Sitka is one of the earliest European settlements in the Alaskan territory and is located on Baranof Island. It’s a fairly isolated community, accessible only by plane or ship. Nonetheless, with only 8,500 residents, Sitka is the fourth largest city in Alaska and offer you unique shopping and tourist attractions.
Sitka is on the outer edge of the islands that make up the Inside Passage and is open to the ocean influence from the Pacific Ocean. Sitka can be cool and wet most of the year so dressing in layers is mandatory.
Your cruise ship will anchor in one of the channels outside of Sitka and tender into the main wharf which is just below Castle Hill. Downtown Sitka is a 2-block walk from the tender port and most of Sitka’s sites are within easy walking distance. The tender ride in is lengthy due to the distance from where the ship anchors to the wharf.
Shopping is on the Lincoln Street which is difficult to miss when you step off the tender. Because of Sitka’s roots being in Russian until the purchase of Alaska from Russia in 1867 by the United States, there are many boutiques, stores and shops offering unique Russian collectibles such as nesting dolls, lacquer boxes and other Russian collectibles, Tlingit baskets, carvings, jewelry and other local Indian items. Also there are a number of galleries offering local paintings, carvings and sculptures from local artists.
The best shore excursion? The Raptor Center (aka Sitka Historical National Park) is unique in that this is where bald eagles (and other raptors) are sent when they are found in the wild injured or otherwise able to take care of themselves. To get to the Raptor Center simply walk along the coastline past the marina and on to the entrance of the raptor center.
Best shore excursions? Sea Otter and Wildlife Quest, the Wildlife Tour, City Tour, Kayaking and Sealife by Sub.
Hungry? Head for the Shee-Atika Lodge. Full of locals, this is the finest eatery in Sitka. A perfect place for a lingering lunch on a rainy day.
Bonus Tip – The Sitka Music Festival runs from May 31 to June 26, 2016. From free one hour concerts to a boat cruise, if you ship stops in Sitka during this time you might want to see what options this festival will offer you. Click here for details and more info.