There are so many things to do in Seward, Alaska! You can go Whale watching, hike Iditarod Trail, and see the Iditarod, and you can even enjoy the sea life center. If you’re unsure of what to do, these tips are perfect for you.
Whale watching
One of the most exciting activities in Alaska is whale watching, and there are many places in the area where you can see them. One of the most popular places is Seward, which is a great place to take a wildlife cruise. The local captains are skilled in spotting whales and will navigate the boat safely near them. The most common types of whales you may see near Seward include humpback and killer whales. But you may also see fin whales, gray whales, and minke whales during certain seasons.
If you are looking for wildlife in Seward, you will find that this is one of the best places in the world to see these amazing creatures. You can watch humpback whales year-round and also see Orcas that migrate to Hawaii for the winter. While you are on the boat, you can also take in beautiful scenery and view rock formations and glaciers. You can also catch a glimpse of sea otters, Steller sea lions, and other animals.
Many whale watching companies offer a variety of whale watching tours. Some offer one-day trips while others operate on a liveaboard concept. Make sure to choose a tour company with a conservationist attitude. You should choose a company that follows strict rules regarding the way whales are treated, and do not approach them from the back or front of the boat.
Exit Glacier
Exit Glacier is a must-see attraction when visiting Seward, Alaska. Located in the Kenai Fjords National Park, the Exit Glacier trail takes visitors up close to a massive glacier. Hiking trails in this park lead to spectacular views of the glacier’s retreat and active state. While visiting the Exit Glacier, be sure to take time to learn about the glacier’s history.
The Exit Glacier hike begins at the parking lot at the end of the road and includes a one-mile loop. This trail is wheelchair accessible. You can also choose to hike the challenging Harding Icefield Trail, which is more difficult. The hiking trail is 2.2 miles round-trip, and has about 300 feet of elevation gain.
Hiking the Exit Glacier glaciers is an adventurous experience. You can hike the glaciers with a professional guide. While the hike is short, it requires a lot of physical fitness and experience. To experience this activity, you will need to hire a professional guide and be prepared to spend at least eight hours on a hiking tour.
You can also take an ice climbing excursion. The hike starts with a short walk along the Harding Icefield Trail and culminates with a rappel into the deep blue crevasses. This excursion requires six to eight hours and will allow you to take in the spectacular views of Exit Glacier.
Iditarod Trail
There are several places to visit in Southeast Alaska that are popular with tourists. In addition to the Iditarod Trail, tourists can enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities. For example, the city of Nome is famous for its gold mines and Inupiat Eskimo culture. There are also numerous hiking trails in the area.
The famous Iditarod trail consists of two parts, the northern and southern routes. The northern route follows a 352-mile (566-km) trail that divides in Ophir and then rejoins in Kaltag. The southern route was added to the Iditarod in 1977 to reduce the impact on small villages. The southern trail also passes through the historic town of Iditarod.
After its victory in 1985, the Iditarod began receiving international attention. A long-shot named Libby Riddles won the race and was soon followed by Susan Butcher. Television and print media converge on the trail and the checkpoints.
If you’re an avid musher, then the Iditarod Trail is a must-see destination. This trail stretches over ninety miles, and features spectacular scenery. It also features abundant wildlife and is easily accessible from Anchorage.
If you’re looking for something outdoorsy, the Misty Fjords National Monument is just 22 miles east of Ketchikan. It’s the largest wilderness area in the state, covering 2.3 million acres of Tongass National Forest. It features steep fjords and sea cliffs and is covered with dense rain forests. You’ll find waterfalls and other natural sights that make the Misty Fjords an ideal spot to go hiking or skiing.
SeaLife Center
The Alaska SeaLife Center combines marine research, public education, and public access in one unique facility. Its aquarium features many rare fish, animals, and birds from the region, including puffins, green sea urchins, and a giant Pacific octopus. Visitors can interact with these creatures and learn about their natural habitats. Other hands-on exhibits include a Steller sea lion exclusive and an ice seal adventure.
The Alaska SeaLife Center is one of the best places in Seward to experience marine life close-up. It offers spectacular views of Seward Bay and the surrounding area. It also has knowledgeable staff who can answer questions. Visitors can touch, feel, and even feed sea lions and other marine animals. The facility is also conveniently located near several fine restaurants and is only a mile away from the first mile of the Iditarod Trail.
Another great place to visit in Seaward Alaska is the Alaska Aquarium. It is an aquarium where you can see seals, sea lions, and other animals. The Aquarium also offers boat tours so you can see dolphins and other sea life. There are two levels of exhibits to explore. One has touch screens, while the other has a hands-on area.
Seward is known for its fjords, crystal-blue waters, and marine wildlife. There are many ways to experience these treasures in Seward, including guided kayak and stand-up paddleboarding tours. Visitors can also visit the Alaska SeaLife Center, a state-of-the-art marine research and rehabilitation facility. Educational programs are available at the Center and can help visitors understand the importance of protecting wildlife.
Floatplane tour of Kenai Fjords National Park
For those who are looking for a unique way to see Southeast Alaska’s natural beauty, a floatplane tour of the Kenai Fjords is a great option. Whether you’d like to see the beautiful waterfalls or see the wildlife, this tour offers something for everyone. The scenic flight will take you over stunning mountain scenery and will provide you with an amazing perspective. The flight will also give you a bird’s-eye view of the fjords and glaciers.
To make the most of your time in the park, you’ll have to book a day tour from Seward. There are plenty of accommodations available in Seward, making it easy to make your trip a successful one. If you’re able to squeeze the park into a day, you’ll have a great view of the park’s wildlife. You’ll be able to see whales, sea otters, seabirds, and other sea mammals in the fjords. You’ll also see bears and other wildlife along the shoreline.
The rugged landscape of the Kenai Fjords is carved by massive glaciers. While the park’s glaciers have shrunk in recent decades, they remain incredibly influential in the environment. The glaciers cover the fjords’ slopes, while a temperate rainforest grows on the ice-covered mountains. The glacial till creates the foundation for the ecosystem. You’ll be able to view wildlife in its natural habitat, including humpback and orca whales.
Floatplane tour of Harding Icefields
Floatplane tours of the Harding Icefields in Southeast Alaska can be one of the best ways to see this pristine wilderness area. The area is home to one of the largest and most intact ice caps in North America. This glacial field covers nearly 700 square miles and feeds the glaciers of Kenai Fjords National Park.
Tours of the Harding Icefields can be taken from a floatplane or helicopter. You can take a helicopter ride over the famous Bear Glacier or take a floatplane tour over the 300-foot Aialik Glacier. Private charters can also provide you with guided kayaking tours among the icebergs. Backcountry camping can also be arranged. You can also choose to visit the Exit Glacier or take a hike along the Harding Icefield Trail.
Another option is to take a fixed-wing airplane to the Harding Icefields. From there, you can kayak the pristine mountain lake or take a floatplane back to the lodge. Some tours even offer glacier trekking or dogsledding.
The Harding Icefields in Southeast Alaska can be reached in less than an hour by floatplane. A popular tour includes a flight over Bear Glacier and the Harding Icefield. From the air, you can also see the Sargent Icefield and the Kennai Fjords National Park. Another popular option is a tour that stops at the Aialik Glacier and the Lost Lake.