As soon as I learned that I’d need to travel by boat to reach Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge, I knew my stay was going to be unlike anything I’d experienced before. I flew into Anchorage and drove the two hours to Seward along the picturesque Seward Highway. From there, I boarded the boat for Kenai Fjords Tours with my luggage, and we set out for Fox Island, just a short distance away. While most of the passengers were staying on the boat to continue their tour of Kenai Fjords National Park, I hopped off at the first stop with a dozen other adventurers.
Cabins at Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge
This remote Alaskan wilderness lodge offers just eight cabins for those looking to unplug, relax, and enjoy nature. There is a minimum two-night stay, with up to five nights allowed for those really wanting to get away from it all. My cabin faced the bay, and it was wonderful to lie in bed and watch the boats sailing by as I enjoyed the coffee that was dropped off every morning.
My room had a king-sized bed, a pull-out couch, a small table, and a bathroom with a shower. I was in a four-room building that was perfectly located near the lodge and sauna.
You have to be ready to fully unplug, as the cabins have no outlets. Wi-Fi was extremely limited in the cabins, especially for those farther away from the main lodge. Accommodations were rustic, but I found the bed to be extremely comfortable, especially after a busy day of activities.
- Get a Car Rental
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The Lodge
The lodge is the central hang-out area on the property, and it’s where our group gathered when we reached Fox Island to learn about activities, meals, Wi-Fi, and more. We met up here before dinner each night for happy hour snacks and beverages.
Snagging a comfy seat by the fire and watching the fish jump near the shore was a favorite activity during my stay. Outlets are available in the lodge for guests who need to charge phones or laptops, and guests enjoyed card games and books in the cozy space.
All meals are included with your stay, and you’ll enjoy them in the lodge dining room. The food was one of my favorite things about the property, as there were a variety of options at each meal, from salmon and steak with mushroom sauce at dinner to grilled cheese and soup at lunch. Alcoholic beverages are an added cost, and they had a lovely selection of local beers, wines, and craft cocktails.
Activities at Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge
During my stay, there were a variety of activities included: forest hikes, sound bath meditation sessions, fishing off the pier, and even a paint-and-sip session. One night after dinner, our group jumped in the cold Alaskan water for a polar plunge and then headed to the pre-heated sauna to warm up afterward. It was the perfect end to our gorgeous day on Fox Island.
In addition to the included activities, guests have the option to book a kayak tour for an additional fee. While I’d kayaked before, this was far more adventurous than my past paddles around calm lakes. We followed the rocky shore of Fox Island, as our guides pointed out sea stars and wildlife along the way. I’d highly recommend this activity as it gives you a different view of the island.
Boat Tour of Kenai Fjords National Park
At the end of our visit to Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge, we were picked up by the same tour boat and headed out on the Northwestern Fjords Tour, a real highlight. We saw sea lions sunning themselves on rocky outcroppings, glaciers calving, humpbacks surfacing, and puffins nesting along the cliffs. I spent most of the cruise on deck, taking in the scenery and listening to our guide’s commentary.
Warm cinnamon rolls and surprisingly delicious quinoa burritos were served during the cruise, and you could purchase alcoholic beverages from the bar. Snag the blue-tinged glacier margarita to celebrate your national park visit.
Final Thoughts
If you’re really looking to experience the quiet beauty of Alaska, Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge is the spot. There’s enough to do there to keep you as busy as you want to be, with plenty of opportunities to just slow down and enjoy a book or a conversation with a travel friend. Some travelers visiting the lodge at the same time I was there were continuing on to Denali, which sounded like a perfect option for an extended visit to Alaska.
Rooms with lagoon views are $922/person, and ocean view rooms are $947/person (based on double occupancy). Children aged 12 and up are welcome.
My stay at Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge was sponsored (paid for) by the property. The opinions expressed are my own.
