Kodiak

Few things are more thrilling than seeing a whale surface and dive ocean waters.  The classic shot of a whale tail or a breaching whale is a lifelong ambition of many photographers.  Even seeing and hearing a whale spout is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many people.   Taking the time to sit by the ocean and watch and listen for the sounds of whales is relaxing as it is exciting.  Just wait until you hear a spout and then the eerie sound of a trumpeting whale!

Bear-viewing is one of the most popular activities on Kodiak Island. The best time to see a Kodiak bear is during July, August and September and the best way to do so is in the company of a knowledgeable outfitter. Most local air taxis offer half-day viewing trips. Multi-day bear viewing treks can be booked with remote lodges. Some boat charters and kayak outfitters specialize in bear and wildlife viewing. Special use cabins can be reserved through the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge office and through the Alaska State Parks office in Kodiak. Bears are rarely seen on the road system, so if seeing a Kodiak brown bear is an important component of your Alaska experience, plan ahead, select an outfitter, and book your bear-viewing experience several months in advance.

Several local tour operators offer tours or plan a self-guided tour. Don’t forget your camera, binoculars and perhaps a picnic lunch to enjoy on a beach or cliff side. You should leave Kodiak with a full tank of gas as services are limited out the road.

Rich in history, Kodiak is home to four museums that celebrate the island’s heritage.

Kodiak has a surprising number of shops, galleries, and gift stores tucked away in alleys or along popular driving routes.  The best thing about Kodiak shopping is that you will find unique, even one-of-a-kind items not available in other parts of Alaska or even other parts of the world.  Most shops sell locally crafted art, clothing, or gift items.  And where else but Kodiak can you purchase smoked Kodiak salmon or take home fresh caught crab or halibut?  Even the first microbrewery in Alaska is in Kodiak!

Everyone who comes to Kodiak wants to sample the fresh catch of the day or, of course, delicious Alaskan king crab. There are many restaurants that offer delights from the sea. You’ll easily find fish and chips in a variety of species: cod, halibut and salmon. In the unlikely event that you have non-fish lovers traveling to Kodiak, there are still plenty of options.

Green mountains rising from the sea, the magnificent Kodiak brown bear, rugged coastlines, abundant birds and wildflowers are all inspirational to the many Kodiak artists.

Kodiak is home to a surprising number of talented visual, fiber, metal and multi-media artists. Skilled craftspeople working with fiber, leather, glass, silver, gold and other metals offer a stunning array of one-of-a-kind investments. Shops and galleries in downtown Kodiak and out Mill Bay Rd. and Rezanof Dr. display their work for your enjoyment and purchase. Coffee shops host art shows throughout the year where you can find and purchase local art.

The Kodiak Arts Council hosts a performing arts series as well as summer art camps for children.

Local residents take every opportunity to celebrate their island life. WhaleFest Kodiak, Kodiak Crab Festival, 4th of July Celebrations, the Pigrimage to Spruce Island, and the State Fair and Rodeo are just a few of the Island's annual big events.

When you kayak in Kodiak Island, you are paddling waters with thousands of years of history.  The Alutiiq people, who occupied the island 10,000 years ago, navigated Aleutian isle waters in skin-covered kayaks before finding Kodiak Island.  Here they discovered an area rich in marine life, a place warmed by Japanese trade winds, and a multitude of quiet bays to seek refuge.

Camping with your family or on a solitary expedition can be a rewarding experience. The sound of kittiwakes or eagles will provide music and wildflowers will color your surroundings. It is important to know that Kodiak is a rain forest and your gear should be appropriate in the event of heavy rainfall and/or cool temperatures. A good tent with rain fly is a necessity unless you are camping in your truck or RV. Waterproof rain wear is essential. If you have come to Kodiak without proper rain gear, there are several outdoor clothing stores and sporting goods stores that can help you stay dry and warm.

There's no better way to come to know a place on the planet than to explore it by foot.  On Kodiak Island most trails wind through dense forests of Sitka spruce.  Each bend in the path brings a surprise either in the form of delicate ferns, bright wildlflowers or spectacular views of the rugged coastline.  Birding opportunities abound on all the trails in and around Kodiak, so be sure you take along your bird book and wildflower identification book.