With some of the best saltwater fishing in the state, kayaking, world-class wildlife viewing, and a choice between seaside or mountaintop hiking, Seward cooks up the perfect recipe for an Alaska adventure.
At the heart of most Seward adventures is Kenai Fjords National Park. In fact, a cruise along the outer coast of the park is a must for many locals with visiting friends and relatives. For those who prefer walking, Kenai Fjords can easily be accessed via Exit Glacier, just a short drive outside of town. Here visitors can join ranger-led walks to the glacier, which are scheduled several times daily throughout the summer. For the more diehard hikers, the Harding Icefield Trail is a steep, 8-mile trek that quickly gains nearly 3,000 feet in elevation. It takes the hiker to the edge of the ice field, which covers about 300 square miles.
Recreational hikers may want to take it slightly easier than the competitors who sprint, crawl and climb up the 3,022-foot Mount Marathon during Seward's premier gathering, the town's Fourth of July celebration. During these festivities the streets are blocked off, filled with events, musicians and vendors, and visitors and residents alike line up to watch the evening fireworks.
For a taste of the great outdoors indoors, the Alaska SeaLife Center provides the perfect balance. Visitors can see harbor seals, sea lions and a variety of birds up close, or pick up a variety of sea stars and other animals in the touch tank.
As in any coastal town, fishing is big and in Seward it can also be lucrative. The Seward Silver Salmon Derby, with more than $100,000 in prize money, including $10,000 for the largest silver, draws anglers from across the state and around the country. The derby typically runs for nine days beginning in mid-August.
SEWARD ATTRACTIONS
Seward Community Library and Museum
This is the place to learn about historic Seward and Alaska. See film footage of the 1964 earthquake and get a sense of the town's past as a shipbuilding port and start of the Iditarod Trail.
WHERE: 239 6th Ave., Seward
WHEN: Library: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon., Fri., Sat.; 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tue.-Thurs. Museum: 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Tues.-Fri.; 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sat. Summer information not available.
PHONE: 907-224-4082
The Alaska SeaLife Center is a state-of-the-art research and educational institution, where visitors can learn about Alaska's coastal ecosystems and view a wide range of sea life up close and personal.
WHERE: 301 Railway Ave.
WHEN: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mon.-Thurs. and 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fri.-Sun., May 22 to Sept. 6; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily Sept. 7 to May 21
PHONE: 907-224-6300 or 800-224-2525
Kenai Fjords National Park and Information Center
Kenai is surrounded by the rich natural beauty of this one-of-a-kind national park. Soaring mountains, secluded coves and calving glaciers are all a vital part of this amazing landscape. The most accessible part of the park is Exit Glacier, which can be reached via Herman Leirer/Exit Glacier Road. Numerous tour boats and kayak outfitters are also available to plan an excursion along this extensive and awe-inspiring coastline. The information center for the park is located near the small boat harbor and features a variety of displays and has maps, brochures and publications available.
WHERE: Information Center is located at 1212 4th Ave., Seward
WHEN: Center is open 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., mid-May to mid-Sept.
PHONE: 907-422-0535, Information Center
SEWARD EVENTS
Fourth of July Celebration and Mount Marathon Race
Come revel in the festivities as Seward's population swells by 30,000 for one of Alaska's premier parties, complete with a parade, street venders and fireworks. Then watch as hearty souls from around the world compete in a grueling, mile-and-a-half footrace up a scree-covered, and often still snow-covered, mountain.
WHERE: Seward
WHEN: July 4
PHONE: 907-224-805, Seward Chamber of Commerce
Catch the largest silver salmon and win $10,000! Catch the tagged fish and win $50,000! This is Alaska's most exciting sport fishing tournament, and a load of fun for all anglers. Other 2015 prizes include a new Chevy truck and an ATV.
WHERE: Resurrection Bay
WHEN: Aug. 9 to 17
PHONE: 907-224-8051, Seward Chamber of Commerce
This information appeared in the 2015 Alaska Dispatch News Visitors' Guide to Alaska. Contact special sections editor Jamie Gonzales at jgonzales@alaskadispatch.com.