discover alaska
attractions
Discover the charm of Seward, Alaska, while staying at Box Canyon Cabins. Enjoy free parking and Wi-Fi in cozy accommodations featuring private bathrooms, kitchens, and an outdoor firepit. Perfect for families or groups, our serene setting offers easy access to stunning local attractions and unforgettable adventures.
Kenai Fjords National Park
A trip to Seward isn’t complete without exploring Kenai Fjords National Park. Known for its dramatic tidewater glaciers and abundant marine life, the park is best experienced on a boat tour. Keep your camera ready — humpback whales, puffins, sea lions, and orcas often make appearances as glaciers calve thunderously into the sea.
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
If you’re heading between Anchorage and Seward, make time for the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. This 200-acre sanctuary is home to bears, moose, musk oxen, bison, and more — all rescued or rehabilitated native animals. Walk or drive through the park to see Alaska’s wildlife up close in a natural setting, and learn about conservation efforts that protect these incredible species.
Visit Exit Glacier
One of Alaska’s most accessible glaciers, Exit Glacier offers a front-row seat to nature’s power. Stroll the easy trails for close-up views, or tackle the challenging Harding Icefield Trail for sweeping panoramas that make the climb worth every step. It’s a must-see for hikers and casual sightseers alike.
Potter's Marsh
As you leave Anchorage, a stunning contrast unfolds. To your left, Potter Marsh, part of the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge, teems with birdlife. A 1,550-foot boardwalk winds through the marsh, offering great views of migrating birds, including gulls, Arctic terns, and trumpeter swans from May to August. To your right, the expansive Cook Inlet signals the beginning of the 50-mile Turn Again Arm.
Stay alert for muskrats gliding by, their v-shaped wakes breaking the surface. Moose can be spotted year-round, particularly in May and June as they wade in the shallows for fresh vegetation.
About halfway along the boardwalk, you’ll find Rabbit Creek, an ideal spot to witness salmon spawning from May to August. Look for bright red chinook, coho, or humpback salmon swimming upstream.
Bore Tide Surfing
Attention adventure enthusiasts! Cook Inlet features the incredible bore tide—an enormous wave, several feet high, racing through the waters at 24 mph. Unlike regular ocean waves, it flows for miles, offering a thrilling surfing experience. Note that bore tides typically occur after low tide in Anchorage, so timing is essential.
Whales, Sheep, & Goats
Stay alert for wildlife! If you see cars parked and people looking up, they might be watching mountain goats or Doll sheep. Be safe and enjoy the view only from designated pull-off areas.
Also, a halted train may indicate whales in Cook Inlet. Find a safe spot and take out your camera. Look for the distinct white backs of beluga whales, the most common visitors here.
Chainsaw Carvings and Art
As you approach mile marker 100, keep an eye out for a grand log cabin on your left. This business belongs to a friend of mine, and every sculpture displayed is a masterpiece he has crafted with a chainsaw. His artistry is truly impressive! Don’t hesitate to drop by and admire some of his remarkable creations!
Alyeska Resort Tram
Yearning for an unforgettable escape? Experience the beauty at Alyeska Resort! Board the tram for a seven-minute ride to the peak of Mt. Alyeska. Marvel at Alaska’s breathtaking viewpoint with panoramic vistas of Turnagain Arm, two mountain ranges, and seven hanging glaciers. After taking in the scenery, enjoy a drink or lunch at the mountaintop restaurant. Depending on the season, look for ripe blueberries and raspberries among the hillsides!
Short Hike to Stunning Waterfall
Virgin Creek Falls is a great spot for a short, easy hike with beautiful views. The 0.5-mile trail is rated very easy. To get there:
- Turn left at the Girdwood gas station.
- Turn right onto Timberline Drive.
- Follow Timberline Drive to the end of the cul-de-sac for parking.
Moose Pass
Looking for Local Flavor? As you travel along the Seward Highway near mile marker 30, watch for the charming town of Moose Pass. This destination allows you to support local businesses while preparing for your Alaskan adventure.
Satisfy Your Cravings: The lodge in Moose Pass is the perfect spot for a hearty meal.
Charming Mom-and-Pop Gem: Don’t miss the mom-and-pop store on your right, where you can enjoy coffee, unique Alaskan treats like reindeer sausage, and homemade fudge—great for a picnic!
Picnic Bliss: A short drive from Moose Pass leads to Ptarmigan Campground, the perfect place to enjoy your local goodies amid stunning Alaskan scenery.
Ptarmigan Creek
Virgin Creek Falls is a great spot for a short, easy hike with beautiful views. The 0.5-mile trail is rated very easy. To get there:
- Turn left at the Girdwood gas station.
- Turn right onto Timberline Drive.
- Follow Timberline Drive to the end of the cul-de-sac for parking.
Portage Glacier
A Journey through Glaciers and History: At mile marker 80, you can journey back in time to experience Alaska's glaciers. Turn left onto Portage Glacier Road and travel about 8 miles, following the path of the former town of Portage, destroyed in the 1964 earthquake.
Photo Op!
Arriving at the Kenai Peninsula! As you ascend past the beautiful Turnagain Arm, look to your right for a pullout with the "Welcome to the Kenai Peninsula" sign. It’s a perfect spot to capture your entry into this iconic Alaskan scenery!
Cooper Landing Detour
Cooper Landing: Nature, Wildlife, and Rafting (Mile Marker 37).
Taking the Sterling Highway exit towards Homer for 15 miles leads to the charming town of Cooper Landing.
Combat Fishing: Experience the thrill of combat fishing, where anglers compete for salmon in the Kenai River.
Whittier Tunnel
Heading to Whittier? Prepare for an Amazing Tunnel Adventure!
After the Portage Glacier Visitor Center, journey through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, North America's longest highway tunnel built to endure Alaska's extreme conditions, including -40°F temperatures and 150 mph winds!
What to Expect:
- Shared Lane: You'll share the lane with vehicles and trains in both directions.
- Ventilation Delays: Expect brief waits for ventilation between uses.
- Clever Design: The lane over the railroad track cut construction costs significantly.

Planning Your Tunnel Journey:
- Arrive Early: Get there at least 10 minutes before opening to avoid missing cycles.
- Enjoy the Wait: Arrive earlier? Park, stretch, and take in the views.
- Buffer Time: Allow 20-30 minutes for your experience, including potential delays.
Last Gas Station Before Seward
Fuel up! The Tesoro gas station at mile marker 90 is your last chance to fill up before Seward. If you're going straight to Homer, another gas station is 15 miles along the Sterling Highway after leaving the Seward Highway.
Earthquake Aftermath
On March 24, 1964, Alaska experienced a magnitude 9.2 earthquake, the world's second most powerful. For three days, nearly 300 aftershocks rattled Southcentral Alaska, which continued for eighteen months, totaling over 10,000. The devastation was immense, destroying many towns, including parts of Seward. Abandoned houses, some collapsed and partially buried, can be seen 2-10 miles past the gas station. Lifeless trees line the highway, victims of saltwater that flooded the area after the ground sank along Turnagain Arm.
The Road to Hope
A Delightful Detour: Hope, Alaska
While traveling the Seward Highway, take a charming detour to Hope at mile marker 57. Just 16 miles down Hope Road, this picturesque mining town offers a glimpse into Alaska's gold rush, with restaurants, a bar, and a general store. You might have spotted Hope across Turnagain Arm while driving from Anchorage!