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Located at the head of Resurrection Bay on the Kenai Peninsula, Seward is known as the
"Gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park". This charming little town of 2,935 residents
sits at the foot of Mt. Marathon nestled among groves of spruce, alder and cottonwoods.
The community has maintained its' frontier style charm while providing modern cruise cruise
ships and their guest a wide variety of adventurous activities.
Discovered in 1792 by Russian fur trader and explorer Alexander Baranof, Seward is one of
Alaska's oldest communities. His discovery occurred while sailing from Kodiak to Yakutat
when an unexpected storm forced him to seek shelter in this bay. He named the bay
Resurrection, because the event took place on the Russian Sunday of the Resurrection.
The town of Seward was named for William Seward who was the U.S. Secretary of State William
from 1861 to 1869. It was Secretary Seward who negotiated the $7.2 million dollar purchase
of Alaska from Russia during the Lincoln administration. Seward incorporated as a city in
1912. In 1923 the Alaska Railroad connecting Seward to Anchorage and points beyond was
completed and Seward quickly developed as the ocean terminus and supply center for goods
coming from the lower 48. As an ice-free harbor, Seward has become an important supply
center for Interior Alaska.
At 3,022 feet, towering Mt. Marathon provides a breathtaking backdrop for the town. Seward's
annual Fourth of July celebration and its grueling Mount Marathon race attracts participants
and visitors from the Kenai region and beyond. Flowing from the nearby Harding Icefield are
numerous glaciers, several of which are tidewater glaciers, calving icebergs into the sea
along the coastline from Seward extending southward to Homer.
Upon arrival, visitors discover a bustling harbor and historic downtown district filled with
quaint, well appointed shops, art galleries, restaurants, hotels and coffee shops. There is
much to see and do while in Seward including, sailing, glacier hiking, horseback riding,
kayaking, flightseeing, summer dog sled rides, day cruises through Kenai National Fjords
National Park and of course fishing.
Seward is home to some of Alaska's finest sport fishing. Anglers of all ages can fish for
giant Pacific Halibut, Coho Salmon, Lingcod, or Chinook Salmon. Halibut fishing begins in
March and continues into October. Coho Salmon return by the thousands to the waters around
Seward in late June and run into early September, Chinook Salmon run from September to June
and the Lingcod season opens July 1st.
Seward is also home to the renown Alaska Sealife Center. This a non-profit marine science
facility dedicated to understanding and maintaining the integrity of the marine ecosystem
of Alaska through research, rehabilitation and public education. The Alaska SeaLife Center
provides an up-close and personal experience with local Alaska marine life. Visitors can
see 2,000+ pound Steller sea lions glide past underwater viewing windows, puffins diving in
their carefully crafted naturalistic habitat, and harbor seals resting on rocky beaches.
Alaskan king crab, sea stars, giant Pacific Octopus, deep sea fishes and a whole variety of
intertidal creatures await visitors. This incredible facility is truly a "must see" while
in Seward.
Population: 2,935
Location: Seward is located on the east coast of the Kenai Peninsula facing Resurrection Bay.
Access: Via the Seward Highway, Seward is 126 miles (204 km) south of Anchorage.
Regular motorcoach and rail service is available to Anchorage and points north. The Alaska state ferry
system makes
frequent port calls on Seward from Valdez, Cordova, Homer and Kodiak. Seward is also the
Alaska terminus for several major cruise lines operating 7 day cruises from Vancouver, BC.
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