Prince William Sound Glaciers.
Courtesy CIRI Alaska Tourism Corporation

Meet Our Guest Writer Dee Buchanon was born in Indiana, and moved to Anchorage, Alaska at the age of 5. Growing up in Southcentral Alaska, she acquired a love for fishing, snowmachining, 4-wheeling and hunting. Some of her best memories of childhood are those of fly-out fishing to remote areas of Alaska in the summer, and running traplines with her father in the winter. Her husband and two children also share her love for experiencing and enjoying the Alaskan wilderness. As is the Director of Marketing for Alaska Native owned and operated CIRI Alaska Tourism, Buchanon provides strategic oversight and marketing support for all CATC entities, including Alaska Heritage Tours, Kenai Fjords Tours, Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge, Prince William Sound Glacier Cruises, Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge and Seward Windsong Lodge. Buchanon holds a B.S. in Marketing, B.S.in Management and Minor in Economics from the University of Oregon, and has over 20 years of Alaskan experience in marketing, public relations and advertising.

2.5-hour drive along one of the most breathtaking routes in Alaska doesn’t even begin to reveal it all. Designated a National Scenic Byway and All-American Road, the Seward Highway stretches 127 miles from Anchorage to Seward, bordered by the picturesque Turnagain Arm. It’s no mystery why scenic viewpoints are plentiful. Travelers can scan the adjacent cliffs for Dall sheep and eagles and see beluga whales in the inlet, spotted by their telltale white heads poking up through the waves.

Upon reaching the end of the road and the southern edge of the Kenai Peninsula, Seward appears, the massive Resurrection Bay at its back. As it all comes into view — the busy boat harbor, the mountains, a patchwork of quaint restaurants, shops and travel companies, cars tugging boats and kayaks — there is little doubt: recreation happens here. TripAdvisor.com viewers wholeheartedly agree, naming Seward the number one US Destination for 2010.

A Wilderness Retreat

Puffins grace the waters on a Kenai Fjords Tour. Courtesy: CIRI Alaska Tourism Corporation

One of the most popular options for Seward travelers is a cruise with Kenai Fjords Tours and optional overnight (or two) at the Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge. The adventure begins on a wildlife-and-glacier cruise across Resurrection Bay and continues into Kenai Fjords National Park. With camera in hand, witness calving glaciers, orca whales, sea lions, otters, puffins and more.

Waterfalls and dramatic cliffs greet the boat at the dock of the Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge, located on exclusive Fox Island. As if the ride over wasn’t indulgence enough, a wild Alaska salmon and prime rib lunch awaits guests at the day lodge. Spend the afternoon exploring the rain forest, combing the beach, kayaking along the shores or simply basking in the views. According to lodge staff (and some lucky guests) orcas can sometimes be spotted coming right up on the beach to rub against the rocky shore.

Even if guests don’t stay overnight, they don’t have to miss out on the Fox Island experience. Some day cruise options make a stop at the newly remodeled Kenai Fjords day lodge. Return to the mainland via a full-day cruise into the glacier-carved Northwestern Fjord. As the boat nears the towering wall of ice known as the Northwestern Glacier, the engine of the boat idles, and the thundering cracks of ice can be heard as it breaks away from the glacier and crashes into the sea.

The Seward Windsong Lodge makes the perfect home base for Kenai tours.
Courtesy: CIRI Alaska Tourism Corporation

See More of Seward

Travelers will definitely want to explore more of what Seward has to offer. The Seward Windsong Lodge — winner of the prestigious Studiosus Award in 2009 — is the perfect base camp for exploration. Close to town yet in a secluded setting, the lodge is close to kayaking, fishing, glacier dog sled rides and offers the popular Exit Glacier Hike. Traveling just minutes from the lodge through alders and rock croppings, hikers arrive at the base of the crystal blue Exit Glacier, the crown jewel of the Resurrection River Valley.

One of the many highlights of a Kenai Fjords Tours Cruise.
Courtesy: Dee Buchanon

Just the Tip of the Iceberg

It’s hard to depart Seward, but this coastal town is just one of many must-see destinations Alaska offers. Head back towards Anchorage with a detour through the longest vehicle tunnel in North America. On the other side, Whittier is another coastal community with a lot to offer. Day cruises with Prince William Sound Glacier Cruises explore the largest collection of tidewater glaciers in Alaska and travel through wildlife-rich waters to a salmon hatchery.

But don’t stop there. Head 113 miles north of Anchorage to the small town of Talkeetna. Here, on the south side of Denali National Park and Preserve, the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge offers the best view of Mount McKinley and the Alaska Range and is located just minutes from adventure. Guests can fish or hike, take a river float or jet boat trip or choose a flightseeing tour over Denali National Park and Preserve, one of the most dramatic experiences available.

If You Go

Alaska Native owned and operated, CIRI Alaska Tourism Corporation is the parent company for premium-quality tourism products, providing customers with the best that Alaska has to offer in Seward, Whittier, Talkeetna, Denali and beyond.