Our recent trip to Seward, Alaska, was nothing short of extraordinary. From staying in a cozy AirBNB nestled on the outskirts of town to kayaking through pristine waters and exploring the rugged beauty of Kenai Fjords National Park, it was the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure. Here’s a look at our stay and the unforgettable activities we packed into our Seward getaway.

A Cozy Hideaway in Seward

For our home base, we booked this charming AirBNB (check it out here), and it couldn’t have been more perfect. Nestled right in the heart of Seward, it was a short walk to local restaurants, shops, and the picturesque Seward Harbor. The apartment had a rustic yet modern vibe that felt so inviting after long days of adventure. With its cozy atmosphere and thoughtful touches, it was the perfect place to unwind and recharge.

We loved starting our mornings with coffee on the private deck, taking in the serene mountain views. After a day of exploring, the comfortable bed and cozy blankets made us feel right at home. It was just the right mix of comfort and convenience—exactly what we needed to complement our action-packed days.

Paddling Through Paradise with Sunny Cove Kayaking

One of the highlights of our trip was a kayaking tour with Sunny Cove Kayaking. The moment we dipped our paddles into the cool Alaskan waters, we knew we were in for an unforgettable experience. The calm waters and stunning views of Resurrection Bay made for a tranquil yet thrilling paddle.

As we paddled along, we were greeted by puffins floating by, seals popping up to say hello, and even a bald eagle soaring overhead. Our knowledgeable guide shared fascinating insights about the wildlife and landscape, making the experience both informative and awe-inspiring. The stillness of the water, the crisp Alaskan air, and the sheer beauty of the surroundings made this one of our favorite adventures of the trip.

The group size was small, less than 16 people and two amazing guides. They were attentive, able to answer questions, and took a true interest in their guests. We took the half day Fox Island Tour and would highly recommend it to anyone.

Wildlife and Wonder with Kenai Fjords Tours

To take our wildlife experience to the next level, we embarked on a tour with Kenai Fjords Tours. We booked this as part of a package with Sunny Cove Kayaking. This boat tour gave us a front-row seat to some of Alaska’s most breathtaking landscapes and wildlife. We sailed through the Kenai Fjords National Park, where towering glaciers met the sea, and dramatic cliffs rose from the water.

Our tour took us past some of the park’s most iconic glaciers, including Holgate Glacier. As we ventured, we spotted an array of wildlife, from humpback whales to puffins, sea lions, and more. The tour was the perfect way to immerse ourselves in the wild beauty of Alaska’s coastline, and the crew made sure we didn’t miss a thing. The captain narrates the tour. We were lucky to have a captain that was knowledgeable and charismatic. You could clearly hear the excitement he had for the area and his job in his voice.

Hiking the Exit Glacier Area

No trip to Kenai Fjords National Park would be complete without exploring Exit Glacier. We spent an entire day hiking the trails in this stunning area, soaking in the jaw-dropping views of the glacier and the surrounding landscape. The Glacier Overlook Trail offered us a close-up view of the ice field, with the jagged blue ice and surrounding mountains providing a picture-perfect backdrop.

We did not opt for the more challenging Harding Icefield Trail, which was a longer hike. The trail takes you through lush forests, alpine meadows, and eventually up to sweeping vistas of the massive icefield. It is a tough climb, but the sense of accomplishment and the incredible views at the top makes it all worthwhile. There’s something truly humbling about standing at the edge of a massive icefield, knowing it stretches for miles and miles

Our time in Seward was a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and connection with nature. From our cozy AirBNB to the jaw-dropping scenery of Kenai Fjords National Park, it’s a destination that should be on every nature lover’s bucket list. Whether you’re kayaking alongside sea life, watching glaciers calve into the ocean, or hiking through stunning alpine terrain, Seward offers a glimpse into the wild, untamed beauty of Alaska. We can’t wait to return and explore even more of this incredible region.

For more travel stories and tips, stay tuned to Wild Path Wanderings. Also, check out the Moon and Fodor’s Travel Alaska Guide Books that we used help plan our trip. Let Glacier Bay’s untamed beauty inspire your next adventure!

For this trip I used Osprey Stratos 34L Daypack. This pack was big enough to pack all our of our needed supplies, but also small enough to use as a carry-on. I have smaller pack too, but found this was the perfect size to carry our camera, lens, binoculars, and some layers.

You can’t visit Seward without having a good camera. We use the Sony Alpha Mirrorless Camera.

Bring a good rain coat. I love my Marmot GoreTex Rain Jacket.

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