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The meals, which emphasize locally sourced ingredients, go wonderfully with the beers. As you ascend, panoramic vistas of Sitka Sound and the surrounding islands unfold, making every step worthwhile. The terrain can be steep and hard, so it’s ideal for physically fit individuals. The great outdoors beckon in Sitka, offering everything from leisurely strolls to adrenaline-pumping adventures. Whether you are a seasoned hiker or someone who enjoys the casual beauty of nature, Sitka has something for everyone.
Alaska Pure Sea Salt

That means while the walk can take a little bit of time, it’s fairly easy to do. Just remember that if you go off on a walking tour on your own, you’ll also need to factor in the time it takes to return back to the pickup point for your ship. If you dock at the Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal, then as mentioned, you will be a considerable distance from the town itself. Not to worry, there are large shuttle busses that run constantly between the cruise port and the town during the entire day. Another possibility is the Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal (sometimes known as the Old Sitka Dock).
…But Visit The Alaska Raptor Center To See Bald Eagles Up Close
Bayview Restaurant – If you want more traditional Alaskan fare, head to Bayview. The selection of dishes is a seafood lover’s delight, with the finest catches from the waters around Sitka. No visit to Sitka is complete without stopping by St. Michael’s Cathedral.
I tried a Holland America cruise to Alaska. Here's what it's like to sail on this cruise line - Cruise Blog
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Exciting things to do from the Sitka Cruise Port
This Russian Orthodox cathedral is a replica of the original church building built in 1848 and destroyed by a fire in 1966. St. Michael’s Cathedral requests a donation if you want to enter the church. Sitka has a 10,000 year-old history that began when Tlingit people settled in Southeast Alaska. Once the capital of Russian America in 1808, Sitka was the site of the Alaska Purchase on March 30, 1867. That’s when the United States bought Alaska from the Russians for $7.2 million. I'm also a travel advisor with extensive training and certifications in cruise vacations and Disney properties.

Take a boat ride out to Goddard Hot Springs
A charming coastal town nestled on the picturesque shores of Baranof Island, Sitka is a popular cruise port along the scenic Inside Passage in southeast Alaska. Many Alaskan cruise ships include either the Sitka cruise port or nearby Icy Strait Point as part of their itinerary. Begin at the visitor’s center where you will ground your walk through the park in history and culture, with displays of Native Alaskan artifacts and demonstrations of native crafts. And you’ll emerge from this place with a fierce, almost motherly, drive to protect it.
Lace-up your hiking boots and get ready for a six-mile hike into the Alaskan rainforest. The museum has been collecting items of historical and cultural significance since 1885. Here you’ll find masks, carvings, tools, toys, boats, and other artifacts from native Northwest Coast cultures. If the experience in Juneau was any indication, kayaking in Sitka is an activity that will leave you with cherished memories and a deep appreciation for the natural beauty of Alaska.
Visit Indian River Waterfall
Take in the surrounding natural beauty while hiking through a national park and by cruising Sitka Sound on a custom-built expedition vessel made for adventure. Whether you sit inside the vessel or out on deck, you will enjoy spectacular coastal views with majestic mountains as a backdrop. As you pass densely forested islands and glacially carved fjords, the guide will provide commentary that describes the geological, natural and cultural history in fascinating detail. Don’t be surprised if you spot, Harbor porpoise, sea otters and whales along the way. Another side of Alaska awaits you in Sitka National Historical Park, where you will hike through the temperate rainforest. The trail is dotted with brightly colored totem poles that mirror the ones that were exhibited at the 1904 World’s Fair.
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Cruising to Sitka: Your Guide to a Day in Port Porthole Cruise Magazine - Porthole Cruise and Travel
Cruising to Sitka: Your Guide to a Day in Port Porthole Cruise Magazine.
Posted: Sun, 09 Jan 2022 13:11:43 GMT [source]
Then one day a sign appeared outside, and I realized that it also opens its doors to the public for community events and traditional dance presentations. If you’re only in Sitka for one day, you won’t be able to fit ALL of these things in, but you can do a lot of them! Although Sitka covers a massive amount of land area, many of the attractions are right downtown or close by. 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. 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.
Many of the more than five thousand artifacts displayed in the museum were collected by the Rev. Dr. Sheldon Jackson, a missionary and educator, during his travels throughout rural Alaska. By 1969 the Bishop’s House was in such a dangerous state of disrepair that the church closed the building. Right after its construction, the house became the residence of Ivan Veniaminov, a beloved Russian Orthodox leader and the first Bishop of Alaska. Veniaminov took the name Innocent, and Bishop (later Archbishop) Innocent lived there in the 1840s and early 1850s.
For 135-years, the town of Sitka became known as the capital of the Russian Empire in Alaska. After you read through this Sitka overview, dive right in to my 21 Best Things to Do in Sitka post. With knowing a little bit more about Sitka first, it’ll be easier to plan your day. If you’re lucky enough to dock in Sitka during June, you’re in for a real treat. This is Alaska’s premiere music festival, with exclusive concerts and free music events. Perhaps one of the most spectacular natural settings in the world, one of the best things to do in Sitka, Alaska, is going sea kayaking.
Salmon mean opportunistic bears, so keep a lookout for these majestic creatures. You could also spot deer, as well as many species of birds in Alaska. Follow a moderate hiking trail with a scramble at the end along the blue Indian River to a cascading waterfall. This is a busy salmon river, so in summer you’ll see thousands of fish forcing their way upstream.
For a challenging hike on a sunny day, try Gavan Hill overlook or Picnic Rock. If you want something more mellow, go for Herring Cove and Beaver Lake or Mosquito Cove. If it’s a rainy day, take a hike on the Sitka Cross Trail or Indian River. Start today with coffee and a breakfast sandwich from Highliner Coffee and head out for a hike or kayaking tour. You could also do a half day kayaking tour and a half day hike if you want to do it all. If you have more time and energy this day, do some tidepooling or beach exploring at Halibut Point.
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