The wilderness eco lodge Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge is completely surrounded by Kenai Fjords National Park and is the only lodge located within the park.
Kenai Fjords Backcountry Explorer
The ultimate of all Kenai Fjords tours, this trip offers active exploration from the Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge, the only lodge located within Kenai Fjords National Park. Enjoy a more in-depth exploration—think kayaking, hiking, relaxing—and less overland travel.
Aug
Sep
FROM
$4,575
USD
PER PERSON
/
Kenai Fjords Backcountry Explorer is an active 7-day trip to Kenai Fjords National Park that includes arrangements in Anchorage and Seward before going to Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge for an incredible 4-day/3-night exploration. Highlights include more time exploring one place intimately, boating into your remote lodge, great sea kayaking opportunities and a departing ride on the historic Alaska Railroad back to Anchorage.
This is the ultimate of all Kenai Fjords tours as it’s fully devoted to exploring the national park, and your home base is the Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge, the only lodge located within Kenai Fjords National Park. From this spectacular setting, on the shore of a protected lagoon in full view of Pedersen Glacier, wildlife viewing opportunities abound, as do activity choices. The lodge and guest cabins reside within the Native-owned, 1,700-acre Pedersen Lagoon Wildlife Sanctuary. Each comfortably appointed log cabin features a private bath and view of the lagoon.
Lodge activities include sea kayaking on protected waters (from short paddles to half-day trips), hiking (from interpretive walks to beach combing), as well as canoe explorations. Each day, choose the activities that match your interest and energy level. The lodge is a great place to explore and a prime setting for relaxing with a view. On the 4- to 5-hour boat journey to access the lodge, it’s common to see Steller sea lions, sea otters, Dall’s porpoises, humpback and/or orca whales, bald eagles, puffins and a myriad of other birdlife. On site, harbor seals, sea and river otters, mountain goats, black bears, bald eagles and a multitude of birds abound.
Of all of our Kenai Fjords tours, this trip is highlighted by spending the most time in this national park, and all from a remote Alaska lodge so guests have an experience like no other. Keep it simple with a true Alaska experience, with less overland travel and more in-depth exploration here in Kenai Fjords National Park.
Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Alaska land tours or all Alaska trips by land and sea.
Kenai Fjords Backcountry Explorer Itinerary
Anchorage, AlaskaAnchorage, Alaska
Kenai Fjords Backcountry Explorer is an active 7-day trip to Kenai Fjords National Park that begins and ends in Anchorage, Alaska.
Arrive independently at the Anchorage airport. A transfer to your downtown Anchorage hotel is included. The remainder of the day is yours to explore this cosmopolitan city on your own.
This morning travel along the Alaska coast to Seward by motorcoach, departing the Dena’ina Center at 7:00am for a roughly 3-hour ride. Upon arrival check in to the Seward Windsong Lodge for your overnight stay. The remaining day is yours to enjoy at leisure or to partake in one of the many exciting activities the lodge has to offer at additional cost, including a Resurrection Bay dinner cruise; a fishing charter; a helicopter tour; walking and hiking tours, including the nearby Exit Glacier; a visit to the Alaska Sea Life Center or Iditarod sled dog demos.
This morning an included transfer brings you to the pier to embark on a 4- to 5-hour wildlife and tidewater glacier journey of Kenai Fjords National Park by boat. Upon arriving at the shores of your remote wilderness destination, take an easy 20-minute walk from the outer coast along a maintained trail to the lodge and guest cabins; motorized travel is provided if desired. Orientation, optional afternoon activity, dinner and an evening program await.
Begin 2 full days of exploration at the lodge and choose from an array of activities to match your interest and energy level. Guided options include interpretive nature walks, sea kayaking amid glacial ice, canoeing in the lagoon and coastal explorations. Or relax at the lodge by the woodstove, peruse the natural history library or take a leisurely stroll along the beachfront. Take a packed lunch during extended activities or join an in-camp lunch for shorter ones. There’s time to relax if you wish. Dinner and evening programs await you after the day’s adventures.
Spend your second full day exploring the wonders surrounding Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge, the only accommodation located within the national park. At the lodge, wildlife opportunities abound. Keep a keen eye out for harbor seals, sea and river otters, mountain goats, black bears, bald eagles and a multitude of birds.
Choose a short morning activity to suit your interest. After an in-camp lunch, board the boat for a coastal wildlife and scenic tour of Kenai Fjords National Park as you return to Seward. Arrive early evening and board the Alaska Railroad, which departs at 6:00pm and arrives back in Anchorage around 10:15pm. Dinner is available for purchase on the train. An included transfer brings you from the train depot to your Anchorage hotel for your overnight stay.
Say your farewells and transfer to the airport for flights home or extend your trip to another destination.
Included
All transportation transfers to/from airport, hotels and railroad, most meals, accommodations in a mix of hotels and rustic lodges, entrance fees, leadership, crew, local guides, rafting, kayaking, hiking activities.
Exclusions
2025 taxes are $165 per person for double occupancy (inquire for triple, quad and single occupancy). Airfare to and from Alaska, airport taxes, excess baggage charges; any additional hotel nights in Anchorage; fuel surcharge of $40 per person; some meals, items of a personal nature such as alcoholic beverages and insurance of any kind.
Payment & Cancellation
In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of $1,500 is required per person at the time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 120 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 121 days – 10% of total trip cost
120 to 91 days – 20% of total trip cost
90 to 46 days – 50% of total trip cost
45 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost
Terms & Conditions
This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations’ Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.
Arrival & Departure
The Kenai Fjords Backcountry Explorer adventure begins and ends in Anchorage, Alaska (ANC). Plan flights to arrive to Anchorage anytime on Day 1 of the itinerary. Plan flights to depart Anchorage anytime on Day 7. Transfers will be provided both upon arrival on Day 1 from Anchorage International Airport and on Day 7 for your return flight home.
Activities
Whether you are looking for light activity options or more challenging outdoor pursuits, the guides can tailor most excursions to suit your skill level. Adventure activities may include sea kayaking, canoeing, interpretive nature walks, trail side picnics, swimming, hiking, coastal explorations, wildlife viewing and a train ride.
Room Configuration
Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy room may do so at a 25% supplement of the per-person listed rate in select rooms upon availability. Single travelers interested in sharing accommodations with another guest of the same gender, will be charged the 25% single supplement then refunded this amount once a share is found. If a share is not found then the 25% single supplement will apply. Triple and quad rates with applicable taxes subject to availability, please inquire about discounts. Upgrades may be available, contact us for details.
Families & Children
Minimum age is 7 years old. Children between the ages of 7-18 will receive a discount of $200.
Travel Insurance
Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. For best value and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, consider purchasing a policy at time of booking. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.
Itinerary Notes
Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, national park regulation or at the guides’ discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of adventure travel unique. Note that in rare circumstances, due to high winds, weather fronts or ocean conditions, we are unable to access the Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge at scheduled times. Alternative activities and accommodations have been planned for this uncommon occurrence, but please be prepared for a possible change in schedule.
Weather Delays
In rare circumstances, due to high winds, weather fronts or ocean conditions, we are unable to access Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge at scheduled times. Alternative activities and accommodations have been planned for this uncommon occurrence, but please be prepared for a possible change in schedule.
Trip Rates & Details
Departures available daily, August & September. Contact us for current rates and availability.
Learn About the Lodges & Hotels on Your Itinerary
This lodge-style hotel is known for its hospitality and upscale yet comfortable amenities. Set on the shore of Lake Spenard, The Lakefront Anchorage offers modern décor accented with classical hints of Alaska. Daily flightseeing and fishing pickups from the hotel dock offer specialized opportunities for Alaska-based adventures.
Nestled in a spectacular glacier river valley, Seward Windsong Lodge is an exceptional wilderness retreat located at the entrance to the Kenai Fjords National Park. The 180 guest rooms located nearby to the main lodge, are set back in a wooded setting, surrounded by spruce trees and wildflowers.
Located in the heart of downtown Anchorage, this hotel is walking distance to popular attractions and a 10-minute drive to the International airport.
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