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Things to do / Travel Guide
SW Alaska Tourist Attractions
Even though some ferries do operate here, this region is not a popular tourist destination, especially for those on a budget. For the adventurous traveler, it has hiking, trekking, river running, world-class wildlife viewing, and sports fishing. Surf with the whales off Kodiak Island and hike in the active volcanic areas of the Alaska Peninsula. The problem—and here's where the expense comes in—is that to get from one end of this region to the other (or even from one point to the next) you'll need to fly or hire a boat to take you. If you can stomach that, though, then you'll receive entry to a magical, untrodden area that adventurers can only dream of.
Kodiak, Alaska Tourist Attractions
Here is a little island with a lot of personality. You'd think it would be impossible to cram so many activities, each with such a different flavor, into such a small space; yet, somehow, the island of Kodiak manages to fit that bill. The climate is mild (at least compared with the rest of chilly Alaska), the water is clear, and in the summertime (when tourists mostly visit), the days are warm and long, so you'll have plenty of time to load up your itinerary with activities.
Though called an island, Kodiak is actually a series of little islands, perfect for water activities and land excursions that offer a unique (and quite gorgeous) landscape. The archipelago is ideal for wildlife fanatics and will provide you a look into the Alaskan wildlife scene like no other. Brace yourself for up close and personal encounters with the Kodiak brown bear, the red fox, the little brown bat, the short tailed weasel, the tundra vole, and the river otter.
Hunting is quite popular on the islands, as well as whale watching, fishing, swimming, hiking, and cycling.
Kodiak is best known for its outdoor activities, especially its wide selection of Alaska State Parks, but also provides a nice sprinkling of indoor, family-friendly tourist attractions. Learn about the history of the ancient Alaskan natives at the Alutiq Museum or about the area's naval and military history at both the Kodiak Maritime Museum and the Kodiak Military History Museum.
Kodiak, Alaska Getaways
Kodiak may be one of the more popular Southwest Alaska getaways, but it's far from being the only one. Not too far from Kodiak (just a bit to the northwest), you'll find a plethora of parks and activities on Alaska's mainland. Start your exploration by stopping for a while at the majestic Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes. This area wasn't discovered until 1916 when a National Geographic botanist stumbled upon this incredible meeting place of underground springs and lakes with hot volcanic ash. The result of this contact makes the ground on top of them smoke. The area was soon declared a national monument and today you go explore the area on an 8-hour guided bus tour. The tickets are rather pricey, but will offer you a true once-in-a-lifetime experience—to see the earth alive with smoke!
Nearby tours you shouldn't miss include other remote spots in the Alaskan backcountry. Check out Megeik Lake and Baked Mountain for more interesting views of the Alaskan terrain.
Alaska Trip Planner
Remember we mentioned finding access to a boat? If you can manage that, then we've got quite the Alaskan trip planned for you. Starting out near Kodiak and the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes (the two areas we've just discussed), take your boat out along the Alaska Marine Highway heading west. This highway, which meanders through the clear waters of the Gulf of Alaska, will take you by parks, and islands, and trees, and forests, and meadows, and cliffs, and rocks like you can't even imagine. Stop for some prime fishing and camp out under the stars and you've got yourself and your party a little slice of paradise.
Don't have a boat? No problem – the Alaska Marine Highway is primarily a ferry route. Twice a month, during the warmer months, the ferry steams pretty far out on the Aleutian Island chain. Fares are quite high, about $400 more than the Staten Island Ferry, for the whole route.
When you make your way through the Aleutian Island Chain, you'll eventually hit Unalaska. This picture-perfect town is small and will give you a first-hand look at the culture of the native Alaskans, people who have lived on the island for more than one thousand years. The Dutch Harbor, connected to Unalaska by a bridge is the nation's top fishing port. Get ready for the best salmon and halibut that you've ever had!
One of the major attractions near Unalaska (and probably in all of the Aleutian Islands) is the Aleutian World War II National Historic Area. It commemorates the struggles that the Aleutian people underwent during the unjust Aleutian Campaign. During this time Aleutian people were forced from their villages, many of them left to die. This historic area serves as a testimony to the native Aleut's story and history, not just in regard to the war, but in general. There museum offers exhibits of native artifacts and handiwork, and the grounds are planted with stunning irises, orchids, and violets that attract artists and botanists from around the world.
And while the name certainly doesn't suggest this—Unalaska is, in fact, very Alaskan.
Alaska Adventure Trip Getaway Planner
Plan your trip well, taking into account infrequent ferry schedules and the lack of accommodation. Realize that the National Parks were created more to protect wildlife than to entertain tourists.
Tourist Attractions and Highlights in Kodiak and the Aleutian Islands of Southwest Alaska
Tourist-Attractions-Highlights
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