Our Favorite Things to Do in Sitka, Alaska
We are super excited to share this destination guide from our road trip to Alaska. Our first stop is Sitka, Alaska. We chose Sitka because two of my college roommates (who I was well overdue for a visit with) live there and it was a perfect beginning to our Alaskan adventure. This small island city did not disappoint. There are tons of things to do in Sitka. We were lucky enough to spend a week and explore the nature, culture, and history that abounds here.
During our week in Sitka we were able to visit a bear rescue center, enjoy hikes through the largest temperate rain forest in the word, and stand where the US flag was raised in Alaska for the very first time. Also, with the help of Sitka Tribal Tours we saw numerous exquisitely crafted totem poles, a raptor rehabilitation center, and a native Alaskan tribal dance performance.
Realistically, most folks don’t spend a week in Sitka. While this community relies heavily on tourism, the majority of visitors arrive on an Alaskan cruise and only stay a day. We want everyone who comes here to make the most of their time, so we’ve created an itinerary for those who only get one day on the island. Plus, we’ve included many more things to do in Sitka if you’re lucky enough to stay longer.
About Sitka
Sitka is Alaska’s 4th largest city. With that being said the population is still under 9,000. It is on the west side of Baranof Island, within Alaska’s Inside Passage. The area, originally known as Sheet’ká, has been settled by the Tlingit people for over 10,000 years. It was then settled by Russians in 1799 and renamed New Archangel. Sitka was also the site of the transfer ceremony when Alaska was purchased from Russia on October 18, 1867.
How to Get to Sitka
Sitka can only be accessed by air or sea. We figured we couldn’t do an ultimate Alaskan road trip without ferrying our home on wheels through the Alaska Marine Highway. We opted to take the ferry from Prince Rupert, BC, to Southeast Alaska, so Sitka was the first Alaskan land we set foot on. The journey takes about 36 hours with very minimal cell coverage, so if you end up traveling by ferry make sure you bring a book and a deck of cards.
Things to Do in Sitka, Alaska
Half-Day in Sitka
Alaska Raptor Center
Sorry, Jurassic Park fans, no velociraptors here. But don’t worry! The majestic residents of the Alaska Raptor Center will make you forget all about those prehistoric chickens. The center was established in 1980 to rehabilitate injured bald eagles and other raptors. The Raptor Center now treats around 200 injured birds every year.
Sadly, sometimes a bird is injured so severely it can’t make it in the wild even after rehabilitation. These birds become full time residents of the center. When visiting you’ll be able to view numerous species of raptors and learn about the rehabilitation program.
Sitka National Historical Park, aka Totem Park
This is definitely a “not to miss” stop on your tour of Sitka. Totem Park is full of history, culture, and beauty. As you walk through the temperate rainforest you’ll see the gorgeous Haida and Tlingit totem poles standing along the park’s coastal trail. The park also preserves the site of a battle between the indigenous Tlingit people and Russian traders who invaded the land. The visitor center provides impressive exhibits, an interpretive area with resident artists, as well as guided ranger tours.
Experience a Traditional Tlingit Tribal Dance
You’ll have the opportunity to experience the Tlingit people handing down their traditional stories and histories through dance to the next generation. It was a truly amazing experience to see the native youth immersed in telling the stories of their ancestors through costume and dance.
Check out Sitka Tribal Tours for this morning itinerary. Their tour begins at Sitka Cruise Port dock. After the Tlingit dance, you have the option to go back to port or stay downtown for the afternoon and shuttle back later. Here’s the link to our post about the full Sitka Tribal Tours experience.
Full Day in Sitka
If you have a full day to spend in Sitka, we recommend doing everything from the half day itinerary and adding the following things.
Downtown Sitka
Explore the many amazing shops and restaurants in Sitka. We recommend Artist Cove Gallery —and not just because it’s owned and operated by our friends. The gallery houses an impressive fusion of handmade art, jewelry, fossils, and minerals from local and Native Alaskan artists. Artist Cove is definitely worth the stop and is just across the Street from St. Michael’s Cathedral. When you visit, don’t forget to say “Hi” from us!
The Baranof Castle State Historical Site
This site is also popularly known as Castle Hill and is one of the most substantial historical sites in the entire state. It’s here that Alaska was officially transferred from Russia to the United States in 1867. Visitors can begin their climb from the downtown area. Once at the top you’ll be able to take in gorgeous views of the waterfront and downtown Sitka.
St. Michael’s Cathedral
St. Michael’s Cathedral was the first Orthodox cathedral established in North America in 1848. The cathedral was built when Alaska was controlled by Russia and is recognized for bringing the Orthodox religion to its people. Because the original structure was destroyed in a fire in 1966, what you see today is not the original church but a newly designed landmark that’s become prominent in Sitka over the years.
Two Days in Sitka
With two days in Sitka you’ll be able to explore more of the city’s culture and nature. We recommend completing everything in the Full Day Itinerary and adding these places.
Sheldon Jackson Museum
One of my favorite spots in Sitka is the Sheldon Jackson Museum. It’s Alaska’s oldest museum and is filled to the brim with artifacts Jackson collected during his years of travel. You’ll see native jewelry, traditional toys, clothing, tools, and totem poles. I recommend taking your time here. Look at every exhibit, open every drawer, and view the beauty and artistry of these everyday tools and crafts. While all the exhibits are housed in one room, it’s still a place you can quickly get lost in the elaborate details of the past.
Russian Bishop’s House
The Russian Bishop’s House, part of the Sitka National Historical Park, is one of a few buildings left standing from Russia’s brief colonization of North America. Built in 1842 it was originally part of the Russian Orthodox Church. Today, visitors can take a free tour of the restored building to see what it was like to live in Sitka during the Russian-American period. While not advertised, our tour guide confided in us that the building may also be haunted, and that he’d experienced some strange occurrences. This is a great stop for history buffs and apparently ghost hunters as well.
Fortress of the Bear
I couldn’t bear it if you missed this place (oh, how I waited for that). From previous travels and numerous bear jams in national parks, it is apparent that everyone wants to see a bear. There are good ways to see a bear, and not so good. Not so good include in your tent or up close and personal in the woods. Not so good for me also includes in a cage or hanging from someone’s wall.
Fortress of the Bear has created a three-quarter acre habitat set against the Tongass National Forest. Visitors can view two different types of bears from 25 feet away on a viewing platform. It is important to know that every bear resident was saved from certain death. Currently the state of Alaska doesn’t have any bear rehabilitation or release programs in place so sadly it’s common practice to kill orphaned cubs. Fortress of the Bear hopes to give these bears the most natural life they can while also educating visitors. Their long-term goal is to pioneer a rehabilitation and release program for the state of Alaska so one day orphaned cubs can be returned to their natural home in the wilderness.
A Week in Sitka
If you’re are lucky enough to have a week in Sitka, you can really experience the best of the city. You’ll have time to explore yourself or go on a Sitka tour. Take your time and spread out the experiences above and add on these places.
Harbor Mountain
If you have time to get off the beaten path, Harbor Mountain is a great way to explore and view the area from above. Drive up the numerous switch backs to the top of the mountain and access hiking trails, a campground, and (on a clear day) views of subalpine meadows, Sitka Sound, Kruzof Island, and Mount Edgecumbe. You’ll also have a chance to see deer, eagles, and other wildlife. As always in Alaska, be Bear Aware on these hikes.
Starrigavan Recreation Area
Walk through the lush Tongass National Forest and experience an amazing ecosystem where life is essentially growing and crawling on every square inch of ground. You can pick from various hiking trails and picnic areas. We braved fresh bear scat on the trail and hiked to Mosquito Cove. This amazing trail takes you through the dense forest to a beautiful hidden cove. We saw seals, black slugs, and bald eagles. However, we didn’t encounter any mosquitoes as the name would indicate—we didn’t mind 😉
Magic Island
This small island is about 4 miles north of downtown. What’s magic about this island is that during low tide you can actually walk on a land bridge to the island. What’s also magic is the hundreds of crabs, star fish and sea anemones you can find exploring the rocks and beach. Make sure to watch the time when you’re there. If high tide comes in you’ll have to use magic to fly back to shore or have a very wet walk back!
No matter what you do in Sitka, you’ll be amazed by the views of Alaska’s Inside Passage islands and the thousands of bald eagles that call this place home. Take time to explore the streets and forests filled with wildlife and native Tlingit history. Discover why Sitka was the epicenter of Russian colonization in North America. Whether you find your way to Sitka by the Alaska Marine Highway, an Alaskan cruise, or air make the most out of what this unique and beautiful island city has to offer.
2 thoughts on “Our Favorite Things to Do in Sitka, Alaska”
Great post! A good mix of history and activities. Makes me want to visit.
Thanks for the comment, Kristen. It was great! If you visit, you won’t regret it. Take care!
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