Be sure to check out our 2 Week Alaska Itinerary and the Alaska page for other ideas around the best things to do in Kenai Fjords National Park!
*Last updated March 17, 2024
Best Things to Do in Kenai Fjords National Park
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How Long to Stay at Kenai Fjords National Park
We spent 2 nights and 3 days in the area. The first day, we arrived from the Valdez ferry and stopped for a dog sled tour. The second day, we visited the national park to hike Exit Glacier. Finally, on the third day, we did a glacier cruise to Aialik Bay/Holgate Glacier.
Kenai Fjords National Park
Kenai Fjords NP is an easy stop as it is only about 125 driving miles from Anchorage. Additionally, the nearby town of Seward area has multiple options for staying overnight, hiking Exit glacier, taking a cruise to the Kenai Fjords glaciers or touring a dog sled training facility.
Below I’ve highlighted some of the things we did during our time in Kenai Fjords and around the town of Seward.
Lastly, this is bear country and they are frequently spotted on this trail so you need to be alert. We saw a mother and her cubs, which was fun (from a distance).
Kenai Fjords National Park
Exit Glacier is sometimes referred to as a “drive-up glacier” due to its easy access. From the visitor center, there is a 1 mile loop hike that has an additional 1.2 roundtrip trail to an overlook.
For more ambitious hikers, consider the Harding Ice Field Trail. It is an 8.2 mile round-trip hike that will take you up to sweeping views of the enormous Harding Ice Field that supplies all of the areas glaciers. I think that active teenagers would be fine to do this hike. Additionally, make sure to check with the visitor center in advance to find out times for their free, ranger-guided tours.
Be aware that the Harding Ice Field trail conditions can vary. Even in July the trail was covered in snow due to a large late-winter snowstorm. Also, wear hiking shoes or boots. I wore gym shoes and they were soaked from the melting snow by the end of the day.
Glacier Cruise
There are numerous cruise operators in the Kenai Fjords area. We took a cruise with Major Marine Tours to Aialik Glacier and Holgate Glacier.
The 7.5 hour cruise visits tidewater glaciers, which you can view from the ship. Without a doubt, it is impressive to see the glacial ice calve into the sea. Additionally, there is a who guide narrates the tour and discusses the area as you cruise through the bay.
On the trip you will have opportunities to see different types of wildlife. Also, we were able to view whales, sealion colonies and groups of puffins along the rocks.
I have heard some people say that you can get “glacier fatigue”. Honestly, I never lost the feeling of awe seeing these wonderous natural monuments. However, I do realize that it would be quite an expensive trip for a family so if budget is a concern, make sure to at least visit Exit Glacier.
Dog Sled Tour
Out of Seward we visited Seavey’s Ididaride Tours. The 1.5 hour tour includes viewing of the dog camps, a history of the Iditarod and, in the summer, a wheeled sled pulled by a pack of sled dogs.
Just be aware that these are working dogs. In contrast to your average lap dog, these dogs are kept in outdoor crates, tied with a short leash to keep the dogs from fighting with each other. Additionally, they can “run” in circles for exercise. However, they really seemed excited to have the chance to get out and run with the sled. The summer sled is okay (and the way they train). However, I have to imagine a winter tour on the snow would be more exhilarating and authentic.
If you are a fan of the Iditarod or have an fascination with sled dogs then it is worth a stop. However, if time or money are an issue and you are trying to pick between a glacier cruise or the dog tour, I’d go with the glacier cruise.
Car Ferry From Whittier to Valdez
We visited Wrangell St Elias NP, stopped down to Valdez for kayaking, and then took the ferry from Valdez to Whittier. If you were to go to Seward first, you could go the counterclockwise the opposite direction from Whittier to Valdez.
It is a nice option to load your car or RV and head over to Valdez for hiking at Columbia Glacier. Not only is it a time saver from driving, but it is also a beautiful trip. Along with the beautiful scenery, you are likely to see some wildlife, like sea lions and whales.
Changing Landscapes
The area is rapidly changing and sadly about two-thirds of the glaciers are receding. Furthermore, you can compare the changes to Pederson Glacier over the last 100 years in the pictures to see how quickly these glaciers have changed.
Also Consider Nearby
Be sure to check out our 2 week Alaska itinerary! Additionally, consider taking the Ferry to from Whittier to Valdez and visit Valdez to kayak Columbia Glacier. In addition, visit this site’s main Alaska region page for more options.