Ports of Call - USA - Alaska - Seward
Seward is known for being one of Alaska’s oldest and most picturesque communities complete with an historic downtown area, shops and art galleries.
Steps away from the Kenai Fjords National Park on Resurrection Bay on the Kenai Peninsula, and set against the backdrop of Mt Marathon, Seward is set as the ideal Alaska vacation destination for both summer and winter.
For those even more energetic, hiking trails offer an excellent way to see the area, as do horseback riding excursions, and even kayaking – another popular pastime for locals and visitors alike, with opportunities in the bay or further afield into the Kenai Fjords National Park.
With Resurrection Bay full of salmon and halibut, it is not surprising that fishing is popular with both novices and experienced anglers. Flightseeing tours take avid fishermen to world-class fishing locations and trophy sport fishing. The annual Seward Silver Salmon Derby draws anglers from around the world who try their luck at catching silver salmon and winning prizes totaling over $100,000
All year round, dog mushing is a favorite attraction. Some operators offer a visit to Iditarod champions’ homes, or helicopter rides to a snow covered glaciers for interaction with huskies and sledding.
Other attractions include the Alaska SeaLife Center (an aquarium located on the shores of Resurrection Bay) and The Resurrection Bay Historical Society/Museum which features exhibits about Seward and its role in Alaska's gold rushes.
The Chugach Heritage Center in Seward is a prime example of Alaska's expansion of Native culture showcases. The newly constructed center features a play, displays of traditional artifacts, art and a gift shop.
Seward is also well known for its Fourth of July marathon which is part of the 4th July celebrations. The foot race follows a route a mile and a half up Mt Marathon and a mile and a half down again. The original race was a result of a wager that the route could not be completed in an hour. That race actually took one hour and two minutes. The overall record now is 43 minutes and 23 seconds.Photo: © Alaska Division of Tourism