Holgate Arm is a narrow fjord reaching inland from Aialik Bay, within Kenai Fjords National Park near Seward, Alaska. It is also known as Holgate Bay. The fjord ends at the Holgate Glacier, and the water here is often dotted with floating ice, which gives the arm a dramatic, wild character.
What to expect
Holgate Arm is best known as a place to watch glaciers. Visitors arrive by boat or by kayak, and the experience centres on the calm, enclosed water and the views towards the ice front. The surrounding landscape of steep sides and open water makes the approach feel distinctly remote.
- Glacier viewing: the Holgate Glacier is the main draw, seen from the water.
- Kayaking: the arm is a popular place to paddle among the ice.
- Guided tours: many visitors come on glacier viewing tours departing from Seward.
Planning your visit
Holgate Arm lies inside Kenai Fjords National Park, so it is reached from the town of Seward, which is the usual base for trips into the park. Because access is by water, the best way to plan is to contact a tour or kayak operator in advance. The park's general contact number is +1-907-422-0500. The park's address is listed as Kenai Fjords National Park, AK 99603, United States.
Going on a trip here means spending much of the day on the water, so dress for cold and wet conditions even in summer. Allow time before or after your trip to explore Seward and its surroundings, which offer a natural base for the rest of your stay.
