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Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge

Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge

Seward, The US

Situated on the shores of a protected lagoon in full view of Pedersen Glacier, Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge offers unrivaled access to Kenai Fjords National Park. It is the only lodge in the park and is surrounded by unspoilt wilderness.

The rustic main lodge serves as a central focal point with ample space to relax and take in the views. A network of boardwalks connects the 16 well-appointed cabins which are designed to be hidden from the water while still offering impressive views. Inside, they are simple but comfortable and all have private bathrooms.

Guests can choose from a range of activities from guided hiking and whale watching to sea kayaking through the lagoon and Aialik Bay. Other options include strolling the beachfront searching for sea lions, porpoises, bald eagles or puffins, while boat tours offer the chance to see calving glaciers and breaching whales.

In the evening, the lodge serves as the dining room and lounge, featuring wilderness fine dining and a sweeping view of Pedersen Glacier. There is also a naturalist library.

During your stay, all meals, daily entry fees and guided activities are included as well as a five-hour wildlife and tidewater glacier journey of Kenai Fjords National Park.

OUR OPINION:

This lodge offers a rare opportunity to fully explore Kenai Fjords National Park over the course of several days. The remote setting, combined with glacier views and abundant marine wildlife, ensures that a stay here is a highlight of any Alaska trip.

OUR RATING: Medium

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Rooms

Designed to be hidden from the waterfront yet still offer impressive views, the 16 rustic wooden cabins are set back slightly from the water behind a screen of trees which are carefully placed to ensure guests still retain views from their private decks. Inside, the timber-lined cabins are simple but comfortable with deep plum curtains and carpets and striped bed clothes. There's a small desk and en suite bathroom with a shower. Raised boardwalks link the cabins to the main lodge to ensure minimal damage to the fragile local environment.

Location

The lodge is set in a remote location in Kenai Fjords National Park in southern Alaska. It is only accessible by boat and the trip from Seward through the spectacular national park takes four to five hours. Once there you will be surrounded by the wilds of the national park: jagged peaks, sheer cliffs, deep valleys, massive glaciers and temperate rainforest. The surrounding waters are rich in marine life with regular sightings of dolphins, Dall's porpoises, whales, Steller sea lions, sea otters, puffins and a wide variety of birdlife.

Food and drink

A buffet breakfast is served in the main lodge and includes fresh fruit, freshly-baked muffins or scones and homemade granola as well as hot dishes made to order. Lunch is typically soup and sandwiches, which is followed later in the day by a four-course family-style dinner often featuring local fish and seafood along with hearty side dishes. Special diets can be accommodated with advance notice.

Facilities and activities

The lodge has a naturalist library and offers a wide range of activities to explore the surrounding wilderness. Guided hikes, sea kayaking, canoeing and whale watching are all available with experienced naturalists. Short walks from the lodge will often result in sightings of sea lions, bald eagles and seals, while boat trips to see whales, dolphins and porpoises, as well as calving glaciers, are particularly impressive. Guides also aim to teach people about the history of the area and the culture and traditions of the native Alutiiq people who once lived along the coast of south-central Alaska.

Tour ideas in Seward

Our itineraries are there to spark ideas for how you could include a stay at Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge as part of your trip. Treat them simply as suggestions, because every aspect of the trip we create for you will be yours to define.

Location & places nearby

Places & hotels on the map

    Alternative places to stay nearby

    Where possible, we like to offer a range of accommodation for each stop of your trip, chosen by our specialists as some of their favorite places to stay. To help you make the right choice, we give each property a rating based on its facilities and service, but we also look for hotels with distinct character or a location that can’t be bettered.

    Experiences while staying here

    The following activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences of the area where you’re staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident’s eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can also suggest outdoor pursuits and activities, such as cooking classes, that will introduce you to the traditions of the area’s inhabitants.

    • Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise
      Views around Kenai Fjords National Park, near Seward, Alaska

      Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise

      Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise

      On this thrilling eight hour cruise you travel through the stunning scenery of Resurrection Bay, the Kenai Fjords National Park and the Chiswell Islands National Wildlife Refuge.

      View details

    Seward and nearby places