Portage

In a little over an hour from the Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge, you’ll find yourself in Portage, a popular Alaska destination. Begin your journey by hiking the Byron Glacier Trail, a leisurely route that leads you directly to the base of the Byron Glacier. After soaking in the scenic views, make your way back to the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center and learn about the Chugach National Forest that surrounds the area and the science and history behind Portage Glacier. From here, you can hop aboard the Portage Glacier Cruise, where you’ll see towering icebergs and witness the beauty of Portage Glacier up close.

From Portage, go through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, the longest combined vehicle and railroad tunnel in North America, which connects Portage to the small town of Whittier. The tunnel is open in each direction once per hour, so be sure to check the schedule and plan accordingly!

Conclude your adventure with a visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, where you can observe Alaska wildlife including bears, moose and musk oxen in their natural habitats.

Hope

Embark on a one-hour drive to the small community of Hope. For nature lovers, the Hope Point Trail offers a scenic hike with breathtaking views of Turnagain Arm and the surrounding mountains. This moderate trail winds through forest and along the coastline, providing opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife spotting. A more extensive option, the Resurrection Pass Trail is a renowned backpacking route spanning 38 miles through the Kenai Mountains. For just a day trip, you could hike the desired length out and back.

History buffs can explore the Hope and Sunrise Historical Mining Park, where they can learn about the area’s gold rush past and even try their hand at gold panning. For those seeking adventure on the water, guided kayak tours along Resurrection Creek offer a peaceful way to experience the beauty of the Alaska wilderness. For more of a challenge, find a guide to experience Six Mile Creek for class IV and V white-water rafting.

After working up an appetite, visitors can indulge in a meal at one of Hope’s charming restaurants. The Seaview Café, housed in a historic building, serves up hearty comfort food and local favorites in a cozy atmosphere. For a taste of Alaska seafood, head to the historic Creekbend Co. Restaurant, where you can feast on fresh catches while enjoying views of Resurrection Creek. Both restaurants have live music, so be sure to check schedules online before planning your day.

Seward

Photo Credit: State of Alaska/Matt Hage

Travel one hour to Seward, a picturesque coastal town framed by mountains and fjords. As you drive into town, make your first stop at the Exit Glacier Nature Center. From the nature center, there are multiple hiking options depending on time and skill level. The shortest option, Glacier View Loop Trail, is a one-mile loop and wheelchair accessible. For a more moderate option, the Exit Glacier Overlook Trail takes hikers right up to the glacier, providing multiple viewpoints along the way. The longest day hike is an eight-mile round-trip trail up to the Harding Ice Field. This remarkable ice field is a key feature of the Kenai Fjords National Park, stretching 700 square miles in total.

Seward is renowned for its abundance of kayak and cruise options through Kenai Fjords National Park and wildlife viewing of whales, sea otters, seals and more. Both half and full-day trips are available depending on how much time you want to spend on the water. We highly recommend booking a tour to explore Resurrection Bay and all the glaciers in the area.

For a day downtown, be sure to explore Alaska’s diverse marine ecosystems at the Alaska SeaLife Center, a marine mammal rehabilitation facility. It’s easy to spend a couple of hours learning all about the unique species in Alaska, such as the Steller sea lion, spotted seal, horned puffin, red king crab and more. We guarantee you’ll be mesmerized watching the resident sea lions do laps and wave hi to visitors. After you say goodbye to your new marine friends, take a stroll around downtown, grab a pint at the Seward Brewing Company, and pop into the various art and gift shops to find a local treasure. When the hunger pains hit, there’s no shortage of options for a tasty meal. Some local favorites include The Highliner, Chinooks Waterfront Restaurant, Alaska Seafood Grill and Primrose Provisions.

Kenai

When you’re at the Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge, you already have access to some great salmon fishing in the Kenai and Russian Rivers, but a one-hour drive to the community of Kenai, where the Kenai River flows into Cook Inlet, will bring you to one of the most popular fishing destinations in the world. People from all over the world travel to Kenai to try their hand at catching king, red, silver and pink salmon in the place that produces world-record-breaking salmon. One king caught in the area weighed in at 97 pounds! For the best experience, book a half-day or full-day guided fishing experience on the Kenai River.

Photo Credit: State of Alaska/Brian Adams

Beyond fishing, outdoor enthusiasts are spoiled with a multitude of recreational activities. Lace up your hiking boots and explore the scenic trails of Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, where there are numerous opportunities for wildlife viewing. A popular way to spot wildlife in the refuge is to do a Kenai River Float. To immerse yourself in the local culture, a visit to the Kenai Visitors and Cultural Center is recommended, where you can learn about the area’s indigenous heritage and maritime history. For a bite to eat, check out The Flats Bistro, Kenai River Brewing Co. or Louie’s Steak and Seafood.

Homer

Photo Credit: State of Alaska/Matt Hage

From Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge, Homer is about a two-hour drive, and it’s so worth it! Homer is known as the “Halibut Fishing Capital of the World,” captivating visitors with unforgettable views of Kachemak Bay and the Homer Spit, a narrow piece of land that juts more than four miles into the water.

Start the day at Twin Sisters Bakery, a local favorite that offers an array of baked goods. On the Spit, check out amazing art galleries, delicious restaurants offering plenty of fresh seafood and plenty of beachy views. Under the boardwalks, see if you can find the secret swing for some fun photos.

For brunch or lunch, La Baleine Café at the end of the Spit is a must-try. Be sure to visit the Salty Dawg Saloon, a local favorite for hanging out with friends and relaxing after a day on the water, complete with an outdoor patio for sunny days. From Homer, you can also travel across the bay to visit Halibut Cove or Seldovia. Secluded in Kachemak Bay, these small villages are perfect for exploring tidal pools or hiking through 400,000 acres of Kachemak Bay State Park. If you’re hoping to catch a halibut charter during your day trip, Homer is the place to be! at the

Day trips from the Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge offer a diverse range of adventures throughout the Kenai Peninsula. Whether hiking through forests, cruising past glaciers or exploring charming coastal towns, visitors are sure to create unforgettable memories during their stay. With its unparalleled access to some of Alaska’s most iconic destinations, the Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge serves as the perfect base camp for exploring. Plan your visit today to experience all Alaska has to offer!