 City by the Bay
Seward is situated on Resurrection Bay on the east side of the Kenai Peninsula, 125 miles south of Anchorage on the Seward Highway. It lies at the foot of Mount Marathon, and is the gateway to the Kenai Fjords National Park. Seward offers its visitors a small town atmosphere and a great taste of a true Alaskan fishing community. They Host both the Mount Marathon race on the 4th of July, and the Seward Silver salmon Derby in August, two of Alaska’s most noted events.
Just a short, but very scenic drive from Anchorage, Seward offers excellent adventure. Sealife viewing, fishing, and hiking are Sewards main draw. A relatively new Sealift Center is well worth visiting for a first hand look at many uniquely Alaskan animals and sealife exhibits.
Many charters and tours leave each day to enjoy the extraordinary Resurrection Bay. Perhaps some of the best seascapes Alaska has to offer are just miles from port, and the fishing is outstanding at times. Seward is definitely a top pick for places to visit. Book ahead, especially when they are hosting an event.
 Alaska Sealife Center- Watch Puffins fly underwater and meet Sea Lions face to face. You'll get to explore over 150 different kinds of animals living in Alaska's waters. A research center, with the mission of education and rehabilitation. A truly unique facility giving you an up close look at many creatures only found in Northern waters. 1-800-244-2525. Cruises and Tours- Seward offers a number of top-notched 1/2 day and full day wildlife and glacier tours. Major Marine Tours and Kenai Fjords Tours are just two of the larger operators in the Seward area. Seward is especially picturesqe right from the harbor. Expect to see sealife including sea otters, sea lions, sea birds by the thousands, and possibly orcas, seals and whales. It's common to see bears, goats and other mainland animals. A slice of Alaska well worth the price. Halibut or Salmon Charters- If you fancy yourself a fisherman, Seward is for you. I would recommend looking up the Fish House to make your reservations. They book for about 65 charter services, so they can usually find you a spot on a boat. The halibut fishing out of Seward is generally very good and the salmon fishing, when running, can be fantastic. You can call the Fish House at 1-800-257-7760. Exit Glacier, Ranger Station-Look for the turn as you are entering Seward. Hike a half-mile trail right to this icy blue giant. There is a ranger station that is open from May through October. One of Alaskas' best opportunities to visit a glacier up close. Lots of interesting information available from the ranger station. Seward Sliver Salmon Derby- This is the grandaddy of the Alaska salmon fishing derbies. Over $100,000 of prizes are up for grabs. Seward literally fills up with people as the Silver Salmon fill the Bay. This time of year Seward is a great place to visit just to experience the excitement of the derby. Fish can be had from shore or on a boat. Bring your rod and get into the spirit of the event. Highly recommended. The 2004 derby was August 7th-21st. Mount Marathon Race- This is an event that you'll need to plan for. Seward, a town of about 2500 people swells to about 30,000 people over the 4th of July holiday for this event and their annual Independence Day celebration. This race is from the city center, to the top of Mt. Marathon and back. The trail is complete with cliffs, rock slides and even waterfalls. A truly unique event. Because of the popularity of the race, the race is limited entry. Only 10 openings (by lottery) are available each year, so it's almost impossible to get a bib, if you haven't run before. Finding a place to camp can be equally challenging. Plan to get there early. |
