A Vacation Wonderland

Imagine crystal clear blue waters, regal mountains, imposing glaciers, clear skies studded with stars and snow glistening in the sunlight. Welcome to Seward, a veritable scenic paradise. This picturesque town is one of Alaska’s oldest and most charming communities. With its spectacular landscapes, teeming marine life, lively annual festivals and events and glacier and wildlife cruises, Seward offers you an enchanting vacation. Are you covered with Travel Insurance?

Outdoor Adventure

Regardless of when you visit, it will always be a good time for fishing. The giant Pacific Halibut, the agile Silver Salmon, the Lingcod and the renowned Alaskan King Salmon challenge anglers. If grappling with marine life is not your cup of tea, perhaps a scenic drive to nearby Exit Glacier will prove more enticing. This is one of the few glaciers in the state that can be approached from land. You can walk along a paved path to view parts of the gigantic Harding Ice Field. Measuring 35 by 20 miles, this remnant from the Ice Age and the largest ice field within US Borders is truly an awe-inspiring sight. Though the magnificence of this attraction may seem hard to match, Seward still has plenty more to offer. You can spend a fascinating afternoon at the Alaska Sea life Center with its interesting blend of marine studies and visitor education. Observe ongoing cold-water research and enjoy the playful sea lions, seals and puffins.

The National Park

The Kenai Fjords National Park, one of the most popular attractions, encompasses more than 600,000 acres of pristine wilderness on the southeast coast of Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula. You can see some of the area’s wildlife including otters, orcas, puffins, bear, moose and mountain goats, amidst an ever-changing landscape. What is particularly unique about this area is its constant reshaping by storms, earthquakes and glaciers. You can view the ocean, ice and mountains in the same sweep of the eye! The park can be seen from Exit Glacier, but a day boat cruise allows you to fully savor the abundant marine wildlife, dramatic fjords, and spectacular glaciers.

Exciting Annual Events

Seward has several annual events that are crowd pullers every year. You can climb the 3022 feet high Mount Marathon any time of the year, but it’s the 4th of July Mount Marathon race that is the most exciting. Another popular annual event is the Seward Silver Salmon Derby where anglers from all over the world gather and compete for awards. Do a good deed by taking a plunge into Resurrection Bay at the Seward Polar Bear Jumpoff Festival. Benefits from the “Plunge” go to the American Cancer Society. The Annual Holiday Train to Seward replete with caroling, storytelling and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus is another great annual family attraction. The Harbor Opening Weekend held in May, celebrates the coastal spirit with boat races, parades, boat decorating and much more.

Entertainment!

Less boisterous entertainment can also be found in the town. Seward is part of the Kenai Peninsula and Kenai is one of Alaska’s oldest communities. With over 3000 artifacts, including photographs, native baskets and carvings, the Seward Museum highlights the town’s history from its founding in 1903 through World War II and the 1964 earthquake. Tiny Hope, one of Alaska’s best preserved gold rush communities, still has several of the old mining buildings, standing despite the earthquake. After an enlightening day of sightseeing enjoy some fresh salmon at one of the great eateries in town and then head to a local bar to sample some of the craft brews from the Alaskan Brewing Company. 

Whether you are hiking or camping at Chugach National Forest, taking a cruise on Resurrection Bay, whale watching or taking a “flightseeing” safari, your vacation in Seward is bound to transport you into an enchanting wonderland.