Although not as popular as the “big three” Alaska ports — Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway — Sitka is an adventure in its own right. Located on the rugged shores of Baranof Island, Sitka is attracting more cruise ships than ever before, thanks to its brand-new Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal that can accommodate up to two large ships at the same time.
This quaint city is a nature-lover’s paradise. Home to the Alaska Raptor Center and the Fortress of the Bear, it provides insight into Alaska’s wildlife in a way that other ports of call can’t match.
Sitka has something else that other ports in Southeast Alaska lack: a strong Russian history. The settlement was under Russian control from 1799 to 1867, when it was known as New Archangel. It was also here that the Alaska Purchase took place on October 18, 1867 – the date Russia was sold to the United States for $7.2 million.
Today, Sitka offers a fascinating mix of Tlingit (pronounced kling-it) history, Russian influence and <a href="https://warsaw.today/american-airlines-baggage-fees-and-how-to-avoid-paying-them/” title=”American Airlines baggage fees and how to avoid paying them”>Americana that is unique in southeast Alaska. Combine that with its incredible nature, wildlife and scenery, and Sitka makes a great addition to any Alaska cruise itinerary.
Things TPG loves about Sitka
- It’s home to some of Southeast Alaska’s only Russian-Orthodox architecture.
- There is abundant nature at your fingertips.
- The charming town has a large array of shops and restaurants.
What we could do without
- The cruise pier is a distance from town, and shuttle wait times can be long during peak periods.
Sitka fast facts
Arrival details
While some small ships still anchor out in the bay and tender passengers into the heart of Sitka’s downtown, most cruise passengers will find themselves docked at the Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal, approximately 6 miles northwest of downtown Sitka. Complimentary shuttle buses whisk passengers into town, but when two ships are in port at the same time, lines can get lengthy.
In fact, passengers must now reserve their shuttle to town in advance, though no reservations are required to return to the pier from Sitka. Upgrades to the new terminal were made in 2020 and 2021, and the updated facility boasts shops, restaurants, bars and information right at the pier.
Passengers on shore excursions will get picked up from and returned to the cruise terminal, unless otherwise specified.
Language: English is the official language in Sitka.
Currency: The U.S. dollar is used for all purchases in Sitka.
Time zone: Sitka is in the Alaska Time Zone (GMT-8), one hour behind Pacific Standard Time and four hours behind Eastern Standard Time.
Top things to do in Sitka cruise port
The other heavy hitter in Sitka is the Fortress of the Bear, a rescue sanctuary for orphaned bears. Opened in 2007, the center’s mission is to care for bears orphaned as cubs, bring them back to health and provide the animals with long lives that may include eventual release into the wild in conjunction with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. While you can visit independently, booking as part of a cruise line shore excursion is recommended due to extensive entry wait times, particularly on busy ship days.
Kayaking is also a popular pastime in Sitka, thanks to the pristine waters that run near the city and its outer islands.
Popular Sitka shore excursions
If you’re into outdoor adventures, Sitka is the place you want to seriously consider for a more active excursion. There’s an abundance of fantastic shore excursions to participate in here, from wildlife viewing to kayaking to fly fishing, rafting and even guided hikes.
Siginaka Islands cruise and kayak adventure
This 90-minute kayak session offers the chance to see ocean wildlife up close from the comfort of ocean kayaks that can seat two people. The Siginaka Islands make the perfect location for this adventure, with numerous narrow passages and calm ocean currents, that allow you to easily drift or paddle along and enjoy the sights.
Fortress of the Bear
Cruise lines offer a number of different excursions to the Fortress of the Bear, which is, on many Alaska cruises, the only guaranteed opportunity to see bears. These trips to the Fortress of the Bear rehabilitation center sell out on nearly every cruise, so booking in advance is essential.
Alaska Raptor Center and cultural discovery
Like Fortress of the Bear, trips to the Alaska Raptor Center are some of the first shore excursions to fill up Popular with families, this excursion typically also includes a panoramic drive, a guided visit to the Alaska Raptor Center and a cultural performance by the Alaska Storyteller Dancers.
Wildlife Quest and Fin Island Lodge
One of several excursions that include a visit to Fin Island Lodge in Sitka Sound, this tour is popular for its wildlife cruise, which offers a chance to see whales, sea otters or even distant brown bears. Coming ashore at the lodge, guests can walk the shoreline or sit by the fire before enjoying a meal of Alaskan crab, freshly caught fish, prime rib and dessert before returning on their tour boat to the cruise pier.
How to get around Sitka on your own
- On foot: Once the cruise shuttle drops you in town, you can easily explore much of downtown on foot.
- Taxi: While taxi services are available in Sitka, they can be difficult to find without booking in advance. Use the cruise ship shuttle to take you into downtown, or book an excursion if you’re interested in venturing farther out.
- Bike or scooter: A handful of bike and e-bike rental shops are available in Sitka should you want to venture further afield.
- Car: Car rentals are not widely available in Sitka. And truly, there’s no need for one, anyhow.
Sitka restaurants near the cruise pier
While there are plenty of restaurants located in downtown Sitka, there are also a handful of good options located at the Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal. These include Halibut Point Crab and Chowder, which sells locally sourced Dungeness crab, and the Wheelhouse Pub, serving up cold Alaskan brews alongside pub-style Alaskan food and seafood.
In town, the Bayview Pub on Lincoln Street is a long-standing favorite that overlooks the inner harbor and serves up solid pub-style food and plenty of local beers.
Mean Queen on Harbor Drive also overlooks Sitka’s inner harbor and serves a huge menu of favorites, and they’re open from 8 a.m. until 2 a.m. every day.
Some of the best pizza we’ve ever eaten has been at Harbor Mountain Brewing Company. It’s about a 30-minute walk from downtown, past the Sitka National Historic Park, and has a Campfire Kitchen Pizza tucked away within it. Order a pint and give yourself some time, these pizzas take time but are worth the wait.
For an authentic Alaskan bar experience, hit up the Pioneer Bar on Katlian Street, just past the Sitka Pioneer Home. It’s not as rough as it appears, and it’s popular with both locals and tourists alike.
Sitka dishes to try
When in Alaska, the word of the day is seafood. Ask if anything is locally caught or in season; seafood or salmon chowders are always an excellent choice in Sitka, as is crab. Locally brewed beers are an excellent choice to pair with any meal. It’s also tough to go wrong with burgers and pizza.
You can pop by Sitka Pel’Meni for a taste of Russian cuisine that reflects the town’s long Russian history that is also wholly unique within Alaska.
Sitka cruise port shopping
All your shopping needs are catered to in Downtown Sitka, with stores that range from large multinational corporations to local, independently run shops. So while you’ll find the likes of Diamonds International in Sitka — ubiquitous across Alaska — you’ll also find local wares, too.
Shops are typically found on and near Lincoln Street, which runs the length of downtown. These include fine art galleries, stores specializing in local Tlingit culture and gift shops that offer standard goods like T-shirts, salmon, Ulu knives and other wares.
Sitka does have a fantastic bookstore, Old Harbor Books, on Lincoln Street with a fabulous local interest section, while more practical shops like Russell’s (also on Lincoln) offer outdoor gear for those who may need to upgrade their outerwear for Alaska’s liquid sunshine.
Free things to do in Sitka cruise port
Although cruise lines offer excursions that explore the pristine forest of the Sitka National Historical Park, there’s no reason you can’t visit on your own. Located about 20 minutes from downtown, a leisurely stroll takes you into the heart of the park, which includes the Visitor Center and a Tlingit totem pole.
It’s also entirely free to walk around downtown and take in the sights, such as the Russian Bishop’s House, St. Michael the Archangel Orthodox Cathedral and Baranof Castle State Historic Site.
Families will want to hit up the excellent Community Kid’s Playground on Lincoln Street. It’s about 10 minutes’ stroll past the Russian Bishop’s House, next door to the Sitka Sound Science Center.
Bottom line
Sitka is an excellent port of call that offers some spectacular excursion options you won’t see elsewhere in Alaska. While the cruise pier is a distance from town, proper planning can make your day here one to remember.
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
Source: thepointsguy.com
