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To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link. After a quick orientation and safety lesson, board your two-person kayak to explore the shores of Sitka – one of the most beautiful settings in Alaska. As you paddle past sailors and fishermen you’ll explore islands and see wildlife while your experienced guide narrates.... Explore the park’s scenic trails, totem poles, and the visitor center, which provides insights into the area’s Native Alaskan history and culture. Whether a cruise or a land tour, nothing’s cheap and this includes most shore excursions. On the flip side, a cruise to Alaska is quite often a bucket list experience and people save up for years so they can do all the flight-seeing and whale watching that’s offered.
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I’m convinced there is no such thing as a bad shore excursion in Alaska. I’ve tried quite a few (and paid for most on my own dime) and there aren’t any that were a disappointment. That said, everyone has different expectations but it’s hard to find anything to complain about on an Alaska shore excursion. Here are a few of my favorite “what to do in Sitka” shore excursions. Remember, no matter how remote Alaska feels, you’re still in the United States. Whatever phone carrier you have at home, should provide service in Sitka.
Sitka denies petition to put cruise passenger limits to voters - KTOO
Sitka denies petition to put cruise passenger limits to voters.
Posted: Tue, 10 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
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On the harbor, the Sitka Historical Museum is a great place to learn about the history of Sitka and the surrounding area. Sitka is a beautiful small town on the west side of Baranof Island in southeastern Alaska. Banks with ATMs are located on Lincoln Street, between St. Michael's Church and Centennial Hall. Whether you’re indulging in a gourmet meal or sampling street food, the flavors of Sitka are sure to leave a lasting impression.
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Dock owner says better ship timing and a new theater will reduce Sitka’s bus traffic - KCAW
Dock owner says better ship timing and a new theater will reduce Sitka’s bus traffic.
Posted: Thu, 07 Sep 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Set in Tongass National Forest, the Fortress of the Bear provides a home for orphaned bears who otherwise wouldn’t be able to survive on their own. The hill was home to an important fortification built by the Tlingit people until the Russian settlers arrived and took control. It’s also the spot where Alaska was officially transferred from Russia to the U.S. in 1867.
Find out what you can do in Sitka, Alaska during a cruise vacation. Things to do while in port such as excursions and around the port. When exploring the town, we stumbled upon some small food stands set up just behind the Sitka Hotel and near Baranof Castle Hill. One was called The Fresh Fish and served up a halibut ceviche that you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere else than Alaska. It was a memorable meal and something we’d highly recommend to people wanting something local to eat while in town.
Cultural Attractions in Sitka
This art gallery has been locally owned and operated for 30 years, and is housed in a building listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Here the work of more than 100 Alaskan artists is showcased in many different art mediums. It is located at 419 Lincoln Street, a 2 minute walk from Harrigan Centennial Hall. Rental car agencies are located at the airport, and that is not in an area that is convenient to cruise passengers. If you head in the opposite direction of the boat harbor, that’s where the majority of shops are located. You can find Sitka-branded souvenirs and Alaska t-shirts or head to Old Harbor Books and step back in time at this cozy book store.
Also, one of the few places in town to get a Baranof Brew…beer made in Sitka. Captain JuJu’s – Another seafood mobile unit, Captain JuJu’s is owned by a local fishing family and they cook up what they’ve caught that morning. Their truck is a pumpkin-orange color and sort of tucked away around the corner and across from St. Michael’s Cathedral, on Seward Street.
Eating and drinking in Sitka is an adventure in itself, offering a window into the local culture, traditions, and the incredible bounty of the sea. As you explore this charming Alaskan town, immerse yourself in its dining culture with these tips on where to eat and drink. By following these tips and embracing the spirit of exploration, you’re well on your way to enjoying all that this extraordinary Alaskan town has to offer.
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This restaurant has some of the best seafood chowders you will find. Plus, the view from your patio table looks as if it was taken straight out of a National Geographic magazine. Fresh seafood is a must for great sushi, and Little Tokyo Sushi has just that. Check out this fantastic restaurant if you are in the mood for sushi on your Alaskan cruise. Heart Lake Trail is a popular trail for cyclists, families, and bears! Hikers are bound to find magnificent views and wild berries located along the path.
Some have been injured by run-ins with power lines or have eaten poisonous objects and need treatment. Anchoring in the bay, you’ll take a tender back and forth into the port. The tender drop-off location is right near downtown where there are a number of things to see and explore. With fresh seafood year-round, you don’t want to leave town before grabbing a bite to eat.
Halibut Point Crab & Chowder – Family-owned, what looks like a big, white circus tent is actually one of the best crab restaurants in town. As soon as you step off your ship at the Old Sitka Dock, you can’t miss it. A lot of cruisers will stop here for a late lunch after a shore excursion. There’s plenty to do in town if you don’t want to purchase a shore excursion. If you’ve arranged a pre-paid shore excursion, you ticket will have the exact meeting place. You will join your excursion group as you exit the cruise terminal.
Within a small area you’ll find lots to do an experience, whether you want to see a sanctuary for rescued bears or totem poles built by native people in a National Historical Park. Navigating the town is easy and there is a lot to be seen lurking around every corner. As an added bonus, the landscape surrounding the town is breathtaking. Whether you reach the town by shuttle or tender, you will likely be dropped off at Harrigan Centennial Hall. The location functions as the town’s visitor center with Wi-Fi, restrooms, an information desk, and event space.
