Kodiak Island

Kodiak Island is a small Alaskan town with a big reputation for world-class sport fishing, thriving wildlife, and a beautiful green summer landscape. The town is only populated by 13,900 residents, but tourists love to visit for the mild climate and natural splendor. Despite the heavy snowfall in Kodiak, during your visit you are likely to experience mild coastal weather; the best time to visit is during the summer, when the days are longest.

The history of Kodiak Island reflects the rich history of the three Native populations of Alaska: the Aleut, Eskimo, and Indian natives. Descendants of these groups continue to display their heritages through traditional dances, clothing, songs, and educational lectures. These natives began to settle in Alaska as early as 10,000 years ago and survived by harvesting sea mammals, fish, and birds. The land was taken over by Russia in 1763, and by the United States in 1867, drastically altering the culture, language, and religion of the native peoples.

Kodiak Island's vast wilderness is a great place for outdoor adventure such as hiking and wildlife viewing. The land mammals native to the Kodiak Archipelago are the Kodiak brown bear, red fox, short-tailed weasel, little brown bat, tundra vole and river otter. Other activities include hunting, whale watching, and fishing. In fact, fish are abundant around Kodiak Island, including barn door-sized halibut, rainbow trout, steelhead, Dolly Varden and many varieties of salmon. The Alaska State Parks in Kodiak are also a wonderful place for camping and nature programs. Several walking tours are available through the various parks.

Although Kodiak Island is best known for its outdoor activities, there are also several indoor museums that may interest you. The Alutiq Museum, Baranov Museum, Kodiak Maritime Museum, and Kodiak Military History Museum, are all worth a visit to learn about Kokiak's history.

If you want to pick up something special before you go home, there are many shopping opportunities for art and gifts in Kodiak which reflect the local culture, including Marita & Belma's Precious Flowers & Gifts, the Northern Exposure Gallery, Red Rooster, and Viva Mexico Imports & Locals Art Gallery.

Since Kodiak Island is by the water, the fresh fish and seafood are an obvious great choice when you go out to eat. For a delicious dinner, the Chanel Side Chowder House and the Chart Room Restaurant come highly recommended. For a quick coffee in the morning, drop by Harborside Coffee & Fly By, and for a nice glass of wine, stop by the Kodiak Island Winery.

Kodiak Island's lodging accommodations are mostly quaint and comfortable. There are a few cute Bed & Breakfasts to choose from, including A Smiling Bear B&B, An Island Suite, and On the Cape B&B. Aside from the normal hotel and motel chains, there are also a few unique hotels such as Russian Heritage Inn and Shelikof Lodge. If you plan on sleeping outdoors, you can camp out at Katmai Wilderness Lodge, Munsey's Bear Camp, Quartz Creek Lodge, or Saltery Lake Lodge.

Kodiak Island is found on the southern coast of Alaska. Kodiak Island has less than 100 miles of road to drive on, but the ride there is scenic and beautiful on the back highways. Your journey to Kodiak Island will be just as spectacular as your visit—have fun!