Sitka, and most of Alaska, was once under Russian rule before it became part of the US. Unlike most known parts in the state, this city has a relatively warm climate. Sitka is home to St. Michael’s Orthodox Cathedral, which is easily recognizable due to its onion dome. This destination became famous in the late 1860s when it became the venue of the transfer ceremony where it became part of the United States. Sitka was the first capital city of Alaska and is considered the most culturally rich city in the state. Some of the best tourist destinations in Sitka include Sitka Natural Historical Park, a famous nature area with totem poles and hiking trails. Russian Bishop’s House showcases a number of photos and journals that provide details on the site’s history. Learn about Sitka before your upcoming holiday and read on for the best things to do in Sitka, Alaska.
1. Explore Russian Bishop's House
Located along Lincoln Street, Russian Bishop’s House was first a Russian Mission Orphanage. The house now serves as a historic landmark and a museum. In the late 1960s, the Russian Orthodox Church was forced to shut down the orphanage, and due to it being neglected it almost collapsed. This site underwent a 16-year-long renovation in an effort to bring it back to its original state. The building is a great example of Russian architecture and is home to exhibits showcasing its history.
Russian Bishop's House
Address: Sitka National Historical Park, 501 Lincoln St, Sitka, AK 99835
2. Go on a leisurely hike at Herring Cove Trail
For all hikers and explorers, visit Herring Cove Trail and prepare to have the best time of your life. This pristine trail boasts a lake and breathtaking views of the area. Herring Cove begins at a parking lot and will take you through Tongass National Forest and towards Beaver Lake. It is a 5.7-kilometre-long (3.6-mile) loop trail rated as relatively easy and can be managed by hikers of all skill levels. This is a kid-friendly trail, and the best time to enjoy mapping it out is during the months of April through October.
Herring Cove Trail
Address: Tongass National Forest, Sitka, Alaska 99835
3. See the artifacts at Sheldon Jackson Museum
Founded in 1878, Sheldon Jackson Museum is a small and historical building nestled on Baranof Island. The museum was renovated and remodelled into what it is now, a place to preserve the cultural and natural history of Stika. Inside, there is a museum shop selling all sorts of trinkets relating to the collection, including baskets, bangles, carvings, and other gifts items. Sheldon Jackson Museum is not just a place to learn about history - the museum also offers outstanding views of Sitka.
Sheldon Jackson Museum
Address:104 College Dr, Sitka, AK 99835,
Website: Sheldon Jackson Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 4pm (closed on Sun - Mon)
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4. Visit the ancient St. Michael's Orthodox Cathedral
Located along Lincoln Street in the heart of Sitka, St Michael’s Orthodox Cathedral is one of the oldest churches in Sitka. The cathedral is easily identifiable as it features a unique dome, impressive architecture, and colourful windows. It was built back in the 1840s and was the first of its kind to be established in Northern America. It is considered to be Sitka’s holy place, where the relationship between God and man is strengthened.
St. Michael's Orthodox Cathedral
Address: 240 Lincoln St, Sitka, AK 99835
Website: St. Michael’s Orthodox Cathedral
5. Learn about history at Alaska Native Brotherhood Hall
If you are thinking of exploring Sitka and you want to mingle with the locals, Alaska Native Brotherhood Hall should be one of the first places that you visit. Located by the waterfront, this attraction offers magnificent scenery. It serves as an important national and historic landmark since it was once used as the headquarters and meeting hall for the original chapter of the Brotherhood. This group was founded to represent the interests of Alaskan natives and to help them fight against discrimination.
Native Brotherhood Hall
Address: 223 Katlian St, Sitka, AK
6. Kayak with Sitka Sound Ocean Adventures
Despite what most people think about Alaska, the city of Sitka enjoys a more favourable climate - making it possible to enjoy outdoor activities like kayaking. Sitka Sound Ocean Adventures offers an amazing kayaking experience so you can explore and have fun in the water. Get to experience the best side of Sitka on a two to three-hour guided tour of the harbour and the islands. Depending on how much free time you have, you can enjoy a full day expedition with set tours like Volcano Coast Cruise & Paddle, Islands Paddle & Lost Fort Trek, Harbor & Islands Guided Paddle, and more.
Sitka Sound Ocean Adventures
Address: Downtown, The Big Blue Bus at Crescent Harbor, in, Sitka, AK
Website: Sitka Sound Ocean Adventures
Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily)
7. Admire the sights at Sitka National Historical Park
With perfect climate comes outstanding natural spots, and Sitka National Historical Park is more than just a park - it is also like a museum of sorts. Initially, this beautiful park was built as a national monument, but in October of 1972, it changed its status and became a national historical park. It is a famous park known for the unique Haida and Tlingit totem poles and the various historical artefacts that are found along the path as you explore the area. Hikers can be found enjoying the vista along the beautiful coastal trail and discovering various trekking trails hidden within Sitka National Historical Park.
Sitka National Historical Park
Address:103 Monastery St, Sitka, AK 99835
Opening hours: 9am - 8pm (daily)
8. Hike through Harbor Mountain Trail
If you consider yourself a hiker and you love nature walks, Harbor Mountain Trail is a challenge you must accept. To be able to complete the trail, you have to be ready for uneven paths and steep climbs. However, part of why people take on the challenge of this strenuous hike is the panoramic views. The trail is also a chance for adventure - it will take you half a day to complete the 9.7-kilometre-long (6-mile) one-way path. It is a fairly trafficked trail, and though it is a challenging hike, it is great for bird-watching enthusiasts and outdoor lovers. This is definitely one of the best things you can do in Sitka.
Harbor Mountain Trail
Address: Harbor Mountain Road, Sitka, AK 99835
9. Immerse yourself in nature at Starrigavan Recreation Area
Find your way into the wooded Tongass National Forest, where you will find Starrigavan Recreational Area. This recreational haven offers ample space for those who want to enjoy the best of Sitka’s great outdoors. This amazing recreational area offers an array of facilities, including safe camping sites and scenic trails such as Mosquito Cove Trail and Estuary Life Trail for avid hikers and bird watchers. Travel with your family for a vacation and enjoy the best weekend bonding while surrounded by nature.
Starrigavan Recreation Area
Address: Halibut Point Road North End, Sitka, AK
10. Appreciate local art at Island Artists Gallery
For all those who love art and culture, take the time to visit Island Artists Gallery and marvel at the local art on display. It is a relatively young gallery that started out in 2013. Their exhibits are comprised of beautiful watercolour pieces, handmade jewellery, and other exquisite paintings. The gallery also serves as a gift shop and art store promoting local talent. This is the best place to get a unique souvenir when visiting Sitka, with items such as stunning jewellery and printed postcards based on the artworks on display.
Island Artists Gallery
Address:205 Lincoln St, Sitka, AK
Website: Island Artists Gallery
Opening hours:10am - 5pm (daily)
11. Check out the exhibitions at Sitka Historical Museum
For history buffs and art lovers, Sitka Historical Museum, otherwise known as Sitka Historical Society, has a lot to offer - more than meets the eye. Within its walls, the museum is home to over 8,000 3-dimensional exhibits, a huge collection of paintings, artefacts, and prints. It is a place where art, history, and culture have been collected, preserved and secured so visitors can come and enlighten themselves about Sitka.
Sitka Historical Museum
Address: 330 Harbor Dr Harrigan Centennial Hall, Sitka, AK 99835-7553
Website: Sitka Historical Museum
12. Catch an event at Harrigan Centennial Hall
Enough of listening to music on your iPod or phone, it’s time to listen to music without autotune at Harrigan Centennial Hall. The hall is one of the best places to catch an event like a concert. It is also in a location that offers scenic views - the spotlight-stealer is the stage, which features expansive windows that overlook breathtaking mountain views. In short, this place offers the perfect setup to listen to the best melodies from the talented orchestra. Besides concerts, the hall is also known to host a variety of symposiums, conventions, conferences, tradeshows, and seminars, among others.
Harrigan Centennial Hall
Address:330 Harbor Dr, Sitka, AK 99835
13. Visit the aquarium at Sitka Sound Science Center
Sitka Sound Science Center was established with the aim of increasing awareness and understanding of Alaska’s aquatic and terrestrial ecosystem. The centre provides a safe space for guests to get up close with some of the most amazing aquatic animals. Take the time to visit and participate in a 30-minute-long tour of the centre and get a chance to learn new and interesting facts as you explore and see the marine species in their makeshift habitats.
Sitka Sound Science Center
Address: 834 Lincoln St, Sitka, AK 99835,
Website: Sitka Sound Science Center
14. Taste delicious seafood dishes at Ludvig's Bistro
If you’re craving for seafood, head to Ludvig’s Bistro, located along Katlian Street. This is a famous local restaurant that is known for serving fresh seafood dishes sourced from local fisheries. The bistro takes pride in preparing each dish using fresh ingredients. They serve good food and also promote and support the local economy. Although it is a relatively small establishment, it is more than capable of serving you some of the best food you will eat in Alaska. It features a relaxed dining space with a cosy seating area. The drinks on the menu are carefully crafted to quench your thirst.
Ludvig's Bistro
Address: 256 Katlian St, Sitka, AK 99835,
Website: Ludvig’s Bistro
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 4:30pm - 9pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
15. Go drink and dine at Bayview Pub
Another place to enjoy dining when in Sitka, the dishes at Bayview Pub make this restaurant and bar worth visiting. This classic pub ad grill has attracted the attention of locals and tourists who are eager for a cold drink and good food. Sample Alaskan beer accompanied by house burgers or classic fish and chips. This establishment offers more than just food, drinks and fun - the views from the pub’s porch are breathtaking, offering the perfect place to sit down, relax and enjoy the scenery.
Bayview Pub
Address:407 Lincoln St, Sitka, AK 99835,
Website: Bayview Pub
Opening hours: Mon, Wed: 3pm - 10pm; Thu: 11am - 12am; Fri - Sat: 11am - 1am; Sun: 11am - 10pm (closed on Tue)
16. Enjoy comfort food at Beak Restaurant
Comfort food is always hard to pass up - this is a niche that Beak Restaurant taps into. It offers an amazing ambience, a cosy dining area, and delicious food that’s hard to beat. The establishment has ample space and lovely, home-like decor. When it comes to the food and drinks menu, this place has a perfectly curated menu to satisfy every foodie’s desires. Try the Alaskan reindeer sausage or the salmon burger. Wrap up the meal with a chocolate chip house cone with ice cream.
Beak Restaurant
Address: 2 Lincoln St #1A, Sitka, AK 99835
Website: Beak Restaurant
Opening hours: Sun - Wed: 11am - 2pm; Thu - Sat: 11am - 9pm
17. Spot diverse bird species at Alaska Raptor Center
Bordering Tongass Natural Forest, Alaska Raptor Center is a 17-acre (6.8-hectare) rehabilitation centre. It is also home to a variety of bird species ranging from the majestic snow owl to various eagle species. It is the one place in Sitka where you get to see rare birds such as the bald eagle, which was chosen as an emblem for the United States of America. This attraction even has a gift shop, which is the best place to find the perfect souvenir or gift to take home for friends or family. If you can, why not support these rare species by joining the Adopt-a-Raptor program and help care for these creatures?
Alaska Raptor Center
Address: 1000 Raptor Way Sitka, Alaska 99835
Website: Alaska Raptor Cente
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 4pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
18. Try flavorful coffee at Highliner Coffee
Located on Seward Street, Highliner Coffee is a nice place to enjoy a hot cup of coffee when visiting Sitka. Be sure to try the banana peanut butter toast or salmon bagel. Stop by here for some coffee or green tea before continuing on with other tours.
Highliner Coffee
Address: 327 Seward St, Sitka, AK 99835, United States
Website: Highliner Coffee
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 6am - 5pm; Sun: 7am - 4pm
19. Pay a visit to Fortress of the Bear
When you see a bear out in the wild, your first instinct is probably to run for your life. A tour of Fortress of the Bear will likely change your perspective about bears. This place is a sanctuary for orphaned bears, and this is where you will get a chance to see a different side to these beautiful beasts. Visitation and opening hours depend on the season since the facility focuses on their wellbeing. When you visit and you watch the bears interacting with the keepers, you will perhaps be able to see them as more than just frightening wild animals.
Fortress of the Bear
Address: 4639 Sawmill Creek Rd, Sitka, AK
Website: Fortress of the Bear
Your handy list for Sitka
Not a lot of people know what Sitka has to offer, but the good thing is that now you know what a great place it is. From amazing natural sights to delicious seafood, there’s plenty to enjoy. With this handy list by your side, you have enough to ensure an exciting trip to this city in Alaska.
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