Itineraries for Your Trip to Sitka
3 Days in Sitka for First Timers
The first time I visited Sitka with my son, we did all the touristy things, such as visiting the Fortress of the Bear and stopping by the Sitka Sound Science Center. When I had more time there on subsequent visits, I enjoyed walking through the town and learning about the Tlingit people and the area's Russian-American history.
With three days in Sitka, you'll have time to get out on the water on a sightseeing cruise, where you'll hopefully spot whales, sea lions, and otters. If you prefer land-based activities, some gorgeous hikes near downtown take you into the Tongass National Forest. Here's a 3-day Sitka itinerary that's ideal for first timers.
If you only have time for one thing, make it a kayaking excursion.
Summers in Sitka are cool and rainy, but the winters bring much colder weather.
Most people come to Sitka to see the wildlife, and a great way to experience it is on a boat cruise from the harbor. Keep your eyes open for seals, sea lions, and whales, and look to the sky to count how many bald eagles you can spot.
The town of Sitka is definitely worth exploring, too. This afternoon, learn about the region’s Russian-American heritage on a guided walking tour. Be sure to look for a restaurant that serves pelmeni, a small filled dumpling, to taste some of the old country.
Start your morning on day two with a guided hike. You can walk from downtown Sitka to the Tongass National Forest where hiking trails are plentiful: Explore the muskeg or head further into the mountains to look for more wildlife.
If you haven't yet spotted a bear in the wild, visit the Fortress of the Bear, a wildlife rescue site for brown and black bears. Many Sitka tours also stop at the Alaska Raptor Center, where you can learn about eagles, falcons, and owls.
Delve deeper into Sitka history at Sitka National Historical Park, where hiking trails pass a lineup of exquisite totem poles—the park is roughly a mile from the cruise port and downtown, but the pickup and drop-off service that many tours offer is great insurance against unpredictable Alaskan weather. The Tlingit Fort tells the story of the people who once defended the site against an invasion from the East, while the Russian Bishop’s House offers a unique glimpse of historic Russian architecture. There’s plenty to see in the 113-acre (45-hectare) national park; many tour options include orientation by car and time to walk along park trails. Next, head to the Sheldon Jackson Museum, whose small collection features treasures from a wide range of Indigenous tribes in Alaska, including tools, canoes, and ceremonial dress.
Before you head on to your next Alaska stop, learn about the Tlingit people with a visit to the Sitka National Historical Park. You can see crafts, learn about the 1804 Battle of Sitka, and check out the totem poles on display. A private tour lets you customize your itinerary.
