Best Things to do in Sitka, Alaska

Even though Sitka is small, it has lots of fun and interesting things to offer to every Alaska Cruise traveler. Walk along the Totem Trail in Sitka National Historical Park and see the tall totem poles that share stories of the Tlingit people. Enjoy the beautiful, green forests of Tongass National Park. You can also go fishing in Sitka Sound and try catching some fresh salmon. Every moment in Sitka feels like a special adventure surrounded by nature.

After a day of exploring, downtown Sitka invites you to relax in cozy cafes, art galleries, and local shops. This island town, located between the mountains and the sea, offers a mix of history and natural beauty. Sitka is the only Inside Passage town that faces the Pacific Ocean. It’s known for its Tlingit culture and Russian-style buildings like Saint Michael’s Cathedral. Whether you love nature, and history, or simply want to relax, Sitka has something for everyone. Cruises to Sitka give you amazing vibes to enjoy wildlife, activities, history, and many more. Here are the best things to do in Sitka, you don’t miss!

There are many best things to do in Sitka, Alaska, that you will not want to miss.

Top Awesome Things to do in Sitka, Alaska

1. Go fishing in Sitka Sound

Aside from being one of Alaska's most beautiful areas, Sitka Sound has been a fishing paradise since the Tlingits, who were among the first to settle in the area. Sitka Sound is well-known for its sportfishing, but it also supports numerous species of Alaskan salmon, as well as halibut and rockfish.

Set sail along Sitka Sound on an exclusive fishing trip and discover the secrets to a successful catch from a professional fishing skipper. Experience the thrill of the chase while surrounded by lush evergreens and majestic peaks in the distance. Aside from being one of Alaska's top fishing spots, whale sightings are common, as are harbor seals, sea otters, and even sea lions.

2. Revel in Sitka's Festival Scene

Sitka has many reasons to rejoice, as it is rich in culture, history, and natural beauty. The Sitka Music Festival brings together world-class chamber musicians to perform in the coastal village before starting on tours throughout Alaska. Sitka Jazz Festival adds a New Orleans flair to the winter season with a concert series, dance parties, and after-hours festivities.

At the Sitka Whale Fest in November, world-renowned scientists share their knowledge of whales and marine life over three days of lectures, while whale-watching excursions take presenters and visitors out to look for whales and other marine animals. The Alaska Day Festival lasts a full week in October and includes a military parade, reenactments, a ball, and other festivities commemorating Alaska's history.

3. Discover the city's Russian Heritage

Sitka is known as the center of Russian influence in Alaska, having once served as the capital of Russian America. In the 18th century, Russian missionaries-built St. Michael's Cathedral, North America's first Russian Orthodox cathedral. Today, it is a national historic site with hymns chanted in Tlingit, Alutiiq, Yu'pik, and Slavonic. With onion-shaped domes and glittering crosses, its old-world architecture transports visitors back in antiquity.

Within a 5-minute walk of the cathedral, you'll find the historical Sitka Pioneer Home and the cemetery of Princess Maksoutoff, Alaska's final Russian governor. The Russian Bishop's House, a rare specimen of Russian colonial architecture in North America, and Baranof Castle State Historic location, the ceremonial location of Russia's surrender of Alaska property to the United States, are also within walking distance.

4. Trek in Tongass National Forest

Tongass National Forest is the United States' largest forest, including over 500 miles of lush cedars and conifers, dense rainforests, and stunning glaciers. Tongass National Park is more than just a temperate rainforest; it has streams for swimming salmon, gorgeous fjords, and sweeping bays. Put on your toughest hiking boots and set out on the adventure of a lifetime.

There are several popular hikes in the area, suitable for both beginners and experienced hikers. Explore the Indian River Trail for a longer, more intermediate journey of almost eight miles. When you reach the foot of Sisters Mountain, which is around four miles away, begin your return trip. In late summer, colorful salmon gather and jump upstream along Alaska's rivers.

Also read: What is the best time to see the Northern Lights in Alaska?

5. Get Up Close with Native Alaskan Wildlife

Animal lovers will not want to pass up the opportunity to observe brown bears in their natural environment and learn from professional naturalists against the backdrop of Tongass National Forest. Fortress of the Bear is at the forefront of bear conservation and rehabilitation in Southeast Alaska, rescuing orphaned or damaged brown bear cubs and assisting them in growing into healthy adult bears.

Get up close to the bears, learn why these creatures flourish near the Sitka Sound and learn about the challenges that bear populations face, even in areas where they are protected and vital to the local environment, such as Alaska. Another must-see attraction for wildlife fans is the Alaska Raptor Center, which rehabilitates injured birds of prey before releasing them back into the wild.

6. Visit Local Museums

The Sheldon Jackson Museum houses numerous relics and 19th-century pieces of art. Dr. Jackson gathered Iñupiat, Yup'ik, Alutiiq, and other Alaska Native artifacts throughout his journeys across Alaska and Siberia. Today, you may attend talks by Alaska Native artists in residence and admire their creations, which range from dolls and baskets to paintings and carvings. The Sitka Past Museum, which has exhibits and artifacts that highlight Sitka's Tlingit, Russian, and American past, also helps to bring the city's early history to life.

The Sitka Sound Science Center's tank and hatchery offer a glimpse into Southeast Alaska's distinct marine ecosystem. Touch spiky urchins and rough sea stars in the tidal pool touch tanks or enter the Salmon Bubble to experience how salmon see the oceans. Gaze into the 60-foot-deep tank, which houses rockfish, eels, and other Alaskan wildlife that live in the ocean's depths.

7. Hike and bike Thimbleberry Trail

A two-hour hike or 30-minute cycle ride through Sitka's temperate rainforest will show you a distinct side of the island. If you're walking, the Community RIDE bus will take you to the trailhead. You'll continue the trail through hemlock and spruce forest to Thimbleberry Lake, where you may see locals fishing for trout. Keep a look out for bears, which are frequently spotted around here feasting on summer berries.

Follow the trail past Thimbleberry Lake over a few uphill parts to the smaller Heart Lake, where you might be tempted to swim on a warm day. There is a swimming platform for this same purpose. By July and August, the water should be enjoyable, albeit a touch chilly for those accustomed to a warmer temperature.

8. Enjoy Whale Watching

Whales are most visible during the summer, however they can be observed at any time of year. Grey whales, orcas, and minke whales pass through Sitka Sound every summer. Humpback whales return to the Sitka area in March and April to feast on the yearly herring fish runs, and they continue to graze on krill off the coast until late fall.

Many migratory whales return to the same regions year after year, and local captains have learned to recognize their habits. Take a chartered whale-watching excursion to witness the spectacular giants breaching. To seek whales from shore, take the highway north for 7 miles along Halibut Point Road, which has several picturesque pull-offs. Drive or bike south on Sawmill Creek Road to Whale Park, where you may rest under shaded gazebos while watching kids play on life-size humpback whale sculptures.

9. See Sitka via Kayak

There are plenty of things to do in Sitka on land, but why not take things to the water? Kayaking and other water sports can let you appreciate the beauty and size of Sitka's seas. Admire the towering spruce trees and keep an eye out for harbor seals playing in the water and brown bears in the distant forest.

Grab a paddle and venture out in a kayak to explore quiet coves, vast seas, and spectacular mountainscape in Sitka Sound and the Indian River. Alternatively, canoe into Crescent Bay, right past the rows of boats floating in Crescent Harbor.

10. Get into History at Sitka National Historical Park

The Sitka National Historic Park showcases thousands of years of Southeast Alaskan culture and history. Hike the mile-long Totem Trail and you'll see nearly 20 totems along the way. Visit the park's cultural center to see how artists carve and paint these gorgeous totems.

Discover the history of the Battle of 1804 between the Tlingit and Russian armies, which inspired the park's development. Sitka's rich traditions and tales are shared across all 59 acres.

Sitka invites you to discover its rich history, lovely scenery, and different cultures. Every moment offers a special adventure, whether trekking through Tongass National Forest, fishing in Sitka Sound, or learning about Russian heritage. Relax downtown, attend local festivals, and reconnect with Alaska's natural beauty. On an Alaska Cruise booked with CruiseBooking.com, you may hear Alaska's call to adventure and discover the greatest things to do in Sitka!

Frequently Asked Questions about Sitka, Alaska