Kodiak is on the northeastern tip of Kodiak Island in the Kodiak Island Borough. The 100-mile-long island is the main land mass of an archipelago in the Gulf of Alaska, southwest of the Kenai Peninsula. The Alaska Marine Highway connects the island to Homer, Seward and Aleutian chain communities.

The area was inhabited by Alutiiq peoples for millenia and today there are several Native villages. A Russian colony was founded in 1784 at Three Saints Bay on the island's southeastern side. Until 1804 the colony was the hub of Russian influence in Alaska. In 1867, Kodiak was part of Alaska's transfer to the U.S. The town was severely damaged by an earthquake and tsunami in 1964.

Today Kodiak, population 6,334, relies on fishing and crabbing as its main industries. Also helpful to the economy are a large Coast Guard base and tourism.

Kodiak is famed for its brown bear. Sportfishing, flight- and sight-seeing options abound. Of interest are the Alutiiq Museum & Archaeology Repository and Holy Resurrection Cathedral.

See more Alaska Cities and Towns.

The Most Anticipated Upcoming Alaska Events Are: Duct Tape Ball Anchorage February 5 Great Alaska Beer & Barley Wine Festival Anchorage January 15 thru January 16 Alaska Federation of Natives Arts & Crafts Fair Anchorage continuing thru October 24 Wild Salmon on Parade Fish Fry & Buy Anchorage continuing Harbor Stars Kodiak December 17

Other upcoming events include: Festival of Lights Petersburg November 27 Alyeska WinterFest Anchorage February 5 thru February 7 Holiday Marketplace Fairbanks November 13 thru November 15 Winter Solstice Celebration Fairbanks December 21 Nutcracker Ballet Fairbanks December 4 thru December 6