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National park · Seward, Alaska
Kenai Fjords National Park
The park covers the Harding Icefield and the coastal fjords south of Seward, with glaciers that reach the sea, Steller sea lions, sea otters, puffins and whales. Exit Glacier is the only area reached by road; the rest is seen by boat.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Kenai Fjords National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park was created in 1980 on the southeast coast of the Kenai Peninsula. More than half of the park is covered by the Harding Icefield, one of the largest in the United States, which feeds about 40 glaciers. Some descend through valleys to the sea, into the fjords, calving ice into the water.
Exit Glacier is the part of the park reachable by road, about 20 km from Seward. From the nature center, short trails lead close to the glacier tongue, passing signs that mark where the glacier reached in each year, showing the retreat of recent decades. The Harding Icefield Trail, about 12 km one way with 1,000 m of ascent, reaches an overlook above the icefield.
The fjords are visited by boats that depart Seward harbor across Resurrection Bay. The longer trips reach glaciers such as Aialik and Holgate. Along the way you can often see Steller sea lions, sea otters, seals, puffins, porpoises and humpback whales and orcas.
The Exit Glacier road and most boat services operate in the season, generally from May to September. The Exit Glacier area does not charge an entrance fee.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Two hours to Exit Glacier; six to nine hours for the fjord boat trip.
Best time
From June to August, with all boats operating and more wildlife. Mornings tend to have calmer seas. In winter the Exit Glacier road closes to cars and boats stop running.
How to get there
The Exit Glacier road leaves the Seward Highway just before Seward and follows about 14 km to the nature center. Boats depart from Seward harbor; book with the operators.
Tip
Choose a boat trip that reaches a tidewater glacier and bring a waterproof jacket. If you get seasick, prefer the shorter trips inside the bay.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Kenai Fjords National Park
How to visit Kenai Fjords National Park?
By road to Exit Glacier near Seward, and by boat through the fjords on trips that depart from Seward harbor.
How long does the boat trip in Kenai Fjords take?
From four to nine hours, depending on the route; the longest trips reach glaciers that fall into the sea.
What animals can you see in Kenai Fjords?
Steller sea lions, sea otters, harbor seals, puffins, humpback whales and orcas are commonly seen on boat tours.