Stacey Simmons is the director of operations at the Kodiak Brown Bear Center & Lodge, president of Discover Kodiak, and the senior director of shareholder services for Koniag, the Alaska Native regional corporation for the Kodiak region. She grew up in Old Harbor , a small commercial fishing village on Kodiak Island. A Sugpiaq/Alutiiq , Stacey holds a Bachelor of Arts in rural development…, We love to share our rich history and culture with anyone who visits our little slice of paradise. Below are just some of my favorite things to share with travelers who come to visit Kodiak Island ., The Village of Old Harbor , Visits to Old Harbor are at the top of my list! I don’t like to play favorites, but this is my village. Nestled along the sheltered waters of Sitkalidak Strait, Old Harbor is on the southeast coast of Kodiak Island and is one of the most picturesque villages on Kodiak. Tall peaks serve as a dramatic backdrop for the city, which faces Sitkalidak Island. Old Harbor boasts having the only glacier…, Port Lions, Located in Settlers Cove, 19 air miles west of the city of Kodiak, the community of , Port Lions, is home to about 200 residents. A relatively young community, Port Lions was built to house the inhabitants of Afognak and Raspberry Island after their communities were wiped out by the tsunami accompanying the 1964 Good Friday earthquake. My mother is from Afognak and she and her family were raised in Port Lions after the tsunami. Port Lions has a small village charm. One of my favorite places…, Larsen Bay, Larsen Bay, is a beautiful village that extends off Uyak Bay on the west coast of Kodiak Island. The first thing you will notice flying into Larsen Bay is the historical cannery built in 1889 by the Alaska Improvement Company. It is currently owned by Icicle Seafoods. Larsen Bay has some of the nicest people on the island. Check out the Larsen Bay Lodge for all your fishing or hunting needs. Mike and…, Take a hike, Kodiak has some of the most epic trails for day hikes. Whether you are a novice hiker or just want to go for a short walk, Kodiak caters to all. The Island Trails Network has done a phenomenal job taking care of our trails. Discover Kodiak even has a challenge that you and your whole family can sign up for call the Adjust your Altitude Challenge. You can sign up right at the visitors bureau.…, Downtown Kodiak at its best, The best part about downtown Kodiak is that many great cultural and historical places are within walking distance! I recommend visitors stop into the Alutiiq Museum . The Alutiiq Museum & Archaeological Repository Center is where visitors can explore 7,500 years of Alutiiq heritage. Another can’t-miss landmark is the Holy Resurrection Orthodox Cathedral, home to one of the oldest Orthodox…, Stacey’s favorite things to eat in Kodiak, You guessed it! Food is one of my love languages. Stop by Henry’s in downtown, Kodiak, for fish and chips. The cod is the best. Hana Restaurant has fantastic sushi. They make custom rolls and cater to both large and small groups. Order the Coastie roll, it does not disappoint. Head out the road to Java Flats and try its life-changing Countryside sandwich…yum. Do not leave without a cookie! The Rendezvous offers not only occasional live music but the best clam chowder that will have…, Kodiak Brown Bear Center & Lodge, The Kodiak Brown Bear Center & Lodge is located on the west coast of Kodiak Island on Karluk Lake and offers a true Alaska adventure: outstanding and intimate bear viewing opportunities in their natural habitat. The lodge is owned by the Alutiiq people, who have called Kodiak home for over 7,000 years. Most of the bear viewing locations are on privately owned land. The exclusivity is…
Type: Editorial
Alaska is an adventurer’s playground! Adventure and ecotour packages are perfect for those who want someone else to coordinate routes and gear, or those who may not be the most experienced in the outdoors and prefer to explore with a knowledgeable guide. Packaged adventure tours are also a great way to explore activities you may not have tried before — or even been aware of — like dog mushing on…
Type: Editorial
In Alaska, the land is every bit as beautiful as the sea, and land packages and tours give visitors the chance to enjoy all Alaska has to offer. Land tour packages are commonly offered as an add-on to cruise packages , and many visitors find that combining these options is a great way to experience both land and sea during their Alaska vacation. Options range from rail , motorcoach , and van…
Type: Editorial
Set sail on the journey of a lifetime on a multi-day Alaska land and sea cruise package. This relaxing, all-inclusive experience is among the most preferred for travelers to Alaska, especially for their first trip. Cruise ships offer convenience, a wide range of services, and an ideal balance of relaxation and adventure. Cruisers unpack once and get to visit multiple communities and national…
Type: Editorial
Alaska is known for its vast and varied landscapes, from rugged coastline to soaring mountains to Arctic tundra, providing habitat for a diverse array of wildlife. Seeing these animals for yourself on a wildlife viewing tour is an experience like no other, whether you’re marveling at a humpback whale breaching in Kenai Fjords National Park , watching bears feed at the famous Brooks Falls in…
Type: Editorial
Alaska winters offer a wide variety of activities and spectacular sights for visitors — fresh snow everywhere, long nights that are lit up with the northern lights in shades of green, pink, and purple, and trees covered with a thick layer of frost. Mountain peaks are bathed in alpenglow and glaciers and ice fields are even more impressive with a deep covering of snow. Combine the best of winter…
Type: Editorial
You’ve planned your dream vacation to Alaska, but where to stay? Whether you’re looking for a simple spot for good night’s sleep before embarking on a big backcountry adventure, or you'd like to lounge in luxury for a week at a wilderness lodge, the options for lodging are plentiful. You will find accommodations ranging from affordable hostels and motels for travelers on a budget, to high-end…
Type: Editorial
Book by February 28th and save up to $500 per couple on 2024 Alaska rail vacations. For 23 years, we have thrived on meticulous trip planning, driven by our innate wanderlust and go-getter attitude. Having personally explored the enchanting landscapes of Alaska, we are well-versed in curating the finest Alaska vacations. Explore our extensive range of Alaska train tours and start dreaming of…
Type: Deal
Book by February 28th and save up to $500 per couple on 2024 Alaska rail vacations. For 23 years, we have thrived on meticulous trip planning, driven by our innate wanderlust and go-getter attitude. Having personally explored the enchanting landscapes of Alaska, we are well-versed in curating the finest Alaska vacations. Explore our extensive range of Alaska train tours and start dreaming of…
Type: Deal
Give the gift of adventure with a trip to The Lodge at 58* North this July! Experience excellent salmon fishing, brown bear sightings, and thrilling fly-out adventures—and receive $500 off your trip price!
Type: Deal
