Spring in Alaska means longer days and warmer temperatures. Next week is spring break, and for folks staying in-state, there’s still plenty of fun to be had on the peninsula.
While tourist season and the midnight sun is still a ways away, a trip to Seward for a whale watching cruise is in the realm of possibility for next week. Major Marine tours in Seward opens March 9 with cruises around Resurrection Bay.
Kick-off summer camping season with a stay at a public-use cabin. On the Kenai Peninsula, there are dozens of cabins located on state and federal lands. Many cabins are easily accessed, while some are more remote and may require the assistance of a bush plane to water taxi for added adventure.
Reservations for cabins maintained by the state’s Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation can be made on dnr.alaska.gov. Reservations for cabins on the Kenai Wildlife Refuge can be made on recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.
For people looking to spend their time off in the outdoors, snowshoeing offers a great way to explore the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. The Refuge will be hosting two winter snowshoe walks at 2 p.m. on Wednesday and at 12:30 p.m. on Friday. The walks are for anyone interested in getting outside and no experience will be necessary. The walks will be guided. Interested explorers can bring their own snowshoes or reserve them at the Refuge by calling 907-260-2820. The walks will begin at the visitor center and last for one to two hours.
The Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward will be open every day over spring break from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $24.95 for adults and $12.95 for children and can be purchased at the SeaLife Center. The aquarium has a variety of exhibits, including a touch tank where visitors can be hands-on with local sea creatures.
Families traveling north can stop by the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to see Alaska animals like reindeer, bears, wolves, foxes, porcupines, musk ox and more. The center is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with the last entry at 5 p.m.