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On days when there were two or three ships docked and anchored, they were smaller ships. Among the main attractions in the park are the 20 hand-carved totem poles scattered along the nature trails. There’s a visitor center with more information about the battle, as well as guided tours that delve into the island’s flora and fauna.
What to Do in Downtown Sitka
They also have cookbooks and some food items like Barnacle Alaskan Spruce Tip Jelly. Located at 205 Lincoln Street, a 3 minute walk from Harrigan Centennial Hall, here you find authentic and one-of-a-kind Alaska Art at Island Artists Gallery. Handmade jewelry, watercolors, pen and ink design, hand turned bowls and wheel-thrown or hand built clay pots are some of the items to choose from. Kings E-Bikes has the largest e-bike rental fleet in Sitka at a great cost of $120/day. Hourly rentals are available on a first-come, first-served basis. You have to be 16+ to rent a bike, but child seats for up to 48lbs are available.
Take a Sitka Wildlife Adventure
If you’ve booked any tours or excursions with a local company, Harrigan Centennial Hall is probably the starting point. If you plan to explore Sitka on your own, you’ll find the town is very walkable. Sitka Fishing Charters – Sitka is one of the best spots in Alaska for saltwater sport fishing. Several fishing charters offer half and full-day fishing trips for cruise ship passengers and often ship your fresh catches home to you.
Tours Excursions Transportation:
After various skirmishes, a fierce battle in 1804 drove the Tlingit back to the forest, and Sitka became a permanent Russian fort called Novoarkhangelsk, or New Archangel. A majestic Russian Orthodox cathedral was built on this site between 1844 and 1848 and stood for more than 100 years until it was destroyed in a fire in 1966. Until then, the church was Alaska’s oldest religious structure, dating back to the Russian era. When you embark on a cruise to Sitka, Alaska, you’ll find yourself nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the stunning Alaskan wilderness.
Radiance of the Seas Live Blog - Day 5 - Sitka, Alaska - Royal Caribbean Blog
Radiance of the Seas Live Blog - Day 5 - Sitka, Alaska.
Posted: Wed, 31 Aug 2022 07:00:00 GMT [source]
The restaurants in Sitka are full of incredible seafood dishes that won’t disappoint. Unfortunately, you are never guaranteed to see any whales, but a boat tour is your best shot if you have your heart set on seeing marine life. Before you leave, the gift shop proceeds go towards the rescue center and the support of these magnificent creatures.
This rescue center for orphaned bears is set deep in the heart of Tongass National Forest. From the safety of secure observation decks, you can watch the bears eat, play, and swim in their natural habitat. The friendly guides are happy to share details about the bears, their behaviors, and how they were rescued. The museum has been collecting items of historical and cultural significance since 1885.
A Complete Guide for San Antonio Fiesta
This place tends to get very crowded when the big ships are in town, so plan on either an early or late lunch. Sitka Hotel Restaurant – You can’t miss this western-looking building with Sitka Hotel in big white letters on the old-time faux front. Fresh fish and seafood, high-quality steaks and of course, chowder are the mainstays. The original Mean Queen is located on Harbor Drive, just before the bridge across Sitka Sound. The second and newer location is at Totem Square, across from Pioneer House, on Katlian.
Plus, I think that a really great way to get to know a destination is to taste their food; whatever might be the local specialty. There’s the Sitka bus service (ridesitka.com) and you can pick up a bus schedule at the Visitor’s Center in Centennial Hall or across the street at the Sitka Chamber. You can try to call a taxi to pick you up at the Old Sitka Dock but cell service out there is nearly non-existent. Among luxury cruise lines, Seabourn will usually drop anchor at Crescent Harbor while Silversea heads to Old Sitka Dock.
Get A Bite To Eat Off The Ship (Great Restaurants)
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.
Walking through the park, you’ll be amazed by the beautiful totem poles, each telling a different story about the Tlingit people. With only a few short hours in port, the most difficult part will be deciding how to spend your time. But with some insider tips and this cruise port guide, you can make the most of every moment in this coastal paradise. As someone who has spent the past two summers exploring the port towns of Alaska, let me be the first to welcome you to the Sitka cruise port.
Unlike other Alaskan cruise ports, you won’t find the same souvenirs in every shop. Some of the smaller cruise ships dock at Crescent Harbour and the ships’ lifeboats will bring you to shore, which is right in front of Harrigan Centennial Hall. Cruise ships will use a floating dock, about 6 miles north of downtown.
Remember to visit the Alaska Raptor Centre, where injured owls, eagles, hawks, and other birds of prey are treated and released back into the wild. Another tourist attraction is the Fortress of the Bear (habitat for orphaned or sick brown bears in the Tongass Forest). Wildlife viewing and fishing tours are available via walking, biking, boating and kayaking (in Sitka Sound).
Home to the Kiksadi clan of the indigenous Tlingit people until the mid-18th century, when Russian explorers ventured across the Pacific. What they found was an inhabited island rich in natural resources from sea to mountains. Graced with a temperate climate, teeming with salmon and other fish, the Russians set their sights on the sea otter trade. Sitka has an effective public transportation system called the RIDE, which operates three routes covering the downtown area. The city center is compact, though, and most of the major sights can be reached on foot. There are a couple of local taxi companies, but you should book in advance.
It’s a scenic five mile drive from downtown Sitka to this three-quarter acre bear rescue center. Run by bear-loving volunteers, visitors get a view from above of the bears in a natural habitat. There are half-hour guided tours that offer insight into the history of the rescue center. Sitka’s unique blend of Tlingit culture and Russian and American history makes it a unique destination for cruise ship visitors. Sitka has more historical sites than any other town in Alaska, and most of Sitka’s historical landmarks are within walking distance of downtown.
A commemorative plaque notes the spot where the Alaska Purchase was signed in 1876, and interpretive panels provide information on the significance of the site. This spot is also where the first United States flag flew over Alaska. Visit Sitka National Historical Park to learn about the Battle of Sitka in 1804 between the Tlingit people and the Russian colonists.
At the Sitka Sound Science Center, you’ll have the chance to explore their fantastic aquarium. I visited both in June and July, and both months had excellent weather for an enjoyable afternoon exploring the wilderness through the many beautiful rainforest trails. Sitka National Historical Park is a fantastic place to learn more about Alaska’s rich history and culture. From ornate pipes to delicate dolls, pulling open each drawer reveals a new set of intriguing artifacts.
