Seward, Alaska
The small coastal town of Seward is known for its scenic views, numerous visitor attractions, and as the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park. Seward is located about 125 miles south of Anchorage, about 3 hours by road. The town is the southern terminus of the Alaska Railroad, dating back to its origins in the early 1900’s. Seward has over 3,000 year round residents, however that number swells considerably during the summer visitor season. The town is famous in Alaska for its Fourth of July celebration that features a grueling foot race to the top of the 3,000 foot Mt. Marathon. You won’t be disappointed with Seward’s fine selection of shops, restaurants and lodging choices.
Seward is a scenic town flanked by rugged mountains on one side and the salmon-filled Resurrection Bay on the other. It's the only town on the eastern side of the Kenai Peninsula and probably the only city of its size in Alaska without a hamburger chain restaurant. For that reason, along with its incredible beauty, the rich fishing grounds of Resurrection Bay, access to the Kenai Fjords National Park with hundreds of tidewater glaciers and prolific marine and wildlife, you've got to love Seward. Voted an All-American City in 2005, Seward provides everything the Alaskan visitor is looking for - wildlife, glaciers and wilderness.
The town was founded in 1903 when Alaska Railroad surveyors needed an ice-free port to serve as the ocean terminal for the rail line and Seward prospered as an important cargo and fishing port. Like many towns in Southcentral Alaska, Seward began a new era of history in 1964 after the Good Friday Earthquake caused fires and tidal waves that destroyed 90 percent of the town. The only reminder of the natural disaster is at the public library where the slide show covering the earthquake, 'Seward is Burning,' is shown. The town has completely rebuilt its fine Small Boat Harbor and waterfront facilities with a $10-million dock designed to be earthquake proof.
The Seward Chamber operates a visitor center just outside of town with racks of information on what to do and accommodations, friendly staff to answer questions and courtesy phones to book rooms or tours. The Kenai Fjords National Park Visitor Center is located in the Small Boat Harbor and information on Chugach National Forest trails, cabins and campgrounds is available at the U.S. Forest Service office in town.
Take a walking tour of town that includes a stroll by Millionaires Row, a group of houses built around 1905 by railroad officials and bankers who had just arrived in the newly created town. The Resurrection Bay Historical Museum features artifacts and photographs of the 1964 earthquake, the Russian era in Resurrection Bay and Seward's role in the Iditarod Trail. St. Peter's Episcopal Church, built in 1906, contains the famous mural of the Resurrection by Dutch artist Jan van Emple who used Alaskan models and the nearby bay as the backdrop. Be sure to take a stroll around the Small Boat Harbor, picturesque and always a hub of activity centered on fishing boats, charter vessels and a large number of sailboats.
The Alaska SeaLife Center is a seven-acre waterfront public aquarium that combines research facilities with wildlife rehabilitation and public education. View distinct habitats of marine birds, Steller sea lions, seals, fish and otters. Outdoors, step right to the edge of Resurrection Bay, teeming with Alaska marine wildlife. Injured, abandoned and orphaned animals are cared for with the end goal to return them back to the wild whenever possible.
Glacier and wildlife cruises are a must for anyone visiting Seward. The operators have perfected the experience with custom-built boats designed for comfort and viewing. Tours range from 3 hours to full days that include lunch and a number provide overnight trips.
Fishing charters are also a must for the avid angler as well as the novice. Halibut and salmon are the catch of Resurrection Bay and a range of options and operators are available to fit your schedule and expectations.
Kayaking in and around Seward is fabulous and a favorite of Alaskan paddlers. The experienced can rent and a number of companies offer guided trips for all levels ranging from a few hours in Resurrection Bay to all-day excursions to extended trips into Kenai Fjords National Park.
Exit Glacier, part of Kenai Fjords National Park, is land accessible about 4 miles out of Seward. Exit Glacier Nature Center is open daily in the summer and offers interpretive programs, exhibits and information. There are several trails in the Exit Glacier area that afford excellent views of the ice and surrounding mountains.
Flightseeing tours are a wonderful way to view area glaciers, Harding Ice Field, Kenai Fjords and Resurrection Bay. A number of operators also offer bear viewing trips, fly-in fishing and drop-offs to remote park cabins.
There are plenty of hiking trails in the area ranging from the easy one-mile Two Lakes Trail to the 16-mile Resurrection River Trail. For information on all trails, stop by the U.S. National Park office.
Dog mushing is Alaska's state sport and a number of mushers provide tours and rides all year round. Meet Iditarod racers who welcome you into their homes and show off their kennels topped off with a dog sled ride. One operator actually provides rides on a nearby glacier.
The 'Annual Seward Silver Salmon Derby' in August is one of the largest sportfishing events in Alaska with more than $100,000 in prizes. The Mount Marathon Race is part of Seward's annual Fourth of July festivities. The race is to the top of Mount Marathon at 3,022 feet and back down, and has grown to draw competitors from all over. Thousands descend on Seward to celebrate and watch the race.
As you can see, adventure is all shapes and forms await you in Seward along with great restaurants, unique shops and galleries and Seward hospitality.
Population: 2,606
Location: Seward is situated on Resurrection Bay on the east coast of the Kenai Peninsula, 125 highway miles south of Anchorage. It lies at the foot of Mount Marathon and is the gateway to the Kenai Fjords National Park.
Access: By road via the Seward Highway, rail from Fairbanks and Anchorage, scheduled bus service from Anchorage, Alaska state ferry, all classes of cruise vessels.
Seward Lodging:
A great choice for Seward lodging is the Seward Windsong Lodge. The lodge is one of Seward's finest full-service hotels and offers first class facilities and great values as well. The Seward Windsong Lodge is located on the edge of town in a forested setting with river and mountain views. There are several very nice hotels in the town of Seward as well. The Hotel Edgewater Seward is located downtown just across the street from the Alaska SeaLife Center. The Holiday Inn Express Seward Harbor Hotel is conveniently located at the Seward Small Boat Harbor near the departure point for Kenai Fjords day cruises. Plan to spend a couple of nights in Seward, and book early for the summer months, particularly mid-June through the end of August. Accommodations: 11 hotels/motels, 37 bed and breakfasts, 25 lodges/cabins, 20 restaurants/cafes, all services.
Seward Tours and Attractions:
Seward offers a great selection of tours, cruises and activities to choose from. By far the most popular trip is a day cruise into Kenai Fjords National Park. Abundant marine wildlife and awesome glaciers make this an Alaska cruise you do not want to miss. Our favorite cruises include one that stops at Fox Island and another that takes you to the park by catamaran. Other list toppers include a stop at Exit Glacier, kayaking and a visit to the 52 million dollar Alaska SeaLife Center. Seward is also a great place to do some fishing. Monster halibut weighing over 300 pounds are caught each year in nearby waters, and the town is host to the popular Seward Silver Salmon Derby held each year in mid-August.
Seward Transportation:
Although Seward does have a small airport, the majority of visitors reach Seward by rental car, bus line, cruise ship or via the Alaska Railroad. The Park Connection Alaska bus line offers two trips each day between Anchorage and Seward, with connecting service through to Talkeetna and Denali National Park. The Alaska Railroad also offers daily summer service between Anchorage and Seward, and many consider this segment to be the most scenic train trip in the state. The highway to Seward is a national scenic byway as well, so we recommend traveling one direction by rail and the other by bus. Seward is a main port for Gulf of Alaska cruises that travel to and from Vancouver, BC. Many cruise passengers never even spend one night in Seward, a definite mistake in our opinion.
|
