Page 184 - Vacation Country Travel Guide

The Kenai Peninsula Seward The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Cen-
The Kenai Peninsula is a region rich in Location: Seward Highway 9, 125 miles south ter (AWCC) is a non-profit sanctuary
dedicated to preserving Alaska’s wild-
fabulous fishing grounds and full of businesses of Anchorage on Resurrection Bay. Population: life through conservation, education, re-
playing host to eager anglers. View beluga 3,300. Visitor Information: Mile 2 Seward Hwy search and quality animal care. Located
and Information Cache located in railcar at 3rd
whales from Portage, hike tranquil trails through and Jefferson; Seward Chamber of Commerce: southeast of Girdwood at the head of
wilderness areas in Sterling and Cooper Landing PO Box 749, Seward, Alaska 99664; Phone: Turnagain Arm, AWCC takes in orphaned
and visit the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. The (907) 224-8051; Website: www.seward.com. and injured animals year-round and pro-
Refuge is home to over 200 species of wildlife and vides them a forever home. The sanctu-
a paradise of paddling and backcountry hiking Seward is an easy 2 to 3 hour drive south of ary maintains over 200 acres of spacious
options. Visitors should not miss the Islands and Anchorage along Alaska’s only “National Scenic habitats for resident animals to feel at
Ocean Visitor Center in Homer or the Homer Byway” in a region known for its majestic mountains home displaying their natural wild be-
halibut fishing grounds, where anyone who can and magnificent scenery. The area is a photographer’s havior as education ambassadors for
hold a pole can catch a 200-pound fish. paradise. Keep your camera ready as porpoise, whales their species. It is common for visitors
and sea lions are frequently sighted in Resurrection to see brown bears swimming, moose
Hope Bay, well known for its colorful marine life. A strutting, wood bison roaming, mus-
walking tour through the city provides opportunities
kox playing, wolves posing, porcupines
Location: At Mile 56.7 on the Seward Highway for photographing interesting historic buildings, and climbing and more!
(AK 1), turn 18 miles off on Hope Road. sight-seeing tours allow for the best shots of what the General Admission tickets to the Alaska
Hope is an 89-mile day trip from Anchorage area really has to offer. Wildlife Conservation Center can be
along Turnagain Arm and through the Kenai At 3,022 feet, towering Mt. Marathon provides purchased upon arrival the day of your
Mountains. Population: 200. a breathtaking backdrop for the town. Behind the visit, and are perfect for those who like
mountain and extending down the coast lies the a self-guided experience via the scenic
JCT. SEWARD HWY 1 & STERLING HWY 1 Harding Icefield, measuring 35 by 20 miles. Flowing 1.5-mile loop accessible by foot, bike or
WHERE SEWARD HWY BECOMES #9 from the Icefield are many glaciers, eight of which car, while learning about resident wild-
are tidewater glaciers calving icebergs into the sea, life via interpretive signs at each animal
Moose Pass reaching the coastline between Seward and Homer. habitat. AWCC encourages you to visit
The long days are perfect for filling your schedule
Location: Mile 29 of Seward Highway 9, along with world class fishing, tours of Kenai Fjords the center with your walking shoes and
the shoreline of Upper Trail Lake. National Park, walks along the waterfront, learning camera in hand for an educational Alas-
kan experience to remember. Or book a
Summit Lake about local history and culture or simply enjoying the tour or Animal Encounter! AWCC offers
many fine restaurants, bakeries, shops and galleries.
up-close and personal experiences. Book
Location: Mile 45.8 Seward Highway (AK 1), Seward’s site was chosen in 1902 as the starting early and enjoy Moose Encounters, Bear
before the highway turns to the southeast toward point for the Alaska Railroad. Because of its deep ice- Encounters and Walk on the Wild Side
Moose Pass, 80 miles south of Anchorage. Visitor free harbor and room for expansion, Seward grew to Tours. We look forward to welcoming
Information: Local Merchants. become a busy seaport. Much freight passed over its you to the sanctuary!

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