Kenai Fjords Family Vacation

Your Alaska adventure starts early in Anchorage with a four-hour scenic train ride on the famous Alaska Railroad, heading south to historic Seward on the Coastal Classic route. We'll hug the coastline along the Turnagain Arm, then south of Portage the train separates from the highway and enters a truly remote and rugged section of track. Here, you'll head through Placer River Valley and pass by the impressive ice wall of Spencer Glacier and over the 1,063-foot pass of the Kenai Mountains.

Upon arrival in Seward, you'll head out for a hike on the Tonsina Creek trail, walking through dense spruce and hemlock forest with only occasional views of the Resurrection Bay and mountains and a chance to see salmon spawning. After exploring the trail, we'll check into our hotel for the next 3 nights. Harbor 360 Hotel is the premier waterfront hotel in the scenic harbor town of Seward with spacious, comfortable guest rooms, and harborside or mountainside views. Tonight, we'll enjoy dinner as we toast to a great trip to come!
Accommodation: Harbor 360 Hotel, Seward
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hiking: 4 miles (6.4 kilometers)

After a hearty breakfast for the big day ahead, we'll make our way to the Harding Icefield where we'll hike along the Exit Glacier Overlook Trail. It's a well maintained, moderately strenuous trail providing expansive views of Exit Glacier in its own glacially carved valley. From there, you can opt for a more challenging hike to view the 700-square-mile Harding Icefield.

The trail meanders through alder and cottonwood forest and heather-filled meadows, rising through the forest and ultimately ending up well above the tree line to an awe-inspiring vantage point of the icefield. The peak of the trail is a peephole to ice ages past - a horizon of snow and ice stretches as far as the eye can see, broken only by an occasional lonely peak, known as a nunatak. We'll head back to Seward after our day's hike and enjoy some time to relax, followed by dining on local Alaskan cuisine.
Accommodation: Harbor 360 Hotel, Seward 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hiking: Up to 8 miles (13 kilometers)

Today we'll get to explore Kenai Fjords National Park by boat! We'll board a small ship, meeting the captain and crew, and depart for the wilderness of Kenai Fjords National Park. The park is inhabited by a variety of terrestrial and marine mammals, including brown and black bears, moose, sea otters, harbor seals, humpback and killer whales. Checking out tidal glaciers and abundant sea life from the ship’s deck, our naturalist guide will share their expertise on the region as we explore coastal rainforests, tidewater glaciers and remote Alaskan islands.

Lunch will be provided on board. Upon arrival back on shore in the afternoon, we'll have time to relax, or you can visit the Alaska SeaLife Center. Then you can explore the local restaurants and enjoy a meal of your choice!
Accommodation:  Harbor 360 Hotel, Seward
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Cruise: 6 hours

Your day begins with a float rafting trip on the Kenai River. We’ll have opportunities to see incredible wildlife with bears, moose, beavers and forest birds (including bald eagles!) frequenting the river banks, and be immersed in the spectacular scenery!

After lunch, we’ll transfer to our accommodations for the next two nights in the quaint town of Homer situated in Kachemak Bay. Homer is quintessential Alaska - and we'll enjoy a delicious meal at one of our favorite local restaurants.
Accommodation: Land's End Resort, Homer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Rafting: 2 hours

This morning, you’ll water taxi to beautiful protected Petersen Bay to go kayaking for the morning! Keep an eye out for the local wildlife as we paddle our way to the trailhead of this afternoon’s hike!

We’ll have a delicious sack lunch on the beach before hiking 3 miles up to spectacular Grewingk Glacier. There are options to walk shorter distances, or simply hang out and soak up the views on the beach. You’ll then water taxi back to Homer to gather for one last dinner with your travel companions, recounting the amazing adventures you had in the land of the midnight sun.
Accommodation: Land's End Resort, Homer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hiking: 3 miles (4.8 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 250 feet (76 meters) ascent, 250 feet (76 meters) descent
Kayaking: 2.5-3 hours

After a leisurely breakfast, you’ll enjoy a short hike to Bishop's Beach for a wonderful views of the bay and surrounding mountains.

To return to Anchorage you can book a short flight back to Anchorage on your own, or hop in the van for a five-hour transfer back to Anchorage. Alternatively, you may want to stay on at Homer for world-class halibut fishing or grizzly bear viewing in nearby Katmai or Lake Clark National Parks – only a short flight away!
Accommodation: Not applicable
Meals: Breakfast

Hiking: 1.2 miles (1.9 kilometers)