The tundra, Theres nothing quite as freeing as hitting the open road in Alaska with miles and miles of majestic mountains, peaceful coastline, lush forest, or flat tundra streaming past your car or RV windows. The U.S. Forest Service manages the area, andthe By Shuttle Van: Sitka Tours Airporter Bus meets all Alaska Airlines Scheduled flights and runs into town (Hotels & Ferry terminal) for $6 one way, $8 return. Meeting him and his family was one of the highlights of our trip, and was well worth the long drive! Some operators offer shuttles to and from the Fortress. Finally, heres a fun activity for the whole family that focuses on a different aspect of life in Sitka: marine science. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-64687261', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');car rental from Avis which is located at the airport across the bridge. With respect, I make a formal land acknowledgment, extending my appreciation and respect to the past and present people of these lands. Sitka is located on Baranof Island, on the outer coast of Alaska's Inside Passage. Getting To & Around Alaska by Car - Alaska Road Trips Not only that, hes won 4 humanitarian awards for the care and treatment of his dogs. For $25 to $35 per person, he offers a tour of Sitka's Russian and natural history, including a scenic stop where he pulls out his guitar and performs. Two of the bloodiest encounters of the era were fought near here, with the natives winning round one and the Russians trumping them with cannons to win round two. Add aglacier landing to get asense of how immense these peaks reallyare. THE TOP 10 Sitka How to Get Around (UPDATED 2023) - Viator Most people arrive one of three ways: by plane (Alaska Airlines offers daily flights from both Juneau and Seattle, year-round), by ferry (on the Alaska Marine Highway ), or by cruise ship (both mega-ships and small ships make port in Sitka during the summer months). Book your shore excursions independently. Our picks for the best tours and experiences during your Alaska Cruise. No matter which mode you choose, traveling through Alaska offers a front row seat to experience inspiring scenery and exquisite wildlife. All rights reserved. Your email address will not be published. Head out of town the other direction, to Fortress of the Bear (more on that in a second), After Fortress of the Bear, have Jeff drop you off at dinner (more on that a little further on). Things To Do In Sitka | Our Guide To The City's Best | ALASKA.ORG Sitka, AK | Things to Do, Recreation, & Travel Information Dive into the details to prepare you for your Sitka . Plan your journey with this gorgeous printed map. She also rattled off some facts about one of Alaskas most common insects. Driving Around The Entire Sitka, Alaska - YouTube Fairbanks to Deadhorse/Prudhoe Bay: 1 hour. Plan your journey with this gorgeous printed map. Highlights plus less visited destinations. Sitka was the seat of the Russian government in the Alaska territory, and there are still remnants and relics around town to serve as a reminder beyond a church and pelmeni restaurant. Choose how you'll arrive and get around. Discover the optimal month due to daylight, temperature, and rain. 7-10 days is the most common. While theres plenty to do in town, Sitka is also home to some incredible hiking trails and this is one of the activities I wish wed had more time for! Trips available from Whittier, Homer, Seward, Juneau, and Sitka. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-58727818', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');cruise of a week of hiking and kayaking through the northern passages! Sitka Alaska Cruise Port Information APPROXIMATE FLIGHT TIMES BETWEEN ALASKA COMMUNITIES. Watch bears digging for clams, wandering the sedge grass, or nursing their young all in ashort flight from Homer to Katmai or Lake Clark National Park. As you may have guessed from the Orthodox church in the literal center of town, Sitka has a Russian history before its American one (and after its Tlingit one). You can fly to Sitka on a commercial jet from Seattle (with a stop in either Juneau or Ketchikan), Anchorage (with a stop in Juneau) or from Juneau. :-) Ketchikan Travel by Air Alaska Airline's Salmon-Thirty-Salmon airplane There are only two large commercial airliners that fly into Ketchikan: Alaska Airlines (year-round) and Delta Airlines (summer only). Tim Rockey, Alaska Public Media - Anchorage, The Hklea canoe has a special connection to Hydaburg, its last Alaska stop, Behind the scenes of plastic lumber production on the Kenai Peninsula, Anchorages less-than-sunny summer is likely to continue through July, Popular Anchorage dog park remains closed after oil spill, Its not right: Aniak residents share pain of spiking power bills with regulators. #unalaska #dutchharbor #aleutianislands #ilovealaska #alaskalife #midnightsunset, Are the roads sketchy in the wintertime? But its abeautiful hike anytime, because the views from up topfacing Mount Edgecumbe and overlooking Sitka Soundare awesome. Read more, Angoon is asmall Tlingit village with no public transportation, no car rental and no taxi. And intrepid hikers can walk all the way to the top. Both trains journey through areas that are inaccessible by road and offer "whistle . Read more, Travel times between towns by car, train, and bus in central Alaska With all of Alaskas natural wonderment, its easy to forget about the blending of Russian and Native cultures that make it unique. Sitka Alaska Cruise Port Profile and City Guide with Map The Alaska Marine Highway System is another option to reach the major ports of call in the state by boat. There are two local watering holes in town: Pioneer BarandErnies Old Time Saloon. In Sitka, the summers are cool and mostly cloudy; the winters are long, very cold, windy, and overcast; and it is wet year round. Big ship or small ship? more, Starting at the National Park Service Visitor Center, this trail system takes you through rich coastal forest and along asalmon stream, then opens to views of the shoreline and coastal mountains. Arriving at the tender terminal, a left turn onto Lincoln Street takes you to downtown Sitka. It is situated on Sitka Sound, facing the Pacific Ocean which means it experiences different weather than other parts of the region. Best of all, a friend from middle school and his mom my middle school science teacher both work here! As part of your Sitka Checkered Tours, Jeff can take you to Fortress of the Bear one of the best, most popular, and definitely most fascinating attractions in Sitka. Locals call it Totem Park, but its official name is Sitka National Historical Park and its the oldest of the national park units in Alaska! Stacey Shriner leads the education department at the botanical garden. The downtown area is centrally located and most points of interest are within walking distance of one another. We'll match you with a local itinerary expert to help you plan your trip. The classic Alaska Cruise, offered by such companies as Holland America, Princess, and Royal Caribbean. Overwhelmed by choices? #earthfocus Anchorage to Fairbanks: 50 minutes. Yes. Where you can travel by car, jet, commuter airlines, floatplanes, orferry. Ketchikan Travel - ways to get here, routes, information & schedules 18 Top Things to Do in Alaska - U.S. News Travel #naturelovers We end our adventure with visits to the Alaska Native Heritage Center, Kinkaid Park, Anchorage Museum, and UAA. Alocal bike shop does atour here, and if you come back down Blue Lake Road there are some fun,steep Our Getting Around articles below demystify the best ways to get from one destination to another. Skirmishes with the local Tlingits ultimately led to the Native group's ousting from the land. There is an Avis out by the airport, though. Once you arrive, you can travel within the state by plane, cruise, ferry, train, car, or motorcoach/bus. http://www.sitka.org/plan/transportation/. View All Articles This article contains a discussion by Tripadvisor members concerning the above topic. Sights of Sitka: Alaska Raptor, Totems & Fortress of the Bear 2023 - Viator Start here. Read more, From Juneau Floatplane: 30mins Ferry: 5hours Online reservations mean nothing to them and they do not honor them. Rental Cars: AVIS +1 (907) 966 2264 & North Star Rent-a-Car 966 2552 both have desks in the terminal building. Flightseeing tours of Wrangell St. Elias National Park. Finding out how to get between towns has been one of the hardest parts of planning an Alaska vacation--but no longer! Read more in my Privacy Policy. Sign-up for any of the following email series to help plan your Alaska trip. Even after the Russians sold Alaska to America in 1867another event that happened herethe Russian influence lives on. more. How to Make the Most of One Day in Sitka Valerie & Valise Ludvigs is delicious! https://www.alaskaenglishadventures.com/ This trail is close to town and starts on afloodplain. For visitors, plane travel helps maximize their limited time exploring the state, showcases spectacular views of the land, and gives an authentic peek into Alaskans air-centric lifestyle. We had lunch today at the Westmark where we split halibut nuggets and a cesear salad. Some hikes that caught my eye and you might want to consider include: There are plenty of other trails too if this is on your must-do list. This video explores Sitka, Alaska and explains how to get to downtown Sitka on your own and enjoy the sights and sounds of the quaint pedestrian only area, a. It was periodically stocked with grayling between 1986 and1991. We'll match you with a local itinerary expert to help you plan your trip. Read on to discover the wonders of Sitka and get inspired to plan your own trip. Getting Here - Visit Sitka Castle Hill, located west of town and easily visible from most of downtown despite no castle standing there. Heres what each season is like: *We visited Sitka in the third week of September 2021, during our short two-day stay, one day was gorgeous in the high 50s; the other was rainy in the high 40s and had everyone saying Autumn had finally arrived. Blog; Video Library; Photo Gallery; Things to Do. Choose how you'll arrive and get around. We are in our 70's and didn't have a problem. On the way, enjoy awindow-seat view and pilot narration. Drive to Anchorage, explore Ship Creek and the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. Join me for a walk around Sitka seeing the town, totem park and meeting some of the locals. Which one is right for you? more. 7-10 days is the most common. Juneau to Sitka: 45 minutes. The Super 8 looks to be over half a mile from the Raptor Center and my folks aren't up for long walks, but if you are, that might be ok (assuming you don't mind walking in the rain- heh!). I started this site to share my travel stories and inspiration to help you complete bucket list trips. #nationalpark Location: On Japonski Island joined to Sitka by a bridge, 2 km/1 Mile WSW of Sitka town center. The Sitka History Museum is located in Centennial Hall right in town, and is an easily-digestible size. For sleeping accommodations, a rider can choose to rent a private room, camp under the stars on the upper deck, or roll out a sleeping bag in a covered, heated solarium. #earthpix In case you didnt get enough history on your Taste of Sitka Tour and Sitka Checkered Tour, theres a museum for that! It leads through stunted forests to aboardwalked section of the trail near Beaver Lake. Say hi to Chance and Janet (Ms. Clarke) for me if you see them working during your visit. The Park Service originally sought to collect and preserve these totems in one place a major feat for several reasons: this meant moving totems from their original locations across the region, and totems are not typically preserved in a modern sense. Your must-have activity guide + map while in Alaska. Tel +1 (907) 747 8443 or 747 7587. How far is that? Tlingit Clan House 5. Mr. V and I preferred Ernies where you can try the famous Duck Fart shot, arguably Alaskas most famous alcoholic concoction. Take it from someone who recently lived there. 1. Talkeetna Air Taxi features acustom-designed fleet of planes, adedicated customer service team, and avariety of tours for every budget. Sitka was originally settled by the native Tlingit people. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. and definitely thanks for the phone numbers attached! Find details to help plan for a seamless Alaska adventure! The Alaska Botanical Garden has been sponsoring summer day camps for about 20 years. Alaska Botanical Garden summer camp teaches kids about insects Also yes. The Alaska Botanical Garden has been sponsoring summer day camps for about 20 years. Hike the Harbor Mountain Trail 7. The drive does require some pre-planning - for more information on specific driving routes, visitNorth to Alaska online. Specifically, the weather is often more dramatic in Sitka due to its ocean exposure. You can hike up to the replica Russian Blockhouse for a strategic view of the town, or explore the Russian Orthodox cemetery in the trees; graves here date back to the late 19th Century but include modern members of the Orthodox community in Sitka too. And its an important placethe site of the first Russian settlement on Baranof Island. Explore Alaska from above with this family-owned company that operates out of Anchorage. Traveling on The Alaska Marine Highway - A Firsthand Account, Travel to Small Communities in Southeast Alaska, Getting Around Southeast, Alaska and Tongass National Forest. . Locally known as The Glacier Landing Company, TAT has been flying climbers and sightseers to the Alaska Rangeand. Big ship or small ship? We will just be getting off a (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Join me for a walk around Sitka seeing the town, totem park and . View past newsletters here. In late summer, the river fills with salmon (though fishing is prohibited). #fall #alaska #anchoragealaska #anchorage #alaskalife #fallcolors #aspen #birch #thealaskalife #onlyinalaska #alaskascenery #travelalaska #nikon #sharingalaska #hikingbangers #shotonnikon #roadtrip #roadshot, Day 8 and 9 of the Kenai Peninsula 2022 Adventure ~ Browse available tours, dream up an adventure of your own, or let the pros at Destination Alaska help you createone! Let us simplify it for you, How much does an Alaska summer vacation cost? Smokey Bays bear tours last about five hours totalincluding flights and about three hours on the ground. Trips available from Whittier, Homer, Seward, Juneau, and Sitka. Yep, on sunny days this is one of the warmer spots to take adip. Totem Park, also known as Sitka National Historical Park, located east of town along the Seawalk (a walkway through a green space leading out of town). Before you head into the wonderful Alaska backcountry check that the registration on your snow machines are current. Explore There are 2 ways to get from Juneau to Sitka by car ferry or plane Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner. Theyre quick, easy, and cheap if thats a better fit for your travel style and budget. By Air Yellow Jersey Cycle Shop, 329 Harbor Dr., right across from the Centennial Hall downtown (tel. Focus on Denali & Kenai Fjords. Delicious. Before jumping into my one-day Sitka itinerary, I want to address a few common questions I typically get when I write Alaska itineraries like this one. Insider tips to pick the best Alaska cruise. And the trail can be accessed via public transport. Another off-shoot trail leads to Sitka High School. Book a trip in May or June and your group will typically be rewarded with good - excellent King Salmon, Halibut, Rockfish, Lingcod, and Black Cod (Sablefish) fishing.Book a trip in August or September and you may only catch 1 King salmon for your 3 days of fishing, but instead catch . Highlights plus less visited destinations. And also, do you recommend booking the excursions through private individuals/companies, rather than the cruise ships? , Mountains are just steps away. Many of Sitka's hotels, restaurants and businesses are centrally located in a convenient, walkable downtown. 7 Tours & Activities Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises 27 Tours & Activities Why you are seeing these recommendations Simply Amazing Sitka Tour: Fortress of the Bear, Alaska Raptor, & Totems 81 Reviews Sitka, United States Share Save to Wishlist Likely to Sell Out From $89.00 Lowest Price Guarantee Select Date and Travelers Check Availability From the trailhead/parking area, the trail follows aridge with great views in all directions. The Singing Cabbie -- Hank Moore, of Hank's Cab (tel. Paddle out to see it all on a sea kayaking tour you won't soon forget. 20 Best Things to Do in Sitka, Alaska on a Cruise I see there are walking paths all around the Historical Park and Raptor Center. And how cute is Emmett (first dog) the lead dog of the pack! How cold does it get in Sitka Alaska? . Discover the optimal month due to daylight, temperature, and rain. Anchorage to Juneau: 1.5 hours. In Sitka, everything is close which means less time commuting and more time exploring. Read more, Whether you go by car or train, make sure youre ready for the Whittier Tunnel! Read more, Two recent college graduates board The Alaska Marine Highway. This is abig climb: youll gain 2,550feet en route to the summit. The Visitor Transit Bus operated by the Sitka Tribal Tours makes a continuous circuit of the sites from May to September when large cruise ships are in town. Walking from Super 8 to Ludvig's or the Larkspur is just a few easy blocks on sidewalks through "downtown" which has some great little shops & art galleries. Choose a round-trip Inside passage or one-way Gulf of Alaska Cruise. They also have an upstairs tapas and wine bar called Rios that's delightful (open Thurs, Fri, & Sat evenings, I think). , Alaska contains 17 of North Americas tallest peaks, nearly 100,000 glaciers, the United States only temperate rainforest, and seemingly endless acres of shoreline. If youre excited for Sitka and it turns out you have more time to spend here (this means youre probably not on a cruise, as they typically ony have a few hours in Sitka), here are some other ideas for spending a few more days in town. Short on time? Because of extended golden hours in places close to the North Pole, you can enjoy sunsets and these gorgeous colors for a much longer time when in Alaska. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. 800/230-4898 or 907/966-2404; www.avis.com) and North Star Rent-a-Car (tel. Car, train, or group tour. Karen's Quick Guide to Sitka, Alaska - YouTube Ravn Alaskas network offers flights to major Alaska cities such as Anchorage and Fairbanks, Most people arrive one of three ways: by plane (Alaska Airlines offers daily flights from both Juneau and Seattle, year-round), by ferry (on the Alaska Marine Highway), or by cruise ship (both mega-ships and small ships make port in Sitka during the summer months). In this post, I promote travel to a destination that is the Lingt Aan (traditional lands) of the Kiks.di clan of the Sheet-k Xatl Tlingit people. Alot of people swear to it: the best way to see Alaska is from an airplane, and there may indeed be no better way to get close to the face of Denali. Discover the optimal month due to daylight, temperature, and rain. You may even spot bears, who show up here to feed on young grasses in early summer and return in mid-July to the end of September for the pink and silver salmon runs. This spot is easy to miss but super popular with locals and visitors, so you may have to wait for a table especially on weekends. Remember as an Alaska resident when you purchase a vehicle, you are required to transfer the vehicle into your name within 30 days of the date of sale by obtaining an Alaska title. As a kid, my family visited Sitka by ferry; most recently, I visited Sitka at the end of my Alaskan Dream Cruises experience. #AlaskaEnglishAdventures #KenaiPeninsula2022Adventure #Anchorage, Mushing is a popular winter activity in Alaska as it is home to the world famous Iditarod race (that ended a couple days ago!) Transportation - Visit Sitka You dont need more than an hour or so to visit the Alaska Raptor Center, which is perfect timing to head back into town for lunch. The area was first home to rich, sophisticated Tlingits, who put up quite a fight after the Russian Alexander Baranof established a headquarters here 1799 to grow even wealthier in the trading of sea otter fur. Thanks alaskantiger! Some attractions are located out of town though; Ill address how to get to each of these below in my suggested itinerary for one day in Sitka. Bike lanes and racks abound. Note: If you are on an Alaska cruise, you can arrange this directly with Jeff; since the tour is private, he can cater it specifically to the time you have in Sitka and the attractions you want to visit! This hand-crafted adventure, aboard your own private expedition boat led by one of the most knowledgeable and experienced captains in Southeast Alaska, offers the best way to explore the natural wonders of Sitka Sound in a day. K2 Aviation offers anumber of once-in-a-lifetime flightseeing tours that travel out over the Alaskan Range and fly around. Read more, Heres what youll pay if you want to ride the ferries on Alaskas Marine Highway The trailmade from gravel, rock steps, and No need to plan logistics: Entrance fees are included for all stops on the itinerary. Choose a round-trip Inside passage or one-way Gulf of Alaska Cruise. The most intimate multi-day cruise option. Monthly travel tips, highlights, and savings! Anchorage to Nome: 1.5 hours. Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Luckily, getting to Sitka is relatively easy. You cannot drive to Sitka. With only 20% of Alaska accessible by road, there is so much more to be discovered! Your must-have activity guide + map while in Alaska. Use our calculator to find out, Stay casual, dress in layers, and get proper footwear, View All Southcentral & Interior Towns on a Map, Cruises depart Juneau or Sitka. Read more, Pros and cons of Thrifty, Budget, Avis, and Hertz in Alaska For an easier option, you could pop into PelMeni, which serves Russian-style pelmeni dumplings. Check Alaskas largest national park off your list with aflightseeing tour that includes alanding in the wilderness of the park. If youre looking for anice day along the waterfront with the family, this is the spot. Hell pick you up in his 1973 Checker Marathon and take you on a private tour of all the spots you want to see. Read more, You wont find Greyhound in Alaska; learn which bus lines serve which routes While these bears are conditioned to human interaction and presence, theyre protected and allowed to hunt (fish in their waterways) and play (with big tires and other stimulants in their habitats). We have had numerous bad experiences with them. Travel like the locals and hop on amail plane flight. Boutique, small ship adventure cruises in Alaska's Inside Passage, Cruises depart from Whittier, a 1 hr drive from Anchorage. #nationalparkservice Ryan said the camps at the Botanical Garden help kids gain a naturalist intelligence about the forest around them. By the end, youll have a good one-day itinerary for Sitka, plus inspiration if you can stretch that to two days instead. Or are shuttles available? Campgrounds, RV Parks & Public Use Cabins. How to Get to Sitka One of the biggest obstacles people face when traveling to Sitka is how to get there! Buy a new car? By Taxi: To town ~$8/5 mins. From there, you'll travel along the Alaska Highway through Whitehorse and then on to the border crossing, where your Alaska adventure will officially begin. Highlights plus less visited destinations. This morning we walked from the Super8 to the raptor center. Alaska Air Taxis and Charters | List Of Companies Around Alaska ): Knowing what to expect when it comes to navigating these towns by foot, then, is another matter! Sitka National Historical Park was established to protect the incredible carved totems that were present throughout Southeast Alaska in Native Alaskan communities as American pioneers and settlers came into the region in the late 19th Century. Alaska Public Media 2023. The trail follows the turquoise blue Indian River up through the valley to awaterfall. Sitka Trail Works helps maintain the literally dozens of miles of hiking trails in the Sitka area. In addition to round-trip transportation from the Sitka cruise port, your guide provides live commentary about landmarks . AT - the streets are flat along the main areas too :), Walking around Sitka is beautiful and easy! Required fields are marked *. Car, train, or group tour. If we do, you can be sure there will be lots more posts about Sitka to come! more. Is it an easy walk or need to take a shuttle or cab? Alternatively, you may use, Hotels near Sitka National Historic Park/Totem Park, Hotels near St. Michael's Russian Orthodox Cathedral, Hotels near Baranof Castle State Historical Site. One of the best ways to enjoy this trail is to park at Old Sitka State Park located just mile north of theFerry We'll match you with a local itinerary expert to help you plan your trip. Here are my suggestions based on our recent short trip. Thats because the small lakes warm up in the summer (relativelyif youre from Florida you might disagree). Ferry: Sitka is also easily reached by the Alaska Marine Highway ferries. Alaska Railroad: Adventure Class or Goldstar Dome Car Service? Here are some of the best things to do in Sitka, Alaska: Visit Sitka National Historical Park: This park is home to the Tlingit people's ancestral homeland, and visitors can explore the totem poles and the cultural center. The exhibits are jam-packed with information specifically about Sitkas role in Alaskan history and theres plenty of wider-context Alaskan history too. 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. Are the views pretty enough to make the drive worth it? Once the administrative headquarters for an empire stretching from Asia to California and Hawaii, Castle Hill today is little more than agrassy hill with afew interpretive signs, amodest stonewall, several old cannons, and afew flagpoles. Travel Alaska is a registered trademark of Alaska Travel Industry Association. Nestled on the west side of Baranof Island, midway between Ketchikan and Skagway, it's flanked on the east by majestic snow-capped mountains and on the west by the Pacific . Juneau to Sitka - 2 ways to travel via car ferry, and plane - Rome2rio Since 1992, Wrangell Mountain Air has been offering safe and fascinating tours of this remote kingdom, which boasts North Americas largest assemblage of glaciers as well as its largest collection of peaks above 16,000feet. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip. Heres alist of our favorites, Visit the Russian Block House from the early 1800s and stroll through the Sitka National HistoricalPark. Have any other questions about how to spend one day in Sitka (or longer)?