13 Amazing Things To Do in Sitka Alaska in Just One Day
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Your cruise ship has docked in Sitka and you’re faced with trying to plan your day. What should you do? What can you do? Here is a list of 13 things to do in Sitka Alaska in just one day and why it is such a fascinating place to explore. First, let’s get into the city from the ship.
Getting from the Ship to Shore in Sitka Alaska
When arriving in Sitka, Alaska, your ship will dock in one of two different locations depending on the size of the ship. There isn’t a deep water dock for large cruise ships and you’ll use tender boats to reach the shore.
Tender Boats
If you arrive in a larger cruise ship that cannot dock at the shoreline, you reach the city on a tender boat. These are smaller shuttle boats to bring passengers from the ship to shore. The ride is short and offers beautiful views of Sitka Sound along the way.
Take your time getting on and off the tender. Assistance is available for those in wheelchairs or needing extra help to feel safe getting onto the tender. Ask for assistance if needed because we don’t want you swimming to shore.
Docking at Halibut Point
The Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal is located about 6 miles north of the city. Our Princess Cruise ship was smaller and was able to dock here. But this meant a bus ride into the center of the city. Shuttle buses drove people with accessibility issues from the dock outside the ship to the area where the buses loaded. Although this was just a 5-6 minute walk, I appreciated it to save my walking strength for the tour destinations.
The free shuttle bus was comfortable and just a 10-15 minute ride. We arrived at the Harrigan Centennial Hall near the middle of the city. The tour bus picked us up and dropped us off at this location.
Getting Into the City of Sitka
Once you make it into the city, there are several different ways to explore the area.
🚶♀️➡️Walking
Sitka, Alaska has a compact downtown area that makes it easy to explore on foot. The Sitka National Historical Park, St. Michael’s Cathedral, and the Sheldon Jackson Museum are within walking distance of each other. There are also many shops, restaurants, and cafes you can also stop and visit.
🚌Shuttle Services
Some cruise lines or local tour operators offer shuttle services directly from the tender dock to downtown or other key attractions. Check with your cruise line or speak with a travel agent to find excursions offering this service.
🚖Taxis and Car Rentals
Sitka offers taxi service but ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are not available. Once you arrive in Sitka, so a search online or ask your cruise ship for help finding a taxi if needed. Please make sure to check the availability of the taxi companies since many run on a seasonal schedule.
Car rental probably doesn’t make much sense if you are in town for just one day from the cruise ship. But they are available if you decide this is what you want to do to get around. Book a rental car early since there will be a large crowd entering the city at the same time as you and there are limited car available.
🚲Bicycle Rentals
For a more active way to see the sights, consider renting a bicycle. Sitka has some bike-friendly routes that offer scenic views of the coastline and forests. Both standard bikes and electric bikes are available. Check some options out here.
👲🏽Guided Tours
Joining a guided tour can be a convenient way to see the highlights of Sitka, learn about its history and culture, and make the most of your time ashore. There are various tours available, including walking tours, bus tours, and even boat tours for wildlife viewing.
Bears, Totem Park, and Raptor Center Premium Sitka Tour Whale Watching and Wildlife Tour
⏰Check the Schedule Closely
Be sure to check the availability of things to do in Sitka Alaska in just one day when you arrive. Services may vary depending on the season and the day of the week. The Alaska tourist season is short and many businesses only operate during the peak time of May through September.
Most importantly of all, make sure to be back on the ship at the time they tell you on announcements and in the daily newsletters or messages. You do not want to be left behind with all your belongings sailing away without you. Be on time!
Things to Do in Sitka Alaska in Just One Day
There are many activity options for you to choose from, but make sure to arrange your excursion in advance if possible. You can book it through your cruise ship on their app, if you choose, or at the excursion desk.
Another option is to have your travel agent arrange the excursions when you book your cruise itinerary. They can often find you excellent deals at better prices than offered on board. I may be biased since I am a travel agent, but this saves a lot of time and worry once you dock. Contact me here for help booking your own Alaskan adventure. Even if you book yourself, please book early to get the best deals and guarantee a spot on the tour.
1 Sitka National Historical Park
Often called “Totem Park” locally, Sitka National Historical Park is the oldest national park in Alaska. It features a collection of Tlingit and Haida totem poles, a scenic coastal trail, and the site of the 1804 Battle of Sitka. The visitor center offers interpretive displays and ranger-led programs to learn about the park’s natural and cultural history.
Our guide was a native Tlingit of the Raven clan and shared his history by telling wonderful stories. He explained the designs behind some of the totems and brought the carved poles to life by connecting them to real people. His love and knowledge of the area was extremely helpful to understand the history of the Sitka.
2 Alaska Raptor Center
This rehabilitation center cares for injured birds of prey, with the goal of releasing them back into the wild. Visitors can take a tour to see eagles, hawks, falcons, and owls up close, and learn about the center’s conservation efforts. Click here to learn more.
3 Sheldon Jackson Museum
This museum showcases an extensive collection of Alaska Native artifacts kept in one of the oldest buildings in Sitka. You can view masks, baskets, clothing and carvings. It provides a fascinating insight into the diverse cultures of Alaska’s indigenous peoples and includes many photos and old maps. Click here for ticket information.
4 Fortress of the Bear
This bear sanctuary provides a home for orphaned Alaskan brown bears. Visitors can observe the bears in a large, natural-styled habitat and learn about bear behavior and conservation efforts. Ticket information is available here.
5 Walking Tour of Downtown
A leisurely stroll through Sitka’s downtown area reveals a blend of cultural influences. Key sights include the Russian Bishop’s House, the Sitka Pioneer Home, and the many art galleries and shops selling local crafts. Make sure to visit the ornament shops for traditional Russian nesting dolls and other decorations. Click here for a guided walking tour.
6 Hiking and Walking Tours in Nature
Many different full day and half-day hiking or walking tours are available to explore the area. From the Tongass National Forest to the outskirts of the city, there’s a tour to suit your time constraints and your abilities. Check out a hiking tour perfectly suitable for cruise day visitors.
7 Sea Kayaking
Guided sea kayaking tours offer a chance to paddle along Sitka’s stunning coastline, exploring kelp forests and rocky inlets. It’s a great way to experience the area’s natural beauty and potentially spot marine wildlife. Enjoy searching for seals, sea otters, or even whales while getting a workout.
8 Fishing Charter Trips
Sitka is renowned for its excellent sport fishing, particularly for salmon and halibut. A charter fishing trip can take you out to the best fishing spots, with all equipment provided, and you might even catch your dinner! A perfect activity for the avid fisherman or woman. Check out this tour made for cruise ship visitors.
9 Flightseeing
Sightseeing is great for staying on the ground, but flight seeing gets you above it all. Hire a custom charter plane to soar above Sitka and the surrounding area for a bird’s eye view of the majestic beauty. Click here for this luxury private excursion. Planes can also fly you out to some of the best fishing areas around Sitka.
10 Bicycle Rentals
Get your blood pumping and see the sights on a rented bicycle. Several shops rent a variety of bikes, including e-bikes, so you can pedal and cruise around the town. Check online or with the ship for currently operating businesses since they change with the seasons.
11 Sitka Music Festival
Held annually each June, celebrate classical music at this festival with paid concerts, free community concerts, and other special events. Make sure to visit their site for more details.
12 New Archangel Dancers
Performed at Harrigan Centennial Hall, watch traditional Russian folk dances. The performance is professionally choreographed and well worth the time. We watched it on our visit since this is where the cruise ship bus dropped us off and it was included in our tour.
13 St. Michael’s Cathedral
This historic cathedral is a beautiful example of Russian Orthodox architecture in Alaska. Inside, you’ll find a rich collection of religious artifacts, including many gorgeous icons. The original cathedral was destroyed by fire in 1966, but it has been faithfully reconstructed. St. Michael’s is still an active cathedral in Sitka.
The Russian Orthodox Church is located in the center of the city on an island of church property with traffic all around. Once inside, the traffic is all but forgotten in the splendor of this beautiful place of faith. Click here for St. Michael’s tickets.
Our Choice of Things to Do in Sitka Alaska in Just One Day
The tour we chose that day included a trip to the Sitka National Historical Park, The Sheldon Jackson Museum, and the Russian Orthodox St. Michael’s Cathedral.
The bus did park further down the street since the church sits in the middle of a busy rotary section of the road. We walked about 2-3 minutes on the sidewalk to reach the church.
Several of the tours offered a combination of a few different locations, so check with your travel agent or with the ship’s excursion office for available tours.
Each of these excursions shares a unique way to experience Sitka’s natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural heritage of both the natives and the Russians who left their mark in the area.
Check For Availability
I can’t stress enough to make sure you check the availability and scheduled hours for any tours or places you want to visit. The hours depend on the season and the day, so know if the location is open before you spend time getting there. This is important for tourist destinations, shops, and restaurants. Be prepared.
A Helpful Tip About Accessibility
When you’re booking your shore excursion or private tour, make sure to ask about accessibility of the tour vehicle if this is something that you need. I chose our tour from the ones listed on the Princess app. Limited walking was important since I was using a cane on this excursion.
Our tour vehicle ended up being an actual old school bus with steep stairs and uncomfortable bouncy seats. One of the other tour passengers also used a cane but had much difficulty with getting up the stairs of the bus. I felt her frustration and pain as she struggled getting up the stairs. She also apologized for holding us up since it took her several minutes to get up the steps and into her seat. If anybody complained, luckily I didn’t hear them.
Ask Probing Questions if Concerned with Accessibility
The tour was recommended as accessible when I asked before booking. You may need to ask deeper probing questions and do not feel you are being rude. Mobility limitations are a fact and paying good money for a tour that you can’t enjoy is a gross waste of money. If it is marked as accessible, you might need to make sure it really is accessible.
Although I could get up the stairs with the use of the handrails and my cane, it wasn’t a comfortable way to drive around the city of Sitka. Luckily, we weren’t traveling too far on this excursion.
The Importance of the Russian Influence in Sitka
Since we heard plenty of history from our guide about the Russians, here’s a few facts about why their presence is so significant to the city.
Sitka was the capital of Russian America and established as a loosely government sponsored fur trading company. Sea otter pelts were their primary focus. This fur trading business brought many Russians to the Alaskan shore. Over the years, the culture of the Russians blended with the indigenous Tlingits, and then with other native groups. This intermingling created a unique blend of cultures that influenced their way of life.
Missionaries of the Russian Orthodox Church arrived on the shores to convert the local people. St. Michael’s Cathedral is a strong symbol of the Orthodox faith still remaining in Sitka. Even though the original church burnt down in 1966, it was rebuilt and still holds religious services.
Several Russian constructed buildings still stand in Sitka adding to the historical significance their years in control left behind. Castle Hill, the site of the former Baranof Castle, is where the official transfer of Alaska from Russia to the United States happened in 1867. Every year this event is commemorated in October.
Overall, the Russian influence in Sitka is an integral part of the town’s heritage, shaping its cultural, architectural, and historical landscape.
Where is Sitka Alaska Located?
Sitka, Alaska, is located on the west side of Baranof Island, facing the Pacific Ocean. It’s situated in the southeastern part of Alaska, also known as the Alaska Panhandle.
Sitka is approximately 90 miles southwest of Juneau, the state capital, and is accessible by air and sea. The town is surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of the Tongass National Forest, with a backdrop of mountains, islands, and the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean.
FAQ About Sitka Alaska
Can you walk around Sitka, Alaska?
Once you are in the city, the downtown area is considered walkable for those that can walk easily.
What is the best month to visit Sitka, Alaska?
The most popular time to visit Sitka is during the peak cruise season of May through August, or into early September. Weather temperatures are at their best and are mild and cool through this season, ranging from the low 60s to mid-70s like it was when we visited.
Is Sitka a small town?
In Conclusion: Things To Do in Sitka Alaska in Just One Day from a Cruise Ship
Sitka’s significance in American and Russian history is reflected in its role as a center of colonial power, a site of cultural exchange, and a key location in the transfer of Alaska from Russia to the United States.
It is a unique blend of very different cultures and evidence of this blend is seen throughout the area. Enjoy your day exploring Sitka before continuing on your cruise through the beautiful Alaskan landscape.
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