Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge, A Must See

Just a sample of the amazing views in the Kenai Fjords

In 2015, I had the privilege of joining an Ultimate Alaska Wildlife Photo Safari for a spectacular 14-day tour of Alaska’s natural highlights. This unique nature tour included stops in Anchorage, Kenai Fjords and Katmai National Park. I was amazed by all the natural beauty that surrounded me while in Alaska and loved every part of the tour.

Whenever anyone asks, “What was your favorite part of the trip?” I reply with, “It was all amazing, so it’s hard to pick a favorite. If I must choose, it would be the time I spent at Fox Island and our stay at Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge.”

Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge

The lodge is located on Fox Island in in Kenai Fjords National Park and can only be accessed by boat, which departs from Seward, Alaska. Seward is about a two-and-a-half-hour drive south of Anchorage, and the cruise from Seward to Fox Island is approximately one hour. Our time cruising out to Fox Island was spent watching for wildlife and taking in the beauty of the surrounding mountains and Resurrection Bay. My group saw Stellar sea lions, whales, otters, Dall’s porpoise and an amazing array of seabirds, including puffins, cormorants and eagles.

Upon our arrival at the lodge, we were greeted by the staff, who quickly took care of our luggage and whisked us away to our remote accommodations for the next two nights. Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge is made up of eight guest cabins situated between the beach and a freshwater lagoon that’s located behind the cabins. In addition to the eight guest cabins, there is a 3,300-square-foot main lodge that was built in 2013 and is used exclusively for overnight guests. This beautiful lodge features two-story windows that look out over Halibut Cove. It’s the perfect place to unwind and mingle with other guests while sharing stories from the day. A sharp eye might even be able to spot whales or sea lions from the comfort of the couch. Or you can enjoy your time on the expansive deck with amazing views of Kenai Fjords.

The main lodge is home to the beautiful dining room, which also has sweeping views of Halibut Cove and Kenai Fjords. This main lodge also houses a gourmet kitchen where guests can enjoy a culinary experience with the chefs and learn to prepare one of their amazing Alaskan seafood recipes. Fresh seafood, crisp green salads and fantastic deserts were all on the menu while I was there.

Kayaking at Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge

When staying at Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge, you can choose to be as active as you want or spend your time relaxing on the cobblestone beach. Besides eating and taking in the amazing views while at the lodge, guests also have access to full- and half-day kayak excursions, beachcombing, Resurrection Bay tours, glacier tours and naturalist-guided hikes. You can also choose to explore the island on your own if you’re more of the adventurous type. During my two nights there, I was able to enjoy beachcombing, an afternoon kayak, and a cruise of Resurrection Bay; and I was still able to work in some relaxation time on the beach.

If you’re looking for a remote wilderness getaway that doesn’t involve long travel times or an expensive transfer, then Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge is your place. Cute and cozy cabins, gourmet meals, beautiful surroundings and endless views of the Alaskan wilderness await you.

Beautiful Seward, Alaska

The ship used to transport travelers between Seward & Fox Island

One of the eight private cabins at Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge

This guest post was written by Natural Habitat Adventures Sky Ambassador Holly Glessner. All photos © Holly Glessner