what to do in Seward while waiting for 6:00pm Train to Anchorage

[SpringTXcruiser]

Suggestions please. What should we do in Seward while waiting for the 6:30pm train to Anchorage. The train is a 'must do' by one of group so driving into Anchorage is out.

We already have these excursions in mind:
Ketchikan-ZipLine and Lumberjack show
Icy Strait Point-Whale watching tour
Juneau-Mendenahll Raft Float
Skagway-car rental, Caribou Crossing, Emerald Lake

Also, the tours offered through RCI end at 5:30, cutting it very close to the 6:00pm train departure.

Thanks ahead of time...you guys always come through!!!
~tina~

[ellbon]

Originally Posted by SpringTXcruiser

Suggestions please. What should we do in Seward while waiting for the 6:30pm train to Anchorage. The train is a 'must do' by one of group so driving into Anchorage is out.

We already have these excursions in mind:
Ketchikan-ZipLine and Lumberjack show
Icy Strait Point-Whale watching tour
Juneau-Mendenahll Raft Float
Skagway-car rental, Caribou Crossing, Emerald Lake

Also, the tours offered through RCI end at 5:30, cutting it very close to the 6:00pm train departure.

Thanks ahead of time...you guys always come through!!!


~tina~

how about the city life center, exit glacier, lunch, a 6 hour boat ride starts at 11 i think.

[mainecooncat]

We were not at the SeaLife Center, so I don't know how that is. You should definitely go to Exit Glacier it is a short walk back to the Glacier, which you can walk up to. Its magnificant! Also Seivey's Ididaride is back there, interesting to see and they take you on a sled on wheel thru the woods. Very cool.

[vbmom87]

There is an 8:00 a.m and a 11:30 a.m. Kenai Fjords boat tour if you enjoy sea wildlife in a natural setting. YOu will also see a glacier. This is a highly recommended tour. Yes, you will have time to make the 6:00 p.m. train if you return at 5:30 p.m. To confirm this, just call the boat companies and ask. From all I have read, they make sure to get you back in time for the train and they will even shuttle you over to the train station. Again, call to put your mind at ease.

Here is some info on the tours:

http://www.kenaifjords.com/kenai-nationalpark.html

If you aren't comfortable with that, Exit Glacier is an option. There are shuttles or taxis from Seward to Exit Glacier. The Sea Life Center is of interest to many people, but not all. We thoroughly enjoyed it and wished we could have had more time for it. We took an add on tour (Behind the Scenes) which we liked a lot.

Here is info on Exit Glacier and the Sea Life Center:

http://www.nps.gov/kefj/planyourvisit/exit-glacier.htm


http://www.alaskasealife.org/


You will love the train ride!!! Very relaxing and oh so scenic!!!

[msd360]

Definitely recommend the Kenai Fjords Boat Tour. See pictures, reviews, and contacts linked below. The 5:30 return will be in time to catch the train to Anchorage.

[cbowler]

I would second the Kenai Fjords boat tour. One of the best all around excursions in my opinion. You get scenery, wildlife and glaciers. What's not to love (except the motion of the ocean!). also as mentioned is is the Sea Life Center which is good for an hour or 2. There's also Exit Glacier. If you're really into hiking, look into Exit Glacier Guides for a hike and glacier trek. We did it in June and it was difficult but fabulous. I'd try to pack in as much as I could before getting on the train. Seward is a great place with a lot to offer.

[Chilkoot]

Originally Posted by vbmom87

There is an 8:00 a.m and a 11:30 a.m. Kenai Fjords boat tour if you enjoy sea wildlife in a natural setting. You will also see a glacier. This is a highly recommended tour. Yes, you will have time to make the 6:00 p.m. train if you return at 5:30 p.m. To confirm this, just call the boat companies and ask. From all I have read, they make sure to get you back in time for the train and they will even shuttle you over to the train station. Again, call to put your mind at ease.

Here is some info on the tours:

http://www.kenaifjords.com/kenai-nationalpark.html


Here is info on Exit Glacier and the Sea Life Center:

http://www.nps.gov/kefj/planyourvisit/exit-glacier.htm


You will love the train ride!!! Very relaxing and oh so scenic!!!

I'd be out on the water on a day excursion although my second option would be to do the Harding Ice Field hike. You don't need to go all the way. Just making it the 1.5 miles to Marmot Meadows gives you a spectacular view of Exit Glacier from above it as well as the valley. Might be a problem if you have any mobility issues.

[Birder6]

We really enjoyed the 6-hour Kenai Fjords tour that we went on about 12 days ago. However, they were talking about winding down early for the season because of slow business. They were definitely ending the 3 pm tour (which we took) and possibly ending the 11:30 tour. So if you are interested, you should check with them.

We also visited Exit glacier, somewhat briefly, and it is very nice.

[tranceFusion]

Exit Glacier is nice but I wouldn't consider it a must-do. Maybe the Harding Icefield treks are nice, but I didn't find Exit Glacier itself to be any more exciting compared to other glaciers other than the fact that you can walk right up next to it.

Kenai Fjords boat tours, I feel, ARE a must-do. Tons of wildlife to see, a variety of scenic terrain, plus some nice glacier viewing.

I agree the train is also a must-do. The narration is nice, and the scenery is so amazing that you want to go out on the caboose an enjoy instead of worrying about operating a vehicle (plus the stretch that road doesn't go through is very nice as well).

Sealife center is very good too. I imagined it being more of a kids thing, but I was wrong. They have some knowledgeable people working there, some terrific exhibits, and the relatively few amount of visitors (compared to your typical aquarium in the lower 48) make it especially enjoyable.

Even just walking along the trail by the water is a good time.. you can see sea otters and other neat wildlife.

[Chenega]

The Kenai Fjords trips do coordinate with the Alaska Railroad departures. Rest assured you will be back in time to make the train.