Area to stay in

Question

This is a post just about the area of town in Seward to stay (I will be intersted to know if you guys think I should have kept it my original thread).

But here it goes.

2 couples usually like to share lodging / house or cabin etc.

We will be arriving via the Ferry from Valdez to Whittier then plan to stay in Seward for 4 nights.

- Arrival Day

- Bear Glacier Kayak Trip with iquid Advnentures

- Fjords NP Tour with small boat Nothern Lattitude

- Possible 26 Glacier Tour out of Whittier

(I would say we will also check out Exit Glacer, Seward the town, hope to look around Whittier etc)

We then head to Homer.

In looking at rental houses it seems the ones I like best are out of town. Trying to explain what I can figure out with the maps. for example up near IdadaRide Sled Tours or near Herman Leirer Rd or up near Lost Lake Trailhead and Bear Creek.

would your opinion be that is too far out for for what we will be doing and it would be better to stay in town ?

Answer

For a 4-night stay in Seward with the activities you’ve listed—Bear Glacier kayaking, Kenai Fjords National Park tour, possible 26 Glacier tour, and sightseeing around Exit Glacier and Seward town—location is important for convenience and minimizing driving time, especially since you’ll likely be getting up early for tours.

Staying in Town: Most visitors recommend staying in or very near downtown Seward. This provides easy access to restaurants, grocery stores, cafes, and tour pickup points. Seward is relatively compact, so being centrally located allows walking or very short drives to most activities.

Downtown Seward or near the harbor: Convenient for Kenai Fjords tours, Bear Glacier kayak departures, and walking to restaurants and shops.
Close to Exit Glacier Road: Offers quick access if you plan a morning hike or self-guided visit, saving drive time compared to out-of-town lodging.

Staying Out of Town: Houses near IdadaRide Sled Tours, Herman Leirer Rd, or Lost Lake Trailhead / Bear Creek areas can be peaceful and scenic, with more privacy. However, you will be driving 10–15 minutes (or more depending on the exact location) to downtown, the harbor, and tour pickup points.

Advantages: More space, privacy, possibly nicer views, and quiet surroundings.
Disadvantages: Daily commuting to tour departures and restaurants, slightly longer drives in the early morning or evening, potentially challenging in wet or snowy conditions depending on the road.

Recommendation: For a short 4-night stay focused on multiple tours and sightseeing, staying in or very close to downtown Seward is usually more practical. You get the convenience of being close to pickup points and eateries, and you can still easily access scenic spots like Exit Glacier. If your group values privacy and doesn’t mind driving a bit each day, an out-of-town rental can work, but weigh the early mornings and tour start times against the extra distance.

In summary, for your itinerary with two couples and active days, downtown Seward or nearby neighborhoods would likely optimize your time and convenience while still allowing some scenic views.

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