Though not as well-liked because the “huge three” Alaska ports — Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway — Sitka is an journey in its personal proper. Positioned on the rugged shores of Baranof Island, Sitka is attracting extra cruise ships than ever earlier than, due to its brand-new Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal that may accommodate as much as two massive ships on the identical time.
This Pacific coastal metropolis is a nature-lover’s paradise. Dwelling to the Alaska Raptor Heart and the Fortress of the Bear, it offers perception into Alaska’s wildlife in a means that different ports of name cannot match.
Sitka has one thing else that different ports in Southeast Alaska lack: a powerful Russian historical past. The settlement was below Russian management from 1799 to 1867, when it was often called New Archangel. When Russia offered Alaska to the U.S. for $7.2 million in 1867, the switch ceremony marking the Alaska Buy passed off right here.
Now, Sitka gives an interesting mixture of Tlingit (pronounced kling-it) historical past, Russian affect and Americana that’s distinctive in southeast Alaska. Mix that with its unbelievable nature, wildlife and surroundings, and Sitka makes an awesome addition to any Alaska cruise itinerary.
Issues TPG loves about Sitka
It is residence to Southeast Alaska’s solely Russian-Orthodox structure.There may be ample nature at your fingertips.The small city has loads of retailers and eating places.
What we might do with out
The cruise pier is a distance from city, and shuttle wait instances might be lengthy throughout peak intervals.
Sitka quick information
Language: English is the official language.Foreign money: The U.S. greenback is used for all purchases in Sitka.Time zone: Sitka is within the Alaska Time Zone (GMT-8), one hour behind Pacific Customary Time and 4 hours behind Japanese Customary Time.
Arrival particulars
Whereas some small ships nonetheless anchor out within the bay and tender passengers into the center of Sitka’s downtown, most cruise passengers will discover themselves docked on the Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal, roughly 6 miles northwest of downtown Sitka. Complimentary shuttle buses whisk passengers into city, however when two ships are in port on the identical time, strains can get prolonged. In actual fact, passengers should now reserve their shuttle to city upfront, although no reservations are required to return to the pier from Sitka. Upgrades to the brand new terminal had been made in 2020 and 2021, and the brand new facility boasts retailers, eating places, bars and knowledge proper on the pier.
Passengers on shore excursions will get picked up from and returned to the cruise terminal, except in any other case specified.
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High issues to do in Sitka cruise port
By far, the preferred issues to do in Sitka revolve round nature. The Alaska Raptor Heart is an interesting rehabilitation, training and analysis heart that’s a straightforward 30-minute stroll from downtown and is included on many Sitka shore excursions. Should you go independently, plan to spend at the least an hour right here (perhaps extra you probably have bird-obsessed little ones in tow).
The opposite main attraction in Sitka is the Fortress of the Bear, a rescue sanctuary for orphaned bears. Opened in 2007, the middle’s mission is to look after bears orphaned as cubs, carry them again to well being and supply the animals with lengthy lives which will embody eventual launch into the wild along with the Alaska Division of Fish and Recreation. When you can go to independently, reserving as a part of a cruise line shore tour is beneficial as a result of lengthy wait instances, notably on busy ship days.
Kayaking can be a well-liked pastime in Sitka, due to the pristine waters that run close to the town and its outer islands.
Associated: The ten greatest Alaska cruises for each sort of traveler in 2025 and 2026
Well-liked Sitka shore excursions
Should you’re into outside adventures, Sitka is the place you wish to severely take into account for a extra energetic tour. There’s an abundance of incredible shore excursions to take part in right here, from wildlife viewing to kayaking to fly fishing, rafting and even guided hikes.
Siginaka Islands cruise and kayak journey
This 90-minute kayak session gives the prospect to see ocean wildlife up shut from the consolation of ocean kayaks that may seat two individuals. The Siginaka Islands make the right location for this journey, with quite a few slim passages and calm ocean currents, permitting you to simply drift or paddle alongside and benefit from the sights.
Fortress of the Bear
Cruise strains provide a variety of totally different excursions to the Fortress of the Bear, which is, on many Alaska cruises, the one assured alternative to see bears. These journeys to the Fortress of the Bear rehabilitation heart promote out on almost each cruise, so reserving upfront is crucial.
Alaska Raptor Heart and cultural discovery
Like Fortress of the Bear, journeys to the Alaska Raptor Heart are a number of the first shore excursions to vanish. Well-liked with households, this tour sometimes additionally features a panoramic drive, a guided go to to the Alaska Raptor Heart and a cultural efficiency by the Alaska Storyteller Dancers.
Wildlife Quest and Fin Island Lodge
One in all a number of excursions that embody a go to to Fin Island Lodge in Sitka Sound, this tour is well-liked for its wildlife cruise, which gives an opportunity to see whales, sea otters and even distant brown bears. Coming ashore on the lodge, friends can stroll the shoreline or sit by the fireplace earlier than having fun with a meal of Alaskan crab, freshly caught fish, prime rib and dessert earlier than returning on their tour boat to the cruise pier.
The best way to get round Sitka by yourself
On foot: As soon as the cruise shuttle drops you on the town, you possibly can simply discover a lot of downtown on foot.Taxi: Whereas taxi companies can be found in Sitka, they are often troublesome to search out with out reserving upfront. Use the cruise ship shuttle to take you into downtown, or e-book an tour should you’re focused on venturing farther out.Bike or scooter: A handful of motorcycle and e-bike rental retailers can be found in Sitka.Automotive: Automotive leases aren’t extensively obtainable in Sitka, however you will not have a lot want for a personal automobile right here.
Sitka eating places close to the cruise pier
You do not have to enterprise far out of your ship for a chew to eat as a result of there are a handful of eating places on the Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal. These embody Halibut Level Crab and Chowder, which sells domestically sourced Dungeness crab, and the Wheelhouse Pub, which serves up chilly Alaskan brews alongside pub-style Alaskan meals and seafood.
On the town, the Bayview Pub on Lincoln Road is a long-standing favourite that overlooks the interior harbor and serves up strong pub-style meals and loads of native beers.
Imply Queen on Harbor Drive additionally overlooks Sitka’s interior harbor and serves an enormous menu of favorites from 8 a.m. till 2 a.m. every day.
A few of the greatest pizza we have ever eaten has been at Harbor Mountain Brewing Firm. It is a few 30-minute stroll from downtown, previous the Sitka Nationwide Historic Park, and has a Campfire Kitchen Pizza tucked away inside it. Order a pint and settle in — these pizzas take time however are well worth the wait.
For an genuine Alaskan bar expertise, hit up the Pioneer Bar on Katlian Road, simply previous the Sitka Pioneer Dwelling. It isn’t as tough because it seems, and it is well-liked with each locals and vacationers alike.
Or for one thing totally different, pop by Sitka Pel’Meni for a style of Russian dumplings in homage to the city’s lengthy Russian historical past.
Associated: Greatest Alaska cruise shore excursions
Sitka dishes to strive
When in Alaska, the phrase of the day is seafood. Ask if something is domestically caught or in season; seafood or salmon chowders are at all times a superb alternative in Sitka, as is crab. Regionally brewed beers are a superb option to pair with any meal. It is also powerful to go fallacious with burgers and pizza.
Sitka cruise port procuring
Downtown Sitka can cater to all of your procuring wants, with shops that vary from massive multinational firms to native, independently run retailers. So whilst you’ll discover the likes of Diamonds Worldwide in Sitka — ubiquitous throughout Alaska — you may additionally discover native wares, too.
Outlets are on and close to Lincoln Road, which runs the size of downtown. There are tremendous artwork galleries, shops specializing in native Tlingit tradition and reward retailers that supply normal items like T-shirts, salmon, Ulu knives and different wares.
Sitka does have a incredible bookstore (Outdated Harbor Books) on Lincoln Road with a superb native curiosity part, whereas extra sensible retailers like Russell’s (additionally on Lincoln) provide outside gear for individuals who might must improve their outerwear for Alaska’s liquid sunshine.
Free issues to do in Sitka cruise port
Though cruise strains provide excursions that discover the pristine forest of the Sitka Nationwide Historic Park, there is no purpose you possibly can’t go to by yourself. A leisurely stroll from downtown takes you into the center of the park, which incorporates the customer heart and a Tlingit totem pole.
It is also completely free to stroll round downtown and take within the sights, such because the Russian Bishop’s Home, St. Michael the Archangel Orthodox Cathedral and Baranof Citadel State Historic Web site.
Households ought to hit the wonderful Neighborhood Children Playground on Lincoln Road, a few 10-minute stroll previous the Russian Bishop’s Home, subsequent to the Sitka Sound Science Heart.
Backside line
Sitka is a superb port of name that provides some spectacular tour choices you will not see elsewhere in Alaska. Whereas the cruise pier is a distance from city, correct planning could make your day right here one to recollect.
