Driving from Anchorage to Seward, I was in awe of the mountainous views and glacial blue lakes as we drove south toward the Kenai Peninsula. I was on my way to stay at the Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge on Fox Island in Resurrection Bay.

Marketed as off-the-grid and all-inclusive, I couldn’t wait to get to the resort. I knew I was in for a treat when I heard I would stay in a cabin steps from the water, overlooking Halibut Cove, while seals and sea otters frolicked in the waves. I wasn’t sure what to expect, though – would there be heat, running water, and a flushing toilet? Would I be able to text my husband?

I’d been dreaming of visiting Alaska, and when Pursuit Collection invited me for a hosted stay at their wilderness lodge, I jumped at the chance. Here’s how to get there and why I would go back.

Getting to Fox Island

To get to Fox Island, you have to take a forty-minute ferry from Seward. This small town sits on the coast between the mountains and Resurrection Bay. People come from all over the world to visit because of its proximity to Kenai Fjords National Park.

I boarded a white ferry with blue trim, named the Glacier Explorer, to Fox Island on a misty day in early June. I had no idea I would see a humpback whale spouting within twenty minutes of the ferry ride. It was the first of many days on my five-day trip to south central Alaska, where I would see incredible marine wildlife.

The Glacier Explorer dropped us off on Fox Island, and I walked along the dock until I reached the shore. The shoreline was covered in beautiful black rocks, some of which were even heart-shaped. I was greeted by the lodge’s naturalist, who immediately pointed out the seal splashing in the cove — likely peeking to see what all the human noise was about.

The main lodge is breathtaking

As I arrived, it was cold and raining — typical of the early summer maritime climate. A group of us meandered down the coastline towards the lodge. Walking through the entrance of the lodge, I was blown away by the inside. It was all wood, warm, and welcoming. I immediately felt at home as the staff greeted us with big smiles.

The main lodge has an area like a living room with couches, chairs, and tables. There’s a woodstove and giant windows overlooking the bay. There’s also a bar. The dining area opposite this space is decorated with beautiful wood furniture, soft lighting, and delicate flower bouquets.

I couldn’t wait to see the cabins after seeing this place. But first, the staff served lunch – a gourmet Caesar-inspired salad, a side of fruit, and a hand-crafted cocktail.

The waterfront cabins are cozy

After lunch, I wandered over to my private cabin, Kittiwake, tucked inside the tree line. I walked up the wooden stairs to the porch and opened the sliding glass door. Inside, I found a red leather couch, coffee table, bed, and a small bathroom with a shower. I was so happy when I realized there was a flushing toilet and on-demand hot water.

Though the property is off-the-grid and not connected to public utilities, the eight guest cabins have propane heaters and battery-powered lights. Since there are no electrical outlets in the cabins, bringing a power bank for your cell phone is essential if you plan on using it to take photos.

There was also no cell phone reception at my cabin. The main lodge did have a place to charge a few cell phones, though, and I could send my husband texts from there.

The food is excellent

The property has a chef and wait staff on location. The chef decides on the menu based on local ingredients and seasonal availability, so the food selections are always different. Over three days and two nights, I was treated to halibut, steak, soups, fresh vegetables, and salads for lunch and dinner.

Before breakfast, I loved the coffee service, where staff brought coffee directly to my cabin around 7 a.m. Breakfast included dishes like eggs and crab cakes or eggs Benedict.

Tea and pastries were served in the afternoon, followed by happy hour and charcuterie before dinner.

I’m gluten-free and appreciated how the chef easily accommodated my dietary needs. You just have to inform the property before you arrive so their team can plan.

Things to do while you’re there

A two-night minimum is required to stay here. Along with relaxing on the porch and watching for wildlife, you can go sea kayaking, enjoy s’mores around a fire pit, or get warm in the wood-fired sauna.

On the second day, I took a half-day guided kayaking tour around Fox Island with Sunny Cove Kayaking. I had so much fun spotting sea otters and puffins. It was my first time seeing a puffin in the wild.

That afternoon, I rested and recharged in the Scandinavian-inspired wood sauna. The sauna is steps from the sea for those brave enough to cold plunge after getting warm and sweaty. Since I visited during the summer, it was still bright outside at 10 p.m., and we could fit all these activities in during the day.

On the third day, after breakfast, we packed our bags and left for an eight-hour boat tour of Kenai Fjords National Park. Viewing whales and the epic glacial landscape made for one of the most beautiful trips I’ve ever taken.

Being pampered at the wilderness lodge while enjoying the outdoor activities was the perfect way to complement visiting this part of Alaska.