Hello Seward! If you’re looking for epic things to do in Alaska, look no further.
We checked some major things off our bucket list in Seward. Ice climbing, glacier kayaking, whale-watching, and more!
We visited in August 2020 and felt comfortable doing so as a negative COVID test was required to be administered within 72 hours prior to landing. And we only chose activities that allowed us to socially distance from others. With Alaska being so huge and focused on the great outdoors, it wasn’t hard to do!
Epic things to do in Seward Alaska
Wildlife tour of Kenai Fjords and Resurrection Bay
August isn’t the most ideal time to see whales, but it isn’t the worst either. In August, they tend to start making their way to the warmer waters of Hawaii, but we visited in early August so some were still around. We were lucky enough to see a humpback whale and it was so cool I didn’t get any photos! We also saw plenty of bald eagles, seals, sea lions, otters, salmon, puffins, and jellyfish. Who knew there were so many jellyfish in Alaska?!
We booked with Seward Ocean Excursions and our guide, Callie, was amazing! Highly recommend booking a tour on a smaller boat like this. We actually ended up being the only ones on the tour! So easy to ask questions, get photos, and turn around if something cool pops up. Masks required inside the boat.
Bear Glacier Iceberg Kayaking
Bear Glacier is unique in that when glacier ice breaks off, it floats into a lagoon and stays there. Only smaller chunks of ice make it out into the little river that feeds into Resurrection Bay. Because of that, the lagoon is one of the most unique places to kayak in the world!
We booked this tour with Liquid Adventures. We specifically booked the option where their custom-built boats take you up the river right to the lagoon. They also have a helicopter option but the boat is much cheaper and it’s still a beautiful ride!
The boats are small, so only one other couple was on the tour with us. Our guide Molly brought us through the ice and showed us her favorite icebergs – so majestic! We were able to see lots of seals swimming around and even big chunks of ice fall of an iceberg. So insane to see in real life! Masks are required when inside the boat.
Exit Glacier Ice Climbing
There’s not many more epic things to do in Seward than ice climbing on a glacier. We spent the majority of a day on this adventure. About 1.5 hour hike to the glacier, an intro on walking on ice with crampons, then actually walking on ice with crampons, an intro on ice climbing and repelling, a practice climb and repel, and then 3 actual climbs in the insanely cool crevasses of the glacier!
We learned so much about the reduction/melting of glaciers in Alaska, and were able to see, first-hand, the land where Exit Glacier once occupied. The crazy thing is that a lot of the melt has occurred in my lifetime. We are definitely going to be more conscious of our footprint after this trip.
We booked with the sister company of Liquid Adventures to get a discount, Exit Glacier Guides. Our guide Trevor was full of interesting facts about Alaska, glaciers, and climbing. Highly recommend! Masks were required on the van over (10 mins) and when in close proximity of others.
Take in the views at Resurrection Bay
If you don’t want to get out onto the bay or only have limited time in Seward, at least make your way to the edge of the bay for some epic views, regardless of the weather! Some days in Seward are moody and some are sunny, but both are beautiful! Take photos of the bay, and also make your way to the harbor to see the awesome fishing boats and otters hanging out among them!
Stay in a yurt
We loved coming back after a day of adventure to our yurt! We booked this yurt through Airbnb and it was only an 8 minute drive to the center of Seward. A few other yurts are on site at Sourdough Sue’s place, so if this one isn’t available, search for others! The oil stove was easy to use, and there is even a bathroom and kitchen inside the yurt. No outhouse needed like other yurts we’ve stayed in in the past!
Eat at the Cookery
Yes, a restaurant makes this Epic things to do in Seward list! The Cookery was our best meal in our whole Alaska trip, and was so good we ate their twice during our time in Seward! Fresh, local ingredients are on the menu, but make sure to try their catch of the day special. Our salmon was out of this world! We also loved the mushroom toast, oysters, and fried chicken – voted the best in Alaska!
Have a beer at Seward Brewing Company
A good beer is a requirement after an epic adventure in Seward, so make sure to stop by Seward Brewing Company for a brew or two. Also make sure to get their fish tacos – some of the best I’ve ever had! Masks are required to sit inside, but can be taken off when eating, and they do a great job of keeping open tables between parties.
Get coffee and shop at Resurrect Art Coffee House
For some local art, goods, and coffee, head to Resurrect Art Coffee House – A coffee house in an old church! A really unique spot with really good coffee.
There’s so many great things to do in Seward, but after a ton of research and experiencing it all – these are my top pics! Enjoy!
YES!! I was watching your Insta stories and it looked amazing. We were supposed to be in Alaska this summer, so I’m definitely saving all your posts for our postponed trip 🙂
i have read this article. pretty informative. thank you for sharing
Love to hear it! Thanks for the note!
Hi Lindsey,
We have a trip planned this august. Also booked the beer glacier kayaking with liquid adventures. I have a question on this. Would you be able to reach out via email? Thanks