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However, this terminal is about 5-6 miles from the downtown area. Sitka National Historical Park is the oldest national park in Alaska and is within walking distance of downtown Sitka. The park covers 113 acres and is the site of the final battle of 1804 between the native Tlingit people and the Russians. The Alaska Raptor Center – Located just east of downtown Sitka, the Alaska Raptor Center is a refuge for sick and injured bald eagles, falcons, owls, and other birds of prey. The center is one of Sitka’s most popular attractions, and visitors will get to meet the resident birds and watch their rehabilitation process in action. Nestled between snowcapped mountains and the Pacific Ocean, many of Sitka’s shore excursions are meant to bring you closer to the island’s natural beauty.
Learn at the Sitka Sound Science Center
It’s the perfect place to spend an hour or two exploring the history and creativity of Alaska’s Native peoples. Other fun shops in this area include the Alaskan Sea Salt Co., which has fantastic caramels, and the Alaska Salmon Shop, which has free samples. You should also pop into The Sitka Russian Christmas Store to view the holiday decorations, including the Russian nesting doll selection. There are several fun places to shop, including Russell’s, a locally owned outdoor gear shop with unique Alaskan t-shirts and gifts. Before heading out to explore the charming town, make a stop to look around the Sitka History Museum.
Night Far East & AlaskaDetails
Now full disclosure — we use a discount cell provider (Mint Mobile) and did not have any cell service in Sitka or other Alaskan ports. Asking around, it seemed that AT&T and Verizon customers were able to use their phones in Sitka, with decent service. More importantly, it’s at this spot where Russia and the United States lowered the Russian flag and raised the U.S. flag, officially ceding control of Alaska to the Americans.
A Short Walk from Downtown Sitka
I tried a Holland America cruise to Alaska. Here's what it's like to sail on this cruise line - Cruise Blog
I tried a Holland America cruise to Alaska. Here's what it's like to sail on this cruise line.
Posted: Sat, 10 Jun 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
The shuttle service runs every 15 minutes with the last shuttle leaving downtown 30 minutes before all aboard time. Most of the cruise ships that visit Sitka dock about six miles north of the town at what locals call the “Old Sitka Dock,” which has now been renamed the Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal. There is a free shuttle service running between the dock and downtown Sitka, so you won’t need to worry about transportation to the town. 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. Most cruise ships dock just north of town at Old Sitka Dock, recently renamed Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal.
Local Bars & Pubs
One of the top things to do in Sitka is to visit a rescue center. Set in Tongass National Forest, the Fortress of the Bear provides a home for orphaned bears who otherwise wouldn’t be able to survive on their own. The hill was home to an important fortification built by the Tlingit people until the Russian settlers arrived and took control.
Fortress of the Bear
Visitors can get a once-in-a-lifetime view of the bears from the safety of secure observation decks. And friendly guides are happy to share information on the bears and even the names and personalities of individual animals. One of the most popular attractions in Sitka is a visit to the Fortress of the Bear. The volunteer-run rescue center for orphaned bears is deep in the heart of Tongass National Forest.
Take a Sitka Wildlife Adventure
There’s a gift shop on-site and proceeds go directly back to the rescue center. You can also listen to whale songs, or see enormous whale bones from killer whales. Many of Sitka’s attractions are within walking distance from downtown.
Wander through the compact exhibits of Kwakwaka’wakw masks, Chilkat blankets, Yup’ik parkas, and more. The real treasure is opening the wooden drawers throughout the museum, where you’ll discover Jackson’s extensive collection up close. Before you leave the Visitor’s Center, walk around the back for a great view of the Sitka lighthouse.
Sitka Historical Museum
And while it isn’t the busiest cruise port, there are still plenty of things to do in Sitka. This ethnographic museum presents a collection of period objects, costumes and totem poles. You will learn about the history, customs and lives of native peoples.
Sitka is a major cruise port and city located on the western shore of Baranof Island in the Alexander Archipelago (Southeast Alaska). During Alaskan season 2023, Sitka reported a record year with handled ~560,000 cruise ship tourists. Castle Hill State Park offers a fully accessible walkway that leads visitors to the top of the hill.
Birds whose injuries are too severe become permanent “residents” that help to educate visitors. You’ll learn all about how these magnificent birds fly, feed, and nest in the Alaskan wilderness. The center is home to over 20 bald and golden eagles, as well as falcons, hawks, and owls. Hundreds more arrive each year and are re-released into the wild once they’re healthy enough. You’ll be awed by the Flight Training Center that helps prepare injured birds for their return to the wild. Also called the Sheet’ka Kwaan Naa Kahidi Tribal Community House, this “house” offers an intimate look into native Alaskan heritage.
It is located at 201 Lincoln Street, about a 3 minute walk from Centennial Hall and while there are steps into the store, there is an alternate wheelchair accessible entrance. Yellow Jersey Cycle Shop also has rentals – both standard mountain bikes for as little as $35/day or they also have e-bikes. They will help you with proper sizing to ensure you get the most comfortable and safe ride around town and are located conveniently across from Harrigan Centennial Hall. Besides that, with the size of the city and the availability of taxi or local excursions, you really won’t need a rental car. It’s important to note that weather conditions can vary, and Sitka’s location on the coast can result in rapid weather changes.
Cruise passengers on a water tour will often board shore tours directly from the adjacent dock. Fortress of the Bear is located about six miles east of downtown, so you’ll need a ride or to arrange an excursion. First, let’s get one thing out of the way — don’t expect to see a castle when you visit. The church sits in the middle of the town square, and was originally built in the mid-1800s. A fire destroyed the building in 1966, but an exact replica was built back in its place. Today it still holds services and is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Nature lovers will marvel at the breathtaking scenery via a kayak, hike, or harbor cruise. Animal lovers will enjoy the rare opportunity to see bears, whales, and other wildlife in their native habitat. It’s a small downtown, but not lacking in places to shop, eat, and see. You won’t find Sitka streets crammed with 12,000 cruise ship tourists and you won’t see those familiar Caribbean jewelry stores or over-crowded tourist bars.
Whatever phone carrier you have at home, should provide service in Sitka. The local wifi service is provided by GCI and isn’t always have the best connectivity. If you’ve arranged a pre-paid shore excursion, you ticket will have the exact meeting place. You will join your excursion group as you exit the cruise terminal. The other meeting point will be in front of the Harrigan Centennial Hall. The city provides clean and efficient complimentary motor coach shuttles to and from the dock to downtown.
A free shuttle bus service is provided by the port to and from downtown Sitka. The shuttle ride is 10 to 15 minutes and the busses depart every 10 minutes. Sitka’s unique blend of Tlingit culture and Russian and American history makes it a unique destination for cruise ship visitors. Sitka has more historical sites than any other town in Alaska, and most of Sitka’s historical landmarks are within walking distance of downtown.
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