Kenai Fjords National Park
A coastal Alaskan gem where glaciers meet the sea, offering breathtaking views and abundant wildlife encounters.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for photos
Kenai Fjords National Park
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A coastal Alaskan gem where glaciers meet the sea, offering breathtaking views and abundant wildlife encounters.
"This National Park was the highlight of my entire vacation. It is quintessential Alaska!"
🎯 Book Boat Tours Early
Secure your spot on popular tours like Major Marine to see glaciers & wildlife. Early booking can offer discounts.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Essential for hiking trails like Harding Icefield or for stability on boat decks.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Aialik Glacier
Aialik Bay
Witness the immense power of a tidewater glacier calving into the sea. A truly awe-inspiring spectacle of nature.
Harding Icefield Trail
Near Exit Glacier
Hike to breathtaking panoramic views of a vast icefield. A challenging but rewarding trek for avid hikers.
Wildlife Sightings
Resurrection Bay & Aialik Bay
Spot orcas, humpback whales, sea lions, puffins, and otters in their natural habitat. An unforgettable encounter.
+3
Holgate Glacier
Holgate Arm
Get up close to another active tidewater glacier, a highlight for many boat tours.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Boat Tour Early
Prepare for Alaskan Weather
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Boat Tours Early
Secure your spot on popular tours like Major Marine to see glaciers & wildlife. Early booking can offer discounts.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Essential for hiking trails like Harding Icefield or for stability on boat decks.
🧥 Pack Layers & Rain Gear
Alaskan weather is unpredictable. Be prepared for sun, wind, and rain.
🤢 Motion Sickness Prep
If prone to seasickness, take remedies before boat tours. Many find it helpful.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Boat Tours Early
Secure your spot on popular tours like Major Marine to see glaciers & wildlife. Early booking can offer discounts.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Essential for hiking trails like Harding Icefield or for stability on boat decks.
🧥 Pack Layers & Rain Gear
Alaskan weather is unpredictable. Be prepared for sun, wind, and rain.
🤢 Motion Sickness Prep
If prone to seasickness, take remedies before boat tours. Many find it helpful.
📸 Bring Your Camera
Capture stunning glacier views and abundant wildlife. Extra batteries are a good idea!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently rave about Kenai Fjords National Park, calling it a 'MUST SEE' and the 'highlight of my entire vacation.' The dramatic landscapes, stunning glaciers, and abundant wildlife, especially whales, are frequently praised. While some find the boat tours too short, the overall experience is described as 'amazing,' 'magical,' and 'quintessential Alaska.'
"6 hour boat tour wasn’t enough! We might come back here again for another one!! It was well worth it and amazing experience! If you book super early -you get a 10% for boat tours.
Glaciers tumble into the sea, and wildlife thrives in this coastal Alaskan park. Our boat tour from Seward allowed us to see whales, puffins, and massive tidewater glaciers. Later that day we Hiked the Exit Glacier Trail (2.2 mi). Summer is ideal; weather shifts quickly, so come prepared. Remote, cold, and stunning—it’s a full-on encounter with land, ice, and sea."
Marta Stashevska
"This is a MUST SEE National Park! Stunningly dramatic landscapes that are picture perfect, beautiful glaciers, plentiful wildlife. For me, this National Park was the highlight of my entire vacation. It is quintessential Alaska!
The best way to see the park will be to take a boat tour out of Seward. I recommend Major Marine Tours."
Bailey Jaworski
"Beautiful nation park that’s just a short drive outside of Seward. There are 2 loops you can do with the shorter loop being a mile and the longer being 3. My nephew and I were sort on time so we did the shorter route which is wheelchair accessible. Beautiful views of the glacier."
vu nguyen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The primary gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park is Seward, Alaska. You can fly into Anchorage International Airport (ANC) and then drive approximately 2.5-3 hours south via the scenic Seward Highway. Alternatively, you can take a bus or train from Anchorage to Seward. Most park experiences, especially boat tours, depart from Seward Harbor.
While you can drive to the park's entrance near Seward, most of Kenai Fjords National Park is only accessible by water. The Exit Glacier area is the main land-based access point, offering hiking trails.
The most popular and recommended way to experience Kenai Fjords National Park is by taking a boat tour from Seward. Kayaking and helicopter tours are also options for a more immersive experience.
The drive from Anchorage to Seward typically takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic and stops. The Seward Highway is known for its stunning scenery, so allow extra time for photos.
Yes, you can take a bus or train from Anchorage to Seward. The Alaska Railroad offers a scenic journey, and various bus companies also provide service.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Kenai Fjords National Park does not charge an entrance fee. However, you will need to pay for specific activities like boat tours, kayaking excursions, or any guided tours.
Boat tour prices vary depending on the duration and company. A 6-hour tour with Major Marine Tours, for example, can range from $150-$250 per person. Booking in advance might offer discounts.
It's highly recommended to book your boat tour in advance, especially during the peak summer season (July and August), as tours can sell out. Some companies offer early bird discounts.
As a national park, Kenai Fjords is open year-round. However, most visitor services and tour operators run seasonally, typically from May through September.
Some tour operators offer discounts for booking early or for specific groups. Checking directly with companies like Major Marine Tours for any available promotions is a good idea.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The absolute must-do is a boat tour to see glaciers and wildlife like whales and puffins. Hiking the Harding Icefield Trail or exploring the Exit Glacier area are also highly recommended. Kayaking offers a unique perspective.
You have a great chance of spotting orcas, humpback whales, sea lions, harbor seals, sea otters, and various seabirds like puffins. Keep an eye out during boat tours!
While motion sickness can occur, many visitors find the cruises manageable with proper precautions. The sea conditions can vary, so taking remedies is advised, especially for those with toddlers.
Yes, the most famous is the Harding Icefield Trail, a strenuous hike with incredible glacier views. The Exit Glacier area also offers shorter, more accessible trails, including a paved loop.
Yes, families can enjoy Kenai Fjords. Shorter boat tours and the accessible trails around Exit Glacier are good options. However, be prepared for potential motion sickness on boat tours, especially with very young children.
📸 📸 Photography
The dramatic glaciers calving into the sea, diverse marine wildlife (whales, puffins, sea lions), and the vast expanse of the Harding Icefield offer incredible photographic moments.
Early mornings and late afternoons often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Summer mornings offer beautiful light over the glaciers.
A telephoto lens is great for wildlife, while a wide-angle lens is perfect for capturing the grandeur of the glaciers and landscapes. A sturdy tripod can be useful for low-light conditions.
Absolutely! Boat tours offer fantastic vantage points for photographing glaciers and wildlife. Just be mindful of the movement of the boat and protect your gear from sea spray. +1
Generally, photography is allowed throughout the park. However, always be respectful of wildlife and maintain a safe distance. Avoid disturbing the natural environment for a photo.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing binoculars for the kids to spot wildlife from the boat. The sheer scale of the glaciers and the chance to see whales can be awe-inspiring for all ages. The park's natural beauty provides a fantastic educational opportunity about glaciers and marine ecosystems.
💰 Budget Travelers
Look for early bird discounts on boat tours if your budget allows for one splurge. Some companies offer slightly shorter or less comprehensive tours at a lower price point. Packing your own food and drinks for any excursions can also help save money. Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (May or September) when prices for accommodations and tours might be lower.
🚶♀️ Solo Adventurers
The Harding Icefield Trail provides a challenging and solitary hiking experience with immense personal satisfaction upon reaching the summit. For a truly unique solo adventure, consider a guided kayaking trip, which allows for deep immersion in the park's remote beauty.
You can also explore the Exit Glacier area at your own pace, taking in the stunning glacial landscapes. The park's raw, natural beauty is perfect for introspection and adventure.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Kenai Fjords by Boat
+2 You can expect to see glaciers like Aialik and Holgate, and keep your eyes peeled for orcas, humpback whales, sea lions, otters, and puffins. +3When choosing a tour, consider the length and the specific areas you want to explore. Longer tours generally allow for more wildlife sightings and closer glacier views. Some tours even offer the unique experience of hearing and seeing glaciers calve, a truly powerful natural event.
For a more intimate experience, kayaking tours are also available, allowing you to paddle among icebergs and get even closer to the natural environment. These are often guided and require a good level of physical fitness.
Hiking Adventures at Exit Glacier
For a more challenging and rewarding experience, the Harding Icefield Trail is a must-do for serious hikers. This strenuous 8.2-mile roundtrip hike climbs over 3,000 feet to offer breathtaking panoramic views of the massive Harding Icefield, one of the largest subpolar ice fields in North America. The effort is well worth the unforgettable vistas.
Hikers should be prepared for steep ascents, changing weather conditions, and carry plenty of water and snacks.When visiting Exit Glacier, remember that the glacier's edge has receded significantly over the years due to climate change. Interpretive signs along the trails help explain this phenomenon and the park's ecological recovery.
Wildlife Encounters in Kenai Fjords
+4Beyond the whales, keep an eye out for sea lions basking on rocky shores, playful sea otters floating on their backs, and harbor seals. The skies are equally active, with numerous seabirds, most notably the charismatic puffins, often seen during boat tours.
To maximize your chances of seeing wildlife, booking a boat tour is highly recommended, as guides are experts at locating these animals. The summer months, particularly July and August, are generally considered the best time for wildlife viewing.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit