Seward Water Taxi service is available with our Alaska sea kayak rentals. Backcountry Safaris is happy to offer a complete Seward sea kayaking rental package that includes water taxi service to Kenai Fjords National Park, Aialik Bay, Bear Glacier, Resurrection Bay and Day Harbor.
Our boat captains, Alaska Saltwater Lodge and Aquetec are the two most reliable water taxi and small boat tour services in Seward, Alaska. Let us take the hassle out of your sea kayaking trip plans. One phone call, we take care of all the small details by arranging the whole trip. Our rates are the same, we do not markup water taxi rates. You get the same great rates as if you went direct to the water taxi.
Seward lodging before or after your trip is also available at out Seward Birch Tree Cottage or a Breeze Inn. All can be included in your complete trip package.
A Bear Glacier trip is great do-it-youself destination. The Bear Glacier water taxi trip includes a birding and wildlife tour on the return. Sea kayak rentals are available at our Bear Glacier Adventure Camp.
This Seward tour package features all the attractions that truly make Alaska the Greatland. First, your guide shows you the sights of Seward. Learn why Seward was known as "the Gateway to Alaska" and "Mile 0" of the Iditarod Trail. See first-hand the effects of the 1964 Earthquake. Then, head out to Exit Glacier and enjoy a short walk along the nature trail that takes you to the face of the glacial ice. Watch for mountain goats, moose and bears. A hearty lunch will be served before you travel to the Seavey homestead and experience IdidaRide's Sled Dog tour. At the end your driver will return you to your hotel, cruise ship or the Alaska Railroad depot. All local transportation and lunch are included in this package.
Budget conscious travelers may be surprised to find how expensive travel to Alaska can be. Many of Alaska's travel destinations require transportation to remote destinations and the season here is relatively short. Both factors contribute to higher costs for travelers. This doesn't mean, however, that you have to bust your budget to visit The Last Frontier.
Lodging
Adventurous travelers who are willing to give up some of the amenities and comforts of hotel lodging can realize considerable savings. Lodging can be a substantial cost, but travelers willing to get outdoors and camp in a tent may save $200 or more a night.
Many of Alaska's camping areas are located within walking distance or a short drive from restaurants. This saves you the hassle of preparing food and washing dishes in camp.
Hostels located in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Seward and elsewhere provide another affordable option. They're a step up from tent camping, but still consideraby less expensive than a hotel. These facilities offer communal lodging much like a dormitory. Some even have private rooms and most have a shared kitchen to prepare your own food on-site.
Rental Vehicles
Plan your own itinerary and travel by car or recreational vehicle to enjoy Alaska at your pace. These options can be less expensive than package travel by bus or rail if you maximize use of the vehicle. We'll be happy to recommend some reputable and reliable local car rental companies with affordable rates. Travel by RV lets you take your home on the road to drive, sleep and eat under the same roof. The RV option is popular, so it's best to reserve an RV early in the year. We can also recommend some good companies that provide this service.
Are you planning activities off Alaska's road system that might keep you away from your rental car or RV for several days? If so, the car/RV option may not be the best choice for you. Keep in mind that you pay a daily rate for use of a vehicle regardless of whether you use it. There's no reason to fork out money for a rental vehicle if you aren't using it. In this case, travel by bus or railroad may be a better option.
Great Attractions Nearby
Many of Alaska's popular travel destinations are in remote locations that require expensive transportation costs. That doesn't mean all the good stuff is costly to see. Some of Alaska's best attractions are located in major cities, just minutes nearby, or a short trek off the highway. Our museums, trails, visitor centers and tourist attractions offer many affordable options. With some advance homework, you can find many sites and activities that won't devour your travel budget.
Off-peak Travel The shoulder season is the most affordable time to visit. The best rates can be found in mid May and after Labor Day outside the peak summer travel times. But beware, the weather can be marginal and many attractions may be closed at these times. It's best to check in advance to find whether the activities you hope to do are open.
Denali National Park
A note about Denali National Park: The park is Alaska's most popular destination. Because of this, Denali campsites, tours and lodging fill up early in the year. We recommend you make reservations for Denali far in advance.
Our Low Cost Recommendations
Below are some suggested itineraries and resources for the budget conscious traveler. The suggested itineraries show camping on some nights but hotel lodging can be added for additional cost.
Alaska Public Lands Information Centers - Natural history exhibits, a variety of movies about Alaska, and a one-hour live program at 2 p.m. daily with special speakers and visitors,
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4th Avenue Market Place - Fourth Avenue and C Street. Free Native dance or storytelling performances on weekdays.
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Downtown Saturday & Sunday Market - Experience an eclectic blend of musicians, dancers, magic and specialty acts such as multicultural and Alaskan indigenous on stage presentations.
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Ship Creek - Located at Ship Creek Avenue. From the viewing deck, spot huge kings or silver salmon swimming upstream to spawn.
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Flat Top Mountain - Hike to the top for a great view of Anchorage and Cook Inlet.
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Seward
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Hike to the top Mt. Marathon - The top of 3,022-foot Mt. Marathon offers incredible views of Seward and Resurrection Bay. Home to the Mount Marathon Race on July 4th. First organized in 1915 is believed to be the second oldest footrace in America.
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Seward Walking Tour Map - Founded in 1903 Seward was named after Secretary of State, William Henry Seward who negotiated the Purchase of Alaska from Russia in 1867. Seward sits on Resurrection Bay named in 1792 by Russian explorer Alexander Baranof. Also the historical gateway to Alaska interior and Nome gold mines and is mile 0 of famous Iditarod Sled Dog trail.
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Exit Glacier Hike - Ten miles drive from Seward and a short 1/2 mile walk up to the face of the glacier or continue on for a 8 mile round trip hike to the top and the Harding Icefield. The Harding Icefield is about 300 square miles and the largest in North America. Exit Glacier and Harding Icefield Trail Map
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Denali
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Fairbanks
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Creamer's Dairy and Creamer's Refuge - Inside the Farmhouse Visitor Center are exhibits on bird migration, wildlife found on the Refuge, and the history of the dairy that was the largest and most successful in interior Alaska. Creamer's Refuge is comprised of a wide variety of different habitats which provide homes for a diversity of animals. But the refuge plays a special role in the lives of migratory birds. Visitors enjoy excellent bird watching spring through fall. The trails, viewing areas, and viewing platforms are always open.
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Hiking Chena River State Recreation Area - This recreation area is over a quarter million acres. Wildlife is abundant, visitors frequently find moose munching in the beaver ponds and sloughs along Chena Hot Springs Road. Black and grizzly bears also inhabit the area.
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Pioneer Park - This 44-acre historic park has a Gold Rush Village filled with authentic buildings from downtown Fairbanks, an art gallery, three museums, a square and round dance center, and loads of historical displays and presentations.
Activities under $50
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Anchorage
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Anchorage Museum Of History And Art - One of the most visited attractions in Anchorage. Great Alaska history display. Also a great place to have lunch.
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Wildride Sled Dog Redeo - Experience all 1,049 miles of the Iditarod Sled Dog Race in one action-packed, laugh-out-loud, dog-powered performance in downtown Anchorage!
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Alaska Native Heritage Center - 26 acre wooded site offers a variety of unique experiences to learn the traditional ways of the Alaska Native Cultures.
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Alaska Zoo - More than 50 species of Alaskan wildlife including bears, moose, Dall sheep, otters, wolves, and musk oxen.
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Downtown Bicycle Rental - The ten-mile long paved Tony Knowles Coastal Trail starts downtown. Ride through Earthquake Park to Kincaid Park. Moose are often seen along the trail.
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City Tour - Explore the historic points of interest in downtown Anchorage. Then, continue your experience with a visit to the 25-acre Alaska Native Heritage Center.
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Seward
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Alaska SeaLife Center – The Center's research facilities and naturalistic exhibits immerse visitors in the dynamic marine ecosystems of Alaska and provide opportunities to watch animals in naturalistic habitats.
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1964 Earthquake movie – Narration of still photographs of the disaster in Seward and a 1965 vintage U.S. Army film entitled The Alaska Earthquake . This film is black and white and details the actions taken shortly after the quake with footage from the hardest hit areas around the state
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Seward Museum – Learn about Alaska history, including the history of the Iditarod Trail and the history of Seward. Evening program through June, July and August.
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Van Shuttle, Exit Glacier Hike - Ten miles drive from Seward and a short 1/2 mile walk up to the face of the glacier or continue on for a 8 mile round trip hike to the top and the Harding Icefield. The Harding Icefield is about 300 square miles and the largest in North America. Exit Glacier and Harding Icefield Trail Map
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Denali
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Fairbanks
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Golden Heart Revue - The "Golden Heart Revue," a collection of musical comedy sketches performed nightly at the Palace Saloon. It seeks to use humor to answer the question of why anyone would build a city in Fairbanks.
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University of Alaska Museum of the North - From polar dinosaurs to contemporary Alaska Native art, whatever your interest, you'll find something compelling on exhibit. The Gallery of Alaska introduces Alaska’s five major geographic regions in highlights of the objects and artifacts, people, wildlife, geography and history of each region.
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Fairbanks Community Museum in Historic City Hall - Memories of Fairbanks forefathers and celebrating everything from the gold rush era to the great floods of of the 1960's, the Fairbanks Community
Museum houses the best collection of Fairbanks' history.
Gold Dredge No. 8 - Visit the 1905 Drift Mine exhibit and learn about stratification and classification of the many layer above the gold bearing layer. Visit Fairbanks Creek Camp buildings, short videos with footage of the dredges in operation provides an overview of stripping, thawing, and dredging processes. Next, visitors are guided through the dredge to view its equipment and gain a better understanding of its size. Then learn first-hand how to pan for gold.
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The Georgeson Botanical Garden - Nationally recognized botanical garden. It is designed to allow the public to learn about plant culture in the far north. It is one of five botanical gardens in the nation to be a satellite test garden for the International Hardy Fern Foundation.
Activities that cost $50 - $100
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Anchorage
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Guided Segway tours of downtown Anchorage - SegTours of Anchorage provides 90-120 minute guided tours of downtown Anchorage on a Segway, the gyroscopically enhanced Human Transporter.
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Seward
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Kenai Fjords Wildlife Glacier Cruises - Kenai Fjords is famous for its wildlife and glaciers. A whale watching glacier cruise is the most popular activity in Seward both for Alaska residents and Alaska travelers.
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Puffin And Birding Tours - Join us for a 4-hour cruise within Resurrection Bay and to the bird rookeries at Cape Resurrection. Within the bay, look for all the avian migrants passing through the area.
Ididaride Sled Dog Tours – The adventure begins with a two-mile dog sled ride. Feel the power, excitement, and energy of sled dogs on a comfortable ride on a wheeled dog sled.
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Denali
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Fairbanks
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Riverboat Discovery - Three-and-a half hour cruise will take you into the heart of Alaska. You will see a bush plane taking off from a "bush" style runway, visit the home and kennels of the late four-time Iditarod winner Susan Butcher, and gain insight into the ancient Athabascan Indian culture. Alaskan Native guides who have worked and lived in Alaska will take you on a personalized tour of the Chena Indian Village.
Activities that cost $100 - $150
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Anchorage
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Seward
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Kenai Fjords Wildlife Glacier Cruises - Kenai Fjords is famous for its wildlife and glaciers. A whale watching glacier cruise is the most popular activity in Seward both for Alaska residents and Alaska travelers.
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The Real Alaska Tour – This Seward tour package features all the attractions that truly make Alaska the Greatland. First, your guide shows you the sights of Seward. Learn why Seward was known as "the Gateway to Alaska" and "Mile 0" of the Iditarod Trail. See first-hand the effects of the 1964 Earthquake. Then, head out to Exit Glacier and enjoy a short walk
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Denali
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Fairbanks
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Activities that cost $150 - $200
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Anchorage
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Flight Seeing
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Seward
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Kenai Fjords Wildlife Glacier Cruises - Kenai Fjords is famous for its wildlife and glaciers. A whale watching glacier cruise is the most popular activity in Seward both for Alaska residents and Alaska travelers.
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Half Day Sport Fishing - Trophy saltwater fishing for halibut, salmon, ling cod and more. Fish Resurrection Bay and enjoy spectacular mountain scenery, see glaciers and abundant marine wildlife including whales. Compete for cash prizes in August during Seward's Silver Salmon Derby. Book your fishing adventure with Seward's best fishing charters. Call Backcountry Safaris today.
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Denali
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Fairbanks
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Activities that cost $200 - $500
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Anchorage
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Kenai Fjords Wildlife Glacier Cruises - Kenai Fjords is famous for its wildlife and glaciers. A whale watching glacier cruise is the most popular activity in Seward both for Alaska residents and Alaska travelers.
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Seward
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Full Day Sport Fishing - Trophy saltwater fishing for halibut, salmon, ling cod and more. Fish Resurrection Bay and enjoy spectacular mountain scenery, see glaciers and abundant marine wildlife including whales. Compete for cash prizes in August during Seward's Silver Salmon Derby. Book your fishing adventure with Seward's best fishing charters. Call Backcountry Safaris today.
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Denali
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Fairbanks
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Activities over $500
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Anchorage
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Bear Viewing - Backcountry Safaris offers four different Alaska bear viewing options.
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Seward
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Bear Glacier Sea Kayaking Adventure Camp – An affordable deluxe eco-adventure sea kayaking camp. Paddle in a protected sea kayaking paradise with giant icebergs, stretch your legs on naturalist-led hikes
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7-Day Kenai Fjords National Park sea kayaking – Our 7-day Alaska sea kayaking trip provides a complete Alaska sea kayaking wilderness experience with enough time to gain an intimate understanding of this magical place
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Guided Sea Kayak Rentals - A do-it-yourself sea kayaking trip that is accompanied by one of our highly skilled kayak guides.
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Denali
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Fairbanks
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Backcountry Safaris P.O. Box 1397 • Seward, Alaska USA 99664 1-907-222-1632 or toll-free 1-877-812-2159
Backcountry Safaris is a member of the following trade and travel organizations:
7-Day Seward
Sea Kayaking Adventure
20% off on trip dates:
May 31 – June 6
June 7 – June 13
August 23 – August 29 Reservations made before January 31, 2009
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Experience: Locally owned and operated since 1986 and certified by the Alaska Travel Industry Association as a Alaska Certified Expert travel agent.
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Service: You are the most important part of our business. From pre-trip logistics to the end of your trip, we customize your trip to remove the hassles and increase your enjoyment.
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Customization: We've guided adventure trips in Alaska for more than 20 years. This experience helps us plan a trip that best meets your desires. We work with you to create an Alaskan adventure of a lifetime.
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Credibility: We are members in good standing with major adventure and travel trade associations. Click here. References are available on request.
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Insurance and Permits: We are fully insured and have special use permits from the National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service and Alaska State Parks
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Guides: Our Alaska guides have the right mix of camaraderie, experience and leadership to make your trip memorable.
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Environmental Commitment: All of our Alaska adventure tours are run in matter to minimize environmental impact. We also support the voluntary dollar a day for conservation program and the National River Cleanup Week just to mention a few.
Seward Lodging
Birch Tree Cottage
Newly furnished Birch Tree Cottage is a cute one bedroom cottage. Amenities include a queen size bed and a hideaway bed in the front room. The kitchenette features a stove and refrigerator and is stocked with tableware, utensils, pots, pans, coffee pot, and a microwave oven. For those that need to stay connected, free high-speed wireless Internet service is available. The cottage is within walking distance to the small boat harbor, shopping, the Alaska Sea Life Center, restaurants, and coffee shops. to connect with park area shuttle.
Best Seward
Alaska Lodging Abode Well Cabins
Located in Exit Glacier river valley and just minutes from Seward
these Seward cabin rentals are perfect for the independent Alaska traveler seeking to experience all the wonders of Seward Alaska in true comfort.
Alaska
Rafting
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Kongakut River – 10-day Arctic National Wildlife Refuge rafting safari.
Budget conscious travelers may be surprised to find how expensive travel to Alaska can be. Many of Alaska's travel destinations require transportation to remote destinations and the season here is relatively short. Both factors contribute to higher costs for travelers. This doesn't mean, however, that you have to bust your budget to visit The Last Frontier.
Are you planning activities off Alaska's road system that might keep you away from your rental car or RV for several days? If so, the car/RV option may not be the best choice for you. Keep in mind that you pay a daily rate for use of a vehicle regardless of whether you use it. There's no reason to fork out money for a rental vehicle if you aren't using it. In this case, travel by bus or railroad may be a better option.
The shoulder season is the most affordable time to visit. The best rates can be found in mid May and after Labor Day outside the peak summer travel times. But beware, the weather can be marginal and many attractions may be closed at these times. It's best to check in advance to find whether the activities you hope to do are open.
