Situated at the head of Resurrection Bay on the Kenai Peninsula, Seward is one of Alaska’s oldest and most picturesque communities. The historic downtown district is filled with quaint shops, restaurants and art galleries, and the nearby harbor abounds with opportunities to get out and explore Kenai Fjords National Park on a glacier cruise. Seward represents the southern terminus of the Alaska Railroad’s main line.
From mid-May to mid-September, the Alaska Railroad’s Coastal Classic train departs early from Anchorage, makes a brief stop in Girdwood, and continues the journey south to arrive in Seward just after 11 a.m. This late morning arrival is the perfect time to connect with a glacier cruise in Resurrection Bay or Kenai Fjords National Park; the cruise operators will have shuttle transfers waiting to meet the train, or stretch your legs on the short walk from the Seward Railroad Depot to the harbor. The Real Alaska Tour also meets the train at the depot, and a Seward City Shuttle provides easy transportation for passengers spending the day in Seward prior to the Coastal Classic’s 6 p.m. departure.
Or, take a walk along a piece of history; long before there was an Iditarod Sled Dog Race, dog teams traveled the original Iditarod Trail as a supply route from the port town of Seward to the remote community of Nome. Today, the beginnings of the National Historic Iditarod Trail exists as a 1.5-mile paved walking path along scenic Resurrection Bay, connecting Seward’s harbor with its charming downtown district. Downtown Seward is home to the excellent Alaska SeaLife Center, as well as the Seward Brewery and a host of restaurants and shops.
Served by: Coastal Classic Train
Our reservations agents are happy to assist you in booking any of the below hotels. Call Alaska Railroad reservations at 800.544.0552.
Harbor 360 Hotel
Address: 1412 4th Ave, Seward, AK 99664
Phone: 907.224.2550
Located next to the harbor. The Harbor 360 Hotel offers unequaled access to a bustling harbor and a historic downtown district brimming with art galleries and eateries.
Amenities:
- Phone
- Television
- Coffee/Tea Maker
- ADA Rooms
- Bed Types: 2 Queens
- Wheelchair Access Shower
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Cribs
- Rollaway Beds: $10
- Complimentary Breakfast
- Business Center
- Pool
- Laundry Facility
- Baggage Storage
Hotel Information:
- Transfers to/from Depot: Yes
- Transfers to/from Airport: No
- Distance to Depot: 0.1 Mile
Seward Windsong Lodge
Address: 31772 Herman Leirer Rd, Seward, AK 99664
Phone: 907.224.7116
Nestled in a spectacular glacier river valley, the Seward Windsong Lodge guest rooms are spread out in a wooded setting, surrounded by spruce trees and wildflowers. Located minutes from downtown, the lodge offers a free shuttle to all major Seward sights.
Amenities:
- Phone
- Television
- Coffee/Tea Maker
- Bed Types: 2 Queens
- Wheelchair Access Shower
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Cribs
- Business Center
- Baggage Storage
- Smoking Rooms Available
Hotel Information:
- Transfers to/from Depot: Yes
- Transfers to/from Airport: Yes
- Transfers to/from Cruise Ship Terminal: Yes
- Distance to Depot: 2 Miles
- ADA Rooms
Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge
Address: Pedersen Lagoon Wildlife Sanctuary
Phone: 907.783.2928
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. Wilderness fine dining is a highlight at the lodge. Lodge activities include kayaking, hiking, canoeing and more.
Amenities:
- Coffee/Tea Maker
- Homemade meals prepared and served in main lodge
- Complimentary meals
- Wood Fired Sauna
- Fitness Center
- Laundry Facility
- Baggage Storage
Hotel Information:
- Transfers to/from Depot: Yes
- Transfers to/from Airport: No
- Distance to Depot: 1.5 Miles
- Distance to Airport (ANC to SEW): 130 miles
Add any of the below excursions to your rail itinerary by calling Alaska Railroad reservations at 800.544.0552.
Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise with Salmon & Prime Rib Buffet
Watch for tidewater glaciers and abundant marine wildlife – including humpback whales, orcas, sea lions and more – aboard this six-hour cruise. Includes narration by a National Park Ranger, and an all-you-can-eat salmon and prime rib buffet.
Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise
Embark on a six-hour coastal catamaran cruise featuring Resurrection Bay and Kenai Fjords National Park; get an up-close view of tidewater glaciers and watch for wildlife.
Resurrection Bay Wildlife Cruise with Salmon & Prime Rib Buffet
This five-hour cruise of protected Resurrection Bay includes glacier and wildlife viewing, narration by a National Park Ranger, and an all-you-can-eat salmon and prime rib buffet.
Resurrection Bay Wildlife Cruise to Fox Island
Learn about the rich history of Resurrection Bay while viewing jagged cliffs, alpine glaciers and marine wildlife. A visit to Fox Island and an all-you-can-eat buffet with a National Park Ranger Presentation is included.
This tour is a great way to see Seward in a day. Visit Exit Glacier, pause for lunch at the Resurrection Roadhouse, and enjoy a dog sled ride and tour at the famed Seavey kennel.
The coastal rainforest surrounding Resurrection Bay makes for an incredible backdrop on this 3-hour guided ziplining adventure.
Alaska’s only public aquarium and marine wildlife rescue center. Get up close to the unique sea animals, birds and fish of Alaska.
