Welcome to Port Lions

Port Lions is the newest of the six Alutiiq remote villages with approximately 195 local residents. It was established after the 1964 earthquake when the tsunami nearly destroyed the village of Afognak on Afognak Island. Port Lions was the location chosen for the residents, and was named in honor of the Lions Club International, who helped them relocate and build a new village. They brought the traditional Alutiiq values and culture with them and have modernized as a fishing community.

Port Lions is located in Settlers Cove, in Kizhuyak Bay. It is the only village the Alaska Marine Highway Ferry provides service to (a 2 ½ hour ride, jokingly called the “dinner cruise” on the ferry from Kodiak, or a 10 hour ride from Homer). Daily flights by aircraft provide a 20 minute tour to Port Lions, or charter boats can pick you up in Antone Larsen Bay or Kodiak with 30 minutes to an hour tour of the bird rookeries, sea otters, and whales, or you can go fishing on your way to Port Lions.

A long wooden footbridge (locally called the “Causeway”) links both sides of the community, crossing Settlers Cove which; provides a gentle scenic tour of eagles sitting on the beach or causeway waiting for an opportunity to catch a fish. It is a great place to watch the stars at night. There is a barabara at one end of the causeway which was built to model the way the Alutiiq people used to live. On the other side of Settlers Cove are artifacts and a rainforest located at Peregrebni Point.

Port Lions is close to where the migrating whales promenade, almost seemingly showing off to visitors as they jump or glide through the channels. There are several bird rookeries just fifteen minutes away by charter boat. Charter boat operators and wilderness lodges provide modern amenities and beautiful views of the bay and mountains.

A series of waterfalls full of trout and salmon, trail their way through the village and into the head of Kizhuyak Bay. These series of waterfalls provide fishing opportunities or you can follow the trail of waterfalls and find a pristine local swimming hole combined with fresh waters of nearby warm lakes and the crisp waters of the mountain. You can climb Mt. Ellison, located above the airstrip, and get a panoramic view to the backside of Kodiak Island and Whale Pass. You can find local artists selling Alutiiq arts and jewelry.

Picture of the Russian Orthodox Church Taken By Andy Christofferson, Bridge "Causeway" Taken By Marilyn Nelson, Water Fall Taken By Barbara Bundy.
Resources: Native Village of Port Lions website, Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge website.

Traveling to the villages

Click to view a map showing where Port Lions is on Kodiak Island