(Matt Faubion/Alaska Public Media) . Sitka's 13,000-visitor day was 'far too many,' mayor says - Alaska THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Sitka - Tripadvisor: Over a billion reviews We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Shorebirds, raptors, Sitka blacktail deer, river otters, and spawning salmon are among the wildlife you might see during your visit. While Sitka gets quite a bit of rain during the year, annual snowfall only averages 33 inches. Michelai Graham is a technology and business reporter who has written for The Urban Institute and Scoop News. It is located at 4513 Halibut Point Road, Sitka, AK. Holland America Eurodam's Best Shore Excursions, 14 Best Things to Do in Fairbanks, Alaska, 12 Best Things to Do in Anchorage, Alaska, 50 Best Free Things to Do in Washington, DC, Ten Free Things to Do In and Around Anchorage, 7 Top Things to Do in Alaska for Christmas. Check Before Walking Trails in this Beautiful Park. 15 Interesting (and Beautiful!) Things to Do in Sitka, AK Lets wrap this up with one last thing to do in Sitka in case you havent had enough history! Sitka has fresh, local, amazing seafood - as it's coming straight from the source! This forested, hilly cemetery is worth a visit anyway, as it holds a lot of history. We go on the "Wildlife Quest & Fin Island Lodge" tour in Sitka, Alaska.We thought we were going on the "Alaska Zodiac Adventure & Fin Island Lodge" tour.When. One of my favorite spots in Sitka is the Sheldon Jackson Museum. Re: Sitka in one day 12 years ago Save hopefully someone will have a recommendation for you, but in the meantime look at the city of Sitka's web site. And our tour guide made it even better. But even if the park happens to be closed, the museum and totems are well worth a visit - my favorite part of the museum was the large collection of early 1900's historic photographs of Sitka, featuring both alaskan native tribes and early settlers of the town. St. Michael's Cathedral in downtown houses an important collection of Russian Orthodox art and church treasures. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. We saw seals, black slugs, and bald eagles. We hope you like the items we recommend and discuss! It's about 1.5 miles total if you do the loop, and there is a bit of up and down so take that into consideration, but if you're in decent shape you should be fine. This is a great stop for history buffs and apparently ghost hunters as well. Sitka National Historic Park/Totem Park 4. Meet the Birds at Alaska Raptor Center, 6. Once at the top youll be able to take in gorgeous views of the waterfront and downtown Sitka. This was especially disappointing as Ive been jonesing for a good hike since our visit to Pinnacles National Park in April 2021, but the weather and our itinerary just didnt work give us the time. The Southeast Alaska Indian Cultural Center, located at the visitor center, teaches Northwest Coast native art through demonstrations or hands-on classes. However, we didnt encounter any mosquitoes as the name would indicatewe didnt mind . Sitka in one day - Sitka Forum - Tripadvisor Walking in Sitka, Alaska - What to Do on Your Day in Port - YouTube This is a quick video of our port call in Sitka, Alaska. The list below includes 15 free or cheap things to do in or near Sitka, Alaska, including 10 different types of inexpensive activities like Hiking Trails, History Museums, Historic Sites and Kayaking. Walking in Sitka, Alaska - What to Do on Your Day in Port Since then, Sitka has grown to become a tourist destination on many cruise itineraries and worth planning a trip just to explore on its own. For 50 anxiety-filled days this spring, it appeared that this fishery would not happen. It's also near enough to Juneau to make a whole Alaskan adventure out of a trip. Check for the best rental car prices here. [With a Map] . Try the ZipRider 3. I started this site to share my travel stories and inspiration to help you complete bucket list trips. Not so in Sitka. Hiking in Sitka was my favorite part of our trip to Alaska. Not so good include in your tent or up close and personal in the woods. Read more in my Privacy Policy. A U.S. appeals court on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, halted a lower court ruling that would have shut down southeast Alaska's chinook salmon fishery for the summer . Take a Walking Tour (Self-Guided or Guided), 3. Popular things to do Ports of Call Tours Nature and Wildlife Tours Top Picks Water Tours Cultural & Theme Tours Likely to Sell Out Private & Custom Tours Food, Wine & Nightlife Luxury & Special Occasions Walking Tours Special Offers Kid-Friendly Multi-day Tours Shopping Passes & Offers Art Classes Theater Shows Ways to tour Sitka Sitka, Alaska - Wildlife Quest & Fin Island Lodge - What to Do on Your We have reviews of the best places to see in Sitka. A few you can't miss are -. 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. I share travel resources and stories based on my personal experience and knowledge. Angela has been writing about life, travel, and recreation in the Northwest, where she grew up, since 2000. One exhibit discusses Tlingit culture and the influence of Russian/European/American settlers in Southeast Alaska; another preserves a number of original totem poles carved in the 19th century and earlier. If not already arriving by cruise ship, visitors may want to get out on the water for some sightseeing. Say that three times fast! Hours are Wednesday to Saturday, 10am-2pm. If you have a rental car (which I would highly recommend if you're staying for more than a day) , drive west until the road ends to find some stunning, South East Alaskan scenery. While their primary goal is to rehabilitate and release raptors into the wild, the facility is home to many bald eagles who are unable to be released due to health issues, as well as owls and even ravens. Fourteen. Icy Strait Point Alaska: Best Things to Do in One Day - Cruise Maven Here youll find locally owned restaurants, food trucks, gift stores, and art galleries. For an immersion in Alaska Native culture, the best place to visit is Sheetka Kwan Naa Kahidi Clan House, a short walk from Totem Square in downtown Sitka. The list of boating options in Sitka is seemingly endless from cruises to spot wildlife, fishing charters, photography excursions, sailing, and so much more. Also 2. Start here. A troller fishes in Sitka Sound, Alaska on February 2, 2021. Weve compiled a list of different Ill never forget my first glimpse of Sitka from the airplane window: towering mountains and the silhouettes of a dozen wooded islands Have you booked a shore excursion or tour? Take precautions in advance if driving, and keep in mind air traffic delays if arriving by air. That's roughly 1,400 more people than live in the community, based on the latest data from the US Census Bureau. This thing was a monster. If you're feeling even more adventurous, you can climb around 1200' to the peak of Verstovia (the peak in on the left in the photo above) - but the trail is a bit treacherous and hard to follow - and with such an amazing ending here, we didn't feel like we needed to go up further. Simply incredible. It is on the west side of Baranof Island, within Alaskas Inside Passage. 15 Best Things to Do in Sitka (Alaska) - The - The Crazy Tourist A few notable shops to look out for: The main Sitka Harbour is beautiful and great for a morning or sunset stroll. Sitka's maritime and forestry industries and the U.S. military presence during the 19th century and World War II are addressed through thousands of artifacts and historic photographs, hundreds of paintings, and over 100,000 archival documents from the 1740s until the present. Most specifically, you can immerse yourself in Tlingit and neighboring Haida culture at the Sitka National Historical Park, often just called Totem park by locals. RELATED: A Destination Guide To Sitka, The Lesser-Known Gem Of Alaska. Spending the Perfect Day in Sitka, Alaska | Travel Blue Book Haunted Sitka offers just the ticket for those seeking something a little different. The Sitka National Historical Park is less than fifteen minutes away via the scenic sea walk. Top Things To Do Whether arriving on a cruise ship for a one-day stop or spending a few days to get in touch with nature and all that Sitka has to offer, read on to find some of the best attractions and things to do in Sitka. Fortress of the Bear is a sort of wildlife preserve. Stop in town for a delicious meal or drinks with an oceanfront view. Here are all the best things to do, places to explore, and sites to see in South East Alaska's historic Sitka. We had the pleasure of visiting Twin Islands Retreat on our first night in Sitka, and not only is the property is truly stunning, but the owners Merri and Larry are some of the nicest and most welcoming people we had met anywhere. Our Favorite Things to Do in Sitka, Alaska, View when.you.wanders profile on Instagram, View WhenYouWanders profile on Pinterest, View UCgMHfTRG8WwcuiOIU9npB0ws profile on YouTube. This wont affect the price you pay and helps us offer the best product recommendations. Drive your own boat (no experience necessary) as the owner Andy - and often is amazing co-pilot of young son - guide the way and share local insight and history. We recommend Artist Cove Gallery and not just because its owned and operated by our friends. Not for lack of activities to do, but for the convenience of having built-in lodging and dining options at the end of the day. Check online in advance to make sure they are open and for special events that day. The cathedral was built when Alaska was controlled by Russia and is recognized for bringing the Orthodox religion to its people. Activities Places to Visit Dine Shop Events Sitka is a vibrant community with a passionate population that brings noteworthy events to town year-round. Blundstone Waterproof Boots - perfect for walking and hiking in any weather. It's difficult to find gifts for men and these are perfect and reasonable for the work it involves. Find ways to explore the community's culture, history, unique landscape, and opportunities for adventure. Hi Valerie, Sitka is on our list of places to visit as I plan a trip to Alaska. Plus, weve included many more things to do in Sitka if youre lucky enough to stay longer. PIN IT FOR LATER AND SHARE IT WITH OTHERS! Whether arriving on a cruise ship for a one-day stop or spending a few days to get in touch with nature and all that Sitka has to offer, read on to find some of the best attractions and things to do in Sitka. The park also preserves the site of a battle between the indigenous Tlingit people and Russian traders who invaded the land. One day when I was walking past the marina with my hostel friend Sarah, we saw the most gigantic sea lion I have ever seen. When you visit, dont forget to say Hi from us! When you get here, youll most likely dock at the Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal (formerly known as the Old Sitka Dock). If you have an afternoon tour leaving from the cruise terminal, dont be afraid to take the shuttle bus to town in the morning. Typically, pre-sold morning tours depart from the Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal while afternoon and independent purchases depart from downtown. Sitka Tours 907.747.5800or Tribal Tours 907. From museums and national parks to art galleries and craft breweries, the time you spend in Sitka is sure to be a memorable one. 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. Getting there takes around 45 minutes to an hour on a boat, and the ride is calm and beautiful - we went with Captain Gary's Sitka Adventures.