FAQ

What kinds of communication are available at the Center & Lodge? Will my cell phone work? Is there internet?

Our campus on Karluk Lake does not receive cellular coverage. We do have internet service at the camp, so you can receive email and text messages on your cell through our Wi-Fi network. We also have regular land-line phone service available at the lodge. That service is free for our guests for calls within the US.

What kind of clothing should we bring? Should we bring rain gear and rubber boots?

It is best to plan on having layers of clothing. The temperature typically ranges from 30 to 50 F (0-10 C) in the spring and fall, and 40 to 70 F (5-20 C) in the summer (July and August) with dynamic weather changes being the norm year-round. You can expect it be windy and wet for at least part of your stay. You should plan for times when you are doing some mild hiking as well as long periods of standing or sitting while watching bears.

Consider packing:

breathable waterproof pants, jacket, & hat
lightweight gloves to keep the bugs at bay
thicker gloves during the fall
long sleeve shirts
long pants– despite any heat shorts are not appropriate for the environment
comfortable waterproof walking boots

We encourage you to bring your own raingear for best comfort in Kodiak's maritime climate. Knee-high rubber boots that fit well and allow for comfortable walking on uneven terrain are optimal. There is raingear and boots at the Center & Lodge for guest use.

While you are back at camp, plan on wearing casual, comfortable clothes and shoes.

What if we have mobility limitations and can't walk very far?

The Center & Lodge campus is on a fairly level grade with groomed walkways, but it is not built to ADA accessibility guidelines. Our lodge and cabins are not handicap accessible.

We provide a variety of bear viewing opportunities and our programs are designed to accommodate guests with varying degrees of physical conditioning and capabilities. If you cannot walk to the bear viewing areas, you can watch bears from our boat or relax at the Lodge and look for them with our spotting scope.

Are there laundry facilities? Refrigerator/freezer space?

Yes. We have commercial washers and dryers and a freezer on site. Let us know what you need!

What happens if we are weathered-in?

Safety is our primary consideration, so if weather conditions are not flyable your travel may be delayed. Weather delays are not uncommon due to Kodiak’s maritime climate.

If you are not able to leave Center & Lodge due to weather delays, you will be our guest and not be charged anything extra for your extended stay.

If weather prevents you from getting into Kodiak or the lodge, our Kodiak staff will assist you in finding lodging. The Center does not cover expenses due to weather delays.

We highly encourage and recommend guests purchase separate trip insurance in case of weather delays, flight connections and other conditions that may arise.

Can you guarantee that I will see bears?

Wildlife viewing in a natural setting like the Center & Lodge is never a guaranteed endeavor.

The bears' visibility at any given time is dependent on a variety of factors including the weather, time of year, the strength of the salmon run, and the size of the berry crop.

We have exclusive and proprietary access to over 112,000 acres of land (45,000 ha) historically known to contain the highest concentrations of bears on the island, your chances of seeing bears are excellent.

Can we bring our kids to the Center & Lodge?

We love kids! For the comfort and safety of all, though, our clientele is generally limited to adults.

Some of the traits that make our facility so enjoyable for adults are less appropriate for children. For instance, kids often are uncomfortable staying still and quiet while out bear viewing for hours.

If you have a strong desire to bring your children we may be able to accommodate your request upon approval by the General Manager when your party books all 6 slots for the given time period.