tours right from town.

Park Pass

Join the National Parks Club

Summer

A single day boat tour covers the highlights, while 1 to 3 lets you add hiking near Exit Glacier.

No special permit is required for general visits.

Seward is the gateway town, right at the park's edge with boat tours departing from the harbor.

There's no entrance fee — Kenai Fjords is free to visit.

Why Visit?:

Kenai Fjords is one of the more accessible Alaska parks, thanks to boat tours departing right from the town of Seward — no bush plane required, just a short drive and a boat ride to see tidewater glaciers, fjords, and abundant marine wildlife. It's a great introduction to Alaska's glacier scenery for visitors who don't want the logistics of a fully remote park.

Whales, sea otters, puffins, and sea lions are all common sightings on the boat tours, making this as much a wildlife trip as a glacier one.

Things to Do:

A boat tour out of Seward into the fjords is the essential Kenai Fjords experience, with regular sightings of humpback whales, orcas, and puffins along the way. Exit Glacier, the park's only road-accessible section, offers an easy trail right up to the glacier's edge without needing a boat at all.

For a longer visit, the strenuous Harding Icefield Trail climbs above Exit Glacier to sweeping views over the massive icefield that feeds most of the park's glaciers.

Get the Full Itinerary

Closest airports: Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) is the main gateway, about a 2.5-hour drive to Seward, one of the more scenic drives in Alaska in its own right.

Nearby Attractions:

The town of Seward itself offers whale watching, a well-regarded SeaLife Center, and a charming small-town harbor worth a few hours beyond the park visit.