Welcome to Kodiak, the Emerald Isle
and to
A Smiling Bear Bed and Breakfast
While visiting Kodiak on business or for pleasure, enjoy the privacy and comfort of rural living with all the amenities expected in a fine hotel.
A Smiling Bear B & B offers private deluxe accommodations in a secluded scenic setting just 6 miles from downtown Kodiak. Relax on spacious decks after a long day fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing or working, and enjoy the long Kodiak afternoon.
Opportunity abounds on The Emerald Isle for viewing wildlife including eagles, whales, sea otters, harbor seals, Steller sea lions, more than 200 species of birds, red fox, buffalo and deer. And occasionally, the Kodiak brown bear, mountain goats, and river otters.
The road system of Kodiak offers some of the world’s best salmon, trout and Dolly Varden streams and rivers.
Whether you choose to fly fish or spin cast, you won’t be disappointed. If you are looking for the big one – ocean charter fishing is available and recommended.
Darlene Turner
Darlene Turner is your host here at A Smiling Bear B&B.
I arrived in Kodiak in November 1993, to assume the duties as commander of the Kodiak Post of the Alaska State Troopers. I served with the troopers for 23 years and retired in July 2000 to care for my mother.
I opened A Smiling Bear B&B the summer of 2002 to our first visitors. In 2014 A Smiling Bear closed at the end of the season due to an injury I received falling from a ladder. Happily, I have been able to reopen the doors to visitors to our emerald isle, July 15, 2016.
I fell in love with Kodiak and its people. This is truly the most wonderful place on earth to live, work and play.
Misty May
Your B&B Pet Away From Home
How A Smiling Bear got its name
In May of 2000, while making my final village visit to say good-bye, I was driving with our Village Public Safety Officer around the village of Larsen Bay.
We saw a young brown bear on a rock outcrop along the side of the road. The bear watched us as we drove by. The bear was still there, when we returned and seemed to be enjoying the sunshine.
We stopped to watch the bear that was lying on the outcrop about 20 feet from the road. The bear seemed to be interested in watching us too, and had a big smile on its face while sniffing the air.
Photos were taken, and an avatar was born. Right then, I decided that whatever business I decided to open, this “Smiling Bear” would be my logo.
