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When you embark on a cruise to Sitka, Alaska, you’ll find yourself nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the stunning Alaskan wilderness. Known for its rich Tlingit heritage and Russian colonial past, Sitka is a cultural jewel of the Last Frontier.
Like other towns along the Inside Passage, Sitka is surrounded by natural beauty and is a prime location for spotting wildlife. The town lies on the 100-mile-long Baranof Island, only accessible by air or sea, and covered by the dense Tongass Forest. The combination of Sitka's stunning landscapes, rich history, and unique culture makes it a must-visit destination on any Alaska cruise itinerary.
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St. Michael's Cathedral stands on the site of a Russian Orthodox cathedral built between 1844 and 1848, which stood for more than 100 years until a fire destroyed it in 1966. Until then, it was Alaska's oldest religious structure, dating back to the Russian era. Many priceless icons were saved, and Sitka residents built a replica, complete with its distinctive green domes and golden crosses. It sits in the heart of downtown, an easy stop on your own or on a guided Sitka shore excursion.
Sitka's Whale Park is a wonderful place to spot whales from dry land. A boardwalk runs through the park with ocean views and a hydrophone you can use to listen to whale song. Various species of whale can be seen here throughout summer, along with bald eagles, sea lions, harbor seals and sea otters. For a closer look, a whale-watching shore excursion takes you out onto Sitka Sound.
The Alaska Raptor Center offers a great opportunity to get close to magnificent birds of prey brought in for rehabilitation, from bald eagles to owls and hawks. Many of the birds are re-taught to fly in a special flight training center, while those that can't be released back into the wild live in a natural eagle habitat. It's a rewarding stop for the whole family, and some Sitka shore excursions pair it with a visit to Fortress of the Bear.
See brown and black bears up close at this bear cub rescue center, a favorite stop on Sitka wildlife shore excursions. Orphaned cubs are taken in and reared in conditions as close to their natural habitat as possible. You can watch the eight resident bears from a viewing platform and learn from volunteers about the center's work, each bear's personality and the challenges facing Alaskan bears today.
Whizz across Sitka Sound at speeds of up to 50 mph on this high-speed boat shore excursion, aboard a specially designed rigid inflatable boat. You'll slow down to admire the volcanic coastline of Kruzof Island, shaped by Mt. Edgecumbe, and St. Lazaria Island, where you'll see thousands of birds like glossy cormorants and tufted puffins. You could also spot whales, sea otters and sea lions. If conditions are right, there's a chance to explore lava-formed sea caves.
Sitka National Historical Park, Alaska's smallest national park, marks the site of the 1804 battle between the Tlingit and Russian forces. A peaceful place today, the park is dense with mature spruce and hemlock, the perfect setting for totems created by Tlingit artists, each telling a story. Walk the trail on your own or with a guide on a cultural Sitka shore excursion. You can also visit the Russian Bishop's House, one of the few remaining examples of colonial Russian architecture in the United States.
Already booked your Alaska cruise? Visit Manage Reservation to explore shore excursions and add them to your journey.
Not booked yet? Find your perfect Alaska getaway, then head to Manage Reservation to add a Sitka excursion to your cruise.
Halibut Point Crab and Chowder, 4513 Halibut Point Road
Located at the Old Sitka Dock, this family-owned and operated fresh seafood joint serves fresh salmon, cod, halibut, Dungeness crab, and more. Come for a locally crafted beer or sip coffee brewed with locally roasted beans.
Campfire Kitchen Sitka, 1209 Sawmill Creek Road
Everything is made from scratch in this friendly pizza restaurant, including the mozzarella. The pizzas are cooked over a wood fire, and the regularly changing menu always showcases local ingredients.
Beak Restaurant, 2 Lincoln Street
This ethical restaurant specializes in Alaskan seafood and aims to provide year-round employment to local people—and pay them a living wage, so you are not expected to tip. Try Alaskan salmon, served in a sandwich with pickled kelp, rockfish tacos, locally made reindeer sausages, and delicious desserts made with Tillamook ice cream from Oregon.
Sitka is a small, artistic community of around 9,000, with a thriving Native culture and a deep connection to the wilderness that surrounds the town. The Tlingit have fished and lived here for more than 10,000 years, their peaceful existence disturbed in 1799 by the arrival of Alexandr Baranov, who founded a town here to exploit the pelts of sea otters. After various skirmishes, a fierce battle in 1804 drove the Tlingit back to the forest, and Sitka became a permanent Russian fort called Novoarkhangelsk, or New Archangel.
In 1867, following the decline of the fur trade and the disaster of the Crimean War, the Russians sold Alaska to the United States for a mere $7.2 million, and Sitka became Alaska’s first capital city. This honor was passed on to Juneau in 1906 as Sitka fell into relative economic decline, being located away from the epicenter of the Klondike Gold Rush. Fishing and tourism are Sitka’s biggest industries today, with Russian heritage and architecture very much a part of the town’s culture.
Sitka cruise ships dock at the Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal at Halibut Point, around five miles north of the city. On busier days, when all the berths are occupied, ships may drop anchor off Crescent Harbor and ferry guests ashore by tender.
The cruise terminal has food outlets, locally-owned gift shops, high speed Wi-Fi, and a free shuttle service that will transport you to downtown Sitka for the day. You’ll be dropped off at Harrigan Centennial Hall, where there’s a visitor information center.
Sitka has an effective public transportation system called the RIDE, which operates three routes covering the downtown area. The city center is compact, though, and most of the major sights can be reached on foot. Mountain bikes and e-bikes are also available for day rental. There are a couple of local taxi companies, but you should book in advance. Car rental is available, too.
Most of the shopping in Sitka is along Lincoln Street, where you’ll find souvenir shops, galleries, and jewelry shops. Many souvenirs from Sitka have a decidedly Russian flavor. Alongside Tlingit carvings, woven baskets, silverware, herbal soaps, and masks, you’ll find Russian lacquer boxes, nesting Russian dolls, and recreations of Russian icons. There are plenty of edible gifts, too, from smoked salmon to berry preserves. Spend time browsing the local galleries; this is a very creative community, and you’ll find original paintings, photographic art, prints, mosaics, and ornaments. Buying from a gallery supports local artists, but always look for the “Made in Alaska” mark to ensure the authenticity of goods.
Currency used in Sitka is the U.S. Dollar. Tipping is not mandatory, but it is customary in Sitka, just as it is throughout Alaska and all of the U.S. Typical amounts include up to 20% in restaurants, around 10% for taxis and bartenders, and for a good tour guide, 10% or more of the cost of the tour. There are several ATMs in the downtown area, and credit cards are widely accepted.
To explore further into Alaska, you can extend your cruise with a Cruisetour. This allows you to travel inland via motorcoach and railway exploring Anchorage, the largest city in Alaska, Talkeetna, Girdwood (Alyeska) and Denali National Park, taking in the views of the highest mountain peak in North America. Cruisetours include the finest hotel accommodations, a local dedicated Alaskan Tour Director, luxury transportation, and some activities.
What are the best shore excursions in Sitka?
The best Sitka shore excursions mix wildlife and history. Popular picks include whale watching on Sitka Sound, high-speed boat tours to St. Lazaria Island, visits to Fortress of the Bear and the Alaska Raptor Center and guided walks through Sitka National Historical Park Browse Sitka shore excursions to see what's available on your sailing.
Where do cruise ships dock in Sitka?
Most cruise ships dock at the Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal at Halibut Point, about five miles north of downtown. The terminal has food outlets, gift shops and Wi-Fi, plus a free shuttle into town. On busier days, some ships anchor off Crescent Harbor and bring guests ashore by tender.
Is downtown Sitka walkable from the cruise terminal?
Once you're downtown, yes. The free shuttle drops you at Harrigan Centennial Hall, and most major sights, from St. Michael's Cathedral to Sitka National Historical Park, are within walking distance. The RIDE public bus, bike rentals and taxis are also available. See more things to do in Sitka
Can you see whales in Sitka?
Yes. Whales feed in Sitka Sound through the summer, and Whale Park's boardwalk and hydrophone let you watch and listen from shore. Sightings are never guaranteed, but a whale-watching shore excursion with a naturalist takes you out on the water where your chances are best.
What is Fortress of the Bear?
Fortress of the Bear is a bear rescue center in Sitka that cares for orphaned brown and black bear cubs. You'll watch the bears from a viewing platform while volunteers share each bear's story and the challenges Alaskan bears face in the wild.
What is Sitka known for?
Sitka is known for its blend of Tlingit heritage and Russian colonial history. It became Alaska's first capital after the 1867 purchase, and today you'll see St. Michael's Cathedral, the Russian Bishop's House and Tlingit totems set between mountains and sea. Learn more about Alaska's culture and tradition
What food is Sitka known for?
Seafood leads the way in Sitka. Try salmon, halibut and Dungeness crab at Halibut Point Crab and Chowder near the Old Sitka Dock, or rockfish tacos and salmon sandwiches at Beak Restaurant downtown. For something different, Campfire Kitchen bakes wood-fired pizzas with local ingredients.
Is Sitka on an island?
Yes. Sitka sits on Baranof Island, which is about 100 miles long and reachable only by air or sea. The island is covered by the Tongass National Forest, so wildlife, mountain views and old-growth trees are never far from town..
Do you need a passport for a Sitka cruise stop?
Sitka is in the U.S. state of Alaska, but the documents you need depend on your full itinerary. Many Alaska sailings also visit or depart from Canada, which can require a passport. Check the requirements for your specific cruise on the Travel Documents page before you sail.
What currency is used in Sitka?
Sitka uses the U.S. dollar. There are several ATMs downtown, and credit cards are widely accepted. Tipping is customary, as it is across the U.S., typically up to 20 percent in restaurants and 10 percent or more of the tour cost for a good guide.
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