Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge

Choose the Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge for a sustainable, active, wildlife- filled Alaska experience. The Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge is a quintessential eco lodge with an astounding location deep in the heart of Kenai Fjords National Park. Intentionally built to blend into the surroundings when viewing from Ailik Bay; there is no dock or infrastructure, instead a landing craft style boat drops guests right on the beach and requires a 15-minute walk to the lodge while lodge staff transfers luggage from the boat to the cabins. With harmonious coexisting in mind, upon arrival, travelers are educated on proper behavior in bear country as bears are frequently seen in the region. Blending conscientious wildlife practices, sustainability and comfort, this is among the finest eco lodges in the world.

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AdventureSmith Explorations’ Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge review includes a detailed description and photo gallery. Our Alaska experts have stayed at Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge firsthand. Please read our lodge review below then contact our experts to compare the Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge with other adventure lodging, Alaska national park tours and Alaska land tours.

The lodge and guest cabins reside within the Native-owned, 1700-acre Pedersen Lagoon Wildlife Sanctuary. These heritage lands, owned by Port Graham Native Corporation, represent a small portion of the ancestral homeland of the Alutiiq people that once lived along and roamed the entire coast of Southcentral Alaska. It’s also home base for numerous activities including access to the surrounding park lands and many miles of astounding and rugged coastline. From the lodge and surrounding lands, harbor seals, sea and river otters, mountain goats, black bears, bald eagles and a multitude of bird life cavort and are ever-present — often in view from cabins or the main lodge.

The central lodge is a rustic yet comfortable common space offering a wall of windows to view the lagoon and Pederson Glacier, comfortable couches, a fireplace, binoculars and games. Serving as the dining room, lounge and natural history library, the main lodge is the go-to place for gatherings. A large deck with rocking chairs and excellent views of Pederson Glacier is also available for relaxation and wildlife viewing. Note: the lodge is fully off the grid, with no TVs, cell phone service or internet connections, encouraging guests to disconnect.

This eco lodge has a gold level rating from Alaska’s ecotourism certification program, Adventure Green Alaska. This lodge was designed with specific development limitations to prevent large scale resort expansion and is intentionally built using local products and sustainable techniques when possible. The surrounding 10 acres is managed as a private reserve that limits ecological impacts. Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge also supports the Kenai Fjords National Park by offering helpful information on flora and fauna and the marine ecosystem ensuring longevity of the iconic wilderness. Working with the local Native community, Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge is also creating a mindful, supportive and respectful cultural program.

Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge’s fine dining features freshly prepared meals and delicious recipes. A buffet breakfast serves hot and cold options, an array of fresh fruits, freshly baked muffins or scones and homemade granola. Lunchtime brings hot soups and sandwiches for guests at the lodge, while the all-day kayaking and exploring groups will pack a reusable bag lunch to bring along. Late in the afternoon cold glasses of beer and chardonnay are served  with appetizers. Four-course dinners often feature fresh seafood from the area, exquisitely prepared meats and hearty side dishes and are served family style in the main lodge. These community-oriented dinners are followed by tasty homemade desserts. Regular shipments of fresh produce, meat, seafood and dairy selections allow the chef and staff to creatively accommodate guest dietary restrictions. Also, with a baker turned chef, fresh homemade bread is often served.

Various guided activities are available each day, providing options for a wide range of abilities and energy levels. Activities from the lodge include sea kayaking on protected waters (from short paddles to half-day trips) and light hiking (from interpretive walks to beachcombing). Hiking poles are available onsite. Kayaking options include short ventures in nearby Pedersen Lagoon to longer paddles near glaciers in Aialik Bay. Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge has capable and experienced guides that lead up-close explorations of the seacoast. Please note that the longer paddling excursions are not an available option for departure day or for one-night stays. All kayaking is by double kayaks and must be guided. Voyager-style canoes also provide an excellent option for exploring Pedersen Lagoon in a relaxed yet non-motorized manner. It’s the perfect craft for great photos and low impact wildlife viewing.

Also, when departing from Seward, a stay at Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge begins with a marine wildlife and glacier cruise on a high-speed catamaran through Kenai Fjords National Park. This scenic tour cruises through tidewater glaciers and often experiences sightings of orca and humpback whales, Steller sea lions, Dall’s porpoises, sea otters and a variety of seabirds, including puffins.

While trails are few, opportunities do exist to explore the pristine wilderness of Kenai Fjords National Park by foot. Several miles of walking on sand and pebble beaches are found a short distance from the lodge. Naturalist led hikes and forest hikes offer space to learn about local flora and fauna as well as local history and culture in the northern extension of Alaska’s temperate rainforest. A few short trails in the Pedersen Lagoon Wildlife Sanctuary provide access to Pedersen Glacier and outstanding scenic views.

The lodge consists of 16 comfortably appointed guest log cabins. These guest cabins were designed to be minimally visible from the adjacent Pedersen Lagoon while still offering spectacular views from within. A network of boardwalks connects the cabins, providing a comfortable walkway for guests and protection of the environment. Each private cabin features on-demand heat and electricity as well as full bath amenities.