As Alaska’s largest city, Anchorage is the perfect base from which to explore the state. With Denali to the north, Chugach to the west, and Kenai Fjords to the south, Anchorage is your entryway to unforgettable wilderness adventures!
In this Alaska travel guide, we cover everything you need to know about taking the journey from Anchorage to Kenai Fjords, including transport options and the best time to travel. Since we here at Incredible Adventures take this trip as part of our tours from Anchorage, we’ve come to know the journey like the back of our hand. Keep reading for all our tips and insights, or feel free to contact us to learn more about our tours!
How to Get from Anchorage to Kenai Fjords
The Kenai Fjords National Park is located approximately 127 miles south of Anchorage, with the city of Seward serving as the gateway to the park. To get to Kenai Fjords, you’ll first have to go through Seward. There are two main options to travel from Anchorage to Seward: by car and by train.
Kenai Fjords by car
To get from Anchorage to the Kenai Fjords by car, you’ll have to take the iconic Seward Highway. The drive takes approximately 2.5 hours, but features exceptional scenery and unmissable stops along the way. Stop at Beluga Point and keep your eyes out for whales, or visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to meet bears, moose, and more.
If you want to make the most of this route, it’s best to plan your journey in advance. To help plan your itinerary, check out our guide, Anchorage to Seward: The Perfect Alaska Road Trip.
Kenai Fjords by train
If you would prefer not to drive, you can take the scenic Alaska Railroad from Anchorage to Seward along the Classic Coastal route. This 4-hour journey travels along Turnagain Arm, passing by stunning glaciers and waterfalls along the way. You can sit back and relax, enjoying onboard dining and drinks as you ride. For a truly exceptional experience, you can book seats on the upper level and see the sights through a glass dome! It’s important to note that the Classic Coastal train only runs between May and September and it’s recommended to book your tickets in advance.
Entering Kenai Fjords
Kenai Fjords is a rugged and wild landscape that can be a bit more difficult to access than other parks. Exit Glacier is the only area of the park accessible by car and is only open between the months of May and September, since it is not ploughed during the winter. You can drive in using your own car or by taxi or shuttle from Seward.
However, the most popular and common way of exploring Kenai Fjords is on a boat tour. Departing from Seward, these boat tours take you into the wild waters and past glaciers for an unforgettable journey. As with the train, these tours typically only run between May and September.
Best Time to Travel from Anchorage to Kenai Fjords
As you may have guessed from reading the above, the best time to visit Kenai Fjords from Anchorage is between May and September! This is when the park is at its most accessible, with the train operational, Exit Glacier road open, and boat tours running. It also coincides with the park’s main attraction — whale watching season!
The peak tourist season is between June and August, when the summer weather is perfect for outdoor exploration. However, this is also when the park is at its busiest. If you want to avoid the crowds, plan your visit for the equally stunning shoulder seasons in May and September.
Things to Do in Kenai Fjords
Kenai Fjords is a nature lover’s paradise, with options to hike, kayak, and go whale watching. There are a number of trails in the park to explore, including to the spectacular Exit Glacier. If you want something challenging, you could also hike the Harding Icefield trail for unmatched views.
Boat tours are the most popular activity in Kenai Fjords, with most of them taking you into the heart of Resurrection Bay and past calving glaciers. You’ll get to spot an incredible variety of marine life, including numerous whale species, porpoises, and sea lions. For a more immersive experience of the bay, you can go kayaking from Seward as well. The waters can be choppy, so it’s recommended to go with a guide!
To learn what there is to do in more detail, check out our guide to Kenai Fjords and Resurrection Bay: Must-See Alaskan Wonders!
Tour from Anchorage to Kenai Fjords with Incredible Adventures!
Are you ready to embark on a great Alaskan journey? Then why not join Incredible Adventures on our six day Alaskan Highlights Tour from Denali to Kenai Fjords! Starting in Anchorage, you’ll get to discover the town of Talkeetna, visit Denali National Park, and then explore Kenai Fjords through hikes and cruises. Leave the navigation to our driver so you can enjoy this immersive and invigorating trip! If you have any questions about our tour, don’t hesitate to contact us.
