Kodiak  :  Best Western Kodiak Inn

Best Western Kodiak Inn

Below you will find all of the details on Best Western Kodiak Inn. To make a hotel reservation, or book a room now, simply enter your dates into the search box to see if Best Western Kodiak Inn has availablity.


236 Rezanof West
Kodiak, AK 99615
Nightly Rates: ( 171.99 - 262.99 )
2 Star


Property Description

The Best Western Kodiak Inn overlooks the beautiful St. Paul Harbor, and is located in the downtown area. Escape to the Best Western Kodiak Inn and experience great hospitality and comfort. Guests will appreciate the short walk to St. Paul Harbor charter boats and the Native Alutiiq and Russian Museums. The convenient downtown location offers numerous dining and shopping options. The hotel's Chart Room Restaurant and Lounge offers delicious American and seafood dining. Each comfortable room features all the extras that make a difference while traveling including free WiFi access, pillow top beds, DVD player, desk space, microwave, refrigerator, and complimentary continental breakfast. A business center is located in the lobby and there is an outdoor Alaskan hot tub in a gazebo to relax in. The Kodiak hotel also offers meeting/banquet facilities for meetings or special occasions. Whether spending the day with business or fishing, hiking, or sight-seeing in and around Kodiak, the hotel's staff is ready to ensure a comfortable and memorable stay. Make an online hotel reservation today and save at the Best Western Kodiak Inn!



Amenities

· Courtesy Car
· Business Center
· Laundry/Valet Services
· Fitness Center or Spa
· AM/FM Alarm Clock
· Bar/Lounge
· Coffee Maker in Room
· 24 Hour Front Desk
· Fishing
· Free Parking
· Free Local Telephone Calls
· Free Local Telephone Calls
· Hairdryers Available
· Modem Lines in Room
· Meeting/Banquet Facilities
· No Smoking Rooms/Facilities
· Pets Allowed
· Safe Deposit Box
· Television with Cable
· Restaurant
· Room Service


Room Information

1 QUEEN BED,MICROWAVE,REFRIGERATOR,COFFEEMAKER
* 1 Queen Bed * Coffee Maker * Microwave * Refrigerator
1 KING BED,NO SMOKING,MICROWV,REFRIG,COFFEEMAKER
* 1 King Bed * Coffee Maker * Microwave * No Smoking * Refrigerator
2 DOUBLE BEDS,MICROWAVE,REFRIGERATOR,COFFEEMAKER
* Two Double Beds * Coffee Maker * Microwave * Refrigerator
1 QUEEN BED,NO SMOKING,MICROWV,REFRIG,COFFEEMAKER
* 1 Queen Bed * Coffee Maker * Microwave * No Smoking * Refrigerator
2 DOUBLE BEDS,NO SMOKING,MICROWV,REFRIG,COFFEEMAKE
* Two Double Beds * Coffee Maker * Microwave * No Smoking * Refrigerator
1 KING BED,MICROWAVE,REFRIGERATOR,COFFEEMAKER
* 1 King Bed * Coffee Maker * Microwave * Refrigerator
1 KING BED,BUSINESS PLUS ROOM, NO SMOKING,FULL BRE
* 1 King Bed * Business Plus Room * No Smoking * Full Breakfast
2 DOUBLE BEDS,SMOKING,HI SPEED NET,MICROWAVE,REFRI
* Two Double Beds * Smoking Room * High Speed Internet Access * Microwave * Refrigerator
2 DOUBLE BEDS,NO SMOKING,HI SPEED NET,MICROWAVE,RE
* Two Double Beds * No Smoking * High Speed Internet Access * Microwave * Refrigerator
1 KING BED,NSMK,HI SPEED NET,BUSINESS PLUS,MICR RF
* 1 King Bed * No Smoking * High Speed Internet Access * Business Plus Room * Microwave And Refrigerator
1 KING BED,NO SMOKING,HI SPEED NET,MICROWAVE,REFRI
* 1 King Bed * No Smoking * High Speed Internet Access * Microwave * Refrigerator
1 QUEEN BED,SMOKING,HI SPEED NET,MICROWAVE,REFRIG
* 1 Queen Bed * Smoking Room * High Speed Internet Access * Microwave * Refrigerator
1 QUEEN BED,NO SMOKING,HI SPEED NET,MICROWAVE,REFR
* 1 Queen Bed * No Smoking * High Speed Internet Access * Microwave * Refrigerator
2 DOUBLE BEDS,NSMK,HARBOR VW,MICRO FRIDGE,HI SPEED
* Two Double Beds * No Smoking * Harbor View * Microwave And Refrigerator * High Speed Internet Access
SUITE-1 QUEEN BED,NSMK,HARBOR VIEW,KITCHENETTE,SOF
* Suite-1 Queen Bed * No Smoking * Harbor View * Kitchenette * Sofa Bed
SUITE-1 KING BED,NSMK,HARBOR VW,WHIRLPL,SOFABD,MIC
* Suite-1 King Bed * No Smoking * Harbor View * Whirlpool * Sofa Bed * Microwave And Refrigerator
SUITE-1 KING BED,HI SPEED NET,MICRWV,REFRIG,HAIR
* Suite-1 King Bed * High Speed Internet Access * Microwave * Refrigerator * Hairdryer
1 DOUBLE BED,SMOKING,HI SPEED NET,MICROWAVE,REFRIG
* 1 Double Bed * Smoking Room * High Speed Internet Access * Microwave * Refrigerator
1 QUEEN BED,NSMK,HI SPEED NET,HANDICAP,MICRO REFRI
* 1 Queen Bed * No Smoking * High Speed Internet Access * Handicapped Room * Microwave And Refrigerator
SUITE-1 KING BED,NSMK,MINI SUITE,REFRIGE,MICRWV,HI
* Suite-1 King Bed * No Smoking * Mini-Suite * Refrigerator * Microwave * High Speed Internet Access
2 DOUBLE BEDS,SMOK,HI SPEED NET,PILLOWTOP BD,MICR
* Two Double Beds * Smoking Room * High Speed Internet Access * Pillowtop Bed * Microwave And Refrigerator * Full Breakfast
2 DOUBLE BEDS,NSMK,HI SPEED NET,PILLOWTOP BD,MICR
* Two Double Beds * No Smoking * High Speed Internet Access * Pillowtop Bed * Microwave And Refrigerator * Full Breakfast
1 KING BED,NSM,BUSNS PLS,HISPD,PILLOWTOP,MICRO,FRI
* 1 King Bed * No Smoking * Business Plus Room * High Speed Internet Access * Pillowtop Bed * Microwave * Refrigerator * Full Breakfast
1 KING BED,NSMK,HI SPEED NET,PILLOWTOP BD,MICR FRI
* 1 King Bed * No Smoking * High Speed Internet Access * Pillowtop Bed * Microwave And Refrigerator * Full Breakfast
1 QUEEN BED,SMOK,HI SPEED NET,PILLOWTOP BD,MICR FR
* 1 Queen Bed * Smoking Room * High Speed Internet Access * Pillowtop Bed * Microwave And Refrigerator * Full Breakfast
1 QUEEN BED,NSMK,HI SPEED NET,PILLOWTOP BD,MICR FR
* 1 Queen Bed * No Smoking * High Speed Internet Access * Pillowtop Bed * Microwave And Refrigerator * Full Breakfast
2 DOUBLE BEDS,NSMK,HARBOR VW,MICRFG,HI SPEED,PILLO
* Two Double Beds * No Smoking * Harbor View * Microwave And Refrigerator * High Speed Internet Access * Pillowtop Bed * Full Breakfast
SUITE-1 QUEEN BED,NSMK,HARBORVW,KITCHETTE,SOFABD,P
* Suite-1 Queen Bed * No Smoking * Harbor View * Kitchenette * Sofabed * Pillowtop Bed * Full Breakfast
SUITE-1 KING BED,NSMK,HARBOR VW,WHIRLPL,SOFABD,MIC
* Suite-1 King Bed * No Smoking * Harbor View * Whirlpool * Sofa Bed * Microwave And Refrigerator * Full Breakfast
SUITE-1 KING BED,NSMK,MINISUITE,MICRFG,HI SPEED,PI
* Suite-1 King Bed * No Smoking * Mini Suite * Microwave And Refrigerator * High Speed Internet Access * Pillowtop Bed * Full Breakfast
1 DOUBLE BED,SMOK,HI SPEED NET,PILLOWTOP BD,MICR F
* 1 Double Bed * Smoking Room * High Speed Internet Access * Pillowtop Bed * Microwave And Refrigerator * Full Breakfast
1 QUEEN BED,NSMK,HI SPEED,HANDICAP,MICRFG,PILLOWTO
* 1 Queen Bed * No Smoking * High Speed Internet Access * Handicapped Room * Microwave And Refrigerator * Pillowtop Bed * Full Breakfast

Rate Disclaimer

Indicative rates are for search purposes only. The entire range of rates may not be available during certain seasons or other specified periods of time. Check for specific rate availability when making a reservation.


Miscellaneous Information

· American Dollars is the native currency.
· Check in time is 2:00 P.M.
· Check out time is 12:00 P.M.
· Time Zone is Alaska Standard Time
· 81 rooms.
· 0 suites.
· 3 floors.


Directions

áFrom: Kodiak Airport Take a Right out of Airport Rd and follow Rezanof into town (traveling NE, six miles distance). The BW Kodiak Inn is located on the left coming into town. áFrom: Ferry Terminal Take a left, follow Marine Way around to the flashing light. Take a left at the flashing light (Rezanof Drive) and the hotel will be up a block to the right.

Anchorage International Airport 250 miles, Kodiak State Airport 6 miles


Guarantee Policy

You must use a credit card to book online.


Cancellation Policy

Cancellation policies vary from hotel to hotel. Most current and accurate cancellation policies will appear on your confirmed reservation notification.


Area Attractions

Restaurants and Lounges

* Chart Room Restaurant, American and seafood, hour's 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. * Chart Room Lounge * 2nd Floor Restaurant, Japanese, American * McDonald's, American fast food * El Chicano, Mexican * Peking Chinese Restaurant, Chinese, burgers * Eugene's, Asian

Corporate Locations:

* 0.5 mile(s) from Key Bank * 0.5 mile(s) from Wells Fargo Bank * 0.5 mile(s) from Credit Union One * 0.75 mile(s) from First National Bank, of Alaska * 1.5 mile(s) from KFRC, Kodiak Fisheries Research Center * 2.5 mile(s) from Providence KI Med Ctr, local hospital * 2.5 mile(s) from Cost Savers, A store with Costco Products * 3 mile(s) from Wal Mart * 3 mile(s) from Safeway, supermarket

Recreation:

* 3.5 mile(s) from Fort Abercrombie St Park, Ocean views, lake, walking trails, WWII bunkers & cannons * 6 mile(s) from Buskin River, Salmon fishing, walking trails, campsites, possible bear sighting * 6 mile(s) from Barometer Mountain, Great hike, ocean and mountain views from top, 4 hour hike * 7.5 mile(s) from Bear Valley Golf Course, 9 hole golf course * 13 mile(s) from White Sands Beach, beach walking, salmon fishing, BBQ, hiking trails * 23 mile(s) from American River, salmon and trout fishing * 35 mile(s) from Olds River, salmon and trout fishing * 40 mile(s) from Fossil Beach, Semi-fossilized shells to collect, beach to walk on

Nearby Cities:

* 150 mile(s) from Homer * 250 mile(s) from Anchorage

Education:

* 1.5 mile(s) from FITC, Fishery Industrial Technology Center, associated w/ University of Alaska Fairbanks * 2.5 mile(s) from Kodiak College, 117 Benny Benson Drive

Local Attractions:

* King Crab * Golf course * Convenience store * Beach * Fishing * Gambling * Golfing * Horseback riding * Scuba-diving * Hiking * Volleyball * Surfing * Snorkeling * Mail service * VCR rental * Hunting * Snow skiing * Tennis * Sailing/boating * Ice-skating * Racquetball * .1 mile(s) from St. Paul Harbor * .15 mile(s) from St Paul Plaza, The Mall * .15 mile(s) from 1st National Bank of Alaska * .15 mile(s) from Wells Fargo Bank * .15 mile(s) from Key Bank * .2 mile(s) from Kodiak Mall * .2 mile(s) from car rental * .2 - .4 mile(s) from seafood processors * .3 mile(s) from Kodiak City Center * .3 mile(s) from Alutiiq and Baranov Museum * .3 mile(s) from ferry dock * 1 mile(s) from Northern Exposure Gallery * 1 mile(s) from Fish Tech * 1.25 mile(s) from Army National Cemetary * 1.25 mile(s) from Russian Cemetary * 1.5 mile(s) from Diocesan Museum of the Orthodox Church of Alaska * 1.5 mile(s) from St. Herman's Russian Orthodox Theological Seminary * 1.5 mile(s) from Veniaminov Institute and St. Herman's Chapel * 1.5 mile(s) from Holy Resurrection Russian Orthodox Church * 1.5 mile(s) from A C Market * 1.75 mile(s) from North End Park * 2 mile(s) from Fishery Industrial Technology Center * 2 mile(s) from Providence K I Hospital * 2 mile(s) from Fisheries Resource Center * 2.25 mile(s) from Rotary park * 5 mile(s) from Wal-Mart * 5 mile(s) from Safeway * 6.5 mile(s) from Alaska Coast Guard Base * 40 mile(s) from Kodiak Launch Center For more information on Andrew Airways Charters & Tours, please call (907) 481-1023 or fax (907) 481-2954

Local Attractions:

* King Crab * Golf course * Convenience store * Beach * Fishing * Gambling * Golfing * Horseback riding * Scuba-diving * Hiking * Volleyball * Surfing * Snorkeling * Mail service * VCR rental * Hunting * Snow skiing * Tennis * Sailing/boating * Ice-skating * Racquetball * .1 mile(s) from St. Paul Harbor * .15 mile(s) from St Paul Plaza, The Mall * .15 mile(s) from 1st National Bank of Alaska * .15 mile(s) from Wells Fargo Bank * .15 mile(s) from Key Bank * .2 mile(s) from Kodiak Mall * .2 mile(s) from car rental * .2 - .4 mile(s) from seafood processors * .3 mile(s) from Kodiak City Center * .3 mile(s) from Alutiiq and Baranov Museum * .3 mile(s) from ferry dock * 1 mile(s) from Northern Exposure Gallery * 1 mile(s) from Fish Tech * 1.25 mile(s) from Army National Cemetary * 1.25 mile(s) from Russian Cemetary * 1.5 mile(s) from Diocesan Museum of the Orthodox Church of Alaska * 1.5 mile(s) from St. Herman's Russian Orthodox Theological Seminary * 1.5 mile(s) from Veniaminov Institute and St. Herman's Chapel * 1.5 mile(s) from Holy Resurrection Russian Orthodox Church * 1.5 mile(s) from A C Market * 1.75 mile(s) from North End Park * 2 mile(s) from Fishery Industrial Technology Center * 2 mile(s) from Providence K I Hospital * 2 mile(s) from Fisheries Resource Center * 2.25 mile(s) from Rotary park * 5 mile(s) from Wal-Mart * 5 mile(s) from Safeway * 6.5 mile(s) from Alaska Coast Guard Base * 40 mile(s) from Kodiak Launch Center For more information on Andrew Airways Charters & Tours, please call (907) 481-1023 or fax (907) 481-2954

Local Attractions:

* King Crab * Golf course * Convenience store * Beach * Fishing * Gambling * Golfing * Horseback riding * Scuba-diving * Hiking * Volleyball * Surfing * Snorkeling * Mail service * VCR rental * Hunting * Snow skiing * Tennis * Sailing/boating * Ice-skating * Racquetball * .1 mile(s) from St. Paul Harbor * .15 mile(s) from St Paul Plaza, The Mall * .15 mile(s) from 1st National Bank of Alaska * .15 mile(s) from Wells Fargo Bank * .15 mile(s) from Key Bank * .2 mile(s) from Kodiak Mall * .2 mile(s) from car rental * .2 - .4 mile(s) from seafood processors * .3 mile(s) from Kodiak City Center * .3 mile(s) from Alutiiq and Baranov Museum * .3 mile(s) from ferry dock * 1 mile(s) from Northern Exposure Gallery * 1 mile(s) from Fish Tech * 1.25 mile(s) from Army National Cemetary * 1.25 mile(s) from Russian Cemetary * 1.5 mile(s) from Diocesan Museum of the Orthodox Church of Alaska * 1.5 mile(s) from St. Herman's Russian Orthodox Theological Seminary * 1.5 mile(s) from Veniaminov Institute and St. Herman's Chapel * 1.5 mile(s) from Holy Resurrection Russian Orthodox Church * 1.5 mile(s) from A C Market * 1.75 mile(s) from North End Park * 2 mile(s) from Fishery Industrial Technology Center * 2 mile(s) from Providence K I Hospital * 2 mile(s) from Fisheries Resource Center * 2.25 mile(s) from Rotary park * 5 mile(s) from Wal-Mart * 5 mile(s) from Safeway * 6.5 mile(s) from Alaska Coast Guard Base * 40 mile(s) from Kodiak Launch Center For more information on Andrew Airways Charters & Tours, please call (907) 481-1023 or fax (907) 481-2954

Nearby Cities:

* 150 mile(s) from Homer * 250 mile(s) from Anchorage

Nearby Cities:

* 150 mile(s) from Homer * 250 mile(s) from Anchorage

Nearby Cities:

* 150 mile(s) from Homer * 250 mile(s) from Anchorage

Transportation:

* Courtesy car to ferry * .3 mile(s) from ferry, Homer to Kodiak ($59.00 and up) , Valdez and Seward ferry approximately $89.00. * 7 mile(s) from Kodiak State Airport, courtesy car to airport * 250 mile(s) from Anchorage International Airport

Transportation:

* Courtesy car to ferry * .3 mile(s) from ferry, Homer to Kodiak ($59.00 and up) , Valdez and Seward ferry approximately $89.00. * 7 mile(s) from Kodiak State Airport, courtesy car to airport * 250 mile(s) from Anchorage International Airport

Transportation:

* Courtesy car to ferry * .3 mile(s) from ferry, Homer to Kodiak ($59.00 and up) , Valdez and Seward ferry approximately $89.00. * 7 mile(s) from Kodiak State Airport, courtesy car to airport * 250 mile(s) from Anchorage International Airport

Local Attractions:

* 0.1 mile(s) from St. Paul Harbor, Harbor with charter, commercial and dinner cruise boats * 0.3 mile(s) from Kodiak City Center, Local shops, restaurants and banks * 0.3 mile(s) from Alutiiq Museum, Native Alutiiq artwork and artifacts displayed * 0.3 mile(s) from Baranov Museum, Russian history and artwork displayed * 0.5 mile(s) from Convention & Visitors Bur, Visitors Center with information and pamplets * 1 mile(s) from Kodiak Fisheries Research, Research center w/ tide pool touch tank * 1 mile(s) from Russian Orthodox Church, Russian Church and Seminary * 1.25 mile(s) from Russian Cemetary, Small cemetery on Upper Mill Bay Road * 1.75 mile(s) from North End Park * 2.25 mile(s) from Rotary park * 2.5 mile(s) from Safeway, Local food market * 2.5 mile(s) from Walmart * 3.5 mile(s) from Fort Abercrombie park, State park w/ military history and whale watching * 6 mile(s) from Buskin River, Popular sport fishing river * 6.5 mile(s) from Barometer Mountain, Hiking mountain w/ great ocean and surrounding views * 6.5 mile(s) from Alaska Coast Guard Base, Largest C.G. base in United States * 7.5 mile(s) from Kodiak Golf Course, 9 hole golf course * 15 mile(s) from White Sands Beach * 18 mile(s) from American River, Popular sport fishing river * 27 mile(s) from Olds River, Popular sport fishing river * 40 mile(s) from Kodiak Launch Complex, Launch site for Missile Defense

Local Attractions:

* King Crab * Golf course * Convenience store * Beach * Fishing * Gambling * Golfing * Horseback riding * Scuba-diving * Hiking * Volleyball * Surfing * Snorkeling * Mail service * VCR rental * Hunting * Snow skiing * Tennis * Sailing/boating * Ice-skating * Racquetball * .1 mile(s) from St. Paul Harbor * .15 mile(s) from St Paul Plaza, The Mall * .15 mile(s) from 1st National Bank of Alaska * .15 mile(s) from Wells Fargo Bank * .15 mile(s) from Key Bank * .2 mile(s) from Kodiak Mall * .2 mile(s) from car rental * .2 - .4 mile(s) from seafood processors * .3 mile(s) from Kodiak City Center * .3 mile(s) from Alutiiq and Baranov Museum * .3 mile(s) from ferry dock * 1 mile(s) from Northern Exposure Gallery * 1 mile(s) from Fish Tech * 1.25 mile(s) from Army National Cemetary * 1.25 mile(s) from Russian Cemetary * 1.5 mile(s) from Diocesan Museum of the Orthodox Church of Alaska * 1.5 mile(s) from St. Herman's Russian Orthodox Theological Seminary * 1.5 mile(s) from Veniaminov Institute and St. Herman's Chapel * 1.5 mile(s) from Holy Resurrection Russian Orthodox Church * 1.5 mile(s) from A C Market * 1.75 mile(s) from North End Park * 2 mile(s) from Fishery Industrial Technology Center * 2 mile(s) from Providence K I Hospital * 2 mile(s) from Fisheries Resource Center * 2.25 mile(s) from Rotary park * 5 mile(s) from Wal-Mart * 5 mile(s) from Safeway * 6.5 mile(s) from Alaska Coast Guard Base * 40 mile(s) from Kodiak Launch Center For more information on Andrew Airways Charters & Tours, please call (907) 481-1023 or fax (907) 481-2954

Shopping:

* 0.15 mile(s) from St Paul Plaza, The Mall * 0.2 mile(s) from Kodiak Mall

Transportation:

* Courtesy car to ferry * 0.3 mile(s) from Ferry between Homer and Kodiak ($69.00 and up) , Ferry to Valdez and Seward approx. $99.00 per person. * 6 mile(s) from Kodiak State Airport, Courtesy van 6am - 9pm winter hours, 6am - 11pm summer hours * 250 mile(s) from Anchorage International Airport

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KODIAK ISLAND: Alaska's Emerald Isle

In Alaska, words such as "spectacular" and "awe-inspiring" tumble easily and often from the mouths of travelers. But Kodiak Island earns more superlatives than just about anyplace in Alaska.

The crabs pulled from the waters surrounding the island in Southwest Alaska are the meatiest in the state. The salmon runs are incredibly rich. And the bears are the largest on the continent.

Big bears and plump fish aren't all the island has to offer. Culturally diverse, lush and more temperate than much of the rest of the state, Kodiak is Alaska's gem. And that's no exaggeration.

"'Exotic is the way visitors always describe the island," said Pam Foreman, executive director of the Kodiak Island Convention & Visitors Bureau. "Blue water, plush forests, tons of wildlife, and the richness that comes from different cultures all living in one place - what more would one want in a vacation destination?"

Situated in the Gulf of Alaska, Kodiak Island is the largest of dozens of islands that cover an area the size of Connecticut. But two-thirds is a national wildlife refuge and not accessible by road. The city of Kodiak, the largest community on the island with a population just over 7,600, is surprisingly cosmopolitan. Kodiak is 252 miles southwest of Anchorage and a one-hour flight by jet.

A mild maritime climate insulates the island, encouraging rich sea life and a lush blanket of vegetation. The green is so intense; Kodiak Island is called the Emerald Isle. And all that green is stretched over a landscape of jagged peaks, fjords and wide valleys.

Nature certainly defines Kodiak, but the history of its people is as rich. The Russian explorers who fell upon Kodiak in the mid-1700s made it the capital of Russian Alaska and built the island into a major trading center. Today, visitors find a taste of this history in Kodiak and in six other villages on the island. A Russian Orthodox Church makes for a fascinating tour. As does an historic otter pelt warehouse, built by entrepreneur Alexander Baranof, which today serves as the Baranov Museum.

The Russians' move into Kodiak was not without conflict. In the mid-1700s, over 20,000 Alutiiq Eskimos lived on the island. The two groups fought deadly battles. Russian traders and merchants introduced new diseases to the indigenous population. Museums, cultural centers and research into more than 800 archaeological sites - including rare petroglyphs - are part of an on-going effort to strengthen the region's Native heritage.

The island's six villages are accessible by scheduled or charter commuter air carriers, easily arranged in Kodiak. A visit offers a unique blend of Alutiiq, Russian and Scandinavian cultures.

Kodiak, wiped out by a volcano in 1912 and hit hard by a massive 1964 earthquake, emerged from natural disasters a compact and urban city. Travelers can pick up both backcountry guides and a copy of The Paris Review at a local bookstore, arrange a trip to watch bears and enjoy sophisticated seafood dishes all within a few blocks.

The city's military history is another attraction. A major staging area during World War II, Kodiak offers military buffs a chance to tour sites like Miller Point bunker, a concrete bunker featuring a series of small turrets where servicemen peered through slits, watching the sea for signs of enemy ships.

Today, about 15,000 people live on Kodiak Island, many of them in the fishing business. With 2,600 vessels and an annual harvest exceeding $80 million, Kodiak is one of the largest commercial fishing ports in the nation.

But for most visitors, wildlife - in particular, Kodiak brown bears - define the island's image. Kodiak Island affords unmatched opportunity to watch the huge bruins. They're so common that most tour guides confidently guarantee that visitors will see a bear.

About 3,000 brown bears, the coastal cousins of the grizzly, live in the Kodiak archipelago. When they first come out of hibernation in the spring, the bears feed on plants and berries. They soon turn to river runs of abundant salmon that return from the ocean to spawn in the summer. Biologists credit the abundance and concentration of salmon runs for the bears' superior size.

Experienced floatplane pilots fly over rivers choked with spawning salmon, knowing they'll spot bears. Using planes equipped with floats, pilots land on nearby lakes or wide spots in the river so their clients can safely watch the animals from the plane.

Humans like to fish Kodiak's waters, too. Year-round fishing offers anglers deep-sea and streamside opportunities for halibut, five species of salmon, trophy rainbow trout, steelhead and Dolly Varden. Local guides custom-design trips that range from one day to a full week and include gear, guide services, lodging and meals.

To experience the true wilderness, rent a cabin. Depending on the location, some include use of a small fishing boat, fuel, propane and a banya, an Alaskan Native steam-bath house.

Sea kayaking is a novel way to explore the ever-changing tidal flats in and around Kodiak Island. Paddlers come close to Steller sea lions, sea otter and often see whales. Rental companies and outfitters can be found in Kodiak.

And if fishing or kayaking don't suit you, consider bird watching. Shorelines are bordered by craggy cliffs that migrating sea birds use to nest. Over 200 species have been identified in the archipelago and sightings of birds such as golden-crowned sparrows, Wilson's warblers, winter wrens and water pipits are common. Colorful sea birds including tufted puffins, black-legged kittiwakes, Steller and king eiders and harlequin ducks thrive in the water surrounding the islands.