Get off the beaten track in Seward, an action-packed city on Resurrection Bay. Rugged mountains, temperate rainforests and wide-open skies frame the port city. Shop in the historic downtown district, dine at harbourside restaurants and explore the legendary Kenai Fjords National Park.
Things to do in Seward
Downtown Seward has remained virtually untouched since its railroad heyday. Stroll along Main Street and admire frontier-era buildings, some more than 100 years old. Enjoy coffee and gooey cinnamon rolls at a cosy café and browse gift shops and galleries stocked with pieces by local Alaskan artists.
Tour boats depart from the harbour and take you to Kenai Fjords National Park. Sightseeing cruises take you deep into the national park, where you can see breaching whales, nesting puffins and noisy groups of sea lions basking on the rocks. Sea kayaking tours are a great option for adventurous travellers.
Hike to the foot of Exit Glacier and gaze up at the enormous expanse of ice. The glacier is one of the only sections of Kenai Fjords National Park with road access. Up for an adventure? Guided hikes along the Harding Icefield Trail start on the valley floor and take you high above the tree line. The views across the millennia-old icefield are spectacular.
Learn about cold-water ecosystems at the Alaska Sealife Centre. The world-class aquarium features crystalline tanks filled with seals, starfish and octopus. Pick up colourful anemones from the touch tank and upgrade your visit with behind-the-scenes encounters like puffin feeding.
Whether you’re craving Alaskan salmon or authentic Indian, you’ll find restaurants for every occasion in Seward. Seafood is a specialty and features heavily on most menus. You’ll find some of the best eateries clustered around the Small-Boat Harbor.
Getting around Seward
Seward is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot, while free shuttles operate across the city. Anchorage is a 2.5-hour drive away and 4.5 hours by train. Rental cars offer the freedom to visit Seward and explore surrounding sights and attractions at your own pace.