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Constructed in 1842, the Russian Bishop’s House is one of the oldest surviving buildings of Russian America. It served as one of the Russian Orthodox church’s administrative headquarters to spread its influence in Alaska. Lastly, if you’re a fan of The Proposal like me, you’ll be excited to learn about its connection to this location.
Sitka Sound Science Center
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. As you can see, there’s no shortage of incredible things to do in Sitka, Alaska. If you are planning on staying for longer than just a cruise visit then here are the best hotels to stay in Sitka.
Where to Shop in Sitka
Nature lovers will marvel at the breathtaking scenery via a kayak, hike, or harbor cruise. Animal lovers will enjoy the rare opportunity to see bears, whales, and other wildlife in their native habitat. In the downtown area of Sitka you’ll find a number of shops selling everything from Alaskan magnets to Russian nesting dolls (fitting with the area’s Russian history) to local artwork. If you can’t find what you’re looking for in one of these shops, then it likely doesn’t exist. Elsewhere around the quaint downtown area are a number of shops selling everything from souvenirs to gourmet salt, and restaurants to grab a bite off the ship. One nice thing is that the town blocks off the area, so that cruise passengers don’t have to worry about car traffic.
Tours Excursions Transportation:
Stop in the gift shop where you’re sure to find something unique to bring home. Join a ranger-led interpretive walk and hear about the history of the Tlingit and the beautiful totem poles. Stop in the Visitor’s Center and get up to speed on the park’s history, Tlingit and Haida cultures and watch a short film about the park’s history. The guide will point out and name each of the bears and their individual personalities.
I tried a Holland America cruise to Alaska. Here's what it's like to sail on this cruise line - Cruise Blog
I tried a Holland America cruise to Alaska. Here's what it's like to sail on this cruise line.
Posted: Sat, 10 Jun 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Your Ultimate Guide to the Sitka Cruise Port
From there, you can stroll through the Sitka National Historical Park. For 135-years, the town of Sitka became known as the capital of the Russian Empire in Alaska. The shuttle drops off at and picks up at Harrigan Centennial Hall in Downtown Sitka. Everything is made from scratch in this friendly pizza restaurant, including the mozzarella.
It’s the perfect place to spend an hour or two exploring the history and creativity of Alaska’s Native peoples. Other fun shops in this area include the Alaskan Sea Salt Co., which has fantastic caramels, and the Alaska Salmon Shop, which has free samples. You should also pop into The Sitka Russian Christmas Store to view the holiday decorations, including the Russian nesting doll selection. Before heading out to explore the charming town, make a stop to look around the Sitka History Museum. Surprisingly, on our zodiac adventure tour to Fin Island Lodge, I learned that most of the movie isn’t filmed in Sitka but in Rockport, Massachusetts. Baranof Island (aka Baranov Island, Sitka Island) is located in Alaska's Alexander Archipelago.
During the summer months, you may not spot any whales, but you’ll likely see plenty of sea lions and harbor seals. Although it’s possible to see whales around Sitka at any time of year, your best chance is between September and December. If you happen to take a September cruise, make sure you plan time to visit the Whale Park.
Tour Sitka in an “old-fashioned” Checkered cab!
Westmark Hotel Dining – A long-time landmark, and part of the Princess Cruises and Holland America hotel collection, it’s the outdoor deck that draws a crowd. Serving fresh local seafood, burgers, salads and some really good desserts. Unfortunately, if you only have one day in Sitka, it’s really important to know your choices ahead of time.
It’s not Jiro Dreams of Sushi, but for a local, friendly sushi place, it’s fine. For a closer look at the local sea life, you could opt for a boat tour around the harbor or charter a fishing trip. From the comfort of a gazebo-covered picnic area, you can look out over the water and watch for humpback whales on their annual migration to Hawaii.
It’s interesting to step inside and see how people lived during the time of Russian-America. 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.
Through a walkway at the back of the store is the aptly-named Back Door Café. Buy a book and go to the café and relax for a hour before you head back to the ship. The Raptor Center rehabilitates injured birds of prey from across Alaska including eagles, hawks, falcons and owls. The goal of the Raptor Center is to reintroduce injured birds back into the wild.
The port offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventures, cultural attractions, and stunning scenery that will leave you longing to return again and again. The first tourist voyages visiting Sitka were operated by the Pacific Coast Steamship Company (1876-founded/1916-defunct) starting in 1884. Currently, at Port Sitka (locode USSIT) can dock two large-sized ships simultaneously. The Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal (2021-expanded) now has max capacity 8000 passengers. Several small vessel cruises offer the opportunity to see marine life up close.
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