DAY 4 – Alyeska, Alaska / Seward, Alaska
Board a motorcoach to Seward to board the Celebrity Millennium.
Introduction
The historic fishing village of Seward is encircled by the Kenai Wildlife Refuge, Alaska Maritime National Refuge, Chugach National Forest, and Kenai Fjords National Park. Seabirds, otters, whales and other wildlife thrive in nearby Resurrection Bay. Seward is named after William Seward, who negotiated the purchase of Alaska from Russia in 1867 for just under two cents an acre.
Attractions
Alaska Sealife Center – This modern facility which sits on a 7-acre site was funded largely from the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill settlement. The center allows scientists to study marine life in their natural habitat. It is also for the enjoyment of visitors to Seward. The main attractions here are the giant aquariums where sea lions, harbor seals, puffins, porpoises, sea otters and many other marine species can be observed through large underwater windows. There are also tide-pool touch-tanks and smaller aquariums filled with other sea creatures.
Exit Glacier – This is the only road-accessible part of the Kenai Fjords National Park. Located 13 miles (21 km) northeast of Seward, it is an easy 1/2 mile (1 km) hike to the glacier from the parking lot. The first 1/4 mile is paved.
Seward Museum – If you are a history buff, this museum won’t disappoint you. It has exhibits on the 1964 earthquake, the Iditarod Trail, and Native history. At the corner of 3rd and Jefferson Sts.
Shopping
Brown & Hawkins – This is Alaska’s oldest family owned business. They sell gifts and souvenirs and are located at 209 4th Ave.
Ranting Raven Bakery – Although it is a bakery they also sell jewelry, Native crafts and Russian imports. But you can’t leave without trying some of the home-baked pastries and bread and compliment it with an espresso. Located at 228 4th Ave.
Resurrection Bay Gallery – Gifts and souvenirs are available for your enjoyment here. Located at 500 4th Ave.
Activities
Fishing – The Seward Silver Salmon Derby is held every August and attracts hundreds of would-be fishermen (and women) who compete for the $10,000 top prize. Contact the Fish House (907-224-3674 or 900-257-7760) for fishing, sightseeing and tours.
Hiking – If strenuous activity is your style, then check out the Mt. Marathon trail. It starts at the west end of Lowell Canyon Road and runs practically straight uphill. If you are tired just reading the description, then an easier hike is the Two Lakes Trail, a loop of bridges and pathways on the edge of town. A map is available from the Chamber of Commerce at 3rd Avenue and Jefferson Street.
Wildlife
Resurrection Bay Wildlife Cruise – Climb on board a 90-foot touring boat for a 4-5 hour, 50 mile, narrated tour into Resurrection Bay and the Kenai Fjords area. The area is teeming with wildlife and birds so keep your eyes open. Your chances of seeing eagles, puffins, kittiwakes, harbor seals, otters, sea lions and porpoises are extremely good. You might even spot a humpback whale frolicking in the icy water.
History
Set between high mountain ranges on one side and Resurrection Bay on the other, Seward is one of Alaska’s oldest communities. The city gets its name from William H. Seward, who in 1867, as U.S. Secretary of State, was instrumental in arranging the purchase of Alaska from Russia.
The town was established in 1903 as an ocean terminal and supply center. The 1964 Good Friday earthquake, the strongest ever recorded in North America, was also the biggest event the town had ever seen (or felt). The tsunami that followed the quake totally devastated the town. Luckily, most of the residents saw the harbor drain almost entirely and knew what was to follow so ran to higher ground.
The town now mostly relies upon commercial fishing and its harbor which is important for shipping coal to Asia. Historic downtown Seward retains its small-town atmosphere.
