Alaska Paddling Vacations

Alaska is home to many lakes, rivers and coastlines where kayakers can view a variety of wildlife and picturesque sights like gigantic glaciers and snow-capped mountains. Tour the waters and paddle for as short as a half-day trip or explore remote areas for longer, multiple-day trips.

  1. Lakes, Rivers and Coastlines

    • Explore the pristine waters of Alaska by kayak or canoe paddling. Byers Lake, Kenai Fjords, Fox Island and Resurrection Bay are some of the best paddling vacation spots in the state, according to Ultimate Adventure Guide. Prince William Sound is another popular paddling destination. Byers Lake is part of the 325,240-acre Denali State Park and offers a route with picturesque views of Mount McKinley. Other sights include local wildlife and game fish species like salmon, rainbow trout, white fish and arctic grayling.

    Guided Paddling Trips

    • Reserve a paddling trip with a knowledgeable guide when touring remote waters for your own safety, especially if you are a beginner or unfamiliar with the waters. Alaska Kayak Academy offers multiple-day guided trips for paddling the waters of Prince William Sound. Explore the waters for six days and view animals like whales, sea lions, bears and sea otters as you pass by huge glaciers. Longer paddling trips typically involve camping or staying at a lodge.

    Self Guided

    • See the natural sights on your own by renting gears for canoeing or kayaking. Backcountry Safaris in Seward offers gear rentals and transportation using kayak shuttles or water taxi to and from Bear Glacier and other destinations like Kenai Fjords National Park, Resurrection Bay, Aialik Bay and Day Harbor. A sea kayak rental package includes kayak, paddles, life jackets, spray skirt, paddle float, bilge pump and sponge. Dry suits are also available for rent.

    What to Wear

    • Wear appropriate clothing for paddling on the water. Alaska Kayak Academy recommends a dry suit for unpredictable weather changes. Paddling jacket, rain pants or nylon running pants, neoprene socks, rubber boots, hat, wool or wetsuit gloves, sunglasses and waterproof jackets are other necessary protective gear you should bring on your Alaska paddling vacation.