Elfin Cove to Pelican
/It’s a short hop from Elfin Cove to Pelican up Lisianski Inlet—clouds and showers overhead, but seas and wind stayed in our favor.
This was our first visit to Pelican, and we arrived just before lunch to find plenty of space on the transient dock—even with the annual salmon derby in full swing. OceanFlyer secured a prime spot, and we headed out to explore.
pelican harbor
lots of open small slips becasue everyone is out fishing
the harbor office is often not open, but you can grab a envelope to pay moorings fees
pelican loves their carved signage
long winters make for great signs everywhere
Pelican and Elfin Cove invite comparison—both are fishing communities perched on pilings along steep hillsides, linked by wooden boardwalks. But Pelican is larger, livelier, and still centered around its founding industry: Yakobi Fisheries. The processing plant brings in seasonal workers and energy to match—there’s a real sense of movement and youth here, especially with the fishing lodges ramping up.
Yakobi Fisheries is in the foreground with the whole town streching along the waters edge
We stopped for lunch at the Lisianski Inlet Café, a cozy spot run by the same couple for over 35 years. They're starting to talk retirement, but the hospitality hasn’t faded.
ferry dock in the foreground
Pelican boasts some impressive infrastructure for a remote village. It has its own hydro plant (no diesel generators here), a real grocery store, and boardwalks wide enough for ATVs to zip through town—speed limit: 12 mph. Even the schoolhouse at the south end of town speaks to a more rooted community.
pelican is powered by their hydro plant located on the small creek on the outskirts of twon
wide boardwalks and atv's are the hallmark of pelican
And yes, Rosie’s Bar is still here—famous for its past, now revived by Highliner Lodge. It’s the heart of town with pizzas, daily specials, and a lively crowd of guides, workers, and locals. We joined the mix and swapped stories with a resident who first came to visit her dad at the hydro plant… and met her future husband on the ferry ride in. Alaska romance, boardwalk-style.
rosie’s bar in pelican is rich with history
Before we turned in, one last feature caught our eye: the fuel dock. A big digital sign in the window announces hours, fuel types, prices—even after-hours fees. Clear, smart, and visible from across the harbor. Every port should take notes.
pelican harbor at low tide
Pelican made a great impression—friendly people, real character, and solid services. We’ll definitely be back.