Alaska’s alluring landscape is the main driver of tourism in the state. It’s hard to deny the beauty of its tall mountains, vast lakes, intriguing wildlife, and magnificent glaciers. But there’s more to the state than the scenic views. The Kenai has a multitude of businesses who are wildly passionate about its wildlife and have contributed to helping tourists experience responsible travel while indulging in the beauty of the state with Mother Nature top-of-mind.
These businesses not only offer care and compassion to our planet, but they provide extraordinary ways for visitors from all over the world to experience the mighty last frontier. Check out these 10 progressive businesses that equip visitors with incredible ecotourism adventures:
Alaska River Adventures offers a variety of excursions from fishing to rafting and hiking to lodging. Their commitment to safety, conservation, and stream ecology make them a standout company in southcentral Alaska that contributes to Kenai ecotourism. Whether you’re looking for a remarkable day trip or an all-inclusive lodging experience, Alaska River Adventures is dedicated to showing you all The Kenai has to offer while practicing sustainable tourism and responsible travel.
For more than 20 years, Ninilchik Charters has specialized in guided halibut and salmon trips for more than 20 years. In addition to fishing charters, they offer three kinds of eco tours including a Kenai Fjords Glacier Tour, Bear Viewing, and Gold Prospecting. Start your Alaskan Adventure with Ninilchik Charters for for experienced guides and eco-friendly tours.
For over 40 years, Alaska Rivers Company has shared their love of the Kenai River with visitors from all over the globe. They provide some of the best outdoor experiences including rafting, fishing, glacier tours, and cabins. In addition to enriching people’s lives through outstanding adventure experiences, Alaska Rivers Company strives to emphasize Kenai ecotourism with heightened attentiveness to human impact on the environment.
Swiftwater Park & Campground
For those who thrive while “roughin it,” Swiftwater Park & Campground is perfect for the outdoorsy types-- and you can’t get much more eco-friendly than when you’re camping. Winding through the forest that borders the banks of the Kenai River are 40 campsites that are complete with picnic tables and fire pits. An ideal spot for fishing enthusiasts, Swiftwater Park & Campground also features a boardwalk, trails, and boat launch.
This Kenai ecotourism island retreat is located 9 miles southeast of Seward, Alaska. Cabins are solar powered with compost toilets and a private deck for participation in responsible travel. Enjoy the best in Alaska with whale watching, kayaking, fishing, and more for a special experience.
The Alaska Railroad connects to many of Alaska’s most popular destinations including Anchorage, Seward, Denali National Park and more. Travelers are able to build custom adventure packages from day trips to multi-day vacations.
Alaska Wildland Adventures several environmentally responsible adventures through the Kenai Peninsula and beyond. They were among the first to offer raft explorations of the Kenai River into the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, and pioneered small-group explorations from the protected areas of Kenai Fjords National Park and the Kenai Peninsula to Denali National Park and Preserve. Their belief in smaller groups mean bigger experiences and better memories.
Bear Paw Adventure’s log homes are situated on an original Alaska homestead site on the west side of the Kenai Peninsula. The property has been kept as natural as possible, providing habitat for wildlife such as moose and eagles that can be seen among the spruce and wildflowers. Enjoy fun adventures on this private homestead property that practices economic and sustainable tourism.
Just a short boat ride from Seward lies the Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge, located in a magical destination known as Fox Island. Curl up with a book in the main lodge’s cozy lounge that offers expansive views of the ocean bay, or treat yourself to a hike and various evening programs offered by the resident naturalist. Be prepared to “unplug” for a truly remarkable experience. As part of their commitment to preserving a pristine wilderness getaway, Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge are not equipped with electrical outlets, televisions, or telephones and the island’s main source of energy is solar power.
If you’re looking for Alaska Bear Viewing and Ecotours, look no further. All Alaska Outdoors Lodge offers expeditions on a Wheeled Plane Fly In that provides beautiful coastal settings and amazing aerial flightseeing. Their bear viewing eco-tour includes a 3 night/2 day adventure to Chinitna Bay or Silver Salmon Creek on Wheels, Beach landing and bear viewing, photography, and west coast Cook Inlet flight seeing on return.
To learn more about the program that certifies green tourism businesses in Alaska, visit http://bit.ly/307BdOH.