Things to Do in Seward
Day 1 in Seward
Take a Boat Tour of the Kenai Fjords
Many recommendations were made to take a boat tour of these fjords. We had just spent eight days cruising the waters of Alaska. Did we really want to go directly onto another boat? We decided to go for it, and the decision was the right one. The perspective is so different from a small boat, and the amount of wildlife you will see is unbelievable. We saw orca whales, Dall porpoises, sea otters, puffin colonies, and seals. For more information about how to see wildlife in Alaska, read my Alaskan wildlife guide.
Kenai Fjords National Park is over 50 percent water containing fjords and glaciers. It is mainly accessible by boat or plane.
- It is pretty bumpy getting out of the bay. Take seasickness medicine for this part of the journey. Shop for Bonine on Amazon (I am an Amazon affiliate, read my footer for details), or buy it when you check-in for your cruise. We also swear by SeaBands, a nonpharmaceutical approach.
- It is windy out there, so bring a waterproof, packable windbreaker, even in the summer.
- Bring a zoom lens with you for great pictures of the animals. I used my Sony RX-10 High Zoom.
Walk the Iditarod Trail
Enjoy Dinner on the Docks
Gelato Time!
Head back to the other side of town for gelato or candy at Sweet Darlings.
Day Two in Seward
We spent our second day doing a few tours in Seward.
Alaska SeaLife Center
Have Lunch at Thorn’s Showcase Lounge
Meet Sled Dogs!
Our half-day at Seavey’s Ididaride Sled Dog Tours was a highlight of our whole trip and very convenient. They picked us up at the train station, where we were able to drop off our luggage and made sure to get us back in time for the train.
The tour takes place at a real Iditarod sled dog camp. There we learned about the dogs and the race. We got to take a ride on a dirt trail with the pups, who seem to love the run. We even got to snuggle with adorable puppies — such a great way to learn about the sport.
If we stayed another day, we would have also considered some of these things to do in Seward
- Exit Glacier- You can catch a ride to this active glacier or take a tour to walk on the ice.
- Kayak around Bear Glacier- this is a bucket list item for me.
- If I had two extra days, I would take the train to Spencer Glacier to kayak there. It is a whistle-stop on the train trip to Anchorage- read about that below.
- Drive up to the Turnagain Arm to try to spot migrating beluga whales. While this was high on my list of goals, we were there a few days ahead of the whales. You ride alongside the Turnagain Arm on the train.
Where to Stay in Seward, Alaska
Best Western Plus Edgewater Suites
We stayed here because we wanted an inexpensive room that would easily fit our large family. It is across town from the cruise dock, but across the street from the Alaska SeaLife Center, which is a stop from the free bus. It is not fancy, but it includes breakfast, and it was perfect for us.
Book your room at the Best Western Plus Edgewater Suites now.
Harbor Hotel 360
If you are looking for a more plush room right on the docks, check out the Harbor Hotel 360.
Book a room at the Harbor Hotel 360 now.
How to Get from Seward to Anchorage
We then took one of the most stunning train rides ever. We took the Alaska Railroad with GoldStar Service from Seward to Anchorage, which wound through verdant green mountains, by shining lakes, through wetlands where moose sightings were possible, by tumbling waterfalls and even the Spencer Glacier. The Goldstar service is a glass-domed train with drink service, white napkin meal service, a viewing platform, and staff narration.
I hope I have inspired you to spend some of your time in Alaska in this town with so many things to do.
Let me know in the comments your plans, questions, or if you have other ideas of what to do in Seward.
I lived in Alaska for 10 years and visited Seward alot. One of my favorite camping spots was along the river near Exit Glacier. Reading your post was like being there. The Sealife Center is amazing and buying fresh halibut off the docks is a must if you are planning to some cooking at the campsite. I’d love to do the sled dog tour! How fun!
I am jealous that you lived there for a time!
When we did an Alaska cruise, we did not have enough time to explore. And we wish we had planned some extra time inland. Good to read that when we plan our next trip we should spend a few days in Seward. Love that the town has a free shuttle to get around. Even after a cruise I would want to take a boat ride to see the fjords and glaciers. in Kenai Fjords National Park. I am sure it was a lovely walk along the Iditarod Trail. But I probably am not going fishing. I have never had that much patience! We missed puffins when we went to the Faroe Islands. So it would be good to see them on a visit to the Alaska SeaLife Center. We would want to try to kayak around Bear Glacier and tick off this bucket list item too. And a drive up to Turnagain Arm would give us a view of beluga whales we have never seen. Thanks for adding Seward to our next Alaska trip.
Wow, this all looks so beautiful. Alaska has always been one of those places that have piqued my interest as it is basically in Canada but uniquely its own. I would be drawn to The Holgate Glacier – looks unbelievable.
This post makes me want to book a trip to Alaska! I wish I didn’t get horrible seasickness otherwise I would love to do the boat tour of The Holgate Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park. But even if I can’t do that I was happy to see the dog sled. That is one thing on my bucket list that I want to do someday whether it be in Alaska or in Northern Europe. How cool that you got to play with puppies. I am so amazed by the train ride! The views look incredible and look like none other train ride I have ever seen.
It was the prettiest train ride I have been on, for sure.
I’m actually from Vancouver and have never done a cruise despite our port being so readily accessible. (Seems like reading this is a sign!) Alaska is seriously so beautiful and I can’t imagine how much more breathtaking it must’ve been witnesses all of these incredible sights in person. How fun you got to interact with puffins too! I’d wanted to see them in Iceland, but didn’t get a chance. Note to self: book a Kenai Fjords boat tour + puffin aquarium visit at Alaska SeaLife Center! Oh and bring seasick medicine hahaa.
You are so close, you have to get up there!
Someday we’ll have to visit Alaska! We’ve heard that the nordic lights can be seen in summer, which is amazing because we can only travel far during summertime. The Kenai fjords look quite impressive too! And we’d also love to take the Goldstar rail; the views from the glass-doomed roof must have been wonderful!