Alaska Railroad · Rail package

South to the Sea

5-day Alaska Railroad loop to Seward and a remote Kenai Fjords lodge

Alaska Railroad's South to the Sea is a 5-day, 4-night loop that begins and ends in Seward, reached from Anchorage by the Coastal Classic Train. Day one combines that rail journey with a guided tour of Exit Glacier and an Iditarod-champion sled dog kennel. From there, a small boat cruise carries travelers from Seward Harbor to a remote wilderness lodge in Kenai Fjords National Park, watching for tidewater glaciers and marine wildlife along the way, for a two-night stay with an optional guided kayaking tour or hike. A return cruise brings the group back to Seward for a final day that can include the Alaska SeaLife Center or an optional guided ziplining tour, before the evening train back to Anchorage. With two boat cruises, a remote lodge stay and several optional outdoor activities layered around the rail travel, this suits travelers who want a mix of coastal wildlife viewing and active options rather than a straightforward point-to-point train ride.

What to know before you look closer

  • Guided kayaking, a guided hike, guided ziplining and the Alaska SeaLife Center visit are listed as optional extras, not included in the base package price.
  • No specific accommodation details are given beyond 'remote wilderness lodge' for the two nights in Kenai Fjords National Park; confirm the property with Alaska Railroad before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Seward

    Depart Anchorage early on the Coastal Classic Train to Seward. Upon arrival, embark on a guided tour of Exit Glacier as well as an Iditarod champion sled dog kennel.

  2. Day 2overnight: Remote wilderness lodge

    Depart from the Seward Harbor on a small boat cruise in search of Alaska's abundant marine wildlife and tidewater glaciers.

  3. Day 3

    Spend the day exploring and relaxing at a remote wilderness lodge. Join a guided kayaking tour or hike, and savor incredible coastal views.

  4. Day 4overnight: Seward

    The return small boat cruise to Seward offers another chance to watch for wildlife and glaciers.

  5. Day 5rail

    Spend the day exploring the charming seaside town of Seward, or opt to visit the Alaska SeaLife Center or join a guided ziplining tour. That evening, board the Coastal Classic Train for Anchorage.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1A guided tour visits Exit Glacier and an Iditarod-champion sled dog kennel after the Coastal Classic Train's morning run from Anchorage to Seward.
  • Day 2A small boat cruise from Seward Harbor searches for marine wildlife and tidewater glaciers on the way to a remote wilderness lodge.
  • Day 3A full day at the remote wilderness lodge in Kenai Fjords National Park offers an optional guided kayaking tour or hike.
  • Day 5The trip ends with free time in Seward, a visit to the Alaska SeaLife Center, or an optional guided ziplining tour, before the evening Coastal Classic Train back to Anchorage.

Questions travellers ask

What is included in the base package?
Rail travel on the Coastal Classic Train between Anchorage and Seward, a guided tour of Exit Glacier and an Iditarod-champion sled dog kennel, small boat cruises to and from a remote wilderness lodge, and two nights at that lodge in Kenai Fjords National Park.
What costs extra?
Guided kayaking, a guided hike, guided ziplining and a visit to the Alaska SeaLife Center are listed as optional extras.
How much walking or activity is involved?
The optional kayaking tour or hike at the wilderness lodge on day 3 is the most active part of the trip; the rest of the days center on rail travel and boat cruises.
What are the rail seating options?
Adventure Class, from $3,139, or GoldStar Service, from $3,409.

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