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You can go inside, or sit on a bench outside taking in the view and spend a few minutes checking in back home. If you only need occasional access to the Internet, then this option can save you lots of money. More importantly, it’s at this spot where Russia and the United States lowered the Russian flag and raised the U.S. flag, officially ceding control of Alaska to the Americans.
Can you see the Northern Lights from Sitka Alaska?
Embark on a captivating journey to Sitka cruise port, Alaska’s hidden gem, through this comprehensive guide. The restaurant is in the peach-colored building with the red roof, all the way on the right in the photo. Freshly cooked you-know-what plus a really good seafood chowder. It’s the view from your table on the patio that completes the picture. All types of working locals were heading in on their lunch break so I decided to try it.
Featured Shore Excursions
This spot is the highest in the immediate area, making it a strategic importance. But today, it offers a stunning 360-degree view of the entire area where you can see for miles. If you’re visiting Sitka, then bringing your walking shoes is a must.
NTSB determines cause of cruise ship allision in Alaska - WorkBoat
NTSB determines cause of cruise ship allision in Alaska.
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Sitka’s Colorful and Diverse History
Formerly known as the Old Sitka Dock, cruise ships like Holland America and Norwegian Cruise dock here. Sitka is a major cruise port and city located on the western shore of Baranof Island in the Alexander Archipelago (Southeast Alaska). During Alaskan season 2023, Sitka reported a record year with handled ~560,000 cruise ship tourists. Nestled between snowcapped mountains and the Pacific Ocean, many of Sitka’s shore excursions are meant to bring you closer to the island’s natural beauty. Here’s a list of some of the most popular shore excursions to do in Sitka. Most shore excursions are available through your cruise ship while some others are offered by local vendors at Centennial Hall.
Dive into Sitka’s Past at the Sitka History Museum
The island has length 100 mi (200 km) and width 30 mi (50 km), with a total land area of 1607 mi2 (4160 km2), ranking it the USA's 10th largest and the word's 137th largest. Baranof is the smallest of Alaska's ABC Islands (Admiralty, Baranof, Chichagof). All three are located in the Alexander Archipelago and are part of the Tongass National Forest. Most of the islands' area is protected wilderness, with a minimal human presence on them. A large part of Baranof is designated as "South Baranof Wilderness".
Know The General History Before You Go (It’s Eclectic!)
Harrigan Centennial Hall will probably be the meeting point if you’ve booked any shore excursions or tours. Castle Hill State Park offers a fully accessible walkway that leads visitors to the top of the hill. From there, you can enjoy outstanding views of downtown Sitka and the waterfront. Interpretive panels are available throughout the park, providing opportunities to learn more about the history of this fascinating site. From Crescent Harbour, lifeboats bring you from the cruise ship to shore, and the main visitor center is located directly across from the dock. There are plenty of shops in downtown Sitka, so be sure to set aside some time for shopping during your visit.
Today, the roughly 8,900 locals still rely on their natural surroundings, but with an eye toward the burgeoning tourism market. Still walking distance from downtown, Totem Park is the main attraction at the 107-acre Sitka National Historical Park. It is the site of the final battle of 1804 between the Tlingit and Russians. You’ll find that there are plenty of excursions that you can arrange to do on your own.
At the Fortress of the Bear, you’ll have the opportunity to see orphaned brown and black bear cubs up close from an elevated walkway. Get up close and personal with marine life from the local waters, such as colorful fish, fascinating sea stars, and other unique creatures. In August 2021, the Sitka City Assembly authorized a 20-year lease of land (between Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal and Sitka Ferry Terminal) for cruise development.
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Sitka Wants Cruise Limits, NYC Pushes Shore Power.
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Amazing experiences coming soon
You’ll be dropped off in front of Harrigan Centennial Hall in the heart of downtown. Tipping is not mandatory, but it is customary in Sitka, just as it is throughout Alaska and all of the U.S. Typical amounts include up to 20% in restaurants, around 10% for taxis and bartenders, and for a good tour guide, 10% or more of the cost of the tour.
Then, after the Russians handed over Alaska to the US government, the first Alaskan flag flew on Castle Hill in 1867. You can learn more about the history of the site from the many plaques that line the ascending walkway. Long before the first Russian settlements, the Tlingit clans thrived on these remote Alaskan islands. To learn more about their culture and how they lived off the land, stop in for a visit at the Tlingit Clan House. A $5 entry fee allows you to explore the historic icons inside the church. Built in 1848 by St. Innocent, it was the first Orthodox church ever built in North America.
Here are some of our recommendations of things to do in Sitka, Alaska. From pier fishing to deep-sea adventures, this post has all you need. Discover the best ways to witness Alaska’s breathtaking and awe-inspiring wildlife. Visiting the Sitka Cruise Port in Alaska offers a unique and memorable experience. Our Holland America Line cruise had a special presentation on board in partnership with the Raptor Center, so you may want to check if your cruise offers something similar.
As well, the area is relatively flat, well-paved, and traffic is usually light (even blocked off in the main downtown area). That means while the walk can take a little bit of time, it’s fairly easy to do. Just remember that if you go off on a walking tour on your own, you’ll also need to factor in the time it takes to return back to the pickup point for your ship. But the big draw is a walking trail through dense forest along the shoreline that is dotted with replica totem poles rebuilt from originals.
Visits to the Fortress of the Bear and Alaska Raptor Center are in order for any animal-lover. Both provide the opportunity to see Alaska wildlife, such as bears or raptors up-close, but safely. Sitka offers a rich palette of experiences for every visitor, blending awe-inspiring natural beauty with profound cultural depth.
While the town itself is plenty spread out, the downtown area where most visitors enjoy is relatively small. Excursions are available through the cruise line (and will include transportation), but admission on your own is $15 per adult. The spot is located on the edge of town, about a 20-minute walk from downtown. First, the small town has a big history, including a presence from native peoples, Russians, and Americas. Today it definitely caters to tourism, but it is much more than just a town for tourists — there’s plenty of history, culture, and wildlife to see in the area. Welcome to High Seas Cruising, your resource for exploring the exciting world of cruise ship travel.
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