Table of Contents:
THE TOWN.
OUTSIDE OF SITKA
LOCAL NATIVES.
Sitka is different from many towns on the “cruise route” as it does not receive heavy traffic. The stores on the main street still have local owners. There’s the Russian influence you do not feel in other towns. It is one of the few ports right on the Pacific Ocean.
But there is plenty to see. Sitka has it all between the Russian and First Nation heritage, the scenery, and the abundance of marine and wildlife.
Here are just a few reasons to see Sitka.
See Sitka Town.
Sitting on Baranof Island, it is in the shadow of Mt Edgecumbe. The mountain is a dormant volcano near the Queen Charlotte Fault, separating the North American and Pacific Plates.
Russian Bishop’s House.
Today, it is a national historic house museum and one of the few examples of Russian colonial architecture surviving. The building dates from 1842.
St Michael’s Russian Orthodox Church
The present church dates from 1967, after the 1844 building disappears in a fire. There are religious icons from the first church. Admission is $5, and hours vary.
Russian Block House
This recreation is one of three watchtowers guarding the Russian fort between 1804 to 1867.
Non-Russian
On the grounds of Sheldon Jackson College. The building, dating from 1895, is the oldest cement building in Alaska. The majority of the items are from the collection of Rev. Dr. Sheldon Jackson, a Presbyterian missionary. He would travel through Alaska each year, acquiring nearly 5,000 items before he was through.
Sheldon Jackson College.
Seventeen of the school’s buildings are now part of this National Historic Landmark. Today, the Sitka Fine Arts Camp occupies some of the buildings. The Sheldon Jackson Museum is on the grounds.
Sitka Pioneer Home.
The current National Historic Landmark building dates from the 1930s. It sits on the site of the original Pioneer Home from 1913.
The town has some shops but is not the “mall” that other towns are becoming. You can walk the major area in about 30 minutes if you don’t stop.
See Sitka’s Native People.
Sitka National Historical Park
The park has a lovely collection of Haida and Tlingit totem poles in various parts of the park. The park building houses original totems, a museum, and a Tlingit arts program where you can talk to Native artists.
Sheet’ká Ḵwáan Naa Kahídi.
Next to the Pioneer House, this is a “community house” for the local Sitka Tribe of Alaska. The multi-use building includes a gift shop, artist co-op, and performance center.
Check their website for summer performances. It is also the location of Southeast Alaska’s largest clan-house screen from hand-carving.
See Sitka Wildlife.
Sitka Sound is full of marine life, including visiting Humpback whales and the adorable Sea Otters. Kayaks, private boats, jet boats, and large tour boats offer various tours to look for sea life.
Alaska Raptor Center is a non-profit rehabilitation center for birds of prey. Visit and see the steps necessary to nurse these incredible birds back to health.
Fortress of the Bear – is another non-profit organization that cares for abandoned Brown and Black Bear cubs. The goal is to return those who can fend for themselves back to nature.
Saint Lazaria National Wildlife Refuge. (Saint Lazaria Wilderness).
Part of the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, this rugged island is twenty miles west of town. It is a nesting bird colony for storm-petrels, thick-billed murres, rhinoceros auklets, tufted puffins, and more.
See Sitka Summary.
When it comes to natural beauty, Sitka has an abundance.
From the shoreside to the mountains, there are miles of hiking paths and panoramic views.
Boats depart the harbor, heading for excellent fishing or marine and wildlife sightings.
With all there is to offer, you need to see Sitka.