GIRDWOOD, ALASKA—Alaskan-owned tour company Alaska Wildland Adventures (AWA) will unveil its newest ecotourism venture this summer, Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge. It will be the first and only lodge located inside Kenai Fjords National Park. The lodge and guest cabins reside within the Native-owned, 1,700-acre Pedersen Lagoon Wildlife Sanctuary. Alaska Wildland Adventures worked in collaboration with Port Graham Native Corp. to develop the area. Built with careful consideration of the environment, guest capacity is limited to 16 cabins and is accessible by boat from nearby Seward.
“The lodge was built near traditional Alutiiq homeland,” said Heather Dudick, AWA’s director of marketing. “We’re excited about this partnership and the ability to share this secluded lodge experience with guests while preserving the rich cultural and ecological values of the area.”
Guests of Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge can expect comfortable cabins with private baths and can choose from a range of activities, including guided hiking, sea kayaking, photography and glacier and wildlife viewing. Guests can also peruse the natural history library, beachcomb or relax on the lodge deck. In the evening, the main lodge serves as a dining room and lounge, featuring stunning views of Pedersen Glacier.
Guest education is also a component of the lodge experience. Guests have the opportunity to take part in local natural and cultural history programs with one of AWA’s on-site naturalists.
“Environmental impact is an issue we take seriously,” Dudick said. “By limiting the number of guests in many of our activities and by following strict guidelines, we minimize the impact of our operation.”
The lodge will open in June 2009 and offer packages from two to four days with longer stays available upon request. For more information, visit www.kenaifjordsglacierlodge.com.
