Seward is a beautiful coastal town at the end of the Kenai Peninsula. Many northbound and southbound cruises start or end here, so things can get pretty busy during the summer, especially with travelers coming in from or heading out to Anchorage. Luckily, there are bus and train options to get you between the two cities.
Seward is also known as the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park. With stunning mountain views, glaciers, and plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy Alaska’s natural beauty. Here are the excursions I’ve personally been on and can highly recommend:
This is one of the most popular boat tours in Seward, and it’s easy to see why! My original 6-hour cruise was rescheduled to 4 hours due to weather, but I still had plenty of time on the water to see some amazing marine wildlife, including whales, sea otters, sea lions, puffins, and so many different kinds of birds.
The crew was knowledgeable, professional, and friendly throughout the trip. The captain really did his best to show us as much wildlife as possible within the shorter timeframe.
I was assigned an indoor seat at a middle table rather than a window seat, but that didn’t turn out to be a problem at all. You can always head out to the outdoor deck for a closer look, and that’s where others also spent most of their time watching wildlife.
We got some rain toward the end of the trip, but hey, that’s Alaska for you! If anything, it made the experience feel even more like a true Alaskan adventure.
Pro tip: Bring your own binoculars if you have them. They make a big difference when you're trying to spot wildlife from the boat!
If you’re traveling from Seward to Anchorage, the train ride is an experience in itself. The scenery along the way is something you really don’t want to miss. Whether you choose GoldStar or Adventure Class, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the roughly 4 hour and 15 minute journey through some beautiful Alaskan landscapes.
Traveling with luggage? You can check your bags at the train depot, so you don’t have to worry about keeping everything with you throughout the ride. There’s also enough overhead storage for smaller items you can bring onboard.
I decided to grab something to eat at the Wilderness Cafe, where food is available for purchase, and it turned out to be a great addition to the trip. The food was hot and great, and the huge windows made it easy to enjoy the scenery while eating. They’re also a great spot for taking photos of the coastline!
The train may even slow down when possible to give passengers a better chance to take photos or spot wildlife along the way. Honestly, if you have the time, I’d consider the train ride part of your Alaska adventure rather than just a way to get from point A to point B.
What I loved most about this tour was how much the trail made me feel connected to Alaska’s history. It wasn’t just a hike with a nice view - walking along the trail gave me a real sense of the area's past.
The 2.2-mile loop trail was manageable for me as someone who enjoys strolling and light hiking. Hiking poles were provided, and I found them helpful along the way. My guide was knowledgeable, kept everyone moving at a comfortable pace, and shared lots of interesting information about Exit Glacier and the surrounding area.
Of course, the glacier views depend on the weather, so you might not get the clearest view on every visit. I had some pretty heavy rain toward the end of my hike, but that didn’t take away from the experience. The scenery along the trail and everything I learned along the way still made this my favorite Seward excursion!
After the hike, we got to try gold panning beneath a rustic, tarp-covered log shelter with traditional-style water troughs. It was such a fun way to wrap up the day and get a little taste of Alaska’s gold rush history.
If you enjoy light hiking, learning about local history, and trying something a little different, I’d definitely put this one on your list.
If you’re heading to Anchorage after your cruise and prefer taking a bus over the train, this tour is for you! The drive along the Seward Highway is beautiful, and there are a couple of stops along the way where you can get off and enjoy the scenery, including a stop at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.
My driver/guide was a pro at loading everyone’s giant suitcases, almost like solving a puzzle to make sure everything fit efficiently. He was also friendly and knowledgeable, sharing interesting stories about his own experiences living in Alaska, as well as the area’s history and landscapes.
The stop at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center was another highlight. You’ll have time to walk around on your own and see Alaskan animals like bears, moose, and other local wildlife up close. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about the animals and the center’s conservation efforts, especially if you haven’t had much luck spotting wildlife in the wild.
It’s also a convenient stop to use the restroom and stretch your legs before continuing the drive. If you’re looking for a convenient way to get from Seward to Anchorage without missing out on more sightseeing along the way, this is a great option to consider.
By Minji | Alaska Shore Excursions
Minji is the Digital Marketing Manager at Alaska Shore Excursions and has been with the company for 9 cruise seasons. During that time, she’s had the opportunity to experience many of the excursions she writes about and work closely with both guests and local tour operators. She’s taken two Alaska cruises and has traveled to Alaska several times by air. After spending so much time there, Alaska has become a second home to her.
Mendenhall Glacier
Whale Watching
Dog Sledding
Salmon Bake
Helicopter
Kid-Friendly
Kayak
Adventure
Train
Yukon
Rafting
Misty Fjords National Monument
Boat
Fishing
Bear & Wildlife
Animal & Wildlife
