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Sitka, Alaska has a rich history and was originally inhabited by the Tlingit people, who had a thriving culture based on fishing, hunting, and gathering. In 1799, the Russian-American Company established a trading post in Sitka and began to colonize the area.

In 1804, a conflict broke out between the Tlingit people and the Russians, known as the Battle of Sitka. The Tlingit were ultimately defeated, and the Russians established a permanent settlement in Sitka.

Sitka became the capital of Russian America and played an important role in the fur trade. In 1867, Alaska was sold to the United States by Russia, and Sitka became the capital of the Alaska Territory.

During World War II, Sitka was an important military base and served as a training ground for soldiers heading to combat in the Pacific.

Today, Sitka is a vibrant community with a unique blend of Tlingit, Russian, and American cultures. Its history is celebrated through museums, cultural events, and historic sites throughout the town.

Where Your Ship Docks

Sitka up until recently was mainly a tender port visited by smaller cruise ships but with the opening of the Sitka cruise pier, officially known as the Sitka Rocky Gutierrez Dock, completed in 2018 larger cruise ships are finding Sitka an attractive port.. It was specifically built to accommodate the larger cruise ships and provide a more efficient and comfortable experience for passengers visiting Sitka. It also features a passenger terminal building with modern amenities, including restrooms, seating areas, and a gift shop.

The dock is 5 miles out of town but free buses transfer passengers into town center. Some cruise ships are still opting for tenders into the town dock so you’ll need to check with your cruise line.

Transportation

Sitka, Alaska is a small town that is easily walkable and bike-friendly. Many of the town’s attractions are located within walking distance of each other, and there are several bike rental shops in town.

If you prefer to drive, car rentals are available at the Sitka airport and in town. Taxis are also available, but they can be expensive.

Another popular way to get around Sitka is by water taxi. There are several water taxi companies that offer transportation to nearby islands and remote areas of the Tongass National Forest.

Overall, the easiest way to get around Sitka depends on your personal preferences and the activities you have planned.

Hiking

Sitka has recently been named one of the best hiking locations in North America. Some of the more popular hiking trails around Sitka offer beautiful views of the surrounding scenery. Some of the trails are not easy to get to on foot as there are few sidewalks outside of town and visitors are discouraged walking along major roads and highways. Walking to some like Mosquito Cove Trail beyond the dock along Halibut Point Road is not recommended.

The more popular options include:

Harbor Mountain Trail: This 4.5-mile trail offers stunning views of Sitka Sound and the surrounding mountains. It is a moderately difficult trail with an elevation gain of 1,800 feet.

Indian River Trail: This 2.5-mile trail follows the Indian River and offers opportunities for wildlife viewing. It is an easy to moderate trail with minimal elevation gain.

Gavan Hill Trail: This 6-mile trail offers panoramic views of Sitka and the surrounding islands. It is a moderately difficult trail with an elevation gain of 2,400 feet.

Mosquito Cove Trail: This 2-mile trail offers views of the coastline and opportunities for beachcombing. It is an easy trail with minimal elevation gain.

Attractions

There are many things to see in Sitka, Alaska! Some popular attractions include:

• Sitka National Historical Park
• St. Michael’s Cathedral
• Alaska Raptor Center
• Sitka Sound Science Center
• Sitka Fine Arts Camp
• Fortress of the Bear

Sitka National Historical Park is a beautiful park that preserves the site of a Tlingit Indian Fort and the battle fought between the Tlingit and the Russians in 1804. The park includes a visitor center with exhibits on Tlingit and Russian history. A totem pole trail with 18 totem poles carved by Tlingit artists. The park is also home to lush forests, scenic hiking trails, and a variety of wildlife.

There is also the Russian Bishop’s House in town managed by the NPS, is a restored building that was once the center of Russian Orthodox Church activity in Alaska

St. Michael’s Orthodox Cathedral is a beautiful Russian Orthodox Church located in Sitka, Alaska. It was built in 1848 and is one of the oldest Orthodox churches in the United States. The cathedral is known for its stunning onion-shaped domes and beautiful iconography. The church has a rich history and played an important role in the Russian colonization of Alaska. It was also the site of the transfer ceremony in which Alaska was officially transferred from Russia to the United States in 1867. St. Michael’s Orthodox Cathedral is open to visitors and offers guided tours during the summer months.

The Alaska Raptor Center is a wildlife rehabilitation center. The center is dedicated to the care and rehabilitation of injured and orphaned birds of prey, such as eagles, hawks, falcons, and owls. Visitors to the center can take a guided tour and see the birds up close. The center also has an education center where visitors can learn about the different species of birds of prey and their role in the ecosystem. The Alaska Raptor Center is a great place to visit for wildlife enthusiasts and families with children. It’s a unique opportunity to learn about these magnificent birds and the important work being done to protect them.