Kenai Fjords National Park

The most popular way to visit the park is on a Kenai Fjords National Park cruise through the protected waters of the northwestern fjord. Join a whale-watching day cruise through Aialik Bay to spot humpback whales and other marine wildlife, as the park's icy waters and dense woodlands are home to numerous species of native animals. Adventurous visitors can take an aerial tour of the park to admire the Aialik Glacier from above, kayak on the fjords, hike to the top of the 8.2-mile (13.2-kilometer) Harding Icefield Trail, explore the trails around Exit Glacier, and go fishing in the park's backcountry.

• To visit the park on a cruise, choose a full-day or a half-day excursion.

• Many cruises offer a buffet lunch option; sample Alaska salmon and other local delicacies for an upgraded price.

• Bring a camera to snap memorable photos of Resurrection Bay's rugged coastline and wildlife.

• Even in summer, the weather can be fickle. Be prepared by bringing a light hooded jacket, or warmer layers in cooler months.

• Most fjords cruises are wheelchair accessible, but it's best to check in advance.

Kenai Fjords National Park is located just outside of Seward in southcentral Alaska, 126 miles (203 kilometers) south of Anchorage. By car, take Seward Highway (AK-1) south from Anchorage. It will become AK-9 around mile 35 (87 miles/140 kilometers from Anchorage), with AK-1 heading to Homer and Kenai. Continue on AK-9 to Seward. The Alaska Railroad connects Anchorage to Seward during the summer months (May through September).

The best time to visit Kenai Fjords National Park is between May and September, when the weather cooperates to provide views of the surrounding glaciers (including the impressive Bear Glacier) and mountains—and to be warm enough for visitors to want to be outdoors. Although the park is often inaccessible during the winter months, Seward is accessible year-round via the Seward Highway, a National Scenic Byway.

A cruise is the best way to get your fill of wildlife viewing, as the park's waters and forests are home to mountain goats, black bears, bald eagles, harbor seals, sea lions, puffins, porpoises, and humpback and orca whales. Along most cruise routes you'll have the chance to see abundant wildlife like whales, sea otters, Dall's porpoises, eagles, mountain goats, and many types of seabirds. Cape Resurrection, at the end of Resurrection Bay, is home to both Steller sea lions and thousands of nesting seabirds. Most boats stop close to the sea lion colonies and seabird rookeries, providing excellent photo opportunities.

A Kenai Fjords National Park tour in Alaska can run anywhere from four to eight hours depending on whether you’ve booked a half- or full-day tour. Snowmobile tours are usually shorter, while cruises generally last longer. No matter what tour you choose, you’re sure to spot wildlife within the park.

No, you can’t drive through Kenai Fjords National Park like other national parks in the US. You can drive to it, but because the park is mostly ice and water, you’ll need to explore on a boat or kayak, hike through the park, or take a helicopter tour.

The best time to visit Kenai Fjords National Park is in summer, June–August. In winter, it can be dark and extremely cold with temperatures dropping far below freezing, with many of the main attractions closed due to snowfall. From September–May, expect reduced park hours.

No, you don’t need to book Kenai Fjords National Park tickets in advance of your visit because the park doesn’t take reservations and there is no admission fee. Planning ahead for excursions is always a good idea though, especially if you want to take a tour that might sell out.

You’ll need two to three days to explore the full beauty of Kenai Fjords National Park. Having more than one day within the park leaves enough time to take a cruise, visit Exit Glacier, and hike trails, such as Harding Icefield Trailhead, or do other outdoor excursions like ice climbing.

Dressing in layers is key when visiting Kenai Fjords National Park, and if you’re going in summer, bring a rain jacket and water-resistant boots as the weather can turn overcast and wet. Because the weather is rarely above 70°F (21°C), you’ll want warm clothes, such as gloves and a beanie.