From its glacier ridden mountains ranges, turquoise blue lakes and rivers, to its lush rainforests and rugged coastline, the Kenai Peninsula presents a myriad of opportunities for the avid outdoor lover on land and on water. Roughly the size of Ireland with only about one percent of the population, there is plenty of peninsula to go around. We begin our journey in Anchorage heading south past the spectacular vistas of Turnagain Arm and the Chugach Mountains. There will be stops along the way for photos and hiking opportunities as we make our way through Kenai Peninsula to our first destination Homer, AK.
Homer, once the site of a small coaling mining operation in early 1900s, transformed itself into one of Alaska’s major commercial fishing ports after the 1964 Good Friday earthquake, which devastated much of southcentral Alaska. The waters of Kachemak Bay were once said to be the world’s most productive fishery and for many who live there, one of the most beautiful places of Earth. Although commercial fishing is still a major industry, the city boasts a reputation for alternative lifestyle, great cuisine and a thriving art and music scene. There, we’ll learn all we can about this unique Alaskan port city, while exploring the natural beauty of the area on foot and by boat. After three nights in Homer, we continue to the port city of Seward, again taking our time on foot to enjoy the sights along the way such as, salmon spawning grounds, interior mountain vistas and coastal mountain rainforests.
Seward, like Homer, has a rich human history, but with a different geological past. The unique geology of the area allows for the existence of ecosystems not present in the Homer area, such as the fjord estuary ecosystem, one of only six remaining of Earth. The Kenai Fjords National Park was created to protect it. Within the boundaries of Kenai Fjords National Park, are the feeding and breeding grounds for over 190 species of birds and other creatures like humpback whales and orcas that make this place their summer home. The park is also well known for its tidewater glaciers that can be observed by wildlife cruises and local sea kayaking outfitters. During our time here, we’ll have the opportunity to explore wonderful areas on foot and by boat before making our way back to Anchorage to end the tour.
