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Seward Travel Resources

Seward Travel Resources

Seward Alaska, USA Travel Guide

Essential Apps for the Destination

Navigation & Outdoors

  • AllTrails

    Trail maps and information for areas around Seward, including Exit Glacier.

  • MarineTraffic

    Track vessels in Seward's harbor and Resurrection Bay for real-time movements.

  • Google Maps/Apple Maps

    Essential for navigation. Download offline maps for limited service areas.

  • Weather Apps

    Reliable weather apps like AccuWeather or The Weather Channel are important.

  • NOAA Weather Radar

    Real-time precipitation updates for Seward's variable climate.

Specialized & Travel

  • My Aurora Forecast

    For darker months, predicts Northern Lights visibility.

  • Babbel

    Learn basic phrases if traveling beyond English-speaking areas (though English is universal in Seward).

  • NordVPN

    For secure internet access while traveling.

  • Digital Travel Guides

    Many guidebooks offer digital versions for easy access on your device.

  • Skillshare

    Online learning for photography courses to capture Alaska's beauty.

Useful Websites for Additional Planning

Local Information

The official source for local information, events, businesses, and visitor services.

National Park Service

Detailed information on Kenai Fjords National Park attractions, trails, and regulations.

Transportation & Tours

Book scenic train travel and leading wildlife and glacier cruises into Kenai Fjords National Park.

Print Resources

Recommended Guidebooks and Maps

  • General Alaska Guidebooks: Look for reputable publishers like Moon Travel Guides, Rick Steves, or Lonely Planet.
  • Local Maps: Pick up free maps at the Seward Visitor Center upon arrival.
  • Topographic Maps: For extensive hiking, consider specialized maps (e.g., USGS for Kenai Fjords).
  • These often highlight attractions, restaurants, and local services.

Books About the Destination

  • "Coming Into the Country" by John McPhee: Classic non-fiction on Alaska's wilderness.
  • Books on the 1964 Alaska Earthquake: For a background on Seward's history.
  • Local History Books: Available at the Seward Community Library & Museum or local bookstores.
  • These offer specific insights into Seward's unique past.

Local Publications

The Seward Phoenix Log

  • The local newspaper.
  • Current news.
  • Community events.
  • Local insights.

Visitor Guides

  • Available at Seward Visitor Center.
  • Found in many hotels.
  • Up-to-date tour information.
  • Dining and attractions.

Brochures

  • Offer quick facts and highlights.
  • Found in various businesses.
  • Good for quick reference.
  • Often include maps.

Emergency & Medical Information

Emergency Numbers and Contacts

General Emergency

  • Police, Fire, Ambulance: 911
  • Direct dial, nationwide in the U.S.
  • For immediate threats to life or property.
  • Stay calm and provide clear details.

Medical Center

  • Seward Providence Medical Center: (907) 224-5205
  • For non-life-threatening medical needs.
  • Located at 417 First Ave, Seward, AK 99664.
  • The main medical facility in Seward.

Specialized Contacts

  • Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222
  • U.S. Coast Guard (marine emergencies): VHF Channel 16
  • U.S. Coast Guard (Juneau Command Center): (907) 463-2000
  • Note these numbers for safety.

Lost Document Procedures

Lost/Stolen Passport

  • Report immediately to local police (Seward Police Department: 907-224-3338).
  • Contact your country's embassy or consulate.
  • They will guide you through obtaining a replacement or emergency travel document.

Other Documents

  • For lost credit cards, contact your bank immediately.
  • For driver's licenses, contact your home state's or country's issuing authority.
  • Having digital copies stored securely is a good backup.

Natural Disaster Protocols

Tsunami Preparedness

  • If on the coast and you feel a strong earthquake or receive a tsunami warning.
  • Move immediately to higher ground.
  • Tsunami evacuation routes are marked in Seward; pay attention to local alerts.

Earthquake & Avalanche

  • Earthquake: "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" under sturdy furniture.
  • Avalanche: In mountainous areas during winter/spring, check forecasts from CNAIC.
  • Avoid known avalanche terrain.

Further Reading & Exploration

Documentaries and Films

  1. Seek documentaries about Alaska's diverse wildlife.
  2. Explore films about its glaciers and their formation.
  3. Learn about the history of the Iditarod Trail.
  4. Discover challenges and triumphs of living in rugged Alaska.
  5. These provide visual context and deepen your interest.

Music and Online Communities

  1. Listen to music inspired by Alaskan landscapes and culture.
  2. Explore Alaskan art online or in galleries.
  3. Join online travel communities and forums.
  4. Seward forum on TripAdvisor or r/Alaska on Reddit.
  5. Ask questions and gather tips from other travelers.

Websites for Planning

Alaska SeaLife Center

Information on exhibits, animal encounters, hours, and admission fees.

Alaska 511

Real-time road conditions throughout Alaska, especially for the Seward Highway.

Kenai Fjords Tours

Leading operator for wildlife and glacier cruises into Kenai Fjords National Park.

Backup Digital Copies

Before you leave home, make digital copies of your passport, visa, flight itinerary, and important phone numbers.

Digital Safety & Access

Embassy and Consulate Information

International Visitors

  • Your Country's Embassy

    Located in larger U.S. Cities (e.g., Washington D.C., New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco).

  • No Alaskan Consulates

    There are no foreign consulates located in Alaska itself.

  • Contact Information

    Keep their contact information readily available.

Support Services

  • Lost Passports

    Contact your embassy if your passport is lost or stolen.

  • Other Issues

    They assist with various travel emergencies and document needs.

  • Secure Backup

    Email copies of important documents to yourself or store on a secure cloud service.

Social Media Accounts to Follow

Seward Alaska Tourism

Follow official accounts like @SewardAlaska on Instagram or Facebook.

National Park Service

Get updates from Kenai Fjords National Park (NPS).

Major Tour Operators

Accounts often share current updates, beautiful photography, and inspiration.

Podcasts & Digital Content

Alaska-Themed Podcasts

  • Search for podcasts about Alaska's unique wildlife.
  • Find content on the formation and dynamics of its glaciers.
  • Learn about the history of the Alaska Railroad.
  • Understand the impact of the 1964 Good Friday Earthquake.

General Travel & Exploration Content

  • Explore digital content on remote wilderness survival.
  • Find videos or articles about commercial fishing in Alaska.
  • Discover stories about Alaskan communities.
  • Watch travel vlogs and documentaries about Alaskan adventures.

Language Learning Resources

English is Universal

  • Not applicable for Seward.
  • English is universally spoken throughout Alaska.
  • Communication will be straightforward.
  • No special language preparation is necessary.

Cultural Immersion

  • Reading about Alaskan native cultures can be enriching.
  • A friendly approach is always welcome.

Smart Storage

Store digital copies of your travel documents in a secure cloud service or email them to yourself, separate from physical documents.