Main city and one of seven communities on Kodiak Island in Kodiak Island Borough, Alaska
General Information
How to Get There
From Anchorage, AK (~250 mi): Fly Alaska Airlines to Kodiak Airport (ADQ) ~1 hour or take the Alaska Marine Highway ferry ~12 hours from Homer to Kodiak for the most scenic and economical option.
Overview
Kodiak is the main city and one of seven communities on Kodiak Island in Kodiak Island Borough, Alaska. All commercial transportation between the island's communities and the outside world goes through this city via ferryboat or airline.
Originally inhabited by Alutiiq natives for over 7,000 years, the city was settled in the 18th century by the subjects of the Russian crown and became the capital of Russian Alaska.
After the Alaska Purchase by the United States in 1867, Kodiak became a commercial fishing center which continues to be the mainstay of its economy. A lesser economic influence includes tourism, mainly by those seeking outdoor adventure trips. Salmon, halibut, the unique Kodiak bear, elk, Sitka deer (black tail), and mountain goats attract hunting tourists as well as fishermen to the Kodiak Archipelago. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game maintains an office in the city to help hunters and fishermen obtain the proper permits and learn about the laws specific to the Kodiak area.
Transportation to and from the island is provided by ferry service on the Alaska Marine Highway as well as local commercial airlines.
Kodiak Airport attracts both local and regional airlines, air taxis, and charter floatplanes and helicopters which provide transportation to residents and tourists traveling on and off the island. The Alaska Marine Highway provides further transportation via two ferries, MV Tustumena and MV Kennicott. Floatplane and bush plane companies regularly take tourists to remote areas and wilderness lodges both on the various islands of the Kodiak Archipelago and the Katmai coast for bear viewing, hunting, and hikes. The city business community also has a fleet of privately owned taxis as well as kayaks, mountain bikes, and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) for rent.
Things to Do
Visit Alaska's Emerald Isle
Kodiak is the principal community on Kodiak Island and serves as the gateway to the Kodiak Archipelago. Known as Alaska's "Emerald Isle" because of its lush green landscapes, Kodiak offers visitors a unique blend of wildlife, maritime culture, Native heritage, Russian history, and outdoor adventure.
See Kodiak Brown Bears
Kodiak is one of the world's premier destinations for bear viewing. Guided excursions transport visitors by boat or floatplane to remote locations where Kodiak brown bears can often be observed feeding on salmon, foraging in meadows, or traveling along coastal areas in their natural habitat.
Explore the Alutiiq Museum
The Alutiiq Museum preserves and interprets the history and culture of the Alutiiq people, whose ancestors have lived in the Kodiak region for thousands of years. Exhibits include artifacts, artwork, archaeological collections, and cultural displays that help visitors better understand the area's Indigenous heritage.
Visit the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center
Located in downtown Kodiak, the visitor center offers exhibits about the region's ecosystems and wildlife. Highlights include educational displays, a large whale skeleton, information about Kodiak brown bears, and resources that help visitors plan outdoor adventures throughout the archipelago.
Tour Historic Russian and Alaska Heritage Sites
Kodiak was the first capital of Russian Alaska and remains one of the state's most historically significant communities. Visitors can tour Holy Resurrection Cathedral, one of the oldest Russian Orthodox churches in North America, and visit the Kodiak History Museum, housed in Alaska's oldest surviving building.
Explore Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park
Just outside town, Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park preserves World War II military fortifications while offering scenic hiking trails, ocean overlooks, beaches, forests, and opportunities to observe wildlife along Alaska's rugged coastline.
Walk Along St. Paul Boat Harbor
The waterfront is the heart of Kodiak's maritime community. Visitors can stroll the harbor, observe commercial fishing vessels, watch boats unload their catches, and enjoy local restaurants while taking in views of the harbor and surrounding mountains.
Enjoy Wildlife Viewing and Marine Tours
Boat excursions provide opportunities to observe whales, sea otters, harbor seals, Steller sea lions, puffins, and other seabirds. The surrounding waters and coastal habitats offer some of Alaska's best wildlife viewing opportunities.
Hike Mountains and Coastal Landscapes
Kodiak features numerous hiking opportunities ranging from easy walks near town to challenging summit hikes. Trails lead through forests, alpine terrain, beaches, and coastal bluffs while offering spectacular views of the Gulf of Alaska and surrounding islands.
Top Trails
Pillar Mountain Trail
Length: Approximately 4 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Approximately 1,400 feet
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
One of Kodiak's most popular hikes, Pillar Mountain rewards hikers with panoramic views of Kodiak Harbor, Near Island, the city of Kodiak, and the surrounding waters of the archipelago. The summit provides some of the region's most impressive viewpoints.
Lake Gertrude Loop Trail
Length: Approximately 2.5 miles loop
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy
Located within Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park, this forested trail circles scenic Lake Gertrude while providing access to World War II fortifications, wildlife viewing opportunities, and beautiful coastal scenery.
North End Trail System
Length: Multiple route options
Elevation Gain: Varies
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
This network of trails near Kodiak offers accessible hiking through forests, open areas, and scenic viewpoints. The interconnected routes are popular for walking, running, wildlife viewing, and enjoying Kodiak's natural landscapes close to town.
This article uses material from the Wikipedia article and official pages for Travel Alaska - Kodiak, Alaska.org - Things to Do in Kodiak, Kodiak, Alaska, released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.
