Alaska has many amazing activity options and one of our absolute favorites is sea kayaking – there just isn’t anything quite like paddling quietly among blue glacial ice, stopping to watch otters playing, hearing and feeling the rush of a coastal waterfall… and all with stunning views of local glaciers and mountains.
If kayaking is high on your “must do” list on your trip to Alaska, we highly encourage you to include a visit to Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge.
Our kayaking programming options are offered in varying levels and suitable for those with any level of experience (including first-timers!). Whether you choose a casual paddle inside a protected lagoon or you wish to explore coastal Kenai Fjords National Park, we have the perfect option to meet your needs.
Guests at Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge have two main kayaking options: just steps away from the lodge, Pedersen Lagoon provides sheltered and calm waters, perfect for honing new kayaking skills. Glide amid harbor seals, search for seabirds and otters and slide past glittering glacial ice, all against the dramatic background of Pedersen Glacier. Paddlers of all experience levels are sure to appreciate the spectacular setting!
The other area we love for kayaking from the Glacier Lodge is Aialik Bay. This setting allows for both half- and full-day options exploring the outer bay and stunning coastline, keeping an eye out for seals, otters, waterfalls and seabirds including common murres and black-legged kittiwakes. On the full-day kayaking options toward Aialik Glacier, we stop midday and land on a pebbled beach in full view of Aialik Glacier – the perfect venue to enjoy a picnic lunch and watch (and listen!) for dramatic glacial calving.
A programming note: While all efforts are made to provide as many activity options to guests at the Glacier Lodge as possible, our Lodge managers and guides will evaluate weather and water conditions on a daily basis and will provide alternate activity options if conditions don’t permit all or some kayaking routes on a given day.
More information about kayaking in Kenai Fjords National Park can be found by visiting the Kayaking page at the National Park Service site.