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| Marion Nelson/The MILEPOST |
| The Tern Lake rest spot, located at the junction of the Seward and Sterling highways, is a great place to view an abundance of wildlife, including birds, mountain goats, sheep and the occasional bear or moose. |
Venturing into the dark recesses of the aquarium-lit Alaska SeaLife Center made my son quiver with excitement. In his 3-year-old brain, I’m pretty sure he thought we were entering the belly of Moby Dick—a thought that made him antsy to see what was ahead.
This was our first time to this state-of-the-art sea mammal, fish and avian rehabilitation and learning center, and we’d brought visiting friends along to see it. It made all the difference in the world to have toddlers with us, who didn’t hesitate to squeal when they saw Woody the sea lion lumbering in his giant tank, or jump up and down and point when the comical puffins dived for some unseen sea treat. Seeing the natural beauty of Alaska through the eyes of a child is always an education.
The Alaska SeaLife Center is just one reason that the Kenai Peninsula is a place not to be missed. Of all the regions in the state, it offers the best variety. The Kenai Peninsula (pronounced KEY-nigh) has it all—immense blue glaciers, aquamarine rivers and views of cone-shaped volcanoes etched on the horizon. It’s prime recreational territory for fishing, camping, hiking, skiing, biking, wildlife-spotting or just plain sightseeing. It truly is one of the most diverse areas of the state.
Here, one can get educated – the SeaLife Center is a good start – recreate, relax and explore. Go fishing, hiking, biking or shopping. Take in a concert, visit an art gallery, kayak a hidden bay or go camping. Enjoy fine dining or an outdoor barbecue. Visit the local bar or sample fine wines at a vineyard. The choices of this region – about the size of West Virginia but with only 53,500 year-round residents – are never-ending.
Only one road, the Seward Highway, leads from Anchorage to the Peninsula. It is a designated National Scenic Byway, with breathtaking viewpoints every few miles. The highway skirts Turnagain Arm before reaching the welcome sign to the Kenai Peninsula, then climbs over Turnagain Pass, one of the best places for photos.
Seward, about 2.5 hours from Anchorage, is a coastal community stuck in time. Founded in 1903 as the Alaska Railroad’s southern terminus, it became an important port. Trains carried supplies and people to Alaska’s interior, and trails for foot and the famous Iditarod National Historic Trail originated in Seward in the early 1900s.
If you’re coming to Seward, let the Seward Chamber of Commerce, Convention and Visitors Bureau help you. Known as the “Gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park,” Seward is so picturesque, you just might extend your time there. Discover the bustling harbor and historic downtown filled with quaint shops. Experience trophy sport fishing, glacier and wildlife cruises, sailing, hiking, kayaking, flight seeing and more. A wide range of accommodations, restaurants, RV parks, and visitor services are available. (907-224-8051)
Hotel Seward is a charming, Alaskan-family-owned and operated boutique hotel in the heart of downtown Seward that retains that time-gone-by charm. They have a great restaurant offering room service, a lounge, a patio and a conference room. The friendly staff can help book all Seward activities or a trip to Eshamy Bay Lodge in the Prince William Sound. (800-440-2444)
The Seward Windsong Lodge, nestled in a spectacular glacier river valley, provides guests with exceptional lodging and dining. Surrounded by towering mountains and vibrant wildflowers, and just minutes from downtown, a free shuttle takes you to all major Seward sights. Let us be your base camp for Seward. (800-478-8069)
Northern Nights Bed & Breakfast is your home away from home. They are conveniently located one mile from the small boat harbor, three blocks from the SeaLife Center, two blocks from downtown. Accommodations include four bedrooms with private bathrooms, WiFi, and a hearty breakfast. Fresh-baked cookies are always available. (907-224-5688)
For those who want to enjoy more remote accommodations, there are options across Resurrection Bay, as well.
On your way to Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge you can enjoy a glacier cruise from Seward watching for whales, sea lions, puffins and more. Once there, explore the coastline via sea kayak; venture along a trail to reach a glacial moraine; or simply enjoy the rustic luxury and stunning view of Pedersen Glacier. (800-334-8730)
Orca Island Cabins has eco-friendly, remote cabin (yurt) rentals on this private island in scenic Humpy Cove. Deluxe accommodations include - heated cabins, showers, kitchens, and private bathrooms. Kayak, explore, tide-pool, fish, hike or just relax. Observe whales, otters, sea lions, porpoises, and seals from your private deck. (888-494-5846)
Getting on the water in Seward – and across the Peninsula for that matter – is a must. It is what makes this region of the state so unique.
Join Major Marine Tours on a scenic glacier and wildlife cruise into two unique areas; Prince William Sound and Kenai Fjords National Park. View towering glaciers, breathtaking scenery, and wildlife such as puffins and whales. Cruises include a Park Ranger narration and all-you-can-eat Alaska salmon and prime rib meal served onboard. Tours depart from Seward and Whittier. (800-764-7300)
Kenai Fjords Tours, Alaska’s No. 1 Wildlife and Glacier Cruise, has been exploring Kenai Fjords National Park for more than 30 years. Experience the abundant wildlife, glaciers and breathtaking scenery as experienced captains narrate your journey. Visit our Fox Island lodge for a complimentary prime rib and wild Alaska salmon buffet—a Kenai Fjords Tours exclusive. (888-478-3346)
Saltwater Excursions, LLC is a fully equipped charter boat specializing in fishing charters, whale watching/glacier tours, kayak drop offs, water taxi services and hunting transportation. Saltwater Excursions, LLC operates out of the ports of Whittier and Seward. (907-360-7975)
Fish with Semaka Charters on the fast, comfortable 31-foot, six- passenger Seafarer owned and operated by a lifelong Alaska fisherman. They know all the best fishing spots and will do their very best to ensure a fun, exciting and productive experience. (877-224-3195)
Established in 1974, The Fish House is the fishing charter service that Alaskans use. They specialize in halibut and silver salmon charters, operating April through October. They are locally owned and operated. (800-257-7760)
Once back on land, it’s time to check out all the marine life from the slower pace of the Alaska SeaLife Center, one of the crown jewels of Seward.
The Alaska SeaLife Center is a nonprofit research facility: Alaska’s premier public aquarium and the destination to experience Alaska’s marine wildlife. Visit the Alaska SeaLife Center and view puffins, sea lions, harbor seals, giant Pacific octopus and more. (800-378-2525)
Hop back onto the Seward Highway and backtrack to the Sterling Highway, which jaunts off to the outer edge of the Peninsula to such communities as
Cooper Landing, Soldotna, Kenai and Homer.
The Kenai Peninsula Tourism Marketing Council is located just south of Anchorage, and provides information on the over 15,000 square miles of electrifying majesty and excitement that is the Kenai Peninsula. No other destination offers such an up-close-and-personal Alaska experience, which is why the Kenai Peninsula is known as “Alaska’s Playground.” (800-535-3624)
Cooper Landing is a town tucked into the mountains but surrounded by the aquamarine waters of Kenai Lake and the Kenai River. This river offers world-class salmon fishing, and visitors flock here not by the thousands – but the tens of thousands – each year.
Visit Kenai River Sportfishing Lodge if you’re seeking an action-packed sport-fishing vacation. The lodge is located along the banks of the Upper Kenai River in Cooper Landing, where you can enjoy up to eight hours of guided fishing each day for the Kenai’s world-famous salmon, rainbow trout and Dolly Varden. (800-478-4100)
Beyond Cooper Landing, is Soldotna, the hubbub of activity where visitors resupply, stock up and launch their adventures. On the banks of the Kenai River, home to the world-record king salmon, the Soldotna Chamber of Commerce provides information on what to do, see and expect in Soldotna. Stop by for information on lodging, fishing and sight seeing. (907-262-9814)
Diamond M Ranch Resort is a family owned and operated lodging business featuring 80 full hookup RV sites, some in wooded areas. There is also a lodge with a recreation room, laundry, deluxe suites with private baths and full kitchens, cabins and a B&B. (866-283-9424)
Anglers Lodge is an all-inclusive luxurious fishing lodge on the banks of the Kenai River. Try guided fishing for salmon on the Kenai and Kasilof rivers, or halibut in Cook Inlet. They provide private rooms, fantastic food and superb fishing. (888-262-1747)
Let Turned Logs of Alaska help you create the log home of your dreams! All projects are custom, from your plans or their suggestionsThey supply the finest dry beetle-killed White Spruce log beams, stairs, posts, and handrails. (907-262-2911)
Ninilchik Charters is one of the oldest and largest charter companies on the Kenai Peninsula. We are friendly, responsive and value our clients’ time. We also provide hunting adventures on Kodiak Island. (800-973-4742)
Chugach Backcountry Fishing believes hike-in fishing and walk-in fishing are more peaceful and less strenuous on the hardcore fisherman. They also specialize in nonmotorized drift-boat fishing for all salmon and trout species on the Kenai and Kasilof rivers. (907-362 -1224)
Alaska River Adventures offers rare permits to let their “well seasoned” professional guides show you the places few others can. They provide drift boat fishing on the Kenai and Kasilof rivers, weeklong float trips on wild and scenic rivers and a full service fishing lodge. They’ve been in business for 33 years. (888-836-9027)
Now the road travels south until it can go no more, to the quirky town of Homer, an interesting mix of funk art, salty sailor and traditional living that results in an outdoors-lovers paradise.
Homer is alive with a variety of activities and accommodations. Whether it’s fishing, kayaking, bear viewing, shopping, dining or sightseeing, they have it all to make your Alaskan experience a trip of a lifetime and the Homer Chamber of Commerce proudly celebrates over 60 years of service to Homer’s business community. (907-235-7740)
Artists will enjoy Art Shop Gallery, destination Alaskan art specializing in originals and prints, stained glass, pottery and jewelry, ivory and bone and Christmas ornaments-all produced by Alaskans. They also host an annual summer Alaskan artist’s series, so call for dates and artists. (800-478-7076)
Functional art can be had with Free Spirit Wear, which sells unique, show- stopping Alaska bike jerseys by Alaskan artist Kathy Sarns, who creates all the original designs. Her jerseys and jackets are guaranteed conversation starters. (877-842-3429)
Lodging is plentiful in Homer, but staying with a member of the Homer Bed and Breakfast Association means so much more than just a bed for the night. All properties are inspected. Rates range from $65 to $395 and advance booking is recommended. (877-296-1114)
Alaskan Suites’ location is said to have one of the most beautiful views in the world. Our cabins are some of the best, cleanest and coziest in Alaska. Coming this summer, a new hot tub and sauna! (888-239-1972)
Laughing Raven Guest House is a luxurious vacation rental on 20 acres overlooking beautiful Kachemak Bay and lower Cook Inlet. It is ideal for independent travelers desiring their own spacious log home while enjoying their Alaska adventures. The house is available year-round in Homer. (907-229-2898)
For those traveling on wheels or seeking a smaller place to rest their heads, Driftwood Inn Charters & RV Park houses three distinct properties with a budget for everyone, with deluxe rooms with king beds, or economy rooms offer comfortable value. They are located in old-town Homer close to dining, galleries, and visitor centers. (907-299-8019)
With K-Bay Air you can fly to remote beaches along Katmai Coast and experience true wilderness bear viewing with glaciers and volcanoes for free. Our safety record is flawless. See TripAdvisor.com for independent client reviews. (877-522-9247)
Homer is the “Halibut Fishing Capital of the World!” They have the largest and longest-running halibut fishing derby in Alaska. Homer Jackpot Halibut Derby has many opportunities to join in on all the fishing fun, and Homer has something for everyone! (907-235-7740)
Bob’s Trophy Charters offers 30 years experience with repeat business from satisfied customers because their captains work hard to meet or exceed expectations. They travel a 25-50 mile range into Kachemak Bay and Cook Inlet to locate the best catch for their clients. They offer full-day or half-day trips for halibut, and full day for all other species including salmon, lingcod and rockfish. (800-770-6400)
Captain Scott’s Sport Fishing is experienced and reliable and has been charter fishing in Homer since 1983. The “Mako” is a fast, twin-engine diesel-powered 30-foot cabin cruiser with an underwater video camera for fish viewing. Families with kids are always welcome. (800-758-6015)
Captain B’s Alaskan C’s Adventures invites you aboard the largest, most comfortable six-passenger charter in HomerFish for halibut, salmon, rockfish and/or lingcod where few other charters can or will go. Superior gear, optimal effort and 19 years of experience maximize your success! Day fishing, multiday fishing and spring vessel-based black bear hunts. (866-235-4114)
For those who prefer watching Alaska’s best fishermen in action, a bear-viewing trip with Bald Mountain Air is in order. Bald Mountain Air is owned by lifelong Alaskans with a lifetime of experience to guarantee you will see bears. They have developed an unequaled brown bear viewing program to excite even the most seasoned wilderness traveler, adventurer and photographer (800-478-7969)
With the region’s fish-rich rivers, protected paddling locations and world-class hiking trails, it’s a given that people will call the Kenai Peninsula beautiful. The truth is, that adjective can be used for just about all of Alaska. It’s just that the Kenai is close, convenient and accessible to most Alaskans—and visitors.