My first adventure in Sitka was more than I expected it would be in more ways than one! Accessible only by air and sea, Sitka lies at the heart of the Tongass National Forest, one of the largest temperate rain forests in the world. Home to a dormant volcano, Mount Edgecumbe stands at 3,201 feet above the picturesque Sitka harbor. The town offers spectacular scenery as well as years of history, with 22 buildings and sites that appear on the National Register of Historic Places.
Historically known as the most notable Alaskan settlement, Sitka is 95 miles southwest of Juneau, on the west coast of Baranof Island in the Alexander Archipelago. Also, Sitka is the only city on the southeast that lies on the Pacific Ocean.
The area was originally inhabited by Tlingit Indians named “Shee Atika”. In 1741, it was discovered by a Russian expedition then explored by Aleksandr Baranov (Baranof) who built a fort and trading post establishing Old Sitka/Fort St. Michael in 1799. A few years later, in 1802 the fort was destroyed by the Tlingit Indians & named Novo Arkhangelsk (“New Archangel”) in 1804. By 1808, it was the capital of Russian Alaska & Baranof was the governor from 1790 through 1818.
Russia was going through economic and political turmoil after it’s loss in the Crimean War to Great Britain, so Russia offered to sell Alaska to the United States in 1859. Russia believed the United States would off set the rival with Great Britain. On March 30, 1867, the 2 parties agreed that the US would pay Russia 7.2 million for the Alaska territory. For less than 2 cents an acre, the United States acquired approximately 600,000 square miles. WOW! That’s a deal huh? The formal transfer took place on October 18, 1867, and Sitka served as the territorial capital until 1906, until it was moved to Juneau.
Sitka is famous for both commercial and recreational fishing and the largest private sector employer. Sitka is the 6th largest port by value of seafood in the US. Salmon, Trout, Char, Grayling, Halibut, Rockfish, and Lingcod. Approximately 30 million pounds of seafood is processed each year with a first wholesale value of up to $80 million. Sitka’s fishermen are proud to supply the nation and the world with a healthy product sustainably harvested from Alaska’s cold clear waters. Sitka’s economy is also supported by canning, lumbering, and tourism.
Fun Fact- the first Russian Orthodox church built in North America is St. Michael’s Cathedral, located in downtown Sitka (1848). A fire destroyed the church in 1966, but was rebuilt.
Accommodations
Here are a few suggestions when staying in Sitka. There are many short-term rentals available as well.
Westmark Sitka Hotel is centrally located in a downtown location that offers a complimentary airport shuttle for scheduled flight times. Bar and restaurant located on the property.
Sitka Hotel located right in the heart of Sitka and overlooking the Harbor and Crescent Bay. Serves a complimentary continental breakfast.
Sitka Lighthouse– a truly unique stay if you want incredible views and a luxurious experience. Lighthouse sleeps 6. Great shop on Lincoln Street with unique finds.
Transportation
Sitka is not on the road system; therefore only accessible by air or sea. Alaska Airlines offers daily flights from Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, Ketchikan, and Seattle. In the summer, many sail to Sitka on cruise ships.
Car rental options are limited and are available from the airport. I like to support a small business, so rented a car for one day with Sitka Car Rental a locally-owned company. Flexible, easy pick up and drop off.
Places to Eat, Drink & Be Merry!
If you do nothing else when visiting Alaska, the one MUST DO is to eat SEAFOOD, especially salmon! It’s the freshest way you will ever get it!
The Beak Restaurant ‘gratuity free’ model of compensation, which means that all menu prices include service, NO tipping. Stopped in for lunch and had the beak mac’n cheese, with salmon!
Mean Queen Sitka– nice spot for breakfast and lunch. Lots of pizza options! 😊
Sitka Bay View Pub best burger in town! Nice views of the harbor.
Ludvig’s Bistro – #1 fan favorite in Sitka. Unfortunately, it was already closed for the season on my visit. Definitely make a reservation.
If you need a cup of coffee or vanilla chai (yes, please) The Back Door Café (behind the bookstore) & Highliner Coffee have yummy pastries too!
Harry’s Soda Shop in the local pharmacy, serving ice cream sundaes, floats, shakes, etc.
Activities
Here are my TOP activities on your visit to Sitka:
Alaska Raptor Center ($15 adult admission) provides medical treatment to approximately 100-200 injured bald eagles and other birds each year. The goal is to rehabilitate and send them back into their habitat, however, the non-releasable birds join the Raptors-in-Residence team. The program provides excitement and education for more than 36,000 annual visitors and for thousands of school children through the Adopt-A-Raptor program. You can Adopt A Raptor too!
Fortress of the Bear To be honest, this was my favorite activity in Sitka! I arrived the minute they opened the doors and had the place to myself. If you want to see Alaska brown bears up close, within 25 feet, this is the place! The experienced naturalists are very helpful and answer all your questions. The rescue center opened in 2007 as a 501(c)3 non-profit educational bear sanctuary, providing a safe haven for Alaska’s orphaned bears. Currently, they house 8 Bears. The center has sent bears to the Bronx Zoo, Montana Grizzly Encounter and the International Exotic Animal Sanctuary in Boyd, Texas. They receive no government funding and rely solely on support and donations from local businesses, visitors and merchandise sales. ($15 adult admission)
St. Michael Cathedral conveniently located downtown Sitka, St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral is the first Orthodox Cathedral established in North America in 1848.
Sitka Science Center a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, is uniquely qualified to provide research and education programs in the Gulf of Alaska, Eastern Pacific Ocean, and North Coastal Temperate Rainforests. Be sure and check out the aquarium.
Baranof Castle Hill referred to as Castle Hill, this park is one of the most historically significant sites in Alaska. In 1867, Alaska was officially transferred from Russia to the United States at this very spot. Castle Hill is a historic site and designated as a National Historic Landmark. A walkway leads visitors to the top of the hill, that worth’s the walk up for the outstanding views of downtown Sitka and waterfront.
National Historic Park/Totem Park great walking trail with views of totem poles & lush rain forest along the way. Visitor center is beautiful with a few totem poles to see up close.
Harbor Mountain Road a scenic, bit scary 5.75-mile climb to a former World War II radar installation. This ride will definitely test most of our driving skills, but the payoff is extraordinary once you reach the amazing views. Trail starts about 4.5 miles northwest of downtown at Harbor Mountain Bypass Road.
Get outdoors in Sitka!
Shop Sitka
Most of the shops are locally owned & operated and right on Lincoln Street in downtown Sitka.
Sitka Lighthouse Company Store loving my Janine Gibbons earrings that I bought in the store.
Alaska Pure Salt flake-style sea salt straight from the waters of Southeast Alaska. You can taste all the options before you buy. The original Sitka flake is tasty on everything! Chef approved 😉
Galanin & Klein locally owned & operated, all of the items are carefully sourced from small-run makers and designers located across Alaska and beyond.
The Cellar One stop shop for clothing, home goods and much more. Really loved the women’s clothing selection.
Here are a few extra resources for tours while in Sitka, Alaska.
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