Travel Guide Kodiak Island

It is the second largest island in the United States, after Hawaii. Originally, it was inhabited by the Alutiiq. Discovered in 1763 by the Russian explorer Stephen Gloto, the name Kodiak, which is still debated about its etymological origin, was first used by Captain Cook in 1778. Due to its strategic location, many military installations were built there in 1939 and the first radar station was set up there. For the curious, there are still many bunkers. For grizzly bears, Kodiak Island is a land paradise. This island of almost 9,500 km2 with only 15,500 inhabitants guarantees perfect tranquility for these large carnivores. The salmon enjoy the numerous rivers to reproduce, but are exposed to the greed of bears. Their population is estimated at about 3,000 with "monsters" approaching 3.50 m when they stand up and weighing more than 700 kg. This animal presence is of course the main attraction of the island. Seeing one of these mammals leaves an indelible mark, where fear and fascination are mixed.The coast is extremely indented, with hundreds of fjords and green vegetation covering the whole island. The rain accompanies the daily life of the inhabitants who are mostly fishermen. The port of Saint-Paul is home to a large fleet of trawlers. The largest coast guard base in the United States is located on the island. Unfortunately, it does not prevent shipwrecks, which are numerous in this region. A monument dedicated to those lost at sea reminds us of the violence of the elements. Because this island does not live from tourism but from fishing, hotels are rare and campsites are limited.Kodiak. Main city on the eponymous island, Kodiak was inhabited for centuries by Alutiiq tribes before being colonized by the Russians who came here to hunt otters, which are present in large quantities. Once American, the site was an important fishing center that continues its activity today. A dark page of its history was written during the Second World War when the city was taken by the Japanese who turned it into a fort, holding part of the population prisoner. The 1964 earthquake that devastated the coastline caused 15 deaths and 11 million dollars of work to rebuild the city. Today, tourism is alive and well thanks to the many activities offered, of which bear watching is the best known. At Shelikof Street in St. Paul Harbor, you will find the Harbor Walkway which will take you on a stroll along the docks dotted with interpretive panels.