Alaska Coast to Denali Adventure

The Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge, a wilderness eco lodge, offers 16 comfortable log cabins. This sustainably-minded lodge is located about 2.5 hours south of Anchorage and a four to five-hour scenic boat tour from Seward. This is the only lodge located within the 700,000-acre 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.

Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge Review

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.

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.

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.

Common Areas at Kenai Fjords Glacier 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.

Sustainability at Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge

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.

Dining at Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge

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.

Activities at Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge

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.

Accommodations at Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge

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.

Nestled in a spectacular glacier river valley, the Seward Windsong Lodge is an exceptional Alaska wilderness retreat. 120 miles from Anchorage and only four miles outside the city of Seward, Alaska and along the Resurrection River, the Seward Windsong Lodge is a perfect stopover for exploring the Kenai Fjords National Park. Immersed in the natural beauty of a temperate rainforest, guest accommodations are connected to the main lodge by a series of paved trails that wind their way throughout the property.

Seward Windsong Lodge Review

AdventureSmith Explorations’ Seward Windsong Lodge review includes a detailed description and photo gallery. Our adventure travel experts can help compare the Seward Windsong Lodge with other Alaska land adventure lodges. Choose the Seward Windsong Lodge for a comfortable, Alaska-styled lodge offering a perfect jumping off point for exploration of Kenai Fjords National Park.

Common Areas at Seward Windsong Lodge

With views of the local mountain range, the lounge inside the main lodge offers an espresso bar with snacks, couches and a stone fireplace.

Dining at Seward Windsong Lodge

Two dining options are located in the main lodge. The first, Resurrection Roadhouse, is Seward Windsong Lodge’s gourmet restaurant featuring sustainably harvested local Alaskan seafood and an award-winning wine cellar. Resurrection Roadhouse offers breakfast buffets, lunch and dinner. And for a more casual dining experience, the Goliath Bar & Grill serves up cocktails and on-tap Alaskan beers, pizza and burgers.

Activities at Seward Windsong Lodge

Located close to the entrance to Kenai Fjords National Park, opportunities to explore are ever present at Seward Windsong Lodge. Access the park by foot on the Resurrection Trail or on the Exit Glacier trail system. These options provide hours of adventuring into Alaska's backcountry and walking tours of the Exit Glacier are accessible via shuttle from the lodge. Guided explorations of Resurrection Bay by kayak or cruise offer a variety of options for on-the-water glacier and wildlife viewing. Seward Windsong Lodge offers complementary shuttles to explore downtown Seward.

Accommodations at Seward Windsong Lodge

Seward Windsong Lodge's 17 buildings are spaced nicely throughout the property and the 180 guest rooms are comfortably furnished and well-appointed with Alaskan-style décor. All rooms feature a flat screen television, wireless internet access, a full private bath, a DVD player with free DVD movies at the front desk, a hair dryer, a coffee maker and a telephone.

Seward Windsong Lodge features standard guest rooms with exterior entrances and two queen beds; standard guest rooms with private decks; and suites containing two queen beds and an extra-long twin trundle bed, separated by a half-wall, furnished with a microwave, mini-fridge, two flat-screen TVs and a spacious private bath with Jacuzzi. Seward Windsong Lodge also offers accessible rooms.

Set on a ridge above the small community of Talkeetna on the south side of Mt. Denali, the 212-room Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge offers unforgettable views of Denali and the Alaska Range, just minutes from adventures of a lifetime. Relax beside the 46-foot-tall river rock fireplace or shop for native art from villages across Alaska. Enjoy casual and fine dining featuring Alaska specialties and the best wine selection in the neighborhood.

Talkeetna Lodge Review

AdventureSmith Explorations’ Talkeetna Lodge review includes a detailed description and photo gallery. Our travel experts have stayed at Talkeetna Lodge firsthand and can help you learn more about where to stay in Denali National Park, and compare this lodge with other adventure lodging and Alaska land tours.

Amenities at Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge

The main lodge is grand with a 46-foot-tall river rock fireplace, couches and private tables and reading chairs. The on-site Tokosha Gift Shop features native art from villages across Alaska. Casual and fine dining options offer sustainably sourced Alaska specialties and a superb wine selection. Additional amenities include complimentary high-speed WiFi in rooms and common areas, coin-operated laundry facilities and a fitness center.

Dining at Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge

Multiple dining options are available at Talkeetna Alaska Lodge, ranging from fine dining to casual and lighter fare. The Foraker Dining Room offers an exquisite menu featuring sustainably caught wild Alaska seafood and game, along with a dash of elegance but without the dress code. Base Camp Bistro is a family friendly restaurant with spectacular views, serving tasty appetizers, Alaska fish and chips, house-made meatloaf, salads and more. Base Camp Lounge is a full-service bar with a premium collection of liquors, handcrafted ales, an extensive selection of quality wines and signature cocktails, with an evening menu available as well. The Espresso Stand in the main lobby serves a selection of espresso drinks, hot and iced coffee brewed from locally roasted ground beans, homemade root beer, Thai tea, grab-and-go meal options and more.

Activities at Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge

Adventure through the town of Talkeetna and enjoy the breathtaking views of Mt. Denali and the Alaska Range. Near the hotel are easy opportunities for hiking, sightseeing and a complimentary shuttle is available to take you to and from downtown. Because the lodge is nestled on a ridge above the frontier town of Talkeetna, optional activities like jet boat rides, fishing, hiking, biking, ziplining and flightseeing are just moments away.

Accommodations at Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge

All 212 rooms are spacious, well-appointed and feature a full private bath, hair dryer, coffee maker, refrigerator, satellite television, telephone and wireless internet. Some Suites include additional features like a Jacuzzi bath, gas fireplace and living rooms with private views of Denali. There are six room categories available at Talkeetna Lodge, all of which have ADA options:

Guest Lodge

60 Guest Lodge Rooms are satellite rooms near the main lodge featuring double-sized beds, exterior entrances and views of the forest.

Main Lodge

71 Main Lodge Rooms are in the main lodge with queen or king beds and views of the forest.

Mountain Side

78 Mountain Side Rooms are in the main lodge with queen or king beds and views of Denali and the Alaska Range.

Junior Suite

One Junior Suite is on the third level of the main lodge with views of Denali, an open floor plan and an ADA-compliant roll-in shower.

Executive Suite

One Executive Suite is on the third level of the main lodge with views of Denali, gas fireplace, Jacuzzi bathtub and separate living room for added privacy.

King Suite

One King Suite is on the third floor of the main lodge with views of Denali, double-room gas fireplace, Jacuzzi bathtub, kitchenette and separate living room for added privacy.

This secluded 5-acre piece of paradise celebrates the arts, community and a spectacular setting. Take in incredible mountain views and lakeside solitude from authentically Alaskan crafted “hide-away” style guest cabins. Conveniently located near the Denali Park entrance, yet far enough to feel like a private retreat, this Denali lodge acts as a great jumping off point for guided bus tours, fishing, rafting, flightseeing, naturalist hikes and more.

Amenities

Beside Tonglen Lake is the Lodge, or main lodge, which acts as a hub of the property. The main lodge's log cabin aesthetic blends with beautiful view windows and a large deck for scenic views. The lower floor houses a cafe and art gallery. In both the gallery and throughout the property, find authentic Alaskan-handcrafted items such as log furniture, quilts, pottery, paintings and glass, all from local artists.

At the center of the property is an open-concept, two-story building with an upstairs Arena/Great Room that offers space for group activities and spectacular views of the peaks of the Alaska Range (excluding Denali). Beside this building are: an open-air theatre which plays host to distinguished guest instructors, workshops and performances throughout the season; and a separate Classroom building, ready for yoga and dance classes, screenings, Native Alaskan cultural presentations, workshops and more. Outside, the spacious grounds invite guests to enjoy yard games, evening bonfires and scheduled nature walks.

Dining

Breakfast (included in your stay) is served daily at the main lodge's Artisan Cafe, which also hosts daily afternoon tea. Enjoy award-winning Alaskan coffee, plus treats baked on site, sandwiches, granola, yogurt and house-made porridge. To-go lunches (included with the below-linked trips) help nourish each day's adventure from this Denali lodge. In the evenings, the cafe offers appetizers (also included), alongside beer, wine and cocktails for purchase. Dinner is also served in the main lodge, with a small menu that changes daily (also included with the below-linked trips).

Accommodations

Accommodations at Tonglen Lake Lodge are rustically elegant. Guests can choose between 10 private cabins (exclusively offered on the below-linked trips) and various B&B-style rooms with shared bathrooms (ideal for larger parties). Private cabins are tucked away in a spruce forest; each features a king-size bed, queen-size futon, down comforters, Egyptian cotton sheets, in-floor bathroom heating, an oversized shower, locally handcrafted log furniture and a cast iron hearth.