From Our Guests

We take pride in our longstanding relationships with local companies we work with in the Kenai and in Denali as well as the international partners who represent our trips to clients around the world. We operate trips in partnership with Lindblad Expeditions, National Audubon Society, World Wildlife Federation, National Wildlife Federation, and others. We also partner with a number of trip wholesalers and group travel planners such as: Cruise West, Entree Alaska, and Thomson Family Adventures.

Our best sales people and our toughest critics are our staff who come back year after year and have worked so hard to continually look for new ways to improve our trip itineraries, operations and amenities.

Here are some representative comments from just a few of our past guests:

"Over the past 50 years we have experienced many milestones, four wonderful children, 12 1/2 wonder-filled grandchildren and two significant professions. Now, with the help of Kenai Backcountry Lodge and all its inherent beauty, excitement and people, we have experienced yet another milestone, a perfect anniversary celebration. Thank you so very much! We now have a new yardstick by which to measure our adventures."
~Tim & Sally B., Ashley, MA, Alaska 10-Day Grand Journey

"Our experience with AWA's [Kenai] Wilderness Sampler felt like our introduction to Alaska was not what would be typical 'tourist-fare.' We felt we got a more intimate glimpse of Alaska."
~Michael R. & Rosanna O., San Diego, CA, Kenai Wilderness Sampler

"The Explorer Safari was a great mix of boating, camping, lodging, hiking... a perfect combination to experience Alaska. Our 9 & 12-year-old children were equally awed by the adventure. AWA was extremely accommodating to their food & adventure desires. We've never eaten that well camping!! The 4 guides were the very best we could have imagined! We will highly recommend AWA to our friends."
~Lisa L., Mike, Tess & Liam M., Menlo Park, CA, Alaska Explorer Safari

"The personal service is what makes AWA special. The fact that so many of the guides have such longevity with the company speaks well. It's obvious that they love what they do and are excited to share the specialness of the Alaska experience with visitors. AWA is the first company I'll look at for my next visit."
~Terri C., Belmont, CA, Kenai Exploration Adventure

"Great trip, awesome employees, your concern & devotion to the Alaska wilderness is admirable."
~Linna L. and Laurie S., Custom trip for Women on a Roll

"Wonderful first-time trip to Alaska! What a great way to experience the enormity of our largest state. Now that I'm home and discussing the trip, I realize how much I did and how much I got to see. Truly the 'trip of a life-time' for me."
~Linda M., Monmouth Beach, NJ, Alaska 10-Day Grand Journey

"Truly superior guides, every one of them."
~Tanya J., Custom trip for Women on a Roll

"Everyone was so very pleasant, which made life a lot more enjoyable. From the moment we woke up in the morning to the moment we laid down at night, we knew that kind and caring experts with a true concern over our well-being were there to help us enjoy our experience."
~Eric D., Rumson, NJ, Alaska Explorer Safari

"What an incredible trip... thanks for helping us set up a bit of heaven. This trip was picture perfect. Kenai, both Riverside and Backcountry, were certainly highlights. I really couldn't say enough of how pleased we were with staff and food. The staff really couldn't have been more personable, pleasant, and concerned with safety. And it certainly was across the board, they were truly genuinely like that to all! Thank you again!!"
~Billy H., Greenlawn, NY, Kenai Wilderness Sampler

"We were blown away by the caliber of employees we encountered at AWA! Every guide had something special to offer. I was amazed at their knowledge, passion, and personalities. We couldn't have dreamed of better guides. I now know my flowers and birds!"
~Kristin M., Oak Ridge, TN, Kenai & Denali Journey

"We will never forget this amazing experience and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys the combined experience of "roughing it" in tents, interspersed with nights in cabins and (welcome!) hot showers! We especially enjoyed the evening activities (storytelling, reading) led by our guides."
~Chris & Jane M., Potomac, MD, Alaska Explorer Safari

"The customer service was great from the webpage to the initial call, right to the end, concluding with this survey. Very professional and expertly executed. I will definitely recommend [AWA] to my friends and associates."
~David and Susan F., Rincon, GA, Kenai Wilderness Sampler

"First adventure trip we've taken, you've set the bar very high!"
~Shannon & Robin J., Woodland Park, CA, Alaska 8-Day Grand Journey

"Thank you for a thoroughly enjoyable visit to a piece of paradise tucked away here at Kenai Backcountry Lodge. Our hike, the food, and company were all spectacular. Bill and I really, REALLY enjoyed our stay."
~Barbara & Bill, F., Shickshinny, PA, Kenai & Denali Journey

"The trip was much better than we expected; even our 16 year old 'city girl' daughter enjoyed it tremendously. I'd highly recommend AWA to anyone!"
~Robert L., Piedmont, CA, Kenai Explorer Adventure

"Every AWA lodge is fantastic. Very peaceful and relaxing. Activities were excellent as well as the AWA staff that I met. Thank you, I hope to come back in 10 years when I have my own family to share the experience with."
~Frankie A., Columbia Station, OH, Alaska 10-Day Grand Journey

"What a divine retreat from the noise of civilization. Your gracious hospitality, quiet leadership, patient attentiveness, and diversity of activity and menu culminated in the perfect wildlife adventure. The relaxed atmosphere of the staff set the tone for all of us."
~Vicki & Tim O., Kailua, HI, Kenai Wilderness Sampler

"The accommodations were great at the Riverside Lodge and Backcountry Lodge, where the kids (boys age 11 and 13) felt as though they were 'at camp' with their own log cabin."
~Eric D., Rumson, NJ, Alaska Explorer Safari

"Heartfelt thanks to all of the staff for the cheerful, creative, and accommodating activities you arranged for us during our two day stay. No detail was over-looked, to the enjoyment of each and every guest. What a wonderful, tranquil, and unbelievable vacation in a great place."
~Phil & Jane F., Scotia, NY, Kenai Wilderness Sampler

"This was our first guided trip, we were unsure how it would go for us, but based on this experience we'd definitely do it again."
~Christine & Shannon W., Middle Village, NY, Alaska 8-Day Grand Journey

"The [Kenai] Backcountry lodge is gorgeous and the main camp is great. Really, this trip blew my mind. Thank you for an unforgettable adventure."
~Lane L., Ozark, MO, Kenai Wilderness Sampler

"This trip was beyond all others!"
~Brian A., Columbia Station, OH, Alaska 10-Day Grand Journey

"We are now raving fans of the AWA Kenai Adventure family. This was for all intents and purposes our first trip to Alaska and our expectations were exceeded by the warmth of your staff and beauty of the environment."
~Linda & Norm B., Oakland, CA, Kenai Wilderness Sampler

"Everything was truly wonderful and made for an Alaskan experience that we relish daily."
~Earl, Jennifer and Roland N., Langhorne, PA, Kenai Explorer Adventure

"Friends are waiting to hear about our trip and we will recommend it highly!"
~Connie B., Natchez, MS, Alaska 8-Day Grand Journey

"First class operation with a very informal and comfortable atmosphere. Every staff member was very knowledgeable with a 'family' attitude."
~James W., Springfield, MO, Kenai Wilderness Sampler

"Thank you for the incredible food and hospitality! Everyone on the staff is kind, courteous, and friendly. The hike up the cottonwood trail was fantastic. We were the crazy ones who took a dip in the glacial fed lake after the 'hot' sauna - it was invigorating! We will be back! Thank you for a wonderful experience!"
~Joe & Jackie C., Hudson, MA, Alaska 8-Day Grand Journey

"To think we might have gone a lifetime without ever exploring the magnificent Kenai Peninsula and spending a couple of days here. The view of Denali from the tundra was awesome, but nothing could compare to the sunset - the endless sunset - we witnessed! Thank you, thank you, thank you!"
~Louis and Judith W., Tewksbury Township, NJ, Kenai Backcountry Lodge