Author: Brooke Devon

Bird Watching on the Kenai Peninsula

bird watching, birds of the kenai peninsula

What Birder doesn’t dream of coming to Alaska? Let us share our World Class Bird Watching opportunities with you.

Enjoy your stay at the alluring Cannery Lodge while you explore the Bird Watching Hot Spots on the Kenai Peninsula.

  • Cannery Road and the Kenai River Estuary – Offering over 286 species of birds, a large gull colony, and shorebird migration stop-over, Sand hill Cranes, Eagles
  • Kenai National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters – Access to boreal and alpine species Homer and Gull Island – Eagles, Red-faced Cormorants, Puffins, Aleutian Terns, Murrelets,
  • Seward and Chiswell Islands – Puffins, Auklets and numerous other pelagic species 
  • Hope – Palmer Creek Road for access to alpine species Tern Lake – Arctic Tern nesting grounds

Just to name a few! Let us help you explore Alaska’s Birds.

bird watching, birds of the kenai peninsula

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Alaska Bride & Groom

Alaska Bride & Groom

Alaska Bride & Groom, Cannery Wedding

Bride’s name: Kamry Ella Meyer
Groom’s name: Levi Bradley James Hensley
Occupation: Kamry is a barista and Levi is an electrical
apprentice
How they met: “In high school we were friends. We both
moved out of state and grew up a lot. We came back home and reunited ”

The proposal: Levi took Kamry down Cannery Beach Road in Kenai and proposed during a beautiful sunset
Number of guests: About120
Wedding colors: Slate blue, grey, white
Most memorable moment…
For her: “Walking down the aisle with my dad to my loving husband And seeing everyone who showed up for us was so special ”

Alaska Bride & Groom, Cannery Wedding, The Riverview Stage and Deck

For him: “Our dance together ”

Unique aspects of the day: “Before my grandpa passed away he cut
some beautiful pieces of wood and that’s what my family used to build our arbor,” recalls Kamry. At the
the reception the couple set up a unique French fry bar “It was amazing!” The guests also enjoyed the open bar, the fun DJ-hosted dance floor, and the beautiful cupcakes.

Funniest moment: Levi’s groomsmen played harmonica and Levi performed “Piano Man” by Billy Joel.“ Alcohol may have been involved but every note was
perfect, they sounded famous. Everyone was cracking up!”
Three words that best describe
their day: “Beautiful fun loving ”

If they had the chance to do it again what they would do differently: “I would do the pictures before the wedding started,” says Kamry.

“We did them after the ceremony and I felt bad not being able to say hi to all our guests and some of them left before we made it back for the reception.”

What Kamry loves most about her husband: “How much he loves his family and shows his love for me I never doubt that I’m loved.”

What Levi loves most about his wife: “How she always sees good in
every situation.”

Best piece of advice for a couple planning a wedding: “Don’t stress on the little things because little things won’t matter at the end of the day. Take time for just the the two of you during the day–even if it’s just walking away for a minute and soaking up YOUR day. When
there are so many people it’s easy to get overwhelmed or forget to soak in the special day.”

Cannery Wedding, Catering
Alaska Bride & Groom, Cannery Wedding
Alaska Bride & Groom, Cannery Wedding, Events
Alaska Bride & Groom, Cannery Wedding, Events, Catering
Alaska Bride & Groom, Cannery Wedding, Events
Cannery Wedding, Events
Cannery Wedding, Events, Catering
Alaska Bride & Groom, Cannery Wedding, Events

The Details

Photography: Brittney Ray Photography • Ceremony & reception site: The Cannery Lodge • Cake: Rosie’s Cake Pop Palace (Shelby Dykstra) • Catering: Main Event Catering • Wedding rings: Fred Meyer Jewelers Etsy • Wedding coordinator: Kelsey Meyer • Flowers: Tundra Rose • Bride’s dress: Anderson’s Bride • Bridesmaids’ dresses: David’s Bridal • Groom’s & groomsmen’s formalwear: Anderson’s Bride • Hair & makeup: Jasmin’s Hair Design (Liz) • Officiant: Nate Lamb, Birch Ridge Church • Entertainment & music: Five Star Entertainment • Accommodations: The Cannery Lodge • Honeymoon destination: Alyeska Resort, Girdwood

Alaska Bride & Groom

Flight Seeing

Flight Seeing

View Alaska from the air with our unique Flight Seeing tours. Enjoy flight seeing to some of Alaska’s most spectacular locations. Tour our most popular flights, like The Alaska Range or Dick Proenneke’s Historic Cabin, or contact us to create a fully customized tour.

Alaska Range

3 person minimum

Our most popular flight see is a tour of the majestic Alaska Range with its volcanoes and glaciers. Along the way it is common to see Brown Bear, Moose, Black Bear or seals. This trip is one and a half hours in length. If you would like a longer flight see, just ask our staff and they will quote you accordingly

Dick Proenneke’s Cabin at Twin Lakes

2 person minimum

Dick Proenneke built this cabin on Twin Lakes in Lake Clark National Park by hand, and lived here for 30 years. His story inspired books and movies, including One Man’s Wilderness and Alone in the Wilderness. Dick Proenneke’s journals were the information source for the stories about his life, and show how even in “modern” times a simpler life is possible. Park Service personnel are available on site to answer your questions. The flight each way is one hour, and the flight path takes you either through scenic Lake Clark Pass, or over the majestic peaks of the upper Alaska Range. The
price includes one hour at the cabin.

The Cannery Lodge
Your Home on the River.
Kenai’s Premier Lodge Experience
907-261-9499


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Day Trips

day trips, bear viewing, kenai
day trips, bear viewing, kenai

DAY TRIPS

Take your fishing or wildlife viewing trip to the next level with Day Trips. These trips are designed for the anglers who want to go to more remote areas. Because of the distance you travel to these areas, you get the added benefit of some awesome flight seeing. Below are some of our more popular destinations. We can plan a custom day trip for you – just let us know your interests!

Prince William Sound (June-July) Red Salmon / (late July-September) Silver Salmon

The Sound is east of Kenai, and is surrounded by 5,000 to 10,000 foot peaks. This trip offers great views of glaciers and wildlife. Commonly seen wildlife include bear, moose, sheep, and whales. Trout fishing for Dolly Varden is also good on this trip. Sockeye limit is 5 per person, and they run a large 8-12 pounds. Silver limit is 3 per day. Flight time: 1 hour each way

*Iliamna Trip (June -September 30) Rainbow Trout, Grayling, Sockeye Salmon, Pike

Depart Arness Lake to the west and travel through Lake Clark Pass or over the Alaska Range to the Lake Iliamna area.
Prior to departing we discuss different areas available to be fished, and the species available in each area. This is a first class fishing and sightseeing trip.

Flight time: 1.5 hours each way

*Kvichak River (June 8- October 15) Rainbow Trout, Grayling, Sockeye/Silver Salmon, and Pike

The Kvichak River is a large clear river which drains the famous Lake Iliamna. The river is known to have the largest Rainbow Trout in Alaska. Fishing for large Rainbows is best in early June and late August through October. Fish are abundant in July but the average weight is decreased. The Sockeye Salmon peaks the first week of July and is great for 3 weeks. The Silver Salmon run begins about August 10th and ends in late September. Fishing is done from boats and the sandbars/shore. The limit for Sockeye and Silver Salmon is 5 per day. Rainbow Trout in Trophy areas are catch and
release only.

Flight time: 2 hours each way

Katmai National Park (August 1 through September) Silver Salmon

Katmai National Park occupies a large area of the upper Alaska Peninsula and offer several rivers for great silver salmon fishing. Fish average about 8 pounds, with larger fish to 17 pounds. The flight varies from 1 to 2 hours each way and can take you over amazing glacial fields and fjords, depending on the route flown. Bear sightings are common on the trips in the park. Limit is 5 silvers per person. Reminder: If you book any of our day trips, you are responsible for full payment prior to departure. The only exception is if the weather does not allow any flying on your reserved day, or we cannot fly due to mechanical problems.

* If the weather does not allow the flight to the planned destination, you will be routed to the next available area.

*Any destination in a National Park will be assessed the fee for that Park. Current fees range from $6.00 to $14.00 per person, per day. See further information on areas where these fees will apply at the end of this information sheet.

Bear Viewing (late June-September) World Famous Brooks Camp in Katmai National Park

4-person minimum

This trip is a must for clients who wish to see pristine scenery and first class bear viewing all in one day. From viewing platform at Brooks Camp you may see as many as 20 different bears in their natural habitat catching salmon as they leap up the falls to spawning grounds. Weather permitting; pilots take a different route on the return trip allowing clients another wonderful view of the wild Alaska landscape. Reservations for day trips at Brooks Camp must be made in advance. Allow for a full day for this once in a lifetime trip!

Flight time: 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 20 minutes.

Bear View at Wolverine Creek (early June – August)

3 person minimum

Just a short flight across the Cook Inlet and you will be viewing bears from one of our open boats. Your guide will maneuver your boat into areas where you can commonly view bears safely at very close distances. The total time for this experience is 5.5 hours.

Chinitna Bay Bear Viewing

3 person minimum

Bear view / flight see option. This trip includes a 1 ½ scenic flight, and a one hour stop at Chinitna Bay for bear viewing.

Take a short walk from the beach where the plane lands to the bear viewing area. This is a great trip if you have limited time.

Day and Overnight Trips – Chinitna Bay Bear View Options

3 person minimum

This trip is good from late May/early June through August. The lodge property borders Lake Clark National Park, and there is a bear viewing area in the park. It is not unusual to see twenty or more bear in the area on any given day. Bear are often seen on the beach in front of the lodge, and if you are lucky enough to be here during a low tide, you may see bear digging for clams! The trip is guided by a local facility in Chinitna Bay, and lunch is included in the day trip.

Flight time: 45 minutes each way.

FISHING TRIPS/ADVENTURE ACTIVITY OPTIONS

All of our fishing trips are fully guided, unless otherwise stated. All rods, reels, and bait are included. Fly-fishing equipment is NOT provided, although most guides will provide appropriate flies if given notice that you will be using your own fly-fishing gear. Clients need to bring rain gear and lunch and any beverages desired.

There will be a 3% recreational tax per person added to the guide fee portion of all trips

The Cannery Lodge
Your Home on the River.
Kenai’s Premier Lodge Experience
907-261-9499


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Yahoo!

The 25 Best Beach Towns in America

On a warm spring or summer day, if the liquid feeling of sunlight doesn’t instantly lift your mood in one of these charming beach towns, the historical character, quality shopping and grub—and many other pleasing attributes—certainly will.

Just in time for vaccine summer, which is going to be marked by both “Toe Dip Trips” and revenge travel galore, it’s officially time to start planning your next vacation to any one of these charming beach towns in America.

Best Beach Towns, Kenai Alaska

3. KENAI, AK

Yes, seriously, a beach in Alaska! While you’re not wrong to drum up visions of snow-capped mountains when you think of The Last Frontier, you can also add this small beach town to your overall vision. Known as a world-class King Salmon fishing destination, this truly authentic Alaskan village’s beach and water temperatures might not be ideal for sunbathing, but they are where you’ll catch some of the most stunning sunsets in the U.S. If you’re only looking to extend your Alaskan trip, this is the perfect spot for a day trip or a quick weekend getaway.

Stay at the town’s newest hotel, The Cannery Lodge, which offers a lovely bar and lounge, as well as convenient proximity to beaches, hiking and fishing. Basically, it’s a go-to hub for those looking for outdoor adventures. The interiors pay homage to the cannery’s history and feature stunning rustic features and unbeatable views.

Yahoo!

MSN

The 25 Best Beach Towns in America

Best Beach Towns, Kenai Alaska

3. KENAI, AK

Yes, seriously, a beach in Alaska! While you’re not wrong to drum up visions of snow-capped mountains when you think of The Last Frontier, you can also add this small beach town to your overall vision. Known as a world-class King Salmon fishing destination, this truly authentic Alaskan village’s beach and water temperatures might not be ideal for sunbathing, but they are where you’ll catch some of the most stunning sunsets in the U.S. If you’re only looking to extend your Alaskan trip, this is the perfect spot for a day trip or a quick weekend getaway.

Stay at the town’s newest hotel, The Cannery Lodge, which offers a lovely bar and lounge, as well as convenient proximity to beaches, hiking and fishing. Basically, it’s a go-to hub for those looking for outdoor adventures. The interiors pay homage to the cannery’s history and feature stunning rustic features and unbeatable views.

MSN

King Salmon

king salmon, chinook, fishing kenai
king salmon, chinook, fishing kenai

KING SALMON

(June-July) Catch limit varies by location.

The Chinook (King) salmon is the largest species of Pacific salmon. Its common name is derived from the Chinookan peoples. Other vernacular names for the species include king salmon, Quinnat salmon, Tsumen, spring salmon, chrome hog, Blackmouth, and Tyee salmon.

Allow for approximately 5 hours of fishing on these trips.

Nushagak River

6 person Minimum

Depart Island Lake westbound over Cook Inlet, through Lake Clark Pass and Lake Clark National Park and on to the Nushagak River. Sightseeing is exceptional on this trip, with glaciers, mountains and wildlife. The Nushagak River has a run of 200,000 + Chinook (king) salmon. Fishing is done from the shore casting lures and bait. Kings range from 20-50 pounds. Daily limit is two kings –1 under 28 inches and 1 over 28 inches. This trip takes about 1 ½ hours each direction plan for a full day. We fish here from June 20th to July 10th.

FISHING TRIPS/ADVENTURE ACTIVITY OPTIONS

All of our fishing trips are fully guided, unless otherwise stated. All rods, reels, and bait are included. Fly-fishing equipment is provided, and most guides will provide appropriate flies if given notice that you will be using your own fly-fishing gear. Clients need to bring rain gear and lunch and any beverages desired.

There will be a 3% recreational tax per person added to the guide fee portion of all trips

The Cannery Lodge
Your Home on the River.
Kenai’s Premier Lodge Experience
907-261-9499


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Silver Salmon

Silver Salmon, Coho, Fishing Kenai
Silver Salmon, Coho, Fishing Kenai

SILVER SALMON

(Late July-August-September) Catch limit is 3 per person

The Coho (Silver) Salmon is one of the five Pacific salmon species. Coho salmon are also known as silver salmon or “silvers”.

Allow for approximately 5 hours of fishing on these trips.

Nushagak River

6 person Minimum

Depart Island Lake westbound over Cook Inlet, through Lake Clark Pass and Lake Clark National Park and on to the Nushagak River. Sightseeing is exceptional on this trip, with glaciers, mountains and wildlife. The Nushagak River has a run of 200,000 + Chinook (king) salmon. Fishing is done from the shore casting lures and bait. Kings range from 20-50 pounds. Daily limit is two kings –1 under 28 inches and 1 over 28 inches. This trip takes about 1 ½ hours each direction plan for a full day. We fish here from June 20th to July 10th.

FISHING TRIPS/ADVENTURE ACTIVITY OPTIONS

All of our fishing trips are fully guided, unless otherwise stated. All rods, reels, and bait are included. Fly-fishing equipment is provided, and most guides will provide appropriate flies if given notice that you will be using your own fly-fishing gear. Clients need to bring rain gear and lunch and any beverages desired.

There will be a 3% recreational tax per person added to the guide fee portion of all trips

The Cannery Lodge
Your Home on the River.
Kenai’s Premier Lodge Experience
907-261-9499


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Sockeye Salmon

sockeye salmon, kenai fishing
sockeye salmon, kenai fishing

SOCKEYE (RED) SALMON

(June – July) Catch limit is 3 pp

The Sockeye Salmon, also called red salmon, kokanee salmon, or blueback salmon, is a species found in the Northern Pacific Ocean and rivers discharging into it. This species is a Pacific salmon that is primarily red in hue during spawning.

Allow for approximately 5 hours of fishing on these trips.

Wolverine Creek

3 Person Minimum

Fly west across Cook Inlet to the base of the Alaska Range. Fishing area is located where a small stream flows into a large lake. Water is usually very clear and the fish can be seen in large schools close to shore. This trip is a favorite not only for the great fishing, but it is an excellent place to view bear. Sightseeing enroute is great for bear, moose, seals, etc. The flight is about 25 minutes each way.

Crescent Lake

3 Person Minimum

Depart to the west of Kenai, across Cook Inlet. Your destination is a lake at the base of Mt. Redoubt. This is a very scenic flight past glaciers and a volcano in the Alaska Range. You may also see wildlife and sea life on this flight, including bear, moose, whales or seals. The best time for Arctic Char and Lake Trout are early June through September. The peak of the Sockeye salmon run is July 1-August 10. This lake and river fishing trip includes a boat and motor.

Limits for salmon are 3 fish per day, per person – for Trout, 5 fish per day, per person. Morning or afternoon trips are available.

FISHING TRIPS/ADVENTURE ACTIVITY OPTIONS

All of our fishing trips are fully guided, unless otherwise stated. All rods, reels, and bait are included. Fly-fishing equipment is NOT provided, although most guides will provide appropriate flies if given notice that you will be using your own fly-fishing gear. Clients need to bring rain gear and lunch and any beverages desired.

There will be a 3% recreational tax per person added to the guide fee portion of all trips

The Cannery Lodge
Your Home on the River.
Kenai’s Premier Lodge Experience
907-261-9499


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More Alaska Fishing

MORE ALASKA FISHING

The Kenai Peninsula’s fishing is world renowned. Four species of salmon make their way into the Peninsula’s bays, rivers and lakes in summer. But Alaska Fishing is more than just Salmon!

Charter fishing for halibut and other saltwater species is available from most seaside towns, and the mountain lakes, rivers and streams of the Kenai Peninsula are home to Rainbow Trout, Arctic Grayling, Northern Pike, and Dolly Varden, – great for fly fishing adventures.

Rainbow Trout (June 15-September)

3 Person Minimum

Many lakes on the Kenai Peninsula and on the west side of the Cook Inlet offer good Rainbow Trout action. Size of fish and fishing techniques vary with each lake. We will take you to the best available fishing at that time. Flight time is 30-45 minutes each way.

Grayling (June – September)

3 Person Minimum

Heading east across the Kenai Peninsula we will take you into the clear, pristine lakes of the Kenai Mountains. Experience the thrill of top water strikes on a dry fly or just cast spinners for “big dorsal fin” Grayling. Flight time is 30-45 minutes each way.

Northern Pike (Late May through September)

3 Person Minimum

Fish one of the numerous lakes of the Susitna River Drainage area for Pike, surrounded by the mountains that are home to the famous Matanuska Valley area of Alaska.

Shore lunches are available at most locations! This is a special treat. Your guide will bring the accompaniments and cook your fish on the shore at an additional cost. Please let us know in advance.

FISHING TRIPS/ADVENTURE ACTIVITY OPTIONS

All of our fishing trips are fully guided, unless otherwise stated. All rods, reels, and bait are included. Fly-fishing equipment is NOT provided, although most guides will provide appropriate flies if given notice that you will be using your own fly-fishing gear. Clients need to bring rain gear and lunch and any beverages desired.

There will be a 3% recreational tax per person added to the guide fee portion of all trips

The Cannery Lodge
Your Home on the River.
Kenai’s Premier Lodge Experience
907-261-9499


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