Seward & Kenai Fjords: Dog Sled Ride, Exit Glacier & Lunch

Summary

Dog sled adventure, glacier walk and Seward’s wild spirit in one day

You’ll hear sled dogs barking before you even step out in Seward—then ride behind them like an Iditarod musher, spot wild salmon at Bear Lake, walk to Exit Glacier with a longtime Alaskan guide, and warm up over lunch with thirteen different options. It’s not just sightseeing; it’s feeling Alaska under your boots and between your fingers.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the barking—sharp, excited, echoing off the trees as we pulled up outside Seward. The air was cold enough to bite my nose but not so bad you’d want to rush inside. Our guide, Dave (he’s lived here for decades), grinned when he saw us gawking at the dogs. “They’re ready to run,” he said, and honestly, so was I. There’s something about seeing those Iditarod champions up close—fur still dusted with snow, paws twitching—and then actually riding behind them that made me feel like a kid again. I tried saying “mush” but mostly just got laughed at by both Dave and the dogs.

After the dog sled ride (which was wilder than I expected—hang on tight), we drove through Seward itself. It’s not a big town but it’s got this stubborn charm: fishing boats bobbing in the harbor, murals peeling a bit from salt air, locals waving even if they don’t know you. Dave pointed out “Mile 0” of the Iditarod Trail—I didn’t realize it started right here—and then we stopped near Bear Lake where salmon were fighting their way upstream. The water smelled faintly metallic and fresh; there was this quiet moment where everyone just watched the fish jump.

Exit Glacier came next—a short walk but honestly, I felt it in my legs after all that excitement. The trail was muddy in places (bring good shoes), but seeing that wall of blue ice up close is something else. Our group fell silent for a minute—just boots crunching gravel and wind rattling through spruce trees. Lunch after that tasted better than any fancy meal: hot soup, grilled salmon sandwiches (I picked number 8 on the menu), even options for folks who don’t eat fish or gluten or whatever else. There were 13 choices—I counted twice because I couldn’t decide at first.

I keep thinking about that moment by the glacier—the hush before someone cracked a joke about bear spray—and how small we all felt with that much ice looming over us. If you’re looking for a real day trip from Seward with actual Alaskans showing you around (and yes, lunch is included), this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Seward and Kenai Fjords guided tour

• Drive through Seward highlights
• Mush dogs on Wilderness Dog Sled Ride
• See spawning salmon at Bear Lake
• Guided walk on Exit Glacier Overlook Trail
• Enjoy included lunch with 13 options

Top questions

How long does the Seward & Kenai Fjords tour last?

The tour lasts approximately one day and works with train schedules for convenience.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

Yes, lunch is included with 13 menu options covering most dietary needs.

Do you actually get to ride on a dog sled?

Yes, you’ll take part in a real dog sled ride led by experienced mushers and their dogs.

Is transportation provided from my hotel or port?

Yes, hotel or port drop-off is included in the tour.

Can small children join this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; strollers are allowed and infants sit on an adult’s lap.

What should I wear for the Exit Glacier walk?

You should wear flat-soled walking shoes and dress for being outside for up to 90 minutes depending on weather.

Are there vegetarian or gluten-free lunch options?

Yes, most dietary restrictions are covered within the 13 lunch choices available.

Will we see wildlife during this tour?

You may see spawning salmon at Bear Lake and other wildlife along the route.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your hotel or port in Seward, a thrilling dog sled ride with real Iditarod-winning huskies on the Seavey family property, guided walks including Overlook Trail at Exit Glacier inside Kenai Fjords, time to watch salmon at Bear Lake if they’re running, plus a full lunch menu with thirteen different options—all led by an experienced local guide who knows every corner of town before dropping you back off again.