FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT’S THE POPULATION OF SEWARD?

Seward’s year-round population is approximately 2,800 residents. During the summer, our population nearly doubles as seasonal workers arrive to support our tourism and commercial fishing industries.

WILL I BE ABLE TO SEE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS?

Possibly, from late September through April, when the skies are dark enough. Your ability to see the aurora depends on good solar flare activity and clear skies. We do get some spectacular northern lights, but due to our coastal location and frequent clouds, our displays are not as reliable as what you might find further north.

DOES SEWARD HAVE EVERYTHING I NEED FOR A COMFORTABLE STAY?

Our small community boasts a full range of services to meet your needs and keep you comfortable during your stay, including a hospital, library, post office, public showers, two laundromats, a pharmacy, outdoor gear rentals, pet sitters, and more. See p. 75 for a select list of visitor amenities.

IS SEWARD PET FRIENDLY?

It’s a dog’s life in Seward! Feel free to bring your well-behaved and leashed pup on most local trails, with the exception of Kenai Fjords National Park. Seward Dog Lodge (p. 75) will walk your dog so you can enjoy a full-day adventure knowing that Fido is comfortable.

IS MARIJUANA LEGAL?

Yes, cannabis is legal in Alaska for recreational use if you’re over 21! Visit one of our local dispensaries, like Good Buds or The Tufted Puffin (p. 65), to partake (be ready to show your government-issued ID). Adults are allowed to have up to an ounce of marijuana in their possession at a time. Consumption is not allowed in public, at KEFJ, or while driving.

Sample Packing List

There’s no bad weather with the right gear.

Rain jacket and pants

Lightweight, wicking base layers

Warm layers (synthetic or wool)

Hiking shoes or boots

Warm hat and gloves

Sun hat, sunglasses, and sunblock

Eye mask and earplugs for sleeping

Cell phone, camera, and charger

Binoculars

Forget the bananas!

Anglers are notoriously superstitious, and bananas are believed to be bad luck.

Fishing Faq

Fishing in Alaska may seem daunting, but here are a few mustknows for those getting ready to cast a line!

DO I NEED A FISHING LICENSE TO FISH?

Any angler 16 years old or over will need an Alaska State sport fishing license, which can be purchased online at adfg.alaska.gov, or at several charter companies (p. 62) and retailers (p. 65) in town.

CAN I SHORE-FISH IN SEWARD?

Yes! Fishing from shore is a local favorite in Seward. During the Silver Salmon run in August, you can cast-off from the beach. Just be sure to follow all local rules, and remember shore fishing is only allowed in salt water.

WHERE CAN I FISH FRESH WATER?

Seward is renowned for our saltwater fishing opportunities, but with just a quick hike to Meridian or Grayling Lake, you can fish for ADF&G stocked trout or grayling. To river fish for trophy salmon or trout we recommend heading to our neighbors in Cooper Landing for a world-class drift-boat or fly-fishing adventure on the Kenai and Russian Rivers.

DO I NEED TO BRING MY OWN GEAR?

Most charters and guide services will supply the rod, reel, line, bait and tackle for your fishing adventure. For a solo adventurers, poles, tackle and other essential gear, like rubber boots and waders are available for rent or purchase at our local outfitters (p. 64).

What To Bring

A few must-haves on your sportfishing charter

• Alaska State sportfishing license

• Plenty of food and drink in a cooler

• Reusable water bottle

• Warm non-cotton layers and gloves

• Rain Gear and water resistant shoes

• Polarized sunglasses, hat and sunscreen

• Binoculars and camera

• Dry/waterproof bag

• Ticket, itinerary or confirmation code

• Purse or wallet with ID, cash and cards\

• Seasick remedies if you’re prone to feeling ill on the water

Family Favorites

Grab the whole family for some fun around town!

Fly a Kite

Locals love to take advantage of the breezy days in any way they can. Grab a colorful kite from one of our independent retailers and head down to the beach. Join us in April for Seward Parks and Recreation’s Kite Festival to see the sky dotted with kites.

Check Out the Daily Catch

Swing by the boat harbor in the late afternoon and early evening to watch anglers clean their prize catches after an exciting day on the water. Trophy halibut, salmon, rockfish, and more are brought in by our expert charter captains. Fish on!

Hike With a Ranger

If you head out to the Exit Glacier Nature Center in Kenai Fjords National Park , you can attend a free ranger program, take a guided hike, listen in on a ranger chat, or become a Junior Ranger!

Visit the Kenai Fjords National Park Visitor Center Located at the south end of the boat harbor, the recentlyrenovated center offers an auditorium showing a daily park film, a bookstore, and rangers to answer your questions.

Enjoy a Delicious Meal

Check our Dining at a Glance chart (pp. 34-35) for the most family-friendly dining establishments around town, where everyone can pull up a chair and recount the day’s adventures! Pro-tip: be sure to call ahead for big-group reservations.

Seward is a coastal temperate rainforest, meaning we get plenty of rainy days that help keep everything lush and green. Don’t worry, though nearly all tours, including boat and hiking tours, operate rain or shine!

Summer's long days flood Seward with glorious sunshine all season long, even well past midnight! The summer solstice marks the longest day of the year and brings nearly 19 hours of daylight.