Sitka, Alaska can be found in Alaska's southernmost archipelago. Bordering British Columbia, with its countless things to do, Alaska boasts islands waiting to be discovered by tourists.

One such island is Baranof Island, home to the once Russian-ruled city of Sitka. Southwest of Juneau, Sitka is only accessible by air or by boat, making the journey of getting there part of the experience.

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.

1 Fortress Of The Bear

Fortress of the Bear
Photo by Simon Hurry on Unsplash
Fortress of the Bear

Get up close to over two dozen brown bears in a naturalized setting at this wildlife sanctuary. Built in an abandoned waste management facility that looks more like the raptor enclosure at Jurassic Park, this amazing non-profit facility provides a home for Alaska's orphaned bears.

Alaska is one of the top places in North America to see bears, and they are often only found in wilderness encounters. The Fortress of the Bear offers guests a wonderful opportunity to see and understand these large animals on a more domesticated level.

Visitors can gain entry for:

  • Adults: $15
  • Kids: $5
  • 7 and under: Free

RELATED: A Destination Guide To Sitka, The Lesser-Known Gem Of Alaska

2 Witness Remnants Of Russian America

Sitka, Alaska
Photo by Simon Hurry on Unsplash
Sitka, Alaska

For 68 years, from 1799 to 1867 Sitka, Alaska, as we know it today was actually a fishing port town under Russian rule. Russian influences are still found in the region today at places like the Russian Blockhouse, Building 29, the Russian Bishop's House, and St. Michael's Cathedral.

  • Visit the Bishop's House: Tours every 30 minutes, open from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm daily during the summer months. Winter hours by appointment only.
  • Visit St. Michael's Russian Orthodox Cathedral: Visitors are encouraged to visit with a $5 requested donation during summer months (especially when a cruise ship is in port). Hours are from 9am-4pm, with Sundays by appointment only.

3 Hike The Herring Cove Trail

Sitka, Alaska
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Sitka, Alaska

Visitors seem to unanimously agree that Herring Cove Trailhead is the must-do hike when visiting Sitka. Offering waterfalls and stunning scenery at Beaver Lake, this moderate hike will be a well-enjoyed day out with the family.

Details:

  • Diffulty level: moderate
  • Length: 1.4 miles
  • Parking: Park at the end of Sawmill Creek Road
  • Trailhead is at the parking lot

4 Visit The Sitka Sound Science Center

Sitka, Alaska
Photo by Elizabeth Orlando on Unsplash
Sitka, Alaska

Say that three times fast! At the Sitka Sound Science Center, children will love getting up close and personal with the touch pool aquariums, built to showcase the tidal pool sea life of Sitka Sound. They'll get to touch starfish and anemones as well! Onsite at this part science center/part aquarium, families can enjoy seeing a salmon hatchery and learn about the processing of egg hatching.

Details:

  • Ages 3 and up cost $8
  • Ages 3 and under are free
  • Hours are Wednesday to Saturday, 10am-2pm. Check online in advance to make sure they are open and for special events that day.

RELATED: Take An Ultimate Charter Fishing Trip In Alaska

5 Castle Hill

Sitka, Alaska
Photo by Simon Hurry on Unsplash
Sitka, Alaska

Site of Russian significance in Alaska, Castle Hill is also a National Historic Landmark and State Historic Site. Hike up to the top for views of the water and soak in some history. Visitors can read through history on the signs along the path, and take plenty of photos of cannons and scenery.

6 Take A Seaplane Tour

Sitka, Alaska
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Sitka, Alaska

Privately owned small airplane charters can be taken to fly over and around Baranof Island. Dubbed "flightseeing" on Visit Sitka's website, they provide several tour companies to choose from. Enjoy searching for otters and wildlife from the air. Some trips even include time for fishing!

7 Paddle To A WWII Bunker

Sitka, Alaska
Photo by Elizabeth Orlando on Unsplash
Sitka, Alaska

SEAK Adventure is a locally run tour company providing an impressive list of unique kayaking opportunities to visitors. Among them is a truly unique paddle out to a series of pre-WWII bunkers where the intrepid can explore secret passages, munitions and artillery depots, and a multi-story underground complex.

Guided only by flashlight, this incredible tour is much more than just a typical kayaking trip. Other paddle trips include visits to the Rockwell Lighthouse, Blue Lake, and the ChaiChei islands.

8 Shopping On Lincoln Street

Sitka, Alaska
Photo by Elizabeth Orlando on Unsplash
Sitka, Alaska

All visitors stepping foot in Sitka will want to browse the shops on Lincoln Street. From Moccasins to Russian Nesting dolls, shoppers can bring home unique souvenirs from their visit.

The main street of Sitka, Lincoln Street also boasts half a dozen galleries to peruse. Enjoy browsing the many handmade treasures including Native art, and jewelry from the Iñupiat culture.

9 Take A Boat Tour

Sitka, Alaska
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Sitka, Alaska

If not already arriving by cruise ship, visitors may want to get out on the water for some sightseeing. A water taxi will take tourists and locals alike to areas around Sitka Sound, while other sightseeing boats can also be chartered in town.

The list of boating options in Sitka is seemingly endless — from cruises to spot wildlife, fishing charters, photography excursions, sailing, and so much more.

10 Take A Haunted Ghost Tour

Sitka Sound
Photo by Elizabeth Orlando on Unsplash
Sitka Sound

With a town full of history, there's bound to be some spooky stories to tell. Haunted Sitka offers just the ticket for those seeking something a little different.

Operated as private tours only, a small group can take a 60-90 minute walk around the town (about a mile of walking) and enjoy stories and locations echoing grueling and chilling tales from Sitka's past.

  • Prices start at $240 for four people and an additional $60 per person (up to 20 people) after that.
  • This tour is not suitable for children under the age of 10.

11 Best Time To Go

Sitka, Alaska
Photo by Simon Hurry on Unsplash
Sitka, Alaska

The summer months and the shoulder seasons (late Spring and early Fall) are the best bet for any trip through Alaska, due primarily to the winter conditions causing delays and struggle for travelers.

The road coming up from the south is open year-round, but keep in mind that occasionally a mountain pass may close due to weather or even avalanches. Take precautions in advance if driving, and keep in mind air traffic delays if arriving by air.

The best time to cruise to Alaska is in the summer months, so book a cruise and keep it easy!

RELATED: Road Trip Alaska: A Guide From Seattle To Anchorage

12 Best Ways To Get Around

Sitka, Alaska
Photo by Elizabeth Orlando on Unsplash
Sitka, Alaska

There are 14 miles of road in Sitka, Alaska. Fourteen. That's it! Needless to say, driving around is not really the most effective way of getting around — especially if what travelers are there to see is nature.

On Foot

  • It is one mile end to end on the main drag of Lincoln Street
  • Hiking trailheads can be reached from downtown without issue
  • Walk 25 minutes from the airport

Free Transportation

  • Free shuttle from the cruise terminal (leaving every 10-15 minutes)
  • Arrive by Cruise

On The Road Options

  • Taxis are limited, but available. Book in advance if able!
  • Rent a car
  • Book a tour
  • Public Transport is called the "RIDE" and is a fixed-route bus service reaching all the residential areas of the community.

Other Options

  • Rent a bike
  • Hop on a water taxi around Sitka Sound

13 Where To Eat

Sitka, Alaska
Photo by Victor Martinez
Sitka, Alaska

Note that many restaurants in Sitka are seasonal and may be temporarily closed during the colder, winter months.

Breakfast

The Backdoor Cafe

The Backdoor Cafeoffers coffee, danishes, pastries, cookies and other light fare to get the day going.

It is located at 104 Barracks St, Sitka, AK 99835.

Lunch

Halibut Point Crab & Chowder

Halibut Point Crab & Chowder deserves praise for its stellar chowder and dungeness crab on the menu. This is a favorite for cruisers stopping in port for the day.

It is located at 4513 Halibut Point Road, Sitka, AK.

Dinner

Ludvig's Bistro

Full of character, this is repeatedly the number one restaurant in Sitka from its reviewers. Delicious seafood and Mediterranean courses will warm diners after a long day exploring town. Only open for dinner, in season they also offer a chowder cart at the lunch hours.

Ludvig's Bistro is located at 256 Katlian St, Sitka, AK 99835.

RELATED: All The Best Kept Local Food And Drink Secrets In Anchorage, Alaska

14 Where To Stay

Sitka, Alaska
Image by Dawn Shuler from Pixabay
Sitka, Alaska

Many people choose to rent an apartment or camp while staying in Sitka, however, there are several options for hotel accommodation as well.

Super 8, $$

Address: 404 Sawmill Creek Road, Sitka, AK 99835-7446

Amenities: Walking distance to all the local attractions, Super 8 offers comfortable lodging at an affordable price.

Aspen Suites, $$$

Address: 210 Lake Street, Sitka, AK 99835

Amenities: One of Sitka's newer hotels, built in 2017, the contemporary suites offer apartment-size refrigerators and small kitchens to make and prep meals during a stay. It is walking distance to everything in town.

Sitka Hotel and Restaurant, $$

Address: 118 Lincoln Street, Sitka, AK 99835

Amenities: Offering an airport shuttle, this hotel also has an onsite restaurant and bar. It is minutes on foot to all the major attractions in town.

15 Tips To Consider When Visiting

Sitka, Alaska
Photo by Simon Hurry on Unsplash
Sitka, Alaska

As mentioned previously, Sitka is NOT accessible by car. Make proper arrangements for transportation as part of travel planning.

Sitka may be a more populous town than many others in Alaska, however, for those who plan to travel in the wilderness without a tour, be sure to review ways to stay safe in Alaska's wilderness.

16 How To Spend The Perfect Day In Sitka

Sitka, Alaska
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Sitka, Alaska

A perfect day in Sitka largely depends on travelers' preferred methods of travel.

Many of Alaska's small towns are best experienced by cruise ship. 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.

Visitors to Sitka by cruise will enjoy leisurely stepping off the boat in the morning, strolling into town to explore the shops, and scheduling a private tour or excursion to one or several of the local sites.

Having an authentic or local experience for lunch in Sitka will be paramount to feeling travelers have done it all, and all within the luxury of a one-day Alaska cruise ship stop. There are countless reasons why a cruise in Alaska is a great way to see Sitka, but more than anything it is for the convenience it offers.

Folks looking for a longer stay will enjoy the solitude and tranquility of nature, and will likely want to take it slow on hiking trails and outdoor pursuits.

FAQ

Q: Is Sitka a walkable town?

Because Sitka is so small (in contrast with Alaska's main hub, Anchorage), it can be explored on foot when the weather permits.

Q: Is it worth visiting Sitka Alaska?

Sitka is an excellent destination for people who enjoy being outdoors, don't mind the cold, and are interested in the local history of indigenous Alaskans. It's also near enough to Juneau to make a whole Alaskan adventure out of a trip.

Q: What is the best month to visit Sitka Alaska?

The best time to visit Alaska, whether by land or via a cruise, is summer because it tends to have the fairest weather.