Exploring Sitka: Must-Do Activities in Alaska's Hidden Gem

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Are you ready to explore Sitka?

Sitka, Alaska, is a charming town nestled on Baranof Island, surrounded by stunning natural beauty. With its lush forests, towering mountains, and serene waters, it’s a paradise for outdoor lovers.

You can go exploring Sitka with hiking trails, go kayaking, or simply enjoy the peaceful scenery. The town is also known for its rich wildlife, including sea otters, seals, and eagles, making it a perfect spot for nature enthusiasts.

Another distinctive aspect of Sitka is its incredible natural surroundings. The town is nestled between the rugged mountains and the Pacific Ocean, offering easy access to outdoor activities like whale watching, kayaking, and hiking in the nearby Tongass National Forest.

Chances are you are visiting Sitka on an Alaskan Cruise and only there for a day. With such limited time, I want to help you create an unforgettable experience while visiting Sitka.

Discover the Natural Wonders

Hiking and Wildlife

Since Sitka is located in the Tongass National Park and has over 50 miles of trails to discover. There are easy-paced trails or challenging climbs that offer a perfect fit for all levels of accessibility.

Sitka National Historical Park – This park has numerous trails running from an easy 1 mile up to 10 miles. It’s relatively flat and walks past several totem poles. It’s not only a scenic hike but a nice historic one too. This is definitly the easiest and most accessible trail.

Sitka’s Cross Trail – If you are traveling with young kids or elderly adults, this is a great trail to try. It’s a wide gravel trail that’s mostly flat and easy to walk. It also takes you through neighborhoods and some of downtown so when you’re ready for lunch, you’re right there!

Kaasda Héen (Indian River) Trail – If you’re looking for a more scenic trail with a little bit of difficulty, try out the Indian River Trail. It takes you through the forest and along the Kaasda Héen (Indian River). You can see salmon in the river as well as crossing over several logs and experiencing views of the Three Sisters mountains.

National Parks and Reserves

Exploring Sitka includes places like the Sitka National Historical Park, a wonderful place to explore both nature and history. You can walk along the scenic trails that wind through the forest and along the water. The park is home to beautiful totem poles that showcase the artistry of the Tlingit people.

As you stroll through the park, you’ll also find signs that explain the history of the area, helping you understand its significance. It’s a peaceful spot where you can enjoy the sounds of birds and the gentle lapping of the waves.

In addition to walking and sightseeing, the park often hosts cultural events and demonstrations. You might catch a glimpse of traditional dance or music, giving you a taste of local culture. There are also ranger-led programs that teach visitors about the park’s wildlife and history.

Whether you’re interested in hiking, learning, or simply soaking in the beautiful surroundings, Sitka National Historical Park offers something for everyone. It’s a perfect place to connect with both nature and the rich heritage of Sitka.

Immerse in the Local Culture and History

Historical Sites

St. Michael’s Cathedral: These are important pieces of Sitka’s history and culture and St. Michael’s Cathedral is a beautiful building with stunning architecture and lovely artwork inside, making it a peaceful place to explore.
The Russian Bishop’s House: is a fascinating historic site where you can learn about the time when Russia controlled Alaska and how the local community lived. Both places help you understand the unique blend of cultures in Sitka, and they offer a glimpse into the past that you won’t want to miss.
Ghosts of Historic Sitka: If you love ghost tales and history, you’ll love this exciting ghost tour of Sitka. Discover the hauntings and darker history of the sleepy Alaskan town. Visit the former Red Light District and learn about old shipwrecks.

Museums and Galleries

Sheldon Jackson Museum: Discover Indigenous art and artifacts at this small museum near downtown Sitka.
The Sitka Sound Science Center: provides a hands-on approach to learning about local marine life, further enhancing the connection between the community and its environment. Together, these features create a unique experience that combines history, culture, and nature, setting Sitka apart from other Alaskan towns.

The Best Tours In Sitka for Cruise Ship Passengers

Whale Watching Boat Tours

Sitka is a great place to do a little Whale watching while visiting Alaska. The Whale Watching and wildlife tour of Sitka takes you on a boat ride to see humpback whales, harbor seals, Steller sea lions, rafts of sea otters, lumbering brown bears, and perched bald eagles.

Wildlife Adventure Tours

For a more affordable option, you can take this Sitka Scenic Tour to see the Sheldon Jackson Museum, Alaska Pioneer Home, and St. Michael’s Cathedral. You’ll also get to go to the fortress of the Bears. Transportation to and from Fortress of the Bear is limited so booking a tour is your best bet to get back and forth to this location.

My favorite tour is this Premium Sitka scenic tour. You’ll get to go to all the top-rated spots like the Fortress of the Bear, the Alaska Raptor Center, and the Sitka National Historic Park, as well as the local totem poles. This tour also includes transportation and is a great price.

Getting Around Sitka

Downtown Sitka is located not too far from the cruise ship terminals. The ships provide you with a shuttle bus that takes you to and from downtown Sitka. Once you get there, there are cabs but they are very limited. It took us over 30 minutes just to get a cab to take us to the Fortress of the Bear.

Once we got to Fortress of the Bear, it took a really long time to find a can to take us to the Raptor Center. From there, it was nearly impossible to get a ride back to downtown Sitka, so we ended up walking the mile it took to get there.

Fortress of the Bear. Sitka, what to do in Sitka — Fortress of the Bear

The walk itself was easy and had pretty scenery but probably couldn’t be done if you are traveling with young kids or elderly adults. So if you are going to be exploring Sitka, I recommend booking a tour that includes transportation.

Sitka is very small and renting cars is not an option for the day. Uber and Lyft are also very limited.

Strolling Through Downtown Sitka

Downtown Sitka is very small and located right where the shuttles drop you off. There isn;t a ton to do in this area but I hihgly recommend setting some time aside to walk around. There are so many cute parks and statues where you can see the Russian influence.

All the restaurants are located in this area as well as all the shopping. Downtown Sikta is the least touristy of all your Alaskan Cruise stops so take some time to visit the shops and buy some authentic hand made souvenirs or grab a bite to eat.

Exploring Sitka For a Day

While Sitka may not have the most exciting excursions or adventures available, this small sleepy Alaska town is what Alaska is really all about. Lots of wildlife and tons of Alaskan scenery to make you feel like you are deep in the Alaskan wilderness.