Getting to the Kodiak Brown Bear Center
Make tracks to our home.Due to the remoteness of the Kodiak Brown Bear Center, getting here offers some unique and exciting transportation opportunities, providing you with a true Alaskan Experience.
Your Journey Begins Here
A step-by-step guide to planning your travel.
STEP 1: Arrival in Anchorage
For most, the journey begins by arriving on a jet at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport which is Alaska’s largest. There are direct flights to Anchorage from many parts of the world including Los Angeles, Chicago, Frankfurt, Seattle, Reykjavik, Vancouver, Phoenix, Atlanta, and Minneapolis.
A few of the major U.S. jet services that fly to Anchorage are: Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, United Airlines, US Airways and Virgin America.
International carriers such as Air Canada, Condor, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, and Icelandair also offer direct flights each week during the tourism season.
Some of you may arrive by cruise ship after a trip up Alaska’s Inside Passage. Most cruise tours dock in either Whittier or Seward and guests make their way to Anchorage via motor coach or the Alaska Railroad. Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska, with a population of nearly 300,000.
Anchorage, Alaska
STEP 2: Head for the City of Kodiak
From Anchorage, you will fly to the City of Kodiak. The City of Kodiak is located on Kodiak Island – home to the Kodiak Brown Bear. Kodiak is the second largest island in the United States, behind the main island of Hawaii. Ravn Alaska (formerly Era Aviation), and Alaska Airlines both offer daily service between Anchorage and Kodiak.
Boarding Era flight from Anchorage to the City of Kodiak.
During the hour long flight from Anchorage to Kodiak you may (weather permitting) see scenic mountains, glaciers and active volcanos before briefly flying over the Pacific Ocean and descending to Kodiak Benny Benson State Airport.
View from flight to Kodiak Island.
STEP 3: Welcome to Kodiak
Welcome to the City of Kodiak, the largest community on Kodiak Island.
If you plan to stay the night in Kodiak prior to your departure to the Kodiak Brown Bear Center (KBBC), we highly suggest booking a reservation with our lodging partner A Smiling Bear »
The Comfort Inn is within walking distance from the airport.
Guests are responsible for getting to and from the City of Kodiak. We take care of transportation from the City of Kodiak to the Kodiak Brown Bear Center at Karluk Lake.
When you are ready for transport to the Kodiak Brown Bear Center, you will be picked up by your float plane pilot, Jay Wattum.
STEP 4: Prepare to fly to Kodiak Brown Bear Center
Jay Wattum, our pilot, will pick you up at the airport, hotel, or place of your convenience and shuttle your party to the Trident Seaplane Base. From there you will depart for the Kodiak Brown Bear Center which is located on Camp Island at Karluk Lake. Jay will load you and your belongings onto a Beaver float plane. The plane seats up to six guests.
Float plane ride to the Kodiak Brown Bear Center.
Now is the time to say good bye to the city and prepare to embark on an unforgettable journey into the Alaskan wilderness.
STEP 5: Flight to the Kodiak Brown Bear Center
Your 45 minute flight to the Kodiak Brown Bear Center will expose you to some of the Island’s most breathtaking and awe-inspiring scenery and habitat.
From the City of Kodiak, you will board a proven and dependable float plane flown by a highly experienced Kodiak based pilot. These aircraft have been an integral part of Alaska’s aviation history for over 50 years. They are renowned throughout the aviation industry as reliable and safe aerial workhorses. Your 45 minute flight to the Kodiak Brown Bear Center will expose you to some of the Island’s most breathtaking and awe-inspiring scenery and habitat. During your flight, you may see humpback whales and sea otters in coastal fjords, mountain goats on rugged peaks, Sitka black-tailed deer roaming through meadows, and bald eagles soaring overhead.
As you arrive at the facility you will see Camp Island from above.
STEP 6: Arrival at the Kodiak Brown Bear Center
Welcome to the Kodiak Brown Bear Center at Karluk Lake!
Ed and his expert guide staff share decades of experience with the Kodiak bears.
When you arrive at the KBBC, you’ll be greeted by life-long Alaskan and General Manager Ed Ward. You’ll enjoy his pleasant demeanor, uniquely Alaskan personality, and passion for providing guests with the finest bear viewing experience in Alaska. Ed and his expert guide staff share decades of experience with the Kodiak bears and the incredible habitat in which they live. This allows guests to enjoy a safe and unforgettable experience. If you have a question about the experience, Ed can be reached at 907-433-7900 or eward@kodiakbrownbearcenter.com.
Detailed Location Maps
