Sitka is where Alaska officially became part of the United States during the Alaska Purchase from Russia in 1867. It was even the state capital until 1906 when it was moved to Juneau. Today, Sitka is the largest incorporated area in the entire U.S. by square footage, yet it’s only home to a population of about 9,000 people.
Sitka’s Russian, Indigenous, and modern American influences make it a fascinating place to visit on a cruise. With equal parts history, culture, and an intense appreciation for nature, this small-town Alaskan port offers visitors much to discover. Birds, bears, totem poles, and notable museums are just a few of the possible attractions to consider during a call here.
The following guide will walk you through a day in Sitka, Alaska, from your docking location to top excursions.
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Best Things to Do in Sitka, Alaska From a Cruise Ship
Which cruise lines go to Sitka, Alaska?
Many cruise lines visit Sitka, though it’s not a common port on most Inside Passage itineraries in Alaska. In fact, it’s the only community on the Inside Passage facing the Pacific Ocean. Still, you can find a weeklong cruise round trip from Vancouver that calls in Sitka, like with Royal Caribbean or one that sails into Seattle, with Princess Cruises.
Norwegian, Holland America, and Celebrity also offer cruises into Sitka, ranging from seven to 11 nights. The port is a favorite among smaller ships from upscale lines like Oceania, Silversea, and Regent Seven Seas, among others.
Where do cruise ships dock in Sitka?
After years of having to tender, with only a single dock 6 miles outside of town, cruise ships were welcomed to Sitka for the 2022 season with a brand-new 1,300-foot dock. The Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal is a 40,000-square-foot timber complex able to accommodate two neo-Panamax cruise ships (think Royal Caribbean’s megaship Ovation of the Seas).
The complex also features locally owned retail, dining, and a covered outdoor terrace. The cruise terminal is still a few miles outside of downtown but offers seamless departures for tours by coach or right along the waterfront.
How do you get around Sitka?
Downtown is very walkable, but how do you get from the cruise terminal to downtown Sitka? A free shuttle bus runs from the Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal to town every 15 minutes.
The ride into town is about 12 minutes long and drops passengers at the Harrigan Centennial Hall near Harbor Drive. The drop-off point is just a two-minute walk from Sitka’s famous St. Michael’s cathedral or a 15-minute walk (0.7 mile) to the Sitka National Historical Park.
What to do in Sitka while visiting on a cruise?
Sitka might be home to Alaska’s smallest state park, but you’ll never run out of things to do here during a day in port. Options in Sitka range from getting out on the water or taking a walk through the woods to learn about Native culture to taking a self-guided tour of the historic architecture downtown. Or, set your sights toward the sky with an uphill hike to a hilltop castle or a visit to a notable bird rehabilitation center.
There are so many things to do in Sitka, Alaska from a cruise ship. Here are our top picks.
Whale-watching tour
Whales are undeniably some of the top celebrities in the State of Alaska. In Sitka, cruisers will be able to take advantage of the pristine Sitka Sound on a whale-watching excursion. The shorelines of nearby islands Baranof and Kruzof add to a marine ecosystem teeming with wildlife.
Besides whale-watching, the Sea Otter and Wildlife Quest is another popular tour.
Fortress of the Bear
You don’t typically want to cross paths with a bear. That is unless you are visiting a resident of the Fortress of the Bear in Sitka. Orphaned cubs and bears in distress have been brought here since 2007, as a rehabilitation and rehoming facility. Visitors can get within 25 feet of the handful of bears who live here at any given time.
Sea kayaking
Active types will love a morning out on the water paddling the tranquil Sitka Sound. Your guide might meet you downtown where you will take a Zodiac about 15 to 20 minutes out into the Sound before boarding your kayak. Follow your group as you birdwatch, spot starfish, and breathe in the crisp air, all under the shadow of scenic Mt. Edgecumbe volcano.
Alaska Raptor Center
One of Alaska’s most popular destinations, the Alaska Raptor Center sounds like something out of “Jurassic Park.” However, it’s all about the birds here at an incredible facility that rehabs about 200 of them each year. Meet owls, hawks, falcons, and of course eagles, while learning about what makes each species so distinctive. The Raptor Center is on Raptor Way, a leisurely 20-minute walk from Centennial Hall.
Harbor Mountain Brewing Company
Formerly Baranof Island Brewing Company, beer lovers can still enjoy a refreshing pint on Sawmill Creek Road in Sitka. The IPAs, stouts, and inventive brews of Harbor Mountain will easily fill a flight and pass an hour or two. The taproom also serves pizza and brunch if you’re looking to make it a full meal.
Sitka Sound Science Center
Families looking to engage kids in the awe-inspiring nature around them might have some luck at Sitka’s own Science Center. Far from just an aquarium, this facility actively conducts research in field stations on the Sitka Sound. Scientific findings and engaging exhibits invite visitors of all ages to feel like part of cause. The Science Center is also home to Alaska’s oldest operating salmon hatchery.
Sitka National Historical Park
While comparatively small to the 49th State’s other massive parks, the Sitka National Historical Park is still an impressive 113 acres to explore. Set under the mystical canopy of coastal rainforest, visitors will find 20 totem poles along lush hiking trails. At the Visitor Center, knowledgeable rangers can lend context to the totems. You might even catch a carving demonstration by a Tlingit artist within the park’s cultural center.
Baranof Castle State Historic Site
Referred to by locals as Castle Hill, this park will help you to stretch your legs and learn about the many layers of Sitka’s history. The evolution of the fortification at the top of the hill (no longer a castle) mimics the town’s legacy: first occupied by the Tlingit, followed by the Russians, and finally as a state. Interpretive panels line the walkway and the views above downtown Sitka will make it worth the exercise.
Shop for salt, chocolate, and used books
There is an eclectic range of shops in downtown Sitka, and anyone looking to browse for souvenirs will not have a hard time finding them. Check out the Chocolate Moose — also a florist — for treats; the Alaska Pure Sea Salt Company for locally sourced salt; and Old Harbor Books for some reading material. All of these storefronts, and many more, are located along Lincoln Street.
Sheldon Jackson Museum
The oldest museum in all of Alaska, Sitka’s Sheldon Jackson museum is a unique marvel. Occupied since 1897, the museum is named after Rev. Dr. Sheldon Jackson, a resident who was a statewide advocate for education. These days, visitors can observe a wide range of precious Native items, from delicate jewelry to full-size traditional kayaks.
Now that you know the best things to do in Sitka, Alaska from a cruise ship, we have plenty of other helpful planning tips and advice for your upcoming Alaska cruise.
- Best Alaska Cruises 2023
- How Much Does an Alaska Cruise Cost?
- Expert Alaska Cruise Tips
- Best Time of Year to Cruise to Alaska
- Alaska Cruise Packing List
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