THINGS TO DO ON THE KENAI PENINSULA

There are so many things to do on the Kenai Peninsula for adventure seekers! You can experience world-class whitewater rafting on Sixmile Creek near Hope (Class IV and V rapids for the true adrenaline rush), go summer dog sledding on wheels near Seward to meet Iditarod mushers and their teams, or try flightseeing tours from towns like Homer or Soldotna for a stunning aerial view of glaciers, fjords, and volcanoes. For a unique cultural day trip, take a water taxi to the artistic and scenic village of Halibut Cove across Kachemak Bay from Homer.

The absolute best way to see tidewater glaciers and marine wildlife is by taking a Kenai Fjords National Park boat tour departing from Seward. These full-day cruises navigate the glacier-carved fjords, offering close-up views of massive, calving tidewater glaciers like Aialik or Holgate. Along the way, you are highly likely to spot humpback whales, orcas, sea otters, Stellar sea lions, puffins, and other seabirds. For an experience on land, visit Exit Glacier outside Seward, which is easily accessible by car, with trails leading right up to the face of the glacier.

For a spectacular, up-close bear viewing experience, the most reliable method is to take a fly-in bear viewing tour from Homer or Soldotna to remote areas like Katmai or Lake Clark National Parks (across Cook Inlet). Here, coastal brown bears gather to feast on salmon in summer. For a more accessible option, you may see bears foraging near the viewing platform at Russian River Falls in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, particularly during the salmon runs in June and July. Remember to always practice extreme caution and follow all wildlife safety guidelines when on the peninsula.

Yes, the Kenai Peninsula has a vibrant arts and culture scene, especially in its coastal communities. Seward is known as the “Mural Capital of Alaska,” with over 30 vibrant historical murals painted throughout the downtown area. Homer is a cultural hub, famous for the Pratt Museum which focuses on the history and ecology of the Kachemak Bay region, and numerous art galleries along the Homer Spit. Be sure to check out the Kenai Visitor & Cultural Center in Kenai, which features a large collection of local history and Alaska Native artifacts.