Seward is a picturesque, historic fishing port located 203km (126 miles) south of Anchorage at the head of the Kenai Peninsula and known as the Gateway to the Kenai Fjords National Park. Mount Marathon provides a stunning background for the town. To the south, huge glaciers flow into Resurrection Bay from Harding Icefield (one of only four remaining in the United States). Major events in the history of the town include Japanese invasion during World War II and the 1964 earthquake.

Cruise boats pass many spectacular sights on their way to port including glaciers, sea lions and puffins sheltering in rookeries. Seward is an excellent base to explore sports fishing, glacier and wildlife cruises, sailing, hiking, kayaking, flight seeing and summer dog sled rides. The highlight of many people's visit to Seward, however, is the opportunity to see orca and humpback whales.

Highlights
• Alaska SeaLife Center
• Kenaii Fjords National Park - Exit Glacier
• Resurrection Bay Historical Society Museum
• Seward Museum

Seward Tourist Office
2001 Seward Highway, Seward, AK 99664, USA
Tel: +1 90722 48051.
Website: www.sewardak.org

Locally-owned shops feature regional artists' wares such as gold nugget and beaded jewellery; glass-blown items; pottery; hand-painted silks; professional photographs; and oil and pastel paintings highlighting Seward-area views. Native sea-oil candles, beaded mittens, fur mukluks (boots) and miniature hand-carved totem poles are also popular souvenirs.

Salmon, halibut and crab are popular menu items. Clam chowder is another favourite. Alaskan delicacies include smoked salmon, wild berry products and reindeer sausage.

May through September is the most popular time to visit.

Alaska

GMT - 9.

US Dollar (US$) = 100 cents.

English.

Alaska, north of Canada and not connected to mainland USA.

1,036.

Federal Republic since 1789. Gained independence from the UK in 1776.

Protestant, with Roman Catholic and Jewish minorities.

Americans are renowned for their openness and friendliness to visitors. Shaking hands is the usual form of greeting. A relaxed and informal atmosphere is usually the norm. As long as the fundamental rules of courtesy and respect are observed, there need be no fear of offending anyone of any background.

Gifts are appreciated if one is invited to a private home. Casual dress is accepted in all restaurants and clubs, unless a special occasion is planned. Smoking is increasingly unpopular in the US; it is essential to ask permission before lighting up. Smoking is not allowed on city transport and restricted or forbidden in public buildings. There will be a posted notice where no smoking is requested.

Tipping: Widely practised, as service charges are not usually included in the bill and waiters depend heavily on tips for their income. Waiters generally expect 10 to 15% gratuity. It should be noted that a cover charge is for admission to an establishment, not a tip for service.