Alaska's Marine Highway
Anchorage to Kodiak Nature Excursion

Departure:	Anchorage, Alaska
Destination:	Anchorage, Alaska
Time to allow:	4 days

This four-day trip begins in Anchorage where you board the Alaska Railroad bound for Seward where you board the ferry for Kodiak. Enjoy cultural, natural and educational stops in Kodiak. See marine life, coastal scenery, and take a flightseeing trip to view the Kodiak brown bear. Fly back to Anchorage.

Day 1

• Start: Anchorage

  

• Navigation Point: Alaska Railroad

  Take the 11:45 p.m. train on the Alaska Railroad from Anchorage to Seward and enjoy the mountainous, rugged scenery of the Kenai Peninsula.

• Overnight Point: Seward

  

  Seward is a historic community on the Kenai Peninsula. It has a historic downtown and provides access by boat to the Kenai Fjords National Park. A main attraction is the SeaLife Center.

Day 2

• Stop 1: Seward and Sealife Center

  

  Directions from previous place:	Just get off the train and walk around Seward
  Travel Time from Previous Site:	1 minute
  Suggested Time at This Site:	2 hours

  The SeaLife Center provides a great overview of the marine wildlife and ecosystems in the region and how humans are learning about these ecosystems. Understand the marine wildlife found along this portion of the Marine Highway. This adds much to the appreciation of the upcoming sailing to Kodiak. Take a guided tour of Kenai Fjords National Park to understand glaciation, geology and the land based ecosystems seen from the Marine Highway. Get up close to calving glaciers and wildlife.

• Overnight Point: Viewing the Scenery Onboard the Ship

  Directions from previous place:	Board at the city dock in downtown Seward
  Distance from Previous Site:	0.5 miles / 0.8 km
  Travel Time from Previous Site:	1 minute

  This 'stop' is the experience of sailing from Seward to Kodiak. The scenery is relaxing and wonderful. See marine wildlife, volcanoes and more glaciers. Enjoy dinner on board and meet both fellow visitors and locals. Attend workshops hosted by the on-board interpreter. The experience of sleeping on board a ship is just plain fun. Wake up refreshed and enjoy the scenery. Once in Kodiak stroll the Harbor Walk and learn about the fishing industry from the interpretive panels along the harbor and by talking with fishermen. Learn about the different types of boats, gear and fishing techniques. Watch the boats unload their catch and tour a seafood plant. Enjoy a local seafood dinner. Kodiak has the second largest fishing fleet in the Nation behind Unalaska and fishing culture has shaped this community. Set up a tent and camp out on the deck or spend the night in one of the ship's rooms.

Total Distance Traveled in Day 2: 0.5 miles / 0.8 km

Day 3

• Stop 1: Learning about Native Cultures

  

  Directions from previous place:	Just get off the ship and walk around Kodiak.
  Suggested Time at This Site:	3 hours

  On the island of Kodiak, a must-see is the Alutiiq Cultural Museum and Archaeological Repository. This facility provides fascinating insights into the Native Alutiiq culture. Visit Holy Resurrection Russian Orthodox Church, the Veniaminov Museum, and the Baranof Museum to learn about Early Russian influence in this area and Kodiak's role as the Capital of Russian America. Kodiak provides a fascinating insight into Alutiiq culture and the blending of Russian, Scandinavian and American influences. Spend the afternoon on a fishing charter targeting either halibut or salmon surrounded by spectacular scenery. Fishing is the primary industry of the area and fishing culture shapes many port communities.

• Overnight Point: Kodiak Island

  

  Directions from previous place:	Charter service to the Refuge is available from downtown Kodiak.
  Distance from Previous Site:	30 miles / 48.0 km
  Travel Time from Previous Site:	1 hour

  Kodiak Island is the first island stop on the voyage to Southwest Alaska and the Aleutian Chain. This area holds a major commercial fishing operation, and is home to the award-winning Alutiiq Museum and Archaeological Repository. Other options while in Kodiak include: freshwater or deep sea sport fishing, bear viewing excursions, hiking, sea kayaking, self-guided walking and driving tours, and Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park.

Total Distance Traveled in Day 3: 30 miles / 48.0 km

Day 4

• End: Anchorage

  

  Directions from previous place:	Take an evening flight back to Anchorage.
  Travel Time from Previous Site:	51 minutes