Alaska's Remote Island Offers Serene Kayaking, Outdoor Adventures, And Stunning Wildlife

Alaska is known as one of the most extraordinary vacation destinations for outdoor adventurers in the world. A rugged, remote wilderness filled with unbelievable views, the Last Frontier state serves up jaw-dropping mountains, breathtaking glaciers, and an extraordinary array of wildlife. It is best known as a winter destination, and although it is also worth visiting during high tourist season in the summer, chances are when you think of Alaska, you picture frozen fjords, snow-capped peaks, and miles and miles of icy tundra.

What you probably don't picture are paradise island vibes surrounded by crystal-clear blue-green waters. However, Fox Island, just off the south coast of Kenai Fjords National Park, is a little slice of perfection and one of the most stunning remote islands in the world. Just like the rest of the extraordinary Kenai Fjords, this island is a dream for wildlife lovers, and with just a single all-inclusive lodge that offers accommodation, you are guaranteed peace, serenity, and total seclusion.

Fox Island is situated in Resurrection Bay, off the southern coastline of Kenai Fjords National Park, around 12 miles south of the city of Seward. The island is only accessible by boat, which departs from the Kenai Fjords Adventure Center on the Seward Marina and takes roughly 45 minutes. Most travelers arrive at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, which is served by routes across North America and Europe, and then drive 126 miles along the Turnagain Arm and the Seward Highway. Visitors can also reach Seward by cruise ship or charter flight to Seward Airport, a small, state-maintained airstrip just out of town.

Fox Island is an incredible destination for rugged adventure-seekers and lovers of the great outdoors. As you might expect from an island, many of the best adventures and experiences can be found out on the water. In the morning, the waters of Resurrection Cove tend to be calm, particularly in the sheltered coves and lagoons tucked away between the island's headlands, which makes paddleboarding a perfect early activity. Later on, grab a canoe or a kayak and head off to seek out the sea lions, otters, porpoises, and humpback whales that inhabit the surrounding seas.

If you prefer a challenge that doesn't involve the prospect of getting wet, the island has several excellent hiking routes. The Fox Island Trail is something of a beast, taking you up to the El Dorado Lookout, the highest point on the island, for a stunning bird's-eye view of the bay and Kenai Fjords in the distance. Out and back, the trail is around 3 miles, with some serious elevation and various tricky sections underfoot, so it is definitely advisable for seasoned hikers only.

Fox Island is a haven for birdwatchers as well, with a wide variety of species found nesting in the craggy rocks and soaring in the skies above. Seabirds like puffins, cormorants, and murres are regular sightings, as are harriers, ospreys, and bald eagles. In an even more remote part of the state, the charming island town of Unalaska is devoid of trees but still a surprisingly great destination for birdwatching.

Fox Island isn't just for the diehard wilderness lovers. Its stunning natural beauty and unmatched atmosphere of calm serenity make it a wonderful destination for anyone looking to disconnect and relax, stepping away from the hustle and bustle of daily life and immersing oneself in nature.

There is only one place to stay on Fox Island, so any overnight trip means experiencing the delights of Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge. Eight private waterfront cabins offer a touch of luxury, providing a rustic yet refined experience that blends outdoorsy vibes with a bit of pampering. A stay at the lodge includes locally sourced meals featuring seasonal ingredients, as well as snacks and drinks for any adventures you go on. The lodge has a wood-fired sauna, which is perfect for soothing aching limbs after a day of hiking or paddling. Morning yoga brings mindfulness to the stay, and the lodge also offers a number of additional experiences like evening bonfires, sunset dinners, and painting sessions.

A trip to Fox Island also includes a boat tour of Kenai Fjords National Park, an unbelievable opportunity to see the magnificent fjords of Alaska up close. This eight-hour cruise is the final experience of the trip, a combination of transport and tourism that puts an exceptional final flourish on this wonderful destination.